Are TRITOONS better than PONTOONS? How Much HORSEPOWER? 


We are going to explore the difference between a pontoon and tritoon as well as some of the questions surrounding pontoon boats, how many people can it hold, what is the right horsepower, saltwater and explore Tritoons vs Pontoons.  

As a whole, if you are looking at a pontoon boat, the inevitable question is “Tritoon vs. Pontoon” A tritoon is a triple-hull pontoon boat, which instead of having two large aluminum tubes beneath the deck, a tritoon has a third tube in the center that distributes weight more evenly over the water. This added pontoon, creates more stability and allows the pontoon to handle more horsepower than a typical twin tube pontoon boat.  The more traditional twin tube pontoon boat has a hull with two aluminum tubes beneath the deck and open space between the two tubes.   

 Which Has More Benefits – A Twin Tube or Tritoon Pontoon Boat? 

If you’re trying to decide between purchasing a twin tube or tritoon pontoon boat, the main question one has to ask is, how and where do you plan to use the boat, this will help you decide which pontoon will be a better fit. Are you looking for more stability, a few extra passengers, a bigger motor? 

Many boat owners will want a multipurpose boat that can match a variety of lifestyles. If you are only looking for a relaxing cruise on a smaller body of water, a calm lake, a twin tube pontoon boat is a great choice. If you’re looking for a bit more stylish and stable fishing boat, both twin tube and tritoon pontoon boats can be optimally outfitted for anglers of all ages and levels. While the tritoon will defiantly add more stability.  

If you want to reach more thrilling max speeds, or possibly include some activities such as pulling a skier or tubers, the choice is pretty clear.  Adding a third tube, a tritoon pontoon boat will allow for a higher horsepower engine and even the possibility for dual engines, faster speeds, and improved stability, all add for a more exciting day out on the water with plenty of activity on the water. 

As a whole, the big difference in price is the main and possibly even the only reason one would choose a twin tube over a tritoon. Triple-hull models come with a higher price tag, but along with that comes significantly more stability, a smoother ride, higher cruising speeds, allowing everyone on board to have an overall more enjoyable experience out on the water.  

While out on the water, in any situation where you might contend with sudden winds, rougher water, wake, or wanting the increased horsepower, stability, and overall performance, the tritoon pontoon boat will quickly outweigh the twin tube pontoon boat. 

What is the advantage of a Tritoon over a pontoon? 

In general, Tritoons have much more stability and can handle sudden rough, choppy waters better than pontoons because the third toon on a tritoon dramatically improves the pontoon’s stability. If you plan on boating in waters where rough water, open water, or operating in choppy waters, may come about, a tritoon is a much better option than a pontoon. 

How do you pick the right size pontoon boat? 

Before you buy a pontoon boat, consider how many people you expect to have aboard with you, friends, family, pets. For one to five people, a 15-foot-long boat is sufficient. For six to 10 people, you’ll want something in the range of 16 to 21 feet. If you want to take along an even bigger crowd, you should consider a model that’s 21 to 28 feet long. 

What is the most popular length for a pontoon boat? 

The most common lengths offered are 20-25′ pontoon boats. 20 to 22-foot boats are well suited for lakes and rivers, and calm intercoastal water ways that do not have large waves. The mid-sized boats are well equipped to seat up to 13 passengers. The larger 23’ to 28-foot boats are capable of cruising through rough waters and offer a little for space enough for up to 15 people to enjoy a day out on the water. 

What is the best horsepower for a pontoon boat? 

As a general rule, the 115hp has become the starting point for horsepower and can be a very suitable boat for lots of boating activities; 150-175hp choice is a great all-around pontoon and can truly be a versatile “do it all” pontoon; 200+hp is the way to go if you have a need for speed and want the best performance out of your pontoon, along with a tritoon. 

Is 90 hp enough for a pontoon boat? 

Just about any pontoon boat with a 90hp motor can get out on the water as long as it isn’t loaded down with people. With a 115, you should be hitting the more optimal speed, which may also allow you to have a few extra friends, and family along. In general, the ideal speed for cruising is approximately 22 mph (36 kph)  even if your pontoon has a pretty good amount of passengers.  

Crest Pontoon with 150 HP

Are 3 pontoons better than 2 Pontoons?  

There has been an ever-growing battle and trend, Tritoons vs Pontoons of which more and more Tritoons are out on the market. Tritoon’s, three-tube pontoons allow for a wider range of activities, a more stable ride, and a little more speed than a traditional two-tube pontoon. Tritoons will allow your pontoon to be outfitted with a larger motor. If that’s important to you, the extra money is likely justified. If not, a two-tube pontoon will provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. 

How fast will a 250 hp Tritoon boat go? 

You might be asking how fast does a 250-horse-powered tritoon boat go, while a typical pontoon boat may max out at around 40 mph a tritoon boat could hit speeds of 50 mph or more in the right circumstances. The average speed of a tritoon boat is much higher compared to dual pontoon, and with 250 hp it seems to be in and around 45 miles per hour

Are Tritoon boats safe in the saltwater, ocean? 

As a general rule, pontoon boats are safe in saltwater, and on the ocean. One must remember to boat safely at all times, and avoid serve weather, high winds, and choppy conditions. Tritoon pontoon boats can be successfully used in salt water without the threat of damage to the metal. It is always recommended to desalt and wash down the pontoon after using it in salt water. 

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