Deck Boat Vs Pontoon Boat: Which is Better?

Which wins the pontoon vs deck boat debate? We take an in-depth look at the difference between the two.

The main difference between a deck boat and a pontoon boat is that deck boats have a single rigid hull, while pontoon boats have a deck riding on two or three pontoons that act as the hulls. Beyond this, the two boats serve relatively similar functions and niches in the boating world, and both are among the top picks for the best boat for families. Both are also sure to pop up when you’re searching for the most popular lake boats. Yet there are numerous details that can make one or the other the better choice for different people. Which will be the best choice for you? To answer that question, let’s go deep into the deck boat vs pontoon boat comparison.

Photo credit: Hurricane

Differences Between Deck Boats and Pontoon Boats

As mentioned, along with the different hulls there are other things that set these types of boats apart. One big difference is that most deck boat hulls are constructed of fiberglass, while most of the pontoon boats for sale on today’s market have two or three tubes (called “logs”) for the hull, which are made from aluminum. There are some exceptions, of course. In a number of cases you’ll see aluminum deck boats and on rare occasions you’ll also find a fiberglass pontoon boat—although generally the “pontoons” and the bridge between them consist of one molded part, which arguably could redefine them power catamarans.

If you look at overhead pictures or layout drawings of a deck boat vs a pontoon boat, in some cases it can be tough to tell the difference. So beyond construction, what else makes these two types of boats different? Let's look through the lens of deck boat pros and cons and pontoon boat pros and cons.

Deck Boat Pros and Cons

Deck boats have a lot going for them, starting with these big pros:

• The larger surface area of a deck boat’s single hull provides more buoyancy, so deck boats are better weight-bearing platforms and commonly have higher weight and passenger capacities. This often makes them the best boat for families with lots of kids who want to bring along friends.
• Deck boats tend to handle large waves better, in part because they have more buoyancy in the bow.
• Most deck boats have a sportier feel to their handling than pontoon boats.
• Deck boats have more integrated features (like built-in seat bases, coolers, and consoles), as opposed to bolted-on accessories. This means less squeaking and creaking when running through waves, and it helps improve longevity.
• Choosing a deck boat can be easier, because there tend to be fewer available layouts.
• Many people feel that the look of slick gel coat is much better than that of bare or painted aluminum.

Of course, no one type of boat is ideal for all things and trade-offs are always involved. In the deck boat’s case, the cons include:

• Due to the fiberglass construction, deck boats commonly weigh more than pontoon boats—sometimes a lot more. (Aluminum models may be an exception.)
• Deck boats offer much more limited choice when it comes to layouts.
• Fiberglass boats need waxing, and that includes deck boats.
• Molded fiberglass gunwales are wider than aluminum fences, and some deck boats narrow a bit towards the bow, so pontoons of equal length and beam often have more room inside.

Sea Ray photo.

Pontoon Boat Pros and Cons

There’s a reason why pontoon boats are so epically popular. Actually, many reasons. Some highlights include:

• Pontoon boats offer the ultimate in choice and semi-customization. In many cases, you’ll have a dozen or more furniture layouts to choose from in a single model line.
• Many pontoon boat manufacturers offer models in both pontoon and “tri-toon” forms (tri-toons have a third pontoon running down the middle), so you can opt to spend more or less depending on what level of performance you want.
• The tall “fences” surrounding the deck of a pontoon boat are great for keeping kids and pets secure. That often makes a pontoon the best boat for families with small children.
• The lighter weight of pontoons means it’s possible to tow them with a smaller vehicle.
• Maintenance is limited to cleanup and fixing things that go wrong.
• Pontoon boats maximize usable space.
• Most pontoons have platforms at both bow and stern for boarding.

Now, for the pontoon downsides:

• Pontoon boats aren’t the best choice for rough water.
• The life expectancy of a pontoon boat may be shorter than that of a molded fiberglass boat, because some (not all) manufacturers use lighter-duty materials like wood decks and/or plastic parts.
• Since most pontoons have rotomolded seat bases, which don’t fit as precisely as fiberglass parts, most of the storage areas aren’t entirely waterproof.
• Some pontoons are made strictly for freshwater use and parts may suffer from corrosion issues if used in saltwater environments.
• Because of the tall fences and shallow, rounded pontoons, pontoon boats can get caught by the wind and blown around more easily than many other types of boats.
• Pontoon boats are less maneuverable, so driving them tends to be less sporty than that of a monohull.

