With their spacious layouts, rugged versatility and triple-hull stability, tri toon boats have soared in popularity with recreational boaters. This guide will cover everything from tri toon types, key features, and buying considerations to tips for safely enjoying your versatile new triple pontoon boat.
What is a Tri Toon Boat?
A tri toon boat, as the name suggests, is a pontoon boat with three separate pontoons or tubes rather than the traditional two. The three pontoons provide unparalleled stability by spreading buoyancy across a wider area.
Tri toon boats come in two main configurations:
- Deck boats – Open layout with bench seats and a raised front deck
- Cruisers – More enclosed cabin and amenities for extended trips
Within these types are models designed specifically for fishing, water sports or just cruising with maximum capacity. Tri-tube pontoon boats have grown in popularity thanks to their versatility, comfort and “step up” features from traditional dual-tube pontoons.
Why Are Tri Toon Boats So Popular?
There are several compelling reasons triple-pontoon boats have taken off:
- Unrivaled stability – The third tube enhances balance and minimizes rocking even when anchored or in choppy water.
- Improved performance – Additional buoyancy allows bigger engines that can plane to higher speeds.
- Supersized capacity – The expansive deck area provides seating/standing room for over a dozen people.
- Luxury features – Leading brands offer high-end fixtures and finishes once only found on fiberglass boats.
- Hybrid versatility – Models like deck boats merge amenities for a pontoon’s comfort and performance approaching fiberglass boats.
For families or groups seeking a highly stable and capacious boat perfect for socializing, watersports or cruising, the tri toon design elegantly meets the need.
Benefits of Owning a Tri Toon Boat
Beyond these advantages, tri toon boats deliver additional benefits:
Family-Friendly Layout
Open floor plans with plentiful seating and safe rails for kids. Some models even have waterslides.
Customizable Options
From layouts to finishes, today’s tri toons allow owners to personalize boats to their style.
Shallow Draft Access
Pontoon hulls draw mere inches, allowing exploring areas off limits to deeper hulls.
Fuel Efficiency
The pontoon design requires far less horsepower and fuel to cruise and plane.
Low Cost of Ownership
Between minimal fuel use and maintenance, tri toons offer excellent value over the long run.
For boaters wanting maximum stability, capacity and family-focused amenities, the advantages of triple pontoons are hard to beat.
Types of Tri Toon Boats
While all share three tubes, there is actually significant variety within tri toon boat models. Here are some of the most popular types:
Deck Boats
The traditional deck boat layout has bench seating up front, in the aft, and along the sides. The raised front deck provides casting space for anglers. Interior space can be customized with various seating, dining and lounging configurations. Most deck boats range from 22 to 28 feet.
Pontoon Cruisers
These pontoons have a more enclosed cabin with creature comforts like a mini kitchen, private stateroom and enclosed head. While still open, cruiser styles transform the pontoon into a mini houseboat for leisurely trips. Lengths range from 22 to over 30 feet.
Fishing Pontoons
Built for anglers, fishing pontoons incorporate elevated casting platforms, baitwells, rod holders and generous fishing space. Lean post seats allow battling big fish. Luxurious models cater to bass and saltwater fishermen with high-end furnishings.
Within each category, builders offer models with varying passenger/gear capacities, engine sizes, and amenities to suit different activities.
Features to Consider When Buying
When shopping for a tri toon, keep these key features in mind:
Size & Capacity
Consider your common group size and needs. More tubes allow bigger boats and passenger capacities above 15.
Performance
Horsepower rating, tube design, and boat length determine speed and planing ability. High performance models can plane in seconds and hit over 30 mph.
Amenities
From Bluetooth stereo systems to cabin comforts, decide which features will enhance the experience for your purposes.
Construction
Aluminum pontoons offer durability and resist corrosion. Higher-end brands tout furniture-grade finishes and fixtures.
Identify must-have features, then find models in your budget that check all the boxes. Don’t overbuy on size or power that exceeds needs.
How to Choose the Right Tri Toon Boat
Follow these steps to select your ideal tri toon for quality and value:
Consider Needs & Budget
Think about how you plan to use the boat (fishing, cruising, watersports) and budget. This will guide needs.
Research Models & Brands
Learn the major brands’ model lines and their standout features. Check reviews and dealer ratings.
Inspect Build Quality
Look closely at welds, hardware, carpeting and furniture at dealers to assess fit and finish.
Take a Test Drive
Ride different models to experience performance abilities, stability and comfort.
Compare Options & Pricing
Choose a shortlist of boats that fit needs, then compare pricing and available features.
Consider Long Term Costs
Factor in ongoing maintenance, winter storage fees and fuel costs, not just sale price.
Following a thorough selection process leads to maximum satisfaction and value from your ideal tri toon.
Tips for Enjoying Your Tri Toon Boat
Once you’ve joined the three-tube pontoon fleet, here are some pointers for safe, fun trips:
Operate Safely
Take a boating safety course. Insist passengers remain seated when underway. Have children wear life jackets. Designate a sober skipper.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Follow the manual for maintenance intervals. Hose pontoons after saltwater use. Wax aluminum annually. Lubricate hinges and steering.
Try Fun Activities
Waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding are all great fun from a tri toon thanks to the stability. Have a blast drifting and swimming from the boarding ladder.
Customize for Comfort
Add bimini tops for shade, extended swim platforms for lounging, or upgraded audio systems to tailor your boat.
Use for Entertaining
With copious seating and open layouts, tri toons are ideal party spots whether for day cruises or anchored gatherings.
Conclusion
With roomy decks, excellent stability and family-friendly amenities, triple pontoon boats are purpose-built fun machines perfect for making memories on the water. If you follow a thorough buying process, a tri toon can provide years of enjoyment at a reasonable cost. Just be sure to operate safely, conduct regular maintenance, and customize the boat for your needs. Soon you’ll discover firsthand the wonderful tri toon lifestyle and why these three-pontoon marvels have become a modern boating sensation!
