Among the most popular types of lake boats are pontoon boats. How much does an aluminum pontoon weigh is hard to answer since there are various factors that play a part in determining its weight. Even pontoon boats of the same make and model can vary in weight depending on the motor you select. A good general rule of thumb, however, is that a pontoon boat will have a dry weight of about 120 lbs per foot (not including motor, fuel, or trailer).
What are pontoon boats made from?
Modern aluminum pontoon boats contain two to three aluminum tubes that, along with aluminum cross bars, are attached to the underside of the boat. The flat deck is attached to the top of the cross bars, and this deck is generally made from marine grade plywood.
The plywood is waterproofed with waterproofing material, such as fiberglass. Marine carpeting typically covers the deck, as do aluminum rails and aluminum doors. The pontoon boat may also have a bimini top, which has an aluminum or stainless steel frame and a fabric top..
How much does an aluminum pontoon boat weigh?
The weight of an aluminum pontoon boat fluctuates depending on the make, model, and size of the boat. The aluminum tubes themselves that run along the bottom of the pontoon can weigh 700 lbs to 1200 lbs per 100 feet, while the motor and fuel can add 100 or more pounds.
On average, however, a 15 foot aluminum pontoon boat will weigh about 1,800 lbs, while a 25 foot boat will weigh about 3,000 lbs, though this size can vary depending on the motor and fuel tank size.
9 examples of aluminum pontoon boats weights
Below you will find some examples of different makes, models, and sizes of pontoon boats with their dry weight. Dry weight is the weight of a boat without a trailer or fuel.
- Avalon GS Fish 21 Foot- 1,850 lbs
- Avalon LS Cruise 18 Foot – 1,350 lbs
- Bennington QX SB 30 Foot – 6,801 lbs
- Crestliner 180 Sprint 18 Foot – 1,672 lbs
- Godfrey AquaPatio 235 24 Foot – 4,502 lbs
- Godfrey Sanpan 2300 SBC 23 Foot – 3,000 lbs
- JC Manufacturing SportToon 26 Foot – 3,742 lbs
- Lowe Boats Ultra 200 Cruise 20 Foot – 2,020 lbs
- SunTracker Bass Buggy 16XL 16 Foot – 1,565 lbs
What is the weight capacity of a pontoon boat?
The weight capacity of an aluminum pontoon boat fluctuates depending on the size, design, and manufacturer. On average, it should have a weight capacity of about 1,800 to 2,000 lbs.
Always check the owner’s manual to ensure you have the weight capacity limit for your specific make and model of pontoon boat. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, reach out to the manufacturer of the boat to obtain this information.
What is the average weight for a pontoon boat trailer?
As with the weight of the boat itself, its trailer’s weight varies depending on the make, model, and size. On average, however, a pontoon boat trailer will weigh about 1,200 lbs. Keep in mind that smaller pontoon boats will require smaller trailers, which typically weigh less.
A trailer designed for an 18 foot pontoon boat, for example, can weigh as low as 420 lbs, while one made for a larger 26 foot boat can weigh over 1,600 lbs. So a pontoon boat on a trailer can weigh between 3,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the sizes.
What can affect weight of a pontoon boat
Along with the size, manufacturer, and design of the boat, there are several other factors that influence its total weight.
1. Gasoline
Gasoline can greatly affect the weight of a boat, and increase it to close to 200 lbs. The amount of weight this adds will depend on the size of the gas tank. An average-sized pontoon boat has a fuel tank of about 30 gallons. Smaller boats can have a tank as small as 6 gallons, while larger boats can have a 42 or more gallon tank.
2. Motor/Engine
The motor is another factor that heavily influences the weight of the boat, and it can weigh anywhere from 50 to 200 lbs. On average, however, most people have a motor that weighs 100 lbs or less. For people who will be using the boat for fishing, you may also want to have a trolling motor, which lets you cruise slowly through the water for hands-free fishing. This motor will typically add another 50 lbs or so to the total weight.
3. Anchor
Having an anchor is important if you want to stay in that spot in the water without drifting. And an anchor winch is often needed to make raising and lowering the anchor more manageable.This can add an additional 20 lbs to the boat. If you forgo the winch and choose an anchor mount instead, you are looking at adding about 30 more lbs to the boat’s total weight.
There are hundreds of different gear and items you can purchase for your boat that add to its weight. Any aftermarket items you add to your boat, such as water coolers and furniture, will need to be taken into consideration when figuring the boat’s total weight.
Why is it important to know the weight of a pontoon boat?
There could be various reasons as to why you would want to know how much does an aluminum pontoon weigh. The most common reason, and maybe the most important one, is for towing purposes.
Towing anything, let alone a pontoon boat, can be dangerous, especially if you’re not sure about the weight of your load. In order to ensure you have the proper trailer and hitch to safely tow the boat, you will need to know the exact weight of the pontoon. Towing anything that weighs more than your hitch’s towing capacity could cause wrecks, as well as severely damage the boat itself.
Conclusion
The answer to how much does an aluminum pontoon weigh depends on several factors. They can weigh anywhere from 1,300 lbs to almost 7,000 lbs (not including trailer). On average, however, they weigh about 120 lbs per foot (so a 22 foot pontoon boat would weigh about 2,640 lbs). Knowing this information will help ensure you transport your boat safely and effectively.
