Pontoon Boats Versus Tritoon Boats
Should you get a pontoon or a tritoon? It's a tough question. Both boat options have plenty of great perks. The right choice for your needs depends on many factors, such as your budget and your favorite marine activities. We created the following buyer's guide to help you decide which boat style to get. If you want more information or want to explore pontoons or tritoons for sale, head over to JC Sports. Our dealership is located in Seneca, South Carolina, and we also serve those in Greenville and Anderson.
Know The Terms
Before we dive into the differences, it's helpful to have a quick explanation of the boat types.
The term "pontoon" refers to a style of boat that gets its flotation from tubes. These are attached to the bottom of the hull.
Traditional pontoons use two tubes (one on each side of the boat). Tritoons use three tubes (one on each side of the boat and the extra in the middle). Technically, a tritoon is a type of pontoon. But when we refer to a pontoon in this article, we mean the standard pontoon with two tubes.
The Size
There is a range of model sizes within both categories, but tritoons are usually larger. Tritoons tend to be between 22 and 30 feet, while pontoons are usually between 16 and 27 feet.
The larger size means that tritoons offer increased storage space, making it easier to bring along extra cargo. They can also offer a higher passenger capacity - up to 25 people. Pontoons, on the other hand, can usually accommodate between 8 and 20 passengers.
The Waterways
Tritoons weigh more, which provides improved stability on rougher waters.
Pontoons still offer better stability than other boat categories, but less than tritoons. However, their smaller size does make navigating high-traffic areas or tighter spaces easier.
The Handling
Tritoons sit higher on the water and offer extra buoyancy. This can make handling easier, especially for newer captains. But their larger size can make turning and docking more challenging.
The Towing
You'll need some way to transport the boat to the water. Pontoons are smaller in size, which means they can be towed with a smaller boat trailer and a smaller tow vehicle. A tritoon will need a tow vehicle with a higher weight capacity, which does limit your tow vehicle options more.
The Performance
Tritoons tend to offer higher horsepower, allowing you to enjoy a more thrilling time on the water. This is great for cruising around the bay or even towing watersports enthusiasts. These vessels also tend to carry more fuel. Enjoy more time spent on the water before needing to jet over to a gas station.
Pontoons still offer great performance. For many families, they offer just enough horsepower for memorable adventures.
Fishing Potential
Both boats can be used on fishing excursions. Pontoons are better suited for shallower areas that require lower speeds. Tritoons are better suited for deeper areas with rougher waters.
The Cost
More budget-focused individuals will want a pontoon. The average cost of a pontoon is $20,000. The average cost of a tritoon is $35,000. Of course, the exact price depends on the model and included features. For example, you can find a bare basics used tritoon that's cheaper than a brand-new pontoon with added features.
Choosing A Pontoon Or Tritoon
Both boats will offer an exceptional time on the water. For those who need extra space or performance, a tritoon will be worth the extra cost. For everyone else, a pontoon is a great option.
Ready to shop tritoons or pontoons for sale? Check out the selection at JC Sports. If you still aren't sure which to pick, let our experts help. Tell us about your lifestyle, then we can suggest the right boat for your family. Our boat dealership is in Seneca, South Carolina. We also proudly serve those in Greenville and Anderson.