Are you thinking about purchasing a pontoon boat? One of the crucial factors you should consider is the pontoon boat’s weight. The weight of your pontoon boat will affect its performance and stability and how you transport and store it.
Based on your boat’s size and weight, you may need a special vehicle and trailer to transport it to and from the water. Additionally, the boat’s weight will determine how you store it during the off-season.
Let’s explore the different types of materials used in pontoon boats and their weight, as well as how to estimate the total weight of your boat. So, let’s dive into the details and learn how much your pontoon boat weighs.
The Difference Between Dry Weight and Wet Weight
When it comes to pontoon boats, weight is an important consideration. Two common terms you are likely to hear are dry weight and wet weight.
Dry Weight: Dry weight refers to the boat’s weight without any passengers, gear, or fuel on board. To determine the average dry weight of a pontoon boat, one must consider the components included in its weight. These include the tubes, deck, motor, and other features permanently attached to the hull.
Wet Weight: The boat’s wet weight refers to the total weight of a pontoon boat with all necessary equipment, including fuel, water, gear weight and the actual weight of people on board. Wet weight is a significant factor to consider as it affects the boat’s handling, stability, and speed.
Understanding the difference between dry and wet weights is crucial as it impacts important factors such as pontoon weight distribution, towing capacity, and maximum weight capacity.
How Much Does a Pontoon Boat Weigh? Calculating the Average Pontoon Boat Weight
The weight of a pontoon boat varies depending on various factors, but it usually ranges from 1,200 to 5,000 pounds. This weight includes the pontoons, motor, and other equipment with the boat.
To ensure a safe and stable ride, you should always calculate the weight of all passengers and gear on your pontoon and distribute it evenly.
To calculate the weight of your pontoon boat, you’ll need to follow these essential steps:
1. Determine the dry weight of your boat, which is the weight of your boat without any load. You can find this information by checking the boat’s owner manual.
2. Estimate the wet weight, including fuel, gear, cargo, and people onboard.
3. To estimate the fuel weight, you’ll need to know the capacity of your fuel tank and current fuel level. You can multiply the number of gallons of fuel by six to find an estimation of the weight.
For example, if your boat’s fuel tank capacity is 35 gallons and it is currently three-quarters full, you can estimate the fuel weight at 210 pounds (35 gallons x 6 pounds).
4. For gear weight estimation, add the weight of all the equipment you plan to bring on board. These may include chairs, fishing gear, water toys, and other supplies.
5. Finally, add up the weights of all passengers and their cargo that may be onboard.
Awareness of your pontoon boat’s weight capacity is essential in maintaining proper weight distribution and ensuring a safe and stable ride.
Factors Affecting the Weight of a Pontoon Boat
The pontoon boat’s weight generally depends on the factors highlighted below.
1. Boat’s Size
Size is one of the most significant factors influencing a pontoon boat’s weight. A longer boat typically means more weight, with more room for luxury features and amenities.
For example, the Bennington 30 RSRA X2, a popular luxury pontoon boat 31 feet long and 10 feet wide, with a dry weight of around 5512 pounds. While the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX, which is 20 feet long and 8 feet wide, has a dry weight of around 1470 pounds.
2. Boat’s Design
Design is another crucial factor that can affect the weight of a pontoon boat. Some pontoons have additional tubes, which provide added stability and weight-bearing capacity, resulting in a heavier boat.
An example is the Bennington QX Series 23 QXFBA, 25 feet long and a tritoon pontoon aluminum boat with three tubes, has a dry weight of around 2407 pounds. While the Bennington 21 SVSR, which is 22 feet long aluminum boat with two tubes, has a dry weight of around 2095 pounds.
3. Manufacturing Material
The manufacturing process is also critical in determining the weight of a pontoon boat. Many manufacturers use lighter materials to reduce the overall weight.
4. Accessories and Gears
Accessories and gears are other important aspects that contribute to the weight of a pontoon boat. Items like furniture, fishing gear, and entertainment systems can add significant weight to the boat.
A pontoon boat equipped with lounge seating, fishing chairs, and a powerful engine could add up to 1000 pounds to the total weight.
5. Number of Motors
The number of motors used can also impact the weight of a pontoon boat. Boats with additional outboard motors tend to be heavier than those with only one motor.
For example, the Premier Dodici 310 has a dry weight of approximately 3975 pounds because of its three-logs and three-motor design.
6. Fuel Tank Level
The amount of fuel in a pontoon boat’s tank can also affect its weight. A full fuel tank can add several hundred pounds to the boat’s overall weight.
A pontoon boat with a fuel capacity of 50 gallons can add up to 355 pounds to the boat’s weight when full.
7. Number of Passengers
The number of passengers is also a crucial factor influencing the boat’s overall weight. When multiple passengers are present, their weight accumulates, impacting the boat’s stability and performance.
Ten passengers can add up to 1500 pounds, assuming an average weight of 150 pounds per person.
8. Cargo onboard
The weight of cargo also impacts the pontoon boat’s overall weight. Cargo can include anything from coolers and food to water, sports equipment and luggage.
A pontoon boat carrying camping gear, coolers, and water sports equipment can add an additional 500-1000 pounds to the total weight, depending on the amount and type of cargo.
Types of Pontoon Boat Construction Materials and Their Average Weight
If you’re curious about the weight of the boat, it’s worth noting that the type of material used can greatly affect its overall weight.
Aluminum: Aluminum is one of the most lightweight options available. Aluminum pontoons are popular because they’re easy to transport and maneuver in water. An aluminum pontoon boat can weigh around 1,200 to 3,000 pounds.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass pontoons are heavier than aluminum but are more durable and require less maintenance. A fiberglass pontoon boat can weigh around 2,500 and 5,000 pounds.
Recycled Plastic: This is an eco-friendlier option. Pontoons made from plastic are lightweight and durable but can be more expensive than other materials.
Whether you opt for an aluminum, fiberglass, or recycled plastic pontoon boat, each material has unique strengths and benefits.
Summary
In conclusion, the weight of a pontoon boat plays a critical role in its performance, safety, and overall experience. You can ensure a safe and enjoyable boating adventure by understanding the various factors that contribute to its weight and adhering to the boat’s weight limit and maximum capacity.
So, before you set sail, take the time to understand your pontoon boat’s weight and optimize its distribution for a smooth, professional, and unforgettable experience on the water.
