How Much Does a Pontoon Boat Weigh by Category?
Pontoon boat weights vary significantly based on their size, design, and features. The weight of a pontoon boat directly impacts how you will transport, store, and operate it on the water.
Light-Weight Pontoon Boats
Light-weight pontoon boats typically range from 1,600 to 2,500 pounds. These boats are smaller in size and designed with fewer amenities and less powerful motors. In addition, they are perfect for recreational fishing or cruising on calm waters with smaller groups of people. Some examples of light-weight pontoon boats include:
- Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX (1,680 pounds)
- Qwest Adventure 818 VX Fish (1,800 pounds)
- Tahoe GT Cruise 18′ (2,000 pounds)
Mid-Weight Pontoon Boats
Mid-weight pontoon boats weigh between 2,500 and 3,500 pounds. These boats offer more features such as larger decks, better seating arrangements, sinks, grills, and more powerful outboard motors. They accommodate more passengers and provide greater comfort for extended days on the water. Popular mid-weight pontoons include:
- Bennington 22 SSX (2,600 pounds)
- Harris Cruiser 230 (3,000 pounds)
- Premier Sunsation 220 (3,200 pounds)
Heavy-Weight Pontoon Boats
Heavy-weight pontoon boats exceed 3,500 pounds and can weigh up to 6,000 pounds or more. These pontoons offer luxury features such as multiple decks, full-sized kitchens, restrooms, and premium entertainment systems. Likewise, these boats have designs that accommodate larger groups and extended excursions on the water.
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Pontoon Boat Weight Measurements
When researching how much a pontoon boat weighs, you will encounter several different weight measurements. Each serves a specific purpose for boat owners and operators.
Dry Weight vs. Wet Weight
The dry weight of a pontoon boat refers to the weight of the boat with an empty gas tank and no cargo or passengers. Manufacturers typically list this as the base weight when marketing their boats. Wet weight includes the dry weight plus a full fuel tank. With a standard 30-gallon tank, you can expect to add approximately 185 pounds (83 kg) to the boat’s overall weight.
Package Weight
The package weight combines the boat’s weight with the trailer. Remember, this figure is important when determining if your vehicle can safely tow your pontoon. The average pontoon trailer weighs about 1,200 pounds (550 kg). Therefore, a typical pontoon with trailer has a package weight of around 3,400-3,700 pounds before adding fuel, gear, and other accessories.
Maximum Weight Capacity
Maximum weight capacity indicates how much additional weight a pontoon boat can safely carry, including passengers, gear, and supplies. Most pontoons can accommodate approximately 2,000 pounds (907 kg) beyond their dry weight.
Factors Affecting Pontoon Boat Weight
Several factors influence how much a pontoon boat weighs, making each vessel unique in its total weight profile.
Size and Length
The length of a pontoon boat directly correlates with its weight. A reliable formula suggests that pontoons weigh approximately 100-120 pounds per foot of length. For example:
- A 16-foot pontoon typically weighs 1,600-1,920 pounds
- A 20-foot pontoon typically weighs 2,000-2,400 pounds
- A 24-foot pontoon typically weighs 2,400-2,880 pounds
Construction Materials
The materials used in constructing the pontoon significantly impact its weight. Modern pontoons use various materials for the tubes, deck, and furniture, each with different weight properties. Aluminum is the standard material for pontoon tubes due to its endurance and relatively light weight compared to other metals. Fiberglass components add strength but also increase weight considerably.
Motor Size and Type
Outboard motors add substantial weight to pontoon boats. Motor weight increases with horsepower:
- A 90HP Yamaha motor weighs approximately 370 pounds
- A 115HP motor weighs approximately 400 pounds
Boats designed for higher speeds or pulling water skiers typically have larger, heavier motors that significantly increase the overall weight.
Additional Features and Accessories
Luxury features significantly increase a pontoon’s weight. These include:
- Premium seating and lounges
- Built-in refrigerators and grills
- Entertainment systems
- Extra storage compartments
- Larger Bimini tops
- Fishing equipment
- Water slides
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Pontoon Boat Weight Examples by Size
Below is a table showing real-world examples of pontoon boat weights based on their size. These figures represent dry weights unless otherwise noted.
| Boat Model | Length | Dry Weight (lbs) | Package Weight (lbs) |
| Avalon Eagle | 16 inches | 1,350 | Approx. 2,550 |
| Avalon Venture Fish | 14 inches | 1,382 | Approx. 2,580 |
| Lowe SS210 | 20 inches | 1,860 | Approx. 3,060 |
| Sweetwater SW 2086 | 22 inches | 1,773 | Approx. 2,973 |
| Avalon Catalina DRL | 24 inches | 2,050 | Approx. 3,250 |
| Suntracker Regency 254XP3 | 27 inches | 3,300 | 5,695 |
| G3 Suncatcher X22RF | 22 inches | N/A | 3,600 |
How Much Does a Pontoon Boat Weigh for Towing Purposes?
Understanding the total weight of your pontoon boat is essential for safe and effective towing. The total towing weight combines several components that must be considered before transporting your boat.
Calculating Total Towing Weight
To calculate the total towing weight of your pontoon boat setup, add:
- Dry boat weight (avg. 2,200 lbs)
- Trailer weight (avg. 1,200 lbs)
- Motor weight (300-500 lbs)
- Fuel weight (6.1 lbs per gallon)
- Gear and accessories (varies)
For example, a 22-foot pontoon with a 115HP motor, full 30-gallon tank, and standard gear might have a total towing weight of approximately 4,000-4,500 pounds.
Towing Vehicle Requirements
Experts recommend your towing vehicle should have a towing capacity at least 2,500 pounds greater than your total package weight. Thus, this extra capacity provides a safety buffer for hills, wind resistance, and emergency maneuvers. For most pontoon boats, a vehicle with a towing capacity of at least 5,500 pounds is adequate. Larger, luxury pontoons may require vehicles with towing capacities of 7,000 pounds or more.
The Importance of Knowing Your Pontoon Boat’s Weight
Knowing how much your pontoon boat weighs affects several aspects of boat ownership and operation beyond just towing considerations.
Trailer Selection
Selecting the appropriate trailer depends directly on your boat’s weight. An inadequately rated trailer can suffer mechanical failures, tire blowouts, or brake issues. Most pontoon trailers are rated for weights between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds. Custom trailers may be necessary for heavier luxury pontoons.
Lift and Storage Requirements
Boat lifts, hoists, and storage solutions all have weight limitations. Exceeding these limits can damage equipment or even cause catastrophic failures that damage your boat.
Performance Considerations
According to a 2021 study about pontoons, a heavier pontoon requires more power to reach the same speeds as a lighter model. Weight distribution also affects how the boat handles in various water conditions.
Conclusion
How much does a pontoon boat weigh? The answer varies based on many factors, but most pontoon boats weigh between 1,600 and 3,500 pounds dry weight, with an average of about 2,200 pounds. When accounting for trailers, motors, fuel, and gear, the total package weight typically ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 pounds.
