You can avail various kinds of boats in Florida. All boating agencies in Florida have a fair number of pontoon boats. This is because these boats are easy to own and are always high on demand.

What is a pontoon boat?

A pontoon is a flat-bottomed boat which is built to support a structure while afloat. It has a base made of cylindrical objects such as barrels or pipes or even boxes made of metal. This base supports a simple platform, on which a structure resembling a house or an open frame with a roof is built. Such boats are usually used for leisure fishing.

Why use a pontoon boat?

Pontoon boats are the most user friendly boats for fishing or a gentle cruise. These boats offer you the flexibility of covering great distance. With them you dont have to bother of manoeuvring and hauling like you have to do with a canoe or small boat. These boats are simple to operate and rarely sink.

From an owners perspective, these boats, even when equipped with engines of over 200hp, are less expensive to insure than a normal boats. Their shallow draft minimizes damages due to under water collisions and being run aground. In terms of capacity to price these boats offer a lot.

Because of its high demand, used pontoon boats are bought and sold by both agencies and individuals. Before buying one from a person or agency you must ensure that he is a member of national boating industry association. A member has to abide by industry code of practice; you can get pontoons which have not been roughly handled.

If the pontoon is on a trailer you need to inspect it minutely and make sure they are in sound condition. Try to learn more about all the work done on the boat, including steering maintenance, engine repairs, and other works. If possible you should take it out for a sea trial.

If you love, boating or fishing, try to own a personal pontoon boat, as a part of your boating gear.