Build a boat
Find a dealer

Pontoon Boat Weight Guide: What to Expect & Why It Matters

Are you considering buying a pontoon boat or curious about your current boat’s weight? Understanding pontoon boat weight is crucial for performance, safety, and transportation. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of pontoon boat weight, ensuring you make informed decisions about purchase, use, and transportation.

Key Takeaways

  • Pontoon boat weights can range from 1,000 pounds for a small 12-foot model to over 8,000 pounds for luxury 30+ foot versions, highlighting the importance of considering size and features.
  • To accurately assess your pontoon's true heft, familiarize yourself with different weight measurements: dry weight (boat only), wet weight (with fuel), and package weight (boat and trailer combined).
  • A heavier pontoon boat typically offers more stability in rough waters but may reduce fuel efficiency and top speed. Each additional 1,000 pounds potentially decreases speed by 1-2 mph.
  • Use the '100 pounds per foot' rule as a quick estimation tool: a 20-foot pontoon likely weighs around 2,000 pounds dry, helping you gauge if it's within your vehicle's towing capacity.
  • Consider your primary use case when choosing a pontoon: fishing enthusiasts might prefer lighter models for better maneuverability, while those planning extended family trips may benefit from larger, feature-rich options despite the added weight.

Index

Understanding Pontoon Boat Weight

Pontoon boat weight is a critical factor influencing its performance, fuel efficiency, and handling. The weight can fluctuate based on several factors:
  • Boat size: Larger pontoons naturally weigh more
  • Type of pontoon: Fishing pontoons are generally lighter than leisure models
  • Features and accessories: Added extras like fishing chairs or bimini tops increase weight
  • Motors: A significant contributor to overall weight
  • Fuel tank size: A full tank adds substantial weight
Understanding these factors helps assess how a pontoon boat will perform on the water and during transport.

Types of Pontoon Boat Weights

When discussing pontoon boat weight, you’ll encounter several terms:
A pontoon boat with several passengers glides across a lake, leaving a wake behind. The boat features a sleek design and tan seating. In the background, a large lakeside house with red and white accents is surrounded by lush trees.
  1. Dry weight: The boat’s weight without fuel, passengers, or gear
  2. Wet weight: Includes a full fuel tank, but no passengers or cargo
  3. Package Weight: Combined weight of the boat and trailer
  4. Gross trailer weight: Total weight of boat, trailer, and all cargo
Knowing these distinctions is crucial for calculating safe capacity and towing requirements.

Pontoon Boat Weight Examples by Size

Weight varies significantly depending on the boat’s length and features:
  • Small pontoon boats (12-19 feet): 1,000 to 2,000 pounds
  • Medium pontoon boats (20-25 feet): 2,000 to 3,500 pounds
  • Large pontoon boats (26-30 feet): 3,500 to 5,000 pounds
  • Extra-large pontoon boats (31 feet and up): 5,000 to 8,000 pounds
A white and teal boat moves swiftly across a clear blue lake under a bright sky with scattered clouds. Two people are seated at the front, enjoying the ride. The shoreline with trees is visible in the distance.
Remember, these are general ranges. Actual weight can vary based on specific features and construction.

How to Calculate Pontoon Boat Weight

To estimate your pontoon’s weight:
A sleek white pontoon boat with several passengers swiftly cruises across a lake surrounded by lush green trees under a partly cloudy sky. The boat creates ripples in the water as it moves forward.
  • Use the general rule of thumb: A pontoon boat weighs approximately 100 pounds per foot in length. For example, a 20-foot pontoon would weigh around 2,000 pounds.
  • Factor in dry weight, wet weight, and package weight.
  • Add weight for accessories and cargo.
  • Consider the motor weight, which can vary significantly based on horsepower.
This calculation ensures you stay within safe limits for towing and performance.
Timeless elegance
50 years aloft
Journey with Avalon: Pioneering 5 Decades of Unmatched Pontoon Luxury. Where Art, Quality, and Service Converge for Your Ultimate Water Adventure.
View our models
Build a boat

Towing Capacity and Safety Considerations

Before towing your pontoon boat, ensure your vehicle’s towing capacity matches the boat’s weight:
  • Consider the gross trailer weight, including the pontoon, trailer, and cargo
  • Follow safety guidelines for proper hitching and weight distribution
  • Never exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity
  • Be aware of how added weight affects your vehicle’s braking and handling
A sleek black pontoon boat speeds across a calm lake, carrying five passengers enjoying the ride. The background features a lush, green shoreline under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Proper towing ensures safety on the road and prevents damage to your vehicle and boat.

