How to choose an Inflatable Pontoon

Whether you are a die-hard fly fisherman or a weekend angler, an inflatable pontoon boat would allow you to reach those hard to get to areas of a lake or drifting on a river. The fantastic thing about an inflatable pontoon boat is the fact that they are relatively affordable to purchase, easy to transport and can be stored in a very compact size. Some can be dismantled and stored in a large carrying bag that can be transported in a medium sized car. There is no need for you to own a truck and or a roof rack. There are a few things to consider when selecting the right inflatable pontoon boat. You should consider the frame, size, pontoon socks and bladders before making your final decision.

One of the most important things you should consider is the frame. Inflatable pontoon boats can have frames made of plastic, steel or aluminum. Plastic is the lightest and cheapest but it will not give you the strength and durability that you need when on the water. Steel is very strong and is moderately priced but it is very heavy and is susceptible to rust and corrosion.  An aluminum framed Pontoon boat not only is resistant to corrosion, but it will be lighter in weight. Some companies do a very good job applying a powder coated finish to the frame so it looks and feels great.  With these benefits, you will be paying a higher price for your boat. But it will be worth it.

Next is choosing the size that is right for what you are comfortable with. Inflatable pontoons come in many different sizes. The larger the boat, the more you will expect to pay.  A larger boat will place you higher on the water, allowing you to cruise through larger areas on a lake or rivers and the boat will be more responsive to oars. You need to find out what the maximum capacity of the inflatable pontoon boat is. Depending on how heavy the operator is and how much gear you are taking with you, you must make sure that you will not over exceed the maximum weight capacity of the boat.  Some inflatable pontoons can be outfitted with a trolling motor so you need to take the weight of the motor in account.

Another important feature to consider is the thickness of the pontoon sock. It is best to find out the thickness rating of the pontoon sock before purchasing. The thicker the material, the more durable and more puncture resistant it will be. While the price of the inflatable pontoon may be higher, it will last longer than the cheaper alternatives.

Finally, you need to look at the type of bladder that is in an inflatable pontoon boat. Bladders are normally made from PVC or Vinyl. They come in many different thicknesses. The thicker the bladder, the more durable it will be. Vinyl is essentially plastic so it can crack or over expand under extreme temperatures. PVC is easily repairable and very durable.

There are many manufacturers of Inflatable pontoon boats on the market. If you keep the features listed above in mind when shopping for one, you will be making a well informed decision.  An inflatable pontoon boat is an essential tool to allow you to get to the areas on your selected waters that you normally cannot access. This does not guarantee you will catch more fish, but it will certainly allow you to do it in comfort and style.