There is an American style of boat emerging on the Australian market that offers big advantages in certain scenarios - the pontoon boat.
While this style of hull is not new, the ways in which they are being designed and fitted out certainly are.They are now well worth considering if you are in the market for a boat in the 16 to 19 foot range for use on lakes, rivers and estuaries.
Pontoon boats are basically made out of two aluminium tubes. The first thing you will notice is that they are far and away the most stable style of craft on the market - they are ridiculously hard to tip for their size.
Pontoon boats also offer a huge amount of deck space because the decks are typically built above the tubes allowing the walking space to continue right up to the outer edges of the craft.
Stability and deck space is why pontoon boats are used on Aussie waterways as hire boats for parties etc.
The problem is all the pontoon boats I've ever seen have been very slow. However I got speaking to owner of Sunshine Cruise Pontoons, Wayne Kennedy, who explained that slow pontoons are a thing of the past, thanks to recent developments in design and construction, which allow them to be fitted with bigger motors.
Pontoons are now popular in the States as a fishing craft, which can also tow the kids around in the ski tube.
Let's look at some specs of the 16 foot Sunshine Pontoon the "Kawana". Compared with a typical mono hull bass or bream boat of the same size these specs are very interesting.
The deck size is a massive 14 feet long by 6 feet wide. It can take up to six people. 40 HP is the maximum allowed and will offer a top speed of about 30kmh with six people aboard. The recommended 25 HP motor will get six people up on the plane. Pretty impressive hey?
Standard features include: marine decking with colour co-ordinated marine carpet. Vinyl furniture. Driver's console with sports steering wheel and double 12-volt plugs for fridges phones etc.
The craft also comes with a rear lounge seat which is used for live bait storage/ice bin. There are various seating arrangements available. Also standard are nav lights, battery, battery box and removable fuel tank.
The craft also has lots of deck storage, plus further underdeck storage. Custom cupboards and other fittings are easily ordered to the anglers liking.
The craft draws a mere 15cm of water and lends itself to electric power on the bow or stern. They are a very fishable craft.
The hull is priced at only $13,950, which is quite competitive for a boat with this much capacity and space. The boat, motor (25 hp 2 Stroke) and trailer package is $20,850 not including delivery.
For more information check out www.sunshinepontoons.com.au or call 07 3888 2666.
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