Factors Affecting Pontoon Boat Weight

Several elements contribute to a pontoon boat’s overall weight:
The image shows the seating area on a luxury pontoon boat. The seats are upholstered in blue and white with brown accents, featuring cup holders and a sleek design. The surrounding area includes metal railings and a partial view of the floor.
  1. Hull material: Aluminum is lightweight, while fiberglass adds more weight
  2. Deck material: Wood is heavier than synthetic options
  3. Furniture: Quantity and type of seating affect weight
  4. Electronics: Navigation systems, sound systems, and other electronics add weight
  5. Water and waste tanks: Larger tanks for longer trips increase overall weight
Understanding these factors helps estimate a boat’s accurate weight and impact on performance.

Impact of Weight on Pontoon Boat Performance

A pontoon boat’s weight significantly affects its performance:
  • Heavier boats generally have slower acceleration and lower top speeds
  • Weight distribution affects how the boat handles different water conditions
  • Added weight can increase fuel consumption
  • Excessive weight can affect the boat’s stability and safety
A speedboat with people onboard glides swiftly across a calm lake. The water reflects the boat and surrounding greenery. The sky is overcast, creating a serene atmosphere.

Balancing weight with desired features and performance is critical to choosing the right pontoon boat. For a more detailed breakdown, you can explore how much does a pontoon boat weigh to gain a deeper understanding of specific weight ranges and how they affect performance and towing.

Conclusion: How Much Does Pontoon Boat Weigh

Understanding pontoon boat weight is crucial for safe and enjoyable boating experiences. Considering factors like size, features, and intended use, you can select a pontoon boat that meets your needs without compromising performance or safety. If you’re in the market for a new pontoon boat, be sure to evaluate the weight along with other essential features to ensure it suits your requirements. Always stay within recommended weight limits and follow proper towing procedures to ensure the best possible experience with your pontoon boat. 

Consider these weight considerations whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade. They’ll help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your pontoon boating adventures. 

50 years of crafting
Pontoon art

Embark on 50 years of award-winning pontoon excellence with Avalon. Elevate your journey through unrivaled artistry, cutting-edge design, and supreme quality and service.

View our models
Build a boat

903 Michigan Avenue
Alma, MI 48801

CONTACT US
Pontoon Boat Pontoon Boat Pontoon Boat

Boat Series

Boat Category

Why Avalon?

903 Michigan Avenue, Alma, MI 48801

Pontoon Boat Pontoon Boat Pontoon Boat
CONTACT US

Copyright © 2024​ Avalon Pontoon Boats. All Rights Reserved. Sitemap

Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy

Pontoon Boat Pontoon Boat Pontoon Boat

903 Michigan Avenue Alma, MI 48801

Pontoon Boat Pontoon Boat Pontoon Boat
CONTACT US

Boat Series

Boat Category

Why Avalon?

903 Michigan Avenue, Alma, MI 48801

Pontoon Boat Pontoon Boat Pontoon Boat
CONTACT US

Copyright © 2022​ Avalon Pontoon Boats. All Rights Reserved. Sitemap

Contact Dealer

Send your message to the dealer

  • Send your message to
  • Hidden
  • Hidden

Request Quote

One of our Pontoon specialist or a local dealer near you will contact you to help configure the boat that matches your exact needs.

    Waketoon

    1 floor plan to build

    Excalibur

    3 floor plans to build

    Excalibur LTD

    6 floor plans to build

    Catalina

    15 floor plans to build

    LSZ

    12 floor plans to build

    Venture 85

    7 floorplans to build

    Venture

    4 floor plans to build

    VLS

    1 floor plan to build

    VTX

    2 floor plans to build

    GEOfish

    4 floor plans to build

    Watch Model Videos

    Luxury

    Most Popular

    Cruising

    Lounging

    Entertaining

    Fishing

    Double Decker

    Value

    Option Accessories

    2024 Catalog: Explore Avalon’s Latest Pontoon Boats

    Color Chart

    Warranty

    About Avalon

    Pontoon Adventures

    Owner resources

    Awards

    Find a dealer
    Build a boat

    Thank you for taking the time to contact us with your questions and concerns. We love being available for you electronically. Recently, though, we have begun to receive duplicate emails sent to multiple people in the company. In an effort to increase our efficiency and improve our customer service, we would appreciate it if you use our online contact us form to the right so we can automatically direct your request to the correct people on our team.

    If you are in need of service regarding a warranty, please contact your dealer (find your local dealer here). Contact us only if your dealer’s service does not meet your needs.

    Thank you,
    The Avalon Team

    Avalon Pontoons

    903 Michigan Avenue,
    Alma, MI 48801

    (800) 334-2913
    customerservice@avalonpontoons.com

    Contact Us

    • Please provide your boats serial number for prompt and accurate service. Your boats serial number will begin with DVN and can be found on the rear starboard side of the boat or on your registration.
    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.