Two Tube Vs Three Tube Pontoon

For those who are veteran boating people, pontoon boats are a common word in their dictionary. The uninitiated may, however, wonder what this means. For the sake of you newbies out there, a pontoon boat is merely a flat-bottomed deck boat which may be used for leisure or fishing or both. There is an ongoing debate on two tubes vs. three tube pontoon boats. But before we go into the finer details of these deck boats, make a quick study of both these types of pontoon boats or ‘pontoons’ as we commonly call them.

A Brief History of the Pontoon Boat

Some of the most significant inventions of our times come from fundamental ideas. Just over 60 years ago, an American farmer named Ambrose Weeres hit upon an idea for a family-friendly boat. Not highly-educated, Weeres was smart at making things work. He used the concept that applied to pontoon devices for thousands of years. However, the way he fixed welded steel drums to a wooden platform became the model of the modern pontoon boat.

The initial design involved two pontoons of oil drums fixed to a platform, topped by a plywood deck and a wooden railing. The engine power came from a small outboard motor. Weere’s found the steering system to be a challenge. He solved the issue by providing a vertical stick at the front of the boat — this stick connected with two lines connected to the engine. By leaning the stick to the left or right, the propellers would also move in the respective direction, thus steering the boat.

Weere’s new boat was a progression on the existing flimsy fishing boats seen around the lakes. His pontoon boat had better balance, with a much higher deck which eliminated the issue of taking on water. He soon figured out that being in the land of 10,000 lakes, he could share his invention elsewhere. Weere’s small shop soon became called “Weere’s Pontoons” with the huge number of orders pouring in. He came to be called the “Pontoon Man.”

The Later Years

In 1957, brothers, Ernie and Pete Harris started manufacturing pontoons and went on to form the iconic company, Harris FloteBote. The company revolutionized the industry by introducing upholstered seats on their pontoon boats in the 1960s.

Other companies followed like Bennington Pontoons, Berkshire Pontoons, and Aqua Patio which are the leading names today along with, of course, Harris. Today, the market is inundated with companies that each offer a unique performance package of engines and boats.

The Modern Pontoon Boat

Pontoon boats advanced far from the rudimentary models of the 1950s and 1960s. The market is very competitive, with each company offering all sorts of luxury pontoon boats. Ambrose Weere’s oil barrels have long since been replaced by ‘tubes’ which are hollow sealed pipes longitudinally fixed. Pontoon boats are categorized into two groups, two tubes, and three tube pontoons. The tube pontoon has come a long way from Weer’s oil barrel pontoons! So, let’s take a closer look at Two Tube Vs. Three Tube Pontoon boats and pontoon boats 101.

The Two Tube Pontoon

This is the classic model of tube pontoons which runs on minimum horsepower. The traditional two-tube pontoon is both maneuverable and stable and can be used for a perfect day of cruising or fishing. Although not built for speed, these two-tube boats are ideal for you if you aren’t in a hurry to reach somewhere fast.

An enhanced model of two tube pontoons exists fitted with lifting strakes. The strakes are fixed on the outside and inside of the tubes. The effect is that the boat gets partially lifted out of the water while running, enhancing the speed, somewhat. This attachment can increase to speed by up to 25%.

Three Tube Pontoon

As the name suggests, this has three tubes. Triple tubers offer better performance with better handling and stability as well as higher cruising speeds. The carrying capacity of this type of pontoon boat is also more. Three tube pontoons are ideal for water sports like skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. These boats are stable with higher speed even in choppy water due to the center tube.

Two Tube Vs. Three Tube Pontoon Boats – Pros and Cons

There is a distinct difference in Two Tube Vs. Three Tube Pontoon boats. Let us use this difference to identify the pros and cons of either type:

Pros of Two-Tube Pontoon Boats

Traditional two-tube pontoons are suitable for a stable ride if you aren’t in a hurry and you just cruise in calm water.

The two tube pontoon is capable of carrying a good number of passengers – typically 8 to 20 people.

Two tube pontoon boats are also good for fishing and if you want to do a bit of swimming in the middle of the lake.

Two tube pontoons are long-lasting – you will be able to see some two tube pontoons as old as 20 years.

As these boats are lighter, you get better fuel economy than two-tube pontoons.

A two-tube pontoon is cheaper than a three-tube pontoon boat – save you spending extra money. You can get some excellent deals on two-tube pontoons if you shop around a bit.

