By: Olivia Hudak on April 5th, 2023

Pontoon Versus V Hull (Know the Differences)

Learning about all the different kinds of boats can be quite overwhelming. As there are so many different boats out there, how do you know which will be best for you and your family? That’s why you’re here. To learn about these different kinds of boats and understand which is the best fit.

Most recreational boats will fall into one of two categories. These categories include pontoon boats and v-hull boats. Many brands of boats fall into these two categories.

With so many boats falling into one of these two categories, what separates them? What makes these two categories so defining? What are the features that consistently vary between the two? How do the activities I want to do determine which boat will be better for me?

These are the questions this article will answer. It will help clear any confusion between the two different boat types and help you come to a conclusion about which is the better option for you.

The Style and Build

One separating factor between the two categories of boats is the style of the boats. The style and construction between pontoon boats and v-hull boats vary quite a bit. If you’ve ever seen these boats, I’m sure there are several aspects you can point out on your own.

To start, the hull. Pontoons are crafted with 2-3 aluminum toons that carry the boat across the water. V hull boats have a fiberglass hull shaped like a V. Now, the exact shape of a v hull varies among manufacturers and kinds of boats.

Typically (not always), pontoons have aluminum rails that enclose the interior of the boat. V hull boats are typically enclosed by a fiberglass exterior that creates the shape of the hull. Both are great for boating but have different looks and purposes.

Because v-hull boats are built inside the hull shape of the boat, the seating is often positioned close to the water line. This helps the boat perform how it’s supposed to. Pontoons have seating much higher up since the platform sits above the toons.

If you see these two very different boats going across the water, you’ll be able to notice these differences. It all comes down to what you prefer and what kind of boat works better for your lifestyle.

Space and Layout

Next, let’s look at the difference in the space and layout between the two. Pontoons are a great option for those looking to entertain guests. There is a lot of deck space on these boats making them comfortable for larger groups.

However, there are plenty of v-hull boats that can entertain guests as well. It comes down to what you feel most comfortable in. The layouts are much different and utilize the space for different things.

Pontoon decks are set above the aluminum toons. This allows the entire deck to be on the same level and well above the waterline. Having all the seating on the same level and no separation from the bow and stern makes conversation easy and comfortable.

Oftentimes, the seating on a pontoon is very comfortable for all seating positions. Especially since you can choose a floor plan that works best for you and your family. V hull boats are a little different in the aspect of space and layout.

V hull boats are set down below the rub rail on the boat. Essentially, the seating area is in the hull of the boat. This makes things a little less spacious than on a pontoon.

These boats typically have a separate bow seating area. This is to protect the stern of the boat from splashing water, but it does separate those sitting in the front quite a bit. This isn’t a big deal if you don’t have a full boat often. If you plan on having a big group on the boat a lot, you will want to consider this.

Both boats utilize space differently by crafting different layouts to fit their specialization. Check out both options for yourself to see which one you can see yourself owning. You can check out how the space is used and how the layout will affect you and your group of boaters.

Activities

Pontoons and v-hull boats have several differences. The reason for this is largely based on the activities you can do with the boats. Pontoons are known for being versatile when it comes to activities.

Pontoons are very versatile meaning you can do a lot of different water sports behind one. There are only a few that cannot be done behind a pontoon. Some popular water sports you can do behind a pontoon include tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and foiling. You can also fish on pontoons.

It is important to note that though pontoons can be great for many water sports, surfing is very dangerous. This is because pontoons are built with outboard motors so surfing behind one is extremely dangerous and, in many states, illegal. It should never be attempted.

If you enjoy a leisurely water sport a couple of times a year, a pontoon is perfect for you. Because of how versatile these boats are, they are not specialized for any of these sports. Some v-hull boats are more specialized for these activities.

You can find a v-hull boat that is built specifically for water skiing, wakeboarding and surfing, fishing, and more. When a boat is specialized for one of these activities, it’s not always easy to use it for another activity.

For example, if you have a wakeboard/surf boat, skiing behind it will likely be difficult. Although possible, it’s not always the best way to enjoy the sport. If you want a more versatile boat, a pontoon is a great option. If you want a specialized boat, a v hull is going to be your best choice.

Ride and Handling

Now that you probably have an idea of which boat is better for you and your family. Let’s get into what kind of handling to expect from these different kinds of boats. Because of the construction of a pontoon versus a v hull, the ride is quite different.

Pontoons sit on top of the water and because of this, they glide over most chop effortlessly. This makes for a very smooth and easy ride. Features such as the toons, wave tamers, and nosecones on pontoons help to reduce chop while on the water.

V hulls are built to cut through the water. Since they don’t glide right over the water, they are not always as smooth as pontoons. They are typically built to be fast and to create a wake of some sort. This shape of the hull causes the chop to be felt a bit more while riding inside the boat.

Every single boat will be a little different on the water. It is always good to test drive a certain boat before purchasing to know exactly what it will be like on the water. No matter whether it is a pontoon or a v hull, different boats will vary at least a little bit.

Which Boat is for You?

Pontoons and v-hull boats vary quite a bit. From the way they are constructed to the activities possible. Picking between one or the other can be quite simple if you look at the differences between the two.

When choosing, it is always helpful to talk to experts. Whether that be a