Pontoons

Pontoons are structures which have been filled with air and provide buoyancy. There are various objects that can float on pontoons and they include:

• Float-plane which are also referred to as pontoon planes.
• Pontoon bridges which are bridges that are supported by a shallow draft encased or open floats.

A pontoon boat is a boat which has a flat bottom and is dependent on pontoons for it to float. Pontoons have reserved buoyancy and give designers the ability to create deck plans which are massive and can be fitted with various accommodations such as sun pads, stand-up bars, and lounge areas.

Designs which have been improved allow pontoon boats to have more horsepower on the stern. Pontoon boats which have pontoons with drafts are shallow in nature ensuring there is reduced underwater damage. The pontoon effect can be explained as being a force that is large in nature and is applied on one side of a pontoon boat making it capsize abruptly. The pontoon effect usually happens to top heavy boats.

Designs

Pontoons can be used to create pontoon boat designs such as the catamaran which has two hulls. A trimaran is also a design of pontoon boat that has three hulls. The boats which have three hulls are also referred to as tri-toons.

Pontoon boats which are usually inflatable and occupy a very small space. Such pontoon boats have the ability to carry two people with ease. Catamaran pontoon boats are designed for fishing and leisure purposes. The pontoons that are used in catamaran boats are made out of nylon with aluminium, plastic or steel frames for support and PVC which is abrasion resistant. 

Frame-less pontoon boats

People seem to prefer the use of frame-less pontoon boats as compared to other types of pontoon boats. The frame-less pontoon boats are powered by oars, electric trolling motors that utilise deep cycle lead batteries and paddles. These pontoon boats are comprised of fishing rod holders, fish finder mount, canopy, a battery storage area, motor mount, a small anchor and other necessary fishing gear.

Pontoon boats are suitable for use in lakes, seas, rivers, and ponds when the weather is calm. Pontoons are usually light in weight which means that they can easily be susceptible to windy conditions and waves. Their light-weight does not hinder them from being used for big game fishing. Pontoon boats are very cost effective compared to other boats which have the same capacity. Their insurance premiums are also cheaper than other boats even if they may have substantial engines.