Last Updated on June 8, 2025
This article is a follow-up to our most-watched video about pontoon boat problems. We got a lot of comments and suggestions, so we're back to talk about even more issues you might run into with these boats. While pontoons are great for many reasons, it's good to know the downsides before you buy one.
Common Pontoon Boat Problems
Underpowered Boats
For a long time, pontoon boats usually had smaller engines. The pontoons themselves were often smaller in diameter and weren't tritoons. This means the used boat market is full of pontoons that just don't have enough power. You'll often see 20 or 22-foot boats with only 40, 60, or 75 horsepower. Compared to today's pontoons, these older ones can feel pretty slow and not very fun to drive.
Unbalanced Loads
Older pontoons, especially those that aren't tritoons and have smaller tubes, can get unbalanced easily. We often see them sitting really low in the front or back. If you're in rough water and have a lot of people at the front, it's easy for a big wave to come right over the bow. This can be a bit of a surprise.
Aluminum Damage and Repair
If your pontoon boat hits something like a dock, a piling, or another boat, the aluminum and railings can get damaged. These parts are not easy to fix. You can try to pull out dents or touch up the paint, but to make it look new, you usually need to order a whole new rail section from the manufacturer. If you have an older pontoon, finding a replacement might be tough, and you might need to go to a special aluminum fabrication shop.
Porpoising or Bouncing
Pontoon boats are long. When they have a powerful engine and a lot of weight at the back, they can sometimes porpoise or bounce. This can get better or worse depending on how you trim the boat and how it's loaded. If you're trying to go fast across the lake and hit a certain kind of wave, the boat might bounce along. The engine lifts the boat, but it's so long that it can't stay up, so it goes down and then back up. This doesn't usually cause damage, but it can be uncomfortable and annoying.
Aluminum Corrosion in Saltwater
Aluminum, like the kind used in outboards and stern drives, can corrode quickly, especially in saltwater. You won't see as many pontoons in coastal saltwater areas compared to fiberglass boats. If you do see them, they might look pretty rough because of the corrosion. If you plan to use a pontoon in saltwater, make sure it has sacrificial anodes to protect the aluminum. These anodes wear away instead of the boat's aluminum.
Large Size
Pontoon boats are big. Sometimes, people see them on a trailer or blocks and think they're too large. Once they're in the water, they don't seem as intimidating at the dock. However, trailering a pontoon can be a challenge. They are long, rectangular, and sit high on a trailer, making the whole package very tall. This can make some people nervous about driving them on the highway. When you're trailering a pontoon, make sure everything is secure, like covers and biminis, and that it's well strapped down. A lot of wind can get under the deck when you're moving fast.
Key Takeaways
- Older pontoons are often underpowered compared to newer models.
- Unbalanced loads can be a problem, especially in older, non-tritoon models.
- Aluminum damage is hard to repair perfectly.
- Porpoising can happen, making the ride uncomfortable.
- Saltwater can cause aluminum to corrode quickly.
- Trailering a pontoon boat can be intimidating due to its size and height.
We really like pontoon boats and what they offer for families on the water. But it's always good to know all the facts before you make a purchase. Thanks for reading!