Cons of Two Tube Pontoons

These boats are less stable than three-tube pontoons in choppy waters. In fact, water can splash onto the deck if just traveling in the wake of some bigger boats. The constant bobbing up and down can also prove to be uncomfortable.

You may have to compromise on speed a bit. Due to the limitations of the frame, you may not be able to install very powerful engines.

Newbies may find a two-tube pontoon somewhat tricky to handle if the water gets a bit choppy due to rough weather or riding the wakes of bigger vessels.

Pros of Three tube Pontoons

Three-tube pontoon boats or ‘tritoons,’ typically carry more people than a two-tube pontoon boat. The average three tube pontoon can take 14 to 25 passengers comfortably.

The center tubes of these boats make them better than monohull boats regarding stability, reducing water intake with better cruising speed.

The two tube pontoon boat is available with customized performance packages.

You get a smoother ride in choppy water at better speeds than a two tube pontoon with higher horsepower engines.

Due to the higher speed of a three-tube pontoon, these faster pontoon boats are suitable for waterskiing, tubing, and other similar watersports.

A little more speed of the three tube pontoon boat also helps to move from one fishing spot to another quickly in rough waters. This is especially convenient in deep-sea fishing in rougher waters where you waste time with a smaller boat.

Cons of Three Tube Pontoons

A three-tube pontoon is not very easy to maneuver in tight corners.

You need a larger trailer to transport three tube pontoons. You may also have to install unique braking systems in the trailer.

These boats need a relatively larger storage space than the two tube boats if they need to be stored during the winter months.

Due to being bigger and more complex in structure, a three tube pontoon is more expensive than a two tube one.

Special Requirements for Three-Tube Pontoons

Before you go in for the three-tube option, there are a few facts that you need to keep in mind:

1. Larger Trailer

You will need a larger trailer which is mainly designed to accommodate the third, middle tube.

2. Braking System

Due to the larger boat size, the braking system of the tow vehicle should be reliable. Check the load-bearing specifications of the vehicle that is to tow the trailer before setting out.

3. Difference in Maneuverability

If you have previously operated a two-tube pontoon, you will notice a marked contrast with the three-tube variety. This is especially obvious when while sailing in crowded waters in a public dock. This takes some getting used to, so you need to be ready for facing this situation the first time off.

4. Wider Dock Space

Some pontoon manufacturers like the Bennington Pontoon Boats have 10 foot wide versions for some tritoon models so you may need more dock space for a three-tube pontoon. If you are planning to book dock space for the entire season, then you need to plan in advance. The larger size between a three-tube against a two-tube pontoon is the length. So, factor this while booking dock space for larger boats.

5. Storage Space

If you live in a region with frigid winters and need to store your boat onshore, this is also an important consideration. Three-tube pontoons occupy more space than two-tube pontoons. You don’t want a problematic situation to arise due to larger sizes. For instance, the garage where you stored your boat last year is too small for your new three tube pontoon.

The Final Verdict: Two Tube Vs Three Tube Pontoon Boats

We now come to the conclusion of this somewhat engaging topic about these two categories of boats. Here’s a summary of the case in Two Tube Vs Three Tube Pontoon for each group:

A two-tube ponton boat is ideal for sailing in calm waters where there is a low volume of traffic.

You can also use a two-tube pontoon where speed is not a criterion.

A two-tube pontoon is a cheaper option, so if you aren’t looking for added features, you can save a lot of money.

A three-tube pontoon boat is faster, more stable due to better weight distribution, bigger, and also more expensive.

You need a three-tube pontoon in case you want to use it for water sport in rougher water.

The additional advantages of a three-tube pontoon are undisputed if you can afford it and you need the added features.

The Bottom Line

So, the bottom line here is all about individual requirements in Two Tube Vs Three Tube Pontoon Boats. Westshore Marine specializes in both two and three tube pontoon boats and offers a large selection of each model in any colour you can imagine. If your looking at adding one to your to your fleet for the family we can help. As we have seen and sold, each category of a boat has its own set of pros and cons we are a great resource. We also offer great flexibility with pontoon power you can choose between Yamaha, Mercury, Evinrude, Suzuki outboards.For more information on pontoon boats or fishing boats contact us or just talk to us live with our 24 hour live chat.