Can I Fish Tournaments In A Pontoon Boat?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Pontoons are extremely comfortable for fishing if you get one set up for fishing.

They will troll as slow as you want to, but they catch a lot of wind

. Not very fast, but that isn’t why people buy them. I have fished out of them and found that they were very nice for fishing.

Are pontoons seaworthy?

And

yes, while it’s true smaller boats can flip and capsize easily and longer pontoons may be seaworthy just from their size, it doesn’t necessarily make them ocean-faring boats

. Even the largest pontoons lack proper construction for rough waters and high wakes.

How do you fish off a pontoon boat?

Can you cross the Atlantic in a pontoon boat?

Even though pontoons aren’t the ideal watercraft for ocean travel,

it’s not impossible to take a ‘toon on the open water

. You just need the right information before taking off. As a responsible boat owner, consider all negative saltwater scenarios before heading out to sea.

Will a trolling motor move a pontoon boat?

But, you might be wondering if a trolling motor is appropriate for your pontoon boat. The good news is that,

yes, you can, indeed put a trolling motor onto a pontoon boat

. As long as you select the right shaft length and thrust (minimum 52 inches length and 55 lbs thrust), you should be good to go!

Where do you put the trolling motor on a pontoon boat?

Since a bow mounted trolling motor should be as close to the center line of the bow as possible, it makes sense to mount the motor

directly in front of the gate

. In fact, many pontoons have “half-gates” to accommodate trolling motors when deploying or stowing.

Do pontoons have live wells?

Livewells are a biggie, and

can be found on plenty of pontoon boats

. They do tend to be smaller than those found on center consoles, bass boats, and some other dedicated fishing boats, however, plenty of models offer dual livewells and in many cases, additional livewells can be added as options.

Do pontoons flip over?

Due to the design of pontoon boats, it’s almost unheard of for them to tip over, and the chances are very, very slim.

Pontoon boats very rarely tip over or flip over

, with recorded cases being very uncommon.

Is a pontoon boat good in rough water?

Are Pontoon Boats Safe?

Pontoon boats are generally safer in rough water than V-hulled vessels of the same size

. Their use of two hulls and a flat boating surface make them more stable than other single-hulled vessel types.

Can pontoon boats go in salt water?

Bottom line:

feel free to use your pontoon on salt water if conditions are good

. A protected saltwater bay, inlet, or mangrove swamp is often a more suitable pontoon boating environment than the open ocean.

How shallow can a pontoon boat go?

You can go for a Pontoon Boat, which usually comes with downdrafts of 16′′ and 24′′ are available, but with the motor trimmed up, they can run as shallow as

10′′

.

Can you beach a pontoon boat?


It is perfectly safe to beach a pontoon boat on most types of terrain as long as you fully trim the motor so the prop is out of the water

. Mud, sand and flat stones offer great surfaces to beach a pontoon boat on. Gravel, or ground with sharp objects, should be avoided as the pontoons will likely get damaged.

How deep can a pontoon boat go?

It’s often possible for an average pontoon to be safely navigated through water that is

two feet

in depth.

Can you put a bigger motor on a pontoon boat?

The engine on a pontoon with a few people on it can easily reach 22 mph with 90 horsepower. If you are a beginner in water sports, you probably don’t need to go that fast. It is still possible to do some high speed water sports and

you do not have to spend $1000 on a bigger engine when you get your boat.

Can you put a kicker motor on a pontoon boat?

Installation is super easy and the universal-fit design ensures the TOON KICKER is the right choice for any pontoon. Will the TOON KICKER fit on my pontoon?

In almost all cases, yes

.

How big of a trolling motor do I need for a pontoon?

In real-world terms, if your 24-foot pontoon weighs around 3,500 when fully loaded, then the trolling motor size you need would be

70 pounds of thrust

. But, I want to up that estimate to account for any possibilities, which is why I recommend an 80 size with a 24-volt motor – with the Minn Kota Terrova being perfect.

Can you put an electric motor on a pontoon boat?

Of the types of electric motors for pontoon boats that are available,

trolling motors are recommended

as these are most versatile for both recreational boating and fishing trips. An ideal choice for pontoon boats is Elco’s EP 9.9-horsepower outboard.

What size motor do I need for a 20 foot pontoon boat?

What Motor Will be Best For Your Pontoon Boat? Experts recommend having a baseline engine of

115 horsepower

for boats with a 20 to 25-foot range. This baseline will guide you on your activities. The 115-horsepower motor is an adequate size for most pontoon boats.

What size motor do I need for a 24 foot pontoon boat?

According to standards, 20-foot long boats work well with 115 horsepower. Thus, when it comes to a 24-foot pontoon boat,

roughly 150 horsepower

is required. Having the right motor size enables you to transport passengers and belongings with convenience, ease, and comfort.

Is a pontoon boat fun?


The versatility, comfort, and safety of pontoon boats make it easy to have fun on the water

. Whether you’re looking for the occasional excursion or a floating cottage to use every weekend, you can’t go wrong with a pontoon boat.

How do you make a livewell for a pontoon boat?

What is a pontoon boat good for?

Pontoons are perfect for

large crowds, kiddos, families with pets

, and the list goes on. They can also accommodate other functions depending on the floorplan and engine such as fishing, entertaining bar side, and some water sports. There’s literally a pontoon boat for just about any on-water outing.

How long do pontoon boats last?

The average lifespan for a pontoon boat is

30-40 years

, depending on the make and model, but many of them last much longer than that. For example, a brand new 10′ Dexter “Excel” pontoon boat will only cost you about $12,000.

Why do pontoon boats sink?

Poor weight distribution, using the wrong motors, having water in the pontoons, inappropriate handling of the vessel especially in waves and chop, and using the boat in the type of very harsh conditions it was not designed to be used in, are all things that can cause a pontoon boat to sink.

Are pontoon boats easy to sink?

Manufacturers of pontoon boats baffle the pontoons into multiple air-tight chambers. This gives them an

almost un-sinkable buoyancy

. The pontoons are then sealed, so unless you rupture one, it’s not going to sink.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.