Small pontoons are perfect for fishing and cruising activities. These types of pontoon boats are gaining immense popularity nowadays. They are easy to handle, maintain and store. They are also an affordable means of having fishing and fun.
Small pontoon boats are available in a wide range of sizes and designs. Th ranges from the compact pontoon boat models to the mini pontoon boat models including the one person pontoon boats. There are also the narrow beam pontoon boats which make it further easy to trailer the pontoon boat. There are some experienced manufacturers who have years of expertise in this area. This article deals with what are the options you can expect in terms of the “smallest pontoon boats”. The list is wide with a variety of options, so that it can be beneficial for you to arrive at the best choice.
What is the use of small pontoon boats?
Small pontoon boats can serve the purpose of a beginner pontoon, and they are an affordable means of having fun in the water. They are widely popular among fishing enthusiasts who love fishing in small rivers and lakes. Due to their smaller stature, small pontoon boats can be powered by small motors making them perfect for areas with horsepower restrictions.
Government agencies prefer small pontoon boats for rescue services, law enforcement or in parks or recreation spots. Being smaller and lighter, they can navigate creeks and shallow waters. Small pontoon boats can be deployed quickly to best serve emergency and rescue personnel.
What to look for when buying a small pontoon boat?
Before setting out to buy a small pontoon boat, be sure the pontoon boat has the passenger capacity needed for your water adventures. There should also be enough storage options for your gear. There should be space for fishing rod holders, swim platforms, etc. In case of fishing pontoon boats, you can also look for live wells, tackle storage, optional fish finder, etc.
Best Small Pontoon Boats
Pontoon boats with length less than 20′ and width of 8′ are categorized as small pontoon boats. As said, there are different variations in small pontoon boats. Each of these can serve specific purposes, and they have associated pros and cons. The three different types of small pontoon boats are narrow, compact, and mini.
Narrow Pontoon Boats
Narrow pontoon boats are slim with a narrow beam and are best suited for skinny rivers. While the standard beam size of a pontoon boat is 9′, these narrow pontoon boats have beam width between 6′ and 8′.
Avalon Venture Cruise 14 feet
Avalon is a popular pontoon boat brand building high quality pontoon boats. The Avalon Venture Cruise is an affordable small pontoon boat model. At 14′ long, it features an easy-to-trailer narrow beam width of 7′ 6″. You can enjoy your sunset cocktail cruises or upgrade to a performance package and turn your Venture into a narrow sport boat!
The Venture Cruise features an aft corner seating area and both port and starboard bow bench. The two sundecks in the aft portion of the pontoon have storage compartments used to house the privacy station. The helm features a removable windshield, a Viper steering wheel and a Fusion Stereo System. There is a full deck riptide vinyl flooring in the interior. There are stainless steel cup holders and small kidney table. They also feature a Bimini top and rear aluminum ladder.
Bennington 168 SVF
The Bennington 168 SVF combines affordability and luxury in one. The 8′ narrow beam makes the boat easy to trailer and easy to handle around tight waters. The 168 SVF is well built with quality materials such as an all-aluminum structure and stainless-steel hardware. Its also built for comfort with high quality Bennington style furniture and premium grade Simtex vinyl.
The fishing floor plan features live wells, rod holders and bass seats. There is a full width L Bench in the rear. The narrow beam pontoon boat also features flush mount Bennington speakers and a Kicker stereo system. There are cup holders and good storage features available. They also feature a Bimini top and deep step stern boarding ladder.
Pond King Lil’ Cruiser
The Pond King Lil’ Cruiser comes with a narrow beam and provides a comfortable/luxurious environment for you, family, and friends. With a 100% all-welded, aluminum frame and pontoons, it features a 91 sqft carpeted marine grade plywood deck with ample plush seating. There is a Bimini top, table and cup holders. The Lil’ Cruiser also features an extended rail with front and side gates.
The standard 9.8 HP Tohatsu outboard motor can be upgraded to a 15 or 25 HP outboard. The steering console features a switch panel. The narrow beam pontoon boat accommodates 5 passengers via bench seating and an angled lounge seat.
Hotwood’s 716 Aluma Sport
Hotwood’s narrow beam mini pontoon boat is the 716 Aluma Sport. The boat features all-aluminum construction and flooring with stainless steel hardware. The six pontoon style model features 0.090″ aluminum, which is the thickest in the industry, and also 0.100″ at the nose cones and rear end caps.
The mini pontoon boat excels even in shallow waters. Its pontoons sit more on top of the water than in it and hence the pontoons are pushed with ease. There is an adjustable rear bench seat with optional front bench. They also feature a heavy-duty rear transom motor mount and a transducer mount. There is an option to include an easy load trailer.
Laker 712
The Laker 712 basic narrow pontoon boat comes with an aluminum frame and an extruded aluminum deck. They feature .090 gauge square pontoons with two bolt-on air chambers. A truck bed liner covers the aluminum deck to provide a non-skid surface and make the boat very durable. They also feature 20″ high 1.25″ square rails. A standard trolling motor bracket comes with it.
Compact Pontoon Boats
The compact pontoon boats are the most famous category of small pontoon boats. They can be used by a small group of family and friends to have the best pontoon adventure at an affordable cost. The length of these compact models ranges from 12′ to 20′ with beam width up to 8′. You get 100 to 160 sqft of deck area.
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16XL Select
Packed with features meant for fishing, cruising and even swimming, the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16 XL is one of the best options for an affordable compact pontoon boat. It features a Bimini top and tinted windscreen. The Bluetooth stereo system creates good ambience. The 16′ long deck is spacious which provides a stable platform for a variety of pontoon boat activities. The dual bow fishing chairs lets you cast away the day comfortably.
The forward-console live well/seat is the perfect place for placing your catch. The console also features options for rod storage. The aft L-lounge with swiveling helm seat is comfortable and forms a private spot for conversation in the stern. The three gates provide quick access to water in case you plan to swim. The aft swimming platform also features a fold-down retractable boarding ladder. The Bass Buggy 16 XL has a 7-passenger capacity.
Harris Cruiser LX 160 Cruise
The Cruiser LX lets you have fun and the best life on the water. The compact pontoon boat model is affordable and loaded with all the features you need to spend your day on the lake. You have the option to cruise the water, fish like a pro or relish the nature. Though smaller in size compared to the other models, you can store all your gear under the helm or loungers, which makes space available to easily move about the deck. The Cruiser LX features port, bow, and stern gates. There is a Bimini top. The compact pontoon boat can be parked at your dock, or you can pull this watercraft to your favorite restaurant in the waterside.
Manitou Aurora Le
The Manitou Aurora Le offers a traditional pontoon floorplan and features a standard spacious rear sundeck. With plenty of additional bench seating, the super-plush furniture lets you stay cool during summer days. The compact pontoon boat features the privacy station. They also have the Bimini top and Ski tow bar. There is also a 4-step rear ladder. The Fusion Bluetooth stereo system can add music to your journey.
Sylvan Mirage 818 Fish
The Sylvan Mirage 818 Fish is the most compact option among the Mirage Fish pontoons. With comfortable seating, they also have open space deck areas. The Mirage Fish 818 offers standard Sea Weave aft flooring and carpet flooring. There are two fishing seats at the rear fishing station. They also feature the low-back helm swivel chair. The model comes with a Bimini top. The console features a stylish Torcello steering wheel. The Jensen stereo with Bluetooth gives quality music. Overall, this can be a versatile family fishing vessel of exceptional value.
Lowe Ultra 162 Fish and Cruise
The Ultra 162 FC compact pontoon boat delivers best value both in fishing and cruising. It is of great value for the features that it holds. They feature a rich gel coated console which does not fade, chalk, crack or turn yellow. They have anti feedback steering and a Bimini top. The aft bench seat is comfortable to make your cruising experience memorable.
With the innovative storage spaces, you will never feel short in terms of storage requirements. They also come equipped with cup holders. The Ultra 162 includes an array of options for the serious anglers including bow aerated live well, rod storage, tackle storage, fishing stations, fish finders and much more. They also feature folding bow fishing seats.
Bennington SV18 L-Bench
Rich in character but not in price, the Bennington SV18 is built with comfort in mind. They feature high-quality furniture and a stylish console. There are plenty of storage options, including Sun pad with storage in the rear. They feature L shaped stern lounger. There are twin bow lounge seats. The SV 18 has bamboo vinyl flooring. The Kicker Stereo system, together with the Flush Mount Speakers from Bennington delivers quality audio. The 2 stainless steel portable cup holders come with mesh pocket.
Sunchaser Vista 16 LR
Built for small lakes and rivers, the Sunchaser Vista 16 LR offers comfortable seating options. There are two big lounge seats at the bow and a third big lounge seat at stern. They feature a fiberglass helm console and a Bimini top. The pontoon boat offers SeaWeave flooring. They also feature a 5-step aluminum boarding ladder which is retractable. There can be much more with the additional options. The Vista 16 Fish model comes with a plumbed live well, pedestal mount fishing seats, and features similar to the Vista 16 LR.
Mini Pontoon Boats
Mini pontoon boats are the smallest pontoon boats available in the market with a width below 7′. With approximately a 50 sqft deck area, they are designed to accommodate one or two people and some gear. Some models may not have a motor attached and require use of paddles. Mini pontoon boats cannot be used for watersports, and you have the space to entertain guests. They are usually used by fishing enthusiasts for exploring untouched waters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, small pontoon boats are an excellent choice for boaters seeking versatility, ease of use, and affordability without sacrificing the enjoyment of being on the water. Their compact design makes them easy to maneuver, store, and transport, while still offering the stability and comfort pontoon boats are known for. Perfect for smaller groups, fishing trips, or casual cruising, these boats are ideal for those who want to enjoy boating on lakes, rivers, or other calm waters. For anyone looking to combine simplicity with fun, small pontoon boats are a great option for making the most of your time on the water.
