There is something special about boating under the sun and feeling the cool water on your skin that grants you to let free and experience the day. If yes, a pontoon boat is one of the best ways to deal with getting on the water.
Most boat manufacturers let you make the boat your own with a collection of sizes, seating arrangements, and various other accessories like water slides, bar, etc.
While looking for another boat, there are many empowering, fascinating focuses, like how you will experience your days on the water.
You’ll similarly have to consider how much the boat weighs, especially if you wish to get your boat towed.
Hence, I’ve investigated all that you should consider the pontoon boat weight and the top 15 pontoon boat models.
What’s the average pontoon boat weight?
The standard weight of a pontoon boat is an average question among the boat owners. Having a pontoon boat and knowing its weight determine how you will get it from the garage into the water.
Thus, your boat’s overall weight will sort out what rating your trailer ought to have and the base towing limit your vehicle requires.
All things considered, what is the typical weight of a traditional pontoon boat? Pontoon boats have an ordinary dry heap of around 2,200 pounds across all classes.
The typical wet weight of a pontoon boat is around 4,000 pounds.
The dry weight is the substantialness of an empty boat, mostly the body and engine. The wet mass consolidates fuel, material, furnishings, and passengers.
Factors that can impact the overall weights of a pontoon boat:
Various factors can impact the overall weight of a pontoon weight. These are:
1. The gas tank
The gas tank is a significant addition to the wet weight of your pontoon boat. A standard gas tank can store around 30 gallons of fuel, while smaller models can keep up to 6-gallons and larger models with more than 42 gallons of fuel.
Now, if your boat’s gas tank can store 30 gallons of fuel and each gallon is equivalent to 6 pounds in weight, this means that 30 gallons mean 180 additional weight.
Hence, your standard pontoon weight has 180 pounds of weight due to its gas tank only.
2. Engine or motor
Well, the pontoon boat motor’s weight or the engine will depend upon the model you have chosen, its capacity, its size, etc.
For a standard model of pontoon boats, the standard engine weight is around 50-200 lbs. However, a motor under 100 lbs isn’t for high-speed racing or recreational activities.
Plus, if you’re using the pontoon boat for another purpose like boating, you will need to add a trolling motor too.
What this motor will do is help you cruise through the water for a good fishing experience. Hence, the trolling motor will add another 50-80 lbs of weight to your pontoon boat.
3. Number of fishing equipment
As a pontoon boat is not suitable for several recreational activities, it’s only good for fishing. However, you need to load your pontoon boat with some fishing accessories for a smooth fishing experience.
These include a fishing chair weighing 30 lbs, a mounted grill weighing 25 lbs, or a rod rack weighing 5 lbs.
If you are taking along a single fish tackle box or a few rods, their weight is negligible. Besides, there are other materials and equipment you have the liberty to instill in your boat to make it a perfect fishing boat.
All these will add up to the weight of your pontoon weight. So, don’t forget to count the weight of each of these additional fittings while determining your pontoon boat’s weight.
4. Anchor
Though the pontoon boat does not weigh much that it will require an anchor. Still, adding an anchor is better for the stability of your pontoon boat.
If required, you can add an anchor winch that will pull the anchor far more manageable and smooth. Again, depending upon the weight or model you choose, expect to add a weight of around 30-50 lbs.
Also, as the anchor winch also requires an anchor mount and ledge, count the weight of these two pieces of equipment.
As a thumb rule, add additional 20-30 lbs weight with every minute addition you make to your pontoon boat.
5. Number of people
It is by far the main parameter that will determine the overall weight of your pontoon boat. If your pontoon boat can house ten people weighing 100 pounds each, the total weight can roam around 900-1000 pounds.
It would help if you refrained from carrying anything above this. On the safer side, always overestimate the total weight of the passengers you will carry while booking your pontoon boat.
Apart from these five factors, many other factors will determine your pontoon boat’s overall weight.
These are the kayaks, furniture, kitchen accessories, coolers, heaters, etc. All of these have a significant contribution to your pontoon boat weight.
15 examples of pontoon boats with their weights
The following are the most common pontoon boat models with their weights.
1. Lowe Ultra 162 Fish & Cruise
It is your first and most sought-after pontoon boat. It comes in a standard size of 16 feet with a dry hull weight of 1629 lbs.
It can carry a maximum of 8 passengers and a total additional weight of 1640 lbs. So, this boat’s total weight, i.e., dry and wet, should lie within 3269 lbs.
2. Lowe Ultra 160 Cruise
It is another variant under 16′ and has a dry weight of 1605 lbs.
The maximum capacity for passengers is again eight, and the additional wet weight it can carry is 1659 lbs. So, be mindful of the fact that the dry and wet weight combined is around 3264 lbs.
3. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX
Sun tracker bass buggy comes in a standard size of 16 feet with a dry hull weight of 1310 lbs.
It can carry a maximum of 7 passengers and a total additional weight of 1550 lbs. So, this boat’s total weight, i.e., dry and wet, should lie within 2860 lbs.
4. Avalon Venture Fish 16FT
In Avalon Venture Fish 16FT, the dry weight is 1350 lbs with a maximum passenger capacity of 6 people. After adding a wet weight of 1350 lbs, the pontoon boat’s total weight goes to 2700 lbs.
5. Avalon Venture CRB/QL
Here again, the dry weight is 1350 lbs with a maximum passenger capacity of 6 people. The additional wet weight of 1350 lbs is viable to attach. After this, the total weight of the pontoon boat goes to 2700 lbs.
6. Tahoe Sport CRB/QL
In Tahoe sport CRB/QL, the dry weight is 1350 lbs, and the seating capacity is six people at most. With a wet weight of 1350 lbs, the total weight goes to 2700 lbs. The boat length is 16′.
7. Starcraft LX 18F
Starcraft LX 18F is a 19′ pontoon boat that can carry eight people at once on a dry weight of 1425 lbs. With an additional wet weight of 1575 lbs, the total weight goes to 3000 lbs.
8. Starcraft EX Fish 18F
Starcraft EX Fish 18F is an 18-foot pontoon boat that can carry eight people at once on a dry weight of 1425 lbs. With an additional wet weight of 1025 lbs, the total weight goes to 2500 lbs.
9. Starcraft EXS 1
Starcraft EXS 1 is 20′ long with a capacity to house over nine people and has a dry hull weight of 1850 lbs. With an additional load of 1270 lbs, the total weight adds up to 3120 lbs.
10. Lowe Ultra 202 Fish & Cruise
Lowe Ultra 202 Fish & Cruise is 20′ long and carries 11 people at one time. The total dry weight is 1792 lbs with a maximum loading capacity of 2214 lbs. Hence, the total weight is 4006 lbs.
11. Lowe Ultra 200 Cruise
Lowe Ultra 200 Cruise is 20′ long and carries 11 people at one time. The total dry weight is 1780 lbs with a maximum loading capacity of 2219 lbs. Hence, the total weight is 3999 lbs.
12. Avalon LSZ Cruize 22FT
This Avalon LSZ Cruize 22FT pontoon boat is 22-ft long with a weight of 1800 lbs and a maximum loading capacity of 2035 lbs.
So, its dry and wet weight is 3835 lbs. A maximum of 10 people can accommodate the boat at one time.
13. Avalon LS Quad Longer 22FT
The Avalon LS Quad is 22-ft long with 1750 lbs and a maximum loading capacity of 1805 lbs. So, its dry and wet weight is 3555 lbs. A maximum of 9 people can accommodate the boat at one time.
14. Ranger 223C
Ranger 223C is a giant boat with a 24-ft length and a passenger capacity of 11 people at one time. The dry weight is around 2360 lbs, and an additional loading capacity is 2300 lbs. It takes the total weight to 4630 lbs.
15. Ranger 222C
Contrary to Ranger 223C, the 222C model can load only ten passengers, and it has a dry weight of 2360 lbs. But the wet weight reduces to 2100. Hence, the net weight of Ranger 222C is 4460 lbs.
Towing a trailer: things to keep in mind
While towing a trailer, there are certain things to keep in mind. These are:
- Know the weight of your pontoon boat and the weight of the trailer too.
- Use the proper towing technique.
- The pontoon boat and trailer’s weight should list as per the needs, i.e., the pontoon boat must tow away the trailer and vice-versa.
- Know the towing connections and their strength.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does an 18-ft pontoon boat weigh?
Ans: An 18-ft long pontoon boat can weigh anything around 530 – 550 lbs, including the engine and other things.
How much does a 22-ft pontoon weigh?
Ans: A pontoon boat with a length of 22-ft can weigh anything around 3500 lbs to as high as 4000 lbs depending upon an assortment of factors.
How much does a 24-foot boat and trailer weigh?
Ans: A 24-ft pontoon boat and trailer can weigh 3500 lbs and additional 1200 lbs of the trailer weight.
How much does a 25-foot pontoon weigh?
Ans: A 25-ft pontoon boat weighs more than 4000 lbs.
How much does an aluminum pontoon weigh?
An aluminum pontoon boat can weigh anywhere from 2100 lbs to 2300 lbs.
Conclusion
Pontoon boats are inexpensive, an excellent recreational water boat, easy to drive, and a proper family vehicle.
While booking a pontoon boat, it’s crucial to know its overall weight plus the additional weight it can house in the form of various significant additions you read above.
Plus, if needed, you will need to get your pontoon boat towed away. So, in that case, too, weight is an important parameter you should know.
For example, a standard 22-ft boat will come with a dry weight of 2200 pounds, and after adding the passengers, engine, etc., the weight will vary. Hence, the weight of a pontoon boat is crucial to know as an owner.
Contents
- 1 What’s the average pontoon boat weight?
- 2 Factors that can impact the overall weights of a pontoon boat:
- 3 15 examples of pontoon boats with their weights
- 3.1 1. Lowe Ultra 162 Fish & Cruise
- 3.2 2. Lowe Ultra 160 Cruise
- 3.3 3. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 DLX
- 3.4 4. Avalon Venture Fish 16FT
- 3.5 5. Avalon Venture CRB/QL
- 3.6 6. Tahoe Sport CRB/QL
- 3.7 7. Starcraft LX 18F
- 3.8 8. Starcraft EX Fish 18F
- 3.9 9. Starcraft EXS 1
- 3.10 10. Lowe Ultra 202 Fish & Cruise
- 3.11 11. Lowe Ultra 200 Cruise
- 3.12 12. Avalon LSZ Cruize 22FT
- 3.13 13. Avalon LS Quad Longer 22FT
- 3.14 14. Ranger 223C
- 3.15 15. Ranger 222C
- 3.16 Towing a trailer: things to keep in mind
- 3.17 Frequently Asked Questions: