Over the last few years there has been an increase in popularity of certain boat type in the pontoon world, which has opened the industry up to a whole new market of fans and new pontooners.
What am I talking about?
Compact pontoon boats are small – image copyright Tahoe Pontoon Boats.
Small pontoon boats, mini pontoon boats, compact pontoons – all mean pretty much the same thing.
They are the smallest pontoon boats that money can buy and can serve so many different purposes.
Whilst not new, they are becoming more common out on the water. In fact, a certain manufacturer called Kennedy Pontoons has actually been building small pontoons since 1978 and are still doing so to this day.
But not all small pontoons boats are the same, and within the mini market there are variations to be aware of if this is the size you think could work for you.
Small pontoon boats themselves come in different variations, including a mini-size, which will be the smallest available.
Handy Hint: Whilst mini-pontoon boats are the smallest you can get, but won’t be suitable for fun, and certainly won’t be a good choice for a family.
For me, I couldn’t have a small or compact pontoon.
I want something larger that I can carry multiple passengers on and fit all our gear into. But there is a market for them, so if you have been looking to find out what is the smallest pontoon boat, let me give you some guidance below.
What I am going to do is detail some of the smallest pontoon boats, and give you an overview of what each type is, and what you could use one for.
Table of Contents
Types of Compact & Small Pontoon Boats
There are three different types on the market:
- Narrow
- Compact
- Mini (the smallest)
Each different size comes with its own pros and cons and the type of activities that can serve. As an example, narrow pontoons are going to be really good for narrow rivers, whilst a small compact pontoon might be a great way for someone on a budget to start pontooning with their family.
And as for mini-pontoons? Well, you might just have enough room for yourself, one friend, and a small amount of fishing gear – but not much room for anything else!
These sizes each have their own abilities and benefits. For instance, a pontoon with a narrow beam might be great for rivers. A compact can be a great boat choice for a family that wants a pontoon’s luxury but more affordability. And a mini is just enough square footage for you, a fishing buddy and a cooler.
Narrow Pontoons
Skinny and slim-line, these are very narrow with a beam that reaches from between 6 and 8 feet, as compared to a standard pontoon beam of 9 feet.
Compact Pontoons
Compact pontoons are small enough to be considered amongst the smallest on the market for leisure, and are great ways for you and your family to get started.
An example of a luxury compact – image copyright of Bennington Marine
They tend to range in length from between 10 and 20 feet, with a maximum beam of 8 feet. This gives you between 100 and 160 square foot of deck.
That might sound like a lot, but it can get cramped with a few people on-board, so go see one in the flesh to see if it would suit your pontooning plans.
Mini Pontoons (The Smallest)
And finally, the smallest pontoon that’s available. They will be around 50 square feet and have room for just two people, and some light equipment.
Needless to say, you won’t be able to pull a water ski or inner tube, and certainly won’t be entertaining guests with food and drink on mini. You might get a small beer cooler on-board, but that’s about it!
An example of a pedal pontoon, one of the smallest you can buy – image copyright of Kennedy Pontoons.
These boats are so small, that some of them don’t even come with electric motors, and instead are pedal or paddle powered.
They are popular with fishing enthusiasts who want to fish in local waters and should not be taken out into open waters and large lakes. You can see an example of one on the Kennedy Pontoons website.
Choosing the Ideal Small Pontoon Boat: Key Considerations
Selecting the right small pontoon boat involves evaluating individual needs, such as intended use, budget, and storage limitations. Carefully considering these factors helps potential buyers make informed decisions.
- Intended Use: Determine the boat’s primary purpose, as this dictates necessary features and design. Choose a boat with specialized features catering to your preferred activities, whether fishing, cruising, or water sports.
- Key Features: Consider size, weight, and seating capacity to ensure the boat meets your needs. Smaller pontoons for fishing may include rod holders and livewells, while leisure-focused boats prioritize comfort and entertainment.
- Budget: Set a budget, factoring in initial cost and ongoing expenses like maintenance, insurance, and storage fees. Smaller pontoons usually have lower costs, making them attractive for budget-conscious buyers.
- Storage Limitations: Assess available storage space, ensuring the chosen boat fits within the area. Consider ease of transportation and compatibility with your towing vehicle.
- Choosing the Right Boat: Test ride various small pontoon boats to evaluate performance, handling, and comfort. Read reviews and consult experienced owners for insights into different models.
What Are the Best Compact or Small Pontoons?
Great question.
There are some awesome manufacturers who have entered the industry in recent years, with the aim of winning the battle to dominate the smallest pontoon boat market.
Some leading examples would be:
Bennington’s S16 Narrow Beam
If you want small, but still desire luxury, then choose the Bennington S16 narrow beam pontoon. Go check it out on their website to see for yourself, as it looks stunning despite the small size.
It has an 8-foot beam, luxurious interior, and enough room to seat an average-sized family comfortably, although you might want to reduce passengers down to get all your gear inside.
Avalon’s Eagle & Venture Fish
It’s another luxury compact pontoon, but the Avalon boat comes with great fishing options as well. There are 5 different models available, ranging in size and features, with fishing stations designed to make your day’s catching so much more comfortable.
Compacts are ideal for fishing – image copyright Avalon Pontoons
This range also comes with all the mods and cons you would want from a luxury pontoon with stereo speakers, stainless steel furnishings, bikini mounts, and power points.
But What About the Really Small Mini-Pontoons?
OK, so you want smaller, I get it.
Here are some manufacturers of minis that I found online:
What Are Small Pontoon Boats Used For?
Aside from people who want something small and affordable, perhaps as a starter boat or beginner pontoon, or with fishing fans, the compact models are used predominantly in government-type industries.
For example, law enforcement, parks and recreation, and rescue services.
Why?
Because they can get to places that larger pontoons cannot reach such as shallow waters and creeks. They are also not as heavy, so can lead to quicker response times for rescues and emergencies. I guess that there will probably be some budgetary issues at play here too.
Why You Should Buy a Small Pontoon?
And finally, what would be the advantages to buying or using a smaller pontoon boat if you are a member of the public, and not working for a government agency?
1. They are Great in Shallow Water
You can use pontoons in shallow water, but even more so with the compact small models. Examples could be if you want to fish out on a pond, as pontoons are far better suited to this type of environment than v-shaped hulls are.
2. They Mean You Might Not Have to Worry About Horsepower Restrictions
The lakes near you might have a restriction on the amount of horsepower your boat can have. You can overcome that with a compact pontoon as the engines will be far smaller, and in the case of a mini, might not even have an engine to worry about.
3. They are a Good Choice if on a Budget
Pontooning for the first time? Then a compact can be a great way to dip your toe into the pontoon lifestyle. They are great for beginners due to the size and price, or just suit those that want something to scoot around the water quickly and easily – perhaps to get from one side of a lake to another.
4. They are Easy to Manoeuvre
First time pontoon owners can be intimidated by the idea of operating a larger boat. Compact pontoons are far simpler to move around the water, as well as trailering-up, launching, and docking.
5. They are Easier to Store Due to the Size
If space is at a premium, then a mini or compact small pontoon boat should be a lot more manageable from a storage perspective. Some of the smaller ones can even be hung overhead inside of a garage, still leaving you room to park the car.
6. They are Better for the Environment
Small pontoons will come with smaller engines, and therefore the gas emissions are going to be lower. In the case of some mini-pontoons which come only with pedal power, then environmental issues don’t even come into the equation. They are certainly the “greener” choice.
Conclusion
The smallest pontoon boat is the mini. This might be too small for you if you want to use a pontoon for leisure, fun, and family activities. If that’s the case, then there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t buy a compact and have just as much fun as you would in standard-sized boat.
Whichever you choose, be it a compact, narrow beam, or mini, make sure it’s suited to the purpose you are going to be using it for. Whilst there will be somethings with it you can’t do, in truth only your imagination and the boat’s performance will be what limits you.
