Certain aspects require consideration while purchasing a 20-foot pontoon boat. Hence, making the perfect decision might be difficult with so many distinct models on the market. Because these boats have different functions, it is essential to understand their principal use before purchasing. Furthermore, while shopping for 20ft pontoon boats for sale, choosing the proper dealership is crucial.
A 20-foot pontoon boat will further enhance the fishing experience of the owner. However, it would be wise to determine what engine size is appropriate for the vessel. For pontoons 20 to 24 feet long, experts suggest 115 horsepower engines. However, these estimates change based on the boat’s maximum weight capacity and overall usage.
This guide examines the various pontoon models and breaks down the factors to consider when purchasing a 20ft pontoon boat.
Why Buy A 20ft Pontoon Boat?
Owning a 20-foot pontoon boat allows one to participate in various leisure activities with ease. These activities include sailing out for a neighborhood picnic on the lake, fishing in one of the comfortable fishing seats on deck, or even jumping into the lake from the easy access to water features.
Other reasons for purchasing a 20ft pontoon boat include:
Excellent for Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Fishing:
When it comes to snorkeling for scallops, fishing for lobster, or diving for lobster, a 20ft pontoon boat is the right watercraft. The pleasing heights of a 20ft pontoon provide a more secure platform for hanging out with friends, sunbathing, fishing, diving, snorkeling, or simply sunbathing.
Ideal for Family Fishing:
Aside from a deck boat, there is no better boat for relaxation than a 20ft pontoon boat. One can carry along their entire family because pontoon boats offer so much space, with most being certified to carry 12 or more people. Hence, one no longer has to determine who gets to go out on the boat.
Serves Multifunctional Purposes:
Another benefit of purchasing a 20-ft pontoon boat is that it serves other functions aside from fishing. There’s plenty of space on board for kids to do other things like a nap on the many cushioned chairs, dive off the boat, play board games on deck, or even as a base for snorkeling.
While fishing on a classic bay boat or v-hull boat, one of the most unpleasant things is when someone needs to shift around or grab something out of the cooler. Due to a lack of stability, the entire boat moves when one person moves, making fishing more difficult.
This lack of stability combined with the frequent vibrations in the water caused by the boat’s hull from passengers moving about might scare away the fish. However, this is not an issue with a 20ft pontoon boat. Because these boats come with in-built stability, they outperform every other boat in terms of reliability.
Ample Storage Space:
The most common issue for most boat owners, particularly fishing boat owners, is the lack of enough storage space for essential gear. After loading all of the life jackets, coolers, fishing gear, and so on, there is very little space available on the boat.
With a 20ft pontoon boat, there will be plenty of space to stow and store all of the stuff. Most will include a storage box behind each cushioned seat, and a massive deck area, so one won’t have to worry about where to stow all of the gears.
Excellent for Fishing in Shallow Water:
While 20ft pontoon boats will not bring one into truly shallow water like certain flats boats and skiffs, they will go relatively shallow if outfitted with a jack plate. Depending on the amount of gear and the number of people on board, one ought to be able to take it in water as shallow as 2 feet deep.
This is a lot shallower than most other fishing boats will take you. Hence, this will allow one to target reds and bass throughout the winter season when they are congregating in the shallows to remain warm.
Less Expensive than other Fishing Boats:
No boat, especially a new one, is cheap. However, a 20ft pontoon boat is significantly less expensive than other fishing boats. The key cause is the engine’s size. The hull of a classic v-hull boat, such as a bay boat, generates resistance in the water, requiring a larger motor to bring the boat on the plane.
Because pontoons float on the water, one won’t need as powerful an engine as a v-hull, and because a boat’s engine may account for up to half of its overall cost, one will save a lot of money. Aluminum pontoons are also significantly cheaper than a typical boat’s fiberglass hull, not to mention much easier to clean and maintain.
Another factor that may make a pontoon boat less expensive than other boats is the monthly cost of insurance. Pontoon boats are less expensive to cover than traditional fishing boats of the same size since they are less expensive. Pontoon boats under $30,000 can have adequate insurance coverage for as little as $25-$35 per month.
Reduced Insurance Coverage:
Another factor that makes the 20ft pontoon boat appealing is its lower insurance cost. Compared to fiberglass boats, these pontoon boat models are typically less expensive to repair if an accident happens. Even if one opts to equip their pontoon boat with a larger engine, it will normally be less expensive to insure than a traditional boat with the same engine size.
Disadvantages of Owning a 20ft Pontoon Boat
With the advantages covered, it is now time to discuss the downsides and negatives associated with 20ft pontoon boats. There aren’t as many disadvantages as there are upsides to 20ft pontoon boats. Even if the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, everyone’s viewpoints differ, and others may prioritize things differently.
Though not unbearably loud, 20ft pontoon boats emit a significant amount of outboard engine noise. As a result, it’d be best to avoid an outboard engine in favor of an inboard engine. If you’re looking to buy an older pontoon boat, avoid those with outboard engines. While newer outboard engines are fine, older models can be very loud and unpleasant.
Lack of Speed:
20-foot pontoon boats are ideal for fishing and watersports. They are not, regrettably, speed demons. This sluggishness means you won’t impress anyone with a need for speed. A 20ft pontoon boat that travels faster than 35 mph is extremely rare.
Susceptible to Wind Drifts:
Although it may surprise, powerful winds can easily move 20-foot pontoon boats. As a result, every aspiring pontoon owner should be aware of this. These wind drifts shouldn’t be a major issue if you intend to use your pontoon boat primarily for recreational and watersports purposes. However, if you intend to go fishing frequently, being blown around by the wind is not something you want.
The majority of 20ft pontoon boats possess a very large turning radius. Their handling isn’t great, and the variation is noticeable compared to a standard boat, making them unpopular with anyone who might require performance handling. The handling issues also means that these vessels aren’t suitable for shallow waters, so a 20ft pontoon might not be the best option if your water channels are limited.
Unsuitable for Rough Waters:
While 20-foot pontoons are very stable and safe, they do not perform well in rough water. The pontoon’s shape allows it to be remarkably stable on calm water while also preventing it from cutting or going over waves. The unsuitability to rough waters isn’t much of a big deal if you’re only going to use your boat on a lake, but if you want to take it out in the ocean, you must be extremely cautious if the weather turns bad.
Factors to Consider When Buying a 20ft Pontoon Boat
Anyone looking for a 20ft pontoon boat for the first time faces numerous aspects such as the various seat designs, the several pontoon boat models, and the distinct floor layouts that come with the vessel. Whether one is an experienced boat owner or a novice, this knowledge will come in handy when buying a 20ft pontoon boat or upgrading a current one.
Below are the different crucial factors to consider when acquiring a 20ft pontoon boat:
Sustainability or Affordability:
While finding a balance between the two factors is possible, it is not easy. A lower quality boat, while less expensive, may cost more in the coming years due to the possibility of replacements and repairs. A superior quality boat could cost more upfront, but it will usually pay for itself.
The Ideal Size for Your Intended Lake:
Another point of consideration should be the area where you intend to do most of the boating. Knowing the lake’s size will help the boat owner understand the anchorage, requirements, and constraints, among other things. First, examine the type of boats in your target body of water and take a large boat if there are present. The same is true when there are smaller boats present. Typically, 18-20ft pontoon boats are better limited to small lakes, whereas 23-26ft boats are better suited for larger lakes.
Do You Prefer to Have Fun, Lounge, or Cruise:
According to Statistical Surveys, pontoon boats are a major driving force for the marine industry. The versatility of these boats is one of the reasons why the pontoon boat industry is expanding rapidly daily. Each pontoon boat comes with designs built for a specific purpose. For example, a 20-foot pontoon boat used for fishing will require live wells, bucket seats, and rod storage.
Those who prefer to sail at great speeds with friends can modify their pontoon boat to meet their needs. In addition, 20ft pontoon boats act as a towing platform for skiers and surfers while also adding a diving board and a sports tower. However, before purchasing a 20ft pontoon boat, consider how you want to utilize it.
If one has determined that a 20ft pontoon boat is the right fit after looking at the benefits and drawbacks, the next step is to figure out what size and type of pontoon boat are required. Size is usually decided by how many passengers one anticipates to accompany. Consider the following when deciding the size based on the passenger count:
- Choose a pontoon between 19 and 21 feet for 3-7 persons.
- Choose a pontoon between 21 and 25 feet for 7-11 people.
- A pontoon 25 feet or larger is ideal for more than an 11-person group.
Some of the Best 20ft Pontoon Boats
Pontoon boats of around 20 feet are ideal because there are portable enough to be easily towed with a standard vehicle and easy to launch – even on lakes and rivers with inadequate or unimproved ramps. There are cheap to dock, small enough to keep clean, and simple to maintain. Boats of around 20 feet can easily sneak into shallow bays where big fish hide or navigate tight parking spots. There are also generally inexpensive, both ongoing fuel costs and purchase prices.
Below are some of the best 20ft pontoon boats on the market that are well worth considering:
The popular 211 OB CC StarCraft ranks among the most versatile deck boats. With a Bimini top, comfortable seating, plenty of storage space for gear, and bow and stern swim platforms, this 20-foot vessel is ideal for sun-soaked weekends.
The Sun Liner 230 from Harris is available in various floor plans. It includes a fusion stereo with wireless streaming capability, a 10-foot Bimini top, a removable wood grain table, molded drink holders, and a mooring cover. It also has the following features:
- 150-200 maximum horsepower
- 28-gallon fuel capacity
- 2,525 lbs. dry weight
- Length: 23′ 5″
- Beam: 8′ 6″
If one requires good seating and the comfort of a pontoon boat but prefers a fishing rig, the Sun Chaser Vista 22 gives the best of both worlds. There are no compromises with twin pedestal fishing, comfortable lounge seating, a standard Bimini top, and upscale Sea Weave flooring. However, there aren’t many 20-foot pontoon boats that can compete in this category. Other defining features include:
- Maximum power: 116 horsepower
- Fuel capacity: 39 gallons
- Dry weight: 2,029 lbs.
- Length: 22′ 10″
- Beam: 8′ 0″
The 2100 Raptor from Crest Liner is a serious fishing boat built for big water. With its welded aluminum hull, the Raptor can sneak into the shallows for early-season pike or slice through heavy walleye chop on open waters, with plenty of room for serious anglers and gear. It’s a great 20-foot pontoon boat for anglers. Other attributes include:
- Maximum horsepower: 355 hp.
- Fuel capacity: 57 gallons
- Weight: 2,170 lbs.
- Length: 20′ 11″
- Beam: 8′ 6″
Bay Liner VR5 is available in both traditional and outboard stern-drive configurations. Bay Liner’s VR5 offers more versatility, space, and comfort by taking everything great about the conventional bow-rider and giving it an extensively fresh take. Other features include:
- Maximum power: 222 horsepower
- Fuel capacity: 35 gallons.
- Weight (engine included): 2,897 lbs.
- Beam: 8′ 0″
- Length: 20′ 4″
20ft pontoon boats are one of the most prominent boat models due to their capacity. While shopping for one might be intimidating, creating a checklist of all the above criteria is a crucial starting point. Pontoon boats like The Crest Liner 2100 Raptor and Sun Liner Harris 230 provide the best quality for the least downtime and the best performance.