A pontoon is one of the most versatile boats you can own, great for cruising, entertaining, swimming, and fishing. With so many layouts and options, here is how to choose the right one for how you actually use the water.
Start with how you will use it
Be honest about your main use. If it is relaxed cruising and entertaining with family and friends, prioritize seating and comfort. If you want to pull tubes or wakeboarders, prioritize power and a tritoon hull. If fishing matters, look for a fishing layout with livewells and rod storage. Many pontoons blend cruising and fishing well, so you do not always have to choose one.
Size and capacity
Pontoons generally run from about 18 to 26 feet. A 20 to 22 foot boat suits smaller families and tighter water. A 24 to 26 foot boat carries more people and handles open water like Lake Norman more comfortably. Match the length and rated capacity to the size of your group and the water you run.
Two tubes or three (tritoon)
A traditional two-tube pontoon is stable and economical and is plenty for calm-water cruising. A tritoon adds a third center tube, which gives more stability, a smoother ride in chop, higher capacity, and the ability to carry more power for watersports. If you want to tube or surf behind it, or you run bigger open water, a tritoon is usually worth it.
Power
Engine size drives how the boat performs. Lighter cruising setups are fine with smaller outboards, while watersports and bigger tritoons want more horsepower. Tell us how you will use the boat and we will match the right power so it performs without overspending.
Layout and features
Think about the seating plan, sun and shade (a Bimini top is worth having), a swim platform and ladder, a sound system, and storage. Decide which features you will use often and which are nice-to-haves, so the boat fits your budget and your days on the water.
See pontoons at SouthTown Watersports
SouthTown Watersports carries pontoons for cruising, entertaining, and fishing across our Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Raleigh locations. Explore Coach pontoons, browse current inventory, and we will help you match a boat to your lake and your plans.
Two tubes vs tritoon at a glance
| Two tubes | Tritoon (three tubes) | |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Good | Excellent |
| Rough water | Best on calm water | Handles chop well |
| Watersports | Limited | Can tube and surf with the right power |
| Price | More economical | Higher |
Frequently asked questions
What size pontoon do I need?
A 20 to 22 foot pontoon suits smaller families and tighter water, while a 24 to 26 foot boat carries more people and handles open water like Lake Norman more comfortably.
Is a tritoon worth the extra cost?
If you want watersports, more stability, or you run open or choppy water, a tritoon is usually worth it. For calm-water cruising a two-tube pontoon is fine and more economical.
How much horsepower does a pontoon need?
Light cruising is fine with smaller outboards, while watersports and larger tritoons want more power. We match the power to how you will use the boat.
Can a pontoon handle Lake Norman?
Yes. A 24 to 26 foot pontoon, ideally a tritoon, handles Lake Norman’s open water and occasional chop well.
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