Photo credit: Godfre

Deck Boat Vs. Pontoon Boat Performance

A boat’s performance is, of course, considered critical by many people. Deck boats generally hold a performance edge, especially in the way they carve sharp turns and crisply jump onto plane. And many can travel at up to highway speeds. That said, while pontoon boats from decades past were relegated to mushy handling and slow speeds, many can rival a fiberglass monohull today when it comes to sheer speed. As a rule, these will be tri-toon-style pontoons, because having the third “log,” as it’s called, beefs up the boat’s structural stability, adds buoyancy, and allows for the use of higher horsepower engines.

But not all boaters feel the need for speed. Some people plan to meander down a lake or river and aren’t in any rush, and for these folks, there are plenty of low-horsepower pontoon boats out there. These cost less, burn less fuel, and have lower maintenance costs. Most of the time you see deck boats for sale, on the other hand, they are powered to cruise fast, and low-horsepower options are few and far between. 

Deck Boat Vs Pontoon Rough Water Handling

Rough water handling is another area where deck boats have the edge, which is one of the reasons why you’ll see deck boats on all different types of waterways while pontoons are rarely seen outside of lakes, calm rivers, and relatively protected bays. Monohulls molded of fiberglass with upswept bows tend to rise up rather than being washed over, and their complex forms with V-shaped deadrise helps split the waves. Plus, the weight of deck boats vs pontoon boats comes into play as well, since weight helps a boat push waves out of the way rather than being pushed and slowed by them. We have to note that tri-toons do have an advantage over pontoon boats with two logs, and some can handle waves better than one might expect. Plus, many pontoons do a lot less rocking and rolling in a beam sea than the average deck boat. Still, when it comes to deck boat vs pontoon rough water handling, deck boats generally get the nod.

Photo credit: Bayliner

Deck Boat Vs. Pontoon Boat Safety

All boats built and sold in the United States must meet U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements. And all boat manufacturers certified by the National Marine Manufacturer Association (NMMA) meet an even higher standard. Most deck boats are NMMA certified and the best pontoon boat brands are, too. So, this category is really a tie — both are really quite safe, as long as they’re captained by someone who is competent and exercises good judgment.

Deck Boat Vs. Pontoon Boat—Space and Capacity

As we mentioned in the Pros and Cons, all other things being equal, pontoon boats tend to have more interior volume since molded fiberglass boats have wider gunwales. And while a core trait of a deck boat is carrying its beam forward, some do narrow up towards the bow, further reducing interior space. Consider, though, that while pontoon boats have more elbow room, oftentimes deck boats are rated to carry a higher number of passengers and support more overall weight. Also note that some pontoon boat manufacturers offer different-sized logs, as well as the choice between two or three, which may affect a boat’s capacity.

Photo credit: Starcraft Marine

Deck Boat Vs. Pontoon Boat Maintenance

All boats require maintenance, but generally speaking pontoon boats require less than deck boats (or for that matter any fiberglass boats), simply because the hull doesn’t need to be waxed. The same is true topsides, where any gel coated surface will need some rubbing and buffing a few times each season. Beyond that there aren’t too many major differences; both types of boats will need to be washed after use, the cushions and canvas will need cleaning, and the powerplant has to be regularly maintained.

Deck Boat Versus Pontoon: Price

When it comes to the pricing of deck boats vs pontoons, all bets are off—this is truly a matter of “you get what you pay for.” You can find deck boats that are relatively cheap, and others with a sticker price that will make you faint. And you can find pontoon boats that are easily affordable, as well as models that MSRP for the cost of a house. So, making a blanket statement about is simply impossible.

What will end up in your driveway, a deck boat or a pontoon? It all depends on how much each of these advantages and disadvantages matter to you, personally. Then again, maybe your answer will be, “Both!”

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a deck boat and a pontoon boat?

A: Deck boats generally are built from fiberglass and float on a single hull, while pontoon boats are usually crafted from aluminum and float atop two (or sometimes three) tubes called “logs” which are bridged by a deck.

Q: Which are better for rough water, deck boat or pontoon?

A: Though there can be exceptions, in most cases deck boats are better at handling big waves. Also, remember that tri-toons (pontoon boats with three logs) can handle rough water much better than pontoon boats with two logs.

Q: Are pontoon boats good in saltwater?

A: Sometimes, just as long as they’re constructed for corrosion resistance. Many are sold with or without saltwater “packages” so if you’re buying a used pontoon boat for use in saltwater, you’ll want to make sure it’s a saltwater version. Pontoon boats are very popular in shallow, protected coastal bays, and they serve quite well in them. In larger open bays that can have rough conditions, however, they generally don’t fare very well.

This article was published in July, 2023 and updated in May, 2025