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What Size & Type of Pontoon Boat Will Fit Your Needs?

What size pontoon will fit your needs best? Here are some good suggestions based on your needs.

Most trips out how many people will usually accompany you on your boat?

For 2 to 6 people a 18 to 20ft. pontoon boat should work

For 6 to 10 people a 22 to 24ft. pontoon boat

For 10 or more people only consider 24ft. and larger pontoon boat

What percentage of time will be spent fishing on your pontoon boat?

70 to 100% should consider dedicated fishing model pontoon

10 to 70% a fish and cruise model pontoon

Under 10% probably should consider dedicated cruising pontoon

Will you want to cruise and pull water toys, or wish to pull adult skiers?

Don't consider anything under 90hp. and a bit more motor would be even better yet.

Are you planning any long cruises on your pontoon? Are you going to want camping capability? Are you or any family members sensitive to sunlight or burn readily?

If yes is the answer things such as a changing room with a Porta Potti, double Biminis with side kits, a grill and sink, plus seating that pulls out to make beds may all be important for you to be happy and satisfied with your pontoon boat purchase or renovation.

Pontoon Boats A History - Minnesota Invention and Innovation

Minnesota invention

Luxury was far from Ambrose Weeres’ mind when he invented the pontoon boat in Richmond, Minn., in 1951. He simply theorized that a wooden platform set atop two columns of steel barrels, welded together end to end, would make a sturdy pleasure craft more stable than a conventional fishing boat. He tested his first boat on Horseshoe Lake in Stearns County. His theory proved correct. He formed Weeres Industries the following year to test another hypothesis: That Minnesota, with its 10,000 lakes, would have some sales potential.

Sure enough, Weeres took 40 orders in 1952 for his Empress boat. He took another 100 shortly after displaying his pioneering craft at a show in Chicago. In the years to come, tens of thousands of Weeres pontoons would be made in Minnesota and sold throughout the nation.

Minnesota innovation

Though Weeres invented the pontoon, Minnesota’s Bob Menne fast-tracked its evolution. A former professional snowmobile racer and Forester Boat executive, Menne launched Premier Pontoons in 1992 in Wyoming, Minn. His vision focused on a faster and more alluring pontoon.

“Dad offered colored carpets, high-quality furniture, creative seating configurations, larger outboard engines, high performance packages and boats that arrived at dealerships fully assembled,” said Lori Melbostad, Menne’s daughter and president of Premier Pontoons. “Those innovations and others led to strong sales immediately, and we’ve never looked back.”

So when did pontoon boats become cool?

Lori Melbostad, Menne’s daughter and president of Premier Pontoons surmises the shift in perception began in the 1980s. “Our family grew up on a Minnesota lake,” she said. “We always had boats. One day my dad watched as my brothers argued over who got to use the pontoon. That’s when dad knew he was onto something if he entered the pontoon business.”

Among Minnesota’s pontoon boat owners are Corey and Shana Krantz of East Gull Lake, who routinely ply Gull Lake in their Bennington pontoon. Parents of four children ages 15 and under, they say the pontoon is a perfect fit for them.

This Is Why We Own Pontoon Boats - Video of Boating Fun!

Check out this awesome inspiring video that will make you want to hitch up your Pontoon Boat and get to the lake! Summer fun at it's boating best.

Trailering a Pontoon Boat? Find the Cheapest Gas Near You!

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