A pontoon boat weighs how much, do you want to know?
It’s a crucial factor to take into account if you’re going to be pulling yours behind a trailer or if you need to know more about the available weight distribution when it’s fully loaded with people and gear.
So, what is the typical weight of a pontoon boat? All classes of pontoon boats have an average dry weight of about 2,200 pounds. A pontoon boat weighs about 4,000 pounds wet on average.
Average Pontoon Boat Weight By Size
From a diminutive 12-footer to a sizable 60-footer, you can buy a pontoon boat of any size. There will be a significant difference in the weight of the boats because the largest vessel is five times longer than the smallest.
Therefore, let’s divide these boats into three straightforward classes: small, medium, and large. The values listed here are simply the dry weights of the crafts.
The weight of the boat before anything is loaded onto it and before the fuel tank is filled is its “dry weight.”
For most people, this is the most important factor to take into account so they can determine how much weight they need to tow.
Keep in mind that the trailer, which can weigh anywhere between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds, is not included in this weight.
Small Pontoons
These are the lightest boats on the market and are typically 12 to 19 feet long. Some models will have dry weights that are less than 1,000 lbs, with a maximum of 2,000 lbs. A small ponton will typically weigh around 1,400 lbs. dry.
Medium Pontoons
This size range, which includes boats between 20 and 35 prime, is where the majority of pontoon purchases are made. Less than 1,900 lbs. will get you a 21-foot pontoon.
Additionally, a lavish 25-foot boat is available that weighs an incredible 3,526 lbs—and that’s without the motor!
You can see from these two examples alone that a boat’s manufacturer and material of construction make a significant difference in its performance. Expect a vessel of this size to weigh in at 2,200 to 2,500 pounds on average.
Large Pontoons
Large pontoons are rarely purchased as recreational vehicles. These vessels, which range in size from 30 to 60 feet, are typically used for tasks like leading guided boat tours.
Only a small number of businesses sell them, and they are hard to find. These enormous beasts can easily exceed 10,000 pounds in weight and should weigh an average of 7,500 lbs.
What Affects The Weight Of The Pontoon Boat
The weight of the pontoon is influenced by a variety of factors. These elements won’t be the same on every vessel. So, this is what will determine the top and dry weight of your pontoon.
The Motor
The type of motor you can use in pontoons is either outboard or inboard. These motors substantially increase the weight of the ship.
Therefore, the engine determines the maximum number of pounds your vessel can carry when adding the wet weight. Many pontoons can support equipment weighing 50 to 500 pounds.
A boat with a 50 HP motor and 20 feet in length is available. The boat should weigh 250 lbs when completely dry.
Engines with about 300 HP are used in longer pontoons. The boat weighs over 500 pounds due to such motors.
The vessel’s engines are its single biggest weight contributor. The engine will still make the boat heavy even if the fuel tank and battery are taken out of the pontoon.
Gas Tank
Your gas tank’s capacity will have an impact on the boat’s total weight. Larger gas tanks add to the weight of the boat.
Most pontoons have gas tanks that have a capacity of up to 30 gallons. The smallest ones have a fuel capacity of up to 6 gallons. They require a tank that is bigger than 42 gallons in size.
Please keep in mind that the fuel weight is included in the boat’s wet weight. Six pounds are equal to one gallon.
Your boat will therefore weigh 180 lbs. if it has a 40-gallon fuel tank. more. To prevent spills as the gas expands, you should never completely fill the tank.
Purpose Of The Boat
The weight of a pontoon varies depending on your interests and uses. Your pontoon can be utilized for swimming, fishing, and even boat tours.
The majority of pontoons aren’t great for a lot of entertaining events. You will require a variety of supplies when using your boat for fishing in order to enjoy your time on the water.
The minimum weight requirements for your boat’s seats, rod racks, and coolers are all 30 pounds. A custom grill that weighs about 5 lbs. is another option.
The weight of the other fishing gear is significantly less. Nevertheless, the wet weight of your pontoon will be affected by this equipment.
You’ll need more seats for additional uses, such as hosting a party. Your pontoon may occasionally require additional features like a kitchen or tables. The boat’s wet weight goes up as a result of these features.
Pontoon’s Anchor
When you use the anchor on your pontoon, the weight of the boat will go up. This component is not crucial to your floating vessel.
Expect the anchor to increase the stability of your boat. As a result, your time on the water will go smoothly.
Most anchors weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. What you decide depends on the size of your boat and the model you want.
You also need an anchor ledge and mount in addition to the anchor. Your boat will be heavier thanks to these tools.
Number Of People
Not all pontoons have the same capacity for passengers. It’s one of the key factors to take into account when analyzing a boat’s weight.
Keep in mind that the individuals a company indicates for a pontoon are adults. Additionally, the figure isn’t exact. The dry weight should be 1200 lbs. if your boat is 20 feet long and can accommodate nine people.
Therefore, each person’s kilograms matter when it comes to total weight and wet weight. Some people are large, while others are smaller.
Final Thoughts
When examining pontoon boat weights, you should take into account both the dry weight and the weight of the boat after the engine and any additional options have been added. The fuel tank should also be taken into account.
A boat’s weight can increase by several hundred pounds if the fuel tank is full. This is particularly true of larger pontoon boats, some of which may have fuel tanks that hold up to 60 gallons.
