Everything You Need to Know: How Fast Pontoon Boats Can Go
Pontoon boats are popular recreational watercraft known for their stability and spaciousness. However, Pontoon boats are primarily intended for luxury and can accommodate many people, so it makes sense that speed is not one of their strong points. Although this is the case, manufacturers have improved speed by modifying pontoon boats’ horsepower, design, and engine.
How quickly a pontoon boat can travel, though, is a common query. The size of the boat, the engine it has, and the state of the water all play a part in determining the response.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the speed capabilities of these boats, from the factors that affect their speed to the top speeds you can expect from different types of pontoon boats.
Why Do You Need a Fast Pontoon Boat?
While pontoon boats are often associated with leisurely cruises on calm waters, there are many reasons why you might want a fast pontoon boat. For starters, a faster pontoon boat can be more efficient and cover more ground, making it ideal for longer excursions or fishing trips.
A faster boat can also be more fun, providing adrenaline for those who enjoy a little speed on the water. Additionally, if you plan to use your pontoon boat for water sports like skiing or wakeboarding, you’ll need a boat with enough speed to create a suitable wake.
What Makes a Pontoon Boat Fast?
Manufacturers frequently modify pontoon boats to accelerate through huge expanses of water. Despite the size and mass of these boats, modern technology and tactics can increase your speed by many miles per hour.
Without further ado, let’s examine all the important elements that significantly affect the performance and speed of your boat.
1. Engine
To achieve high speeds on a pontoon boat, it’s crucial to have an engine with high horsepower. While a more powerful motor may come with a higher price tag, it’s a wise investment for those looking for long-term performance. Upgrading to a larger engine down the line can be costly, including removing the existing motor and installing a new one.
Therefore, investing in a powerful engine can initially save time and money in the long run. In addition, with a powerful motor, you can drift over the water at high speeds, providing an exhilarating experience perfect for water sports or long-distance cruising.
2. Propeller
While most pontoon boats have a standard propeller suitable for steady cruising, upgrading to a smaller stainless steel prop can significantly boost your boat’s speed. You can achieve higher top speeds by pushing your RPM to over 5000, especially when combined with a powerful engine. Upgraded propellers can also be chosen based on the activity you plan on doing. For instance, if you’re interested in skiing, a prop with a different pitch can help you get on the plane more quickly but may affect your overall speed.
3. Weight
When it comes to speed, the weight of a pontoon boat is a significant factor to consider. These boats are known for their luxurious amenities, comfortable seating, and extensive accessories, all adding to a hefty final weight. Additionally, pontoon boats are generally quite large to accommodate more passengers, which can further increase their weight. Therefore, to achieve higher speeds, it’s essential to reduce the boat’s overall weight.
4. Adding a Third Tube
While traditional pontoon boats feature just two tubes at the bottom for medium-speed cruising, tri-toon designs offer additional stability and improved speed capabilities. In addition, adding a third tube to the boat’s construction allows it to flow on top of the water, reducing resistance and achieving higher speeds than traditional two-tube designs.
In some cases, manufacturers may use the tritoon design to create a V-shaped hull at the bottom. This is achieved by installing a slightly larger tube in the middle, lifting the boat out of the water, and providing faster acceleration than other models.
Related Posts: How to Choose The Right Length of Pontoon Boats & What Boat Size is Best for the Family
How Fast Will a Pontoon Boat Go?
The figures for pontoon boat speeds differ greatly based on elements, including the model’s length, horsepower, and design. Traditional or classic pontoons generally have an average 18 to 25 mph speed.
However, faster models with larger motors and up to 300HP can achieve top speeds of 50 mph. In addition, certain brands, such as Manitou and South Bay, offer boats that can reach speeds upwards of 50 mph with the installation of engines ranging from 350 to 600HP.
However, these luxury models come with a steep price range. Ultimately, the speed of your pontoon boat will depend on your desired use and budget, but plenty of options are available to achieve thrilling speeds on the water.
Final Verdict
If you want to purchase a pontoon boat in Nashville, you have many options from various brands and models. You can explore different designs, features, and prices by visiting a Nashville boat dealer, to find a boat that best fits your needs and budget.
From traditional two-tube designs to high-performance tri-toons, there are plenty of choices for speed enthusiasts and those seeking a luxurious on-water experience. So, start your search today and find the perfect pontoon boat to cruise on the beautiful Nashville waters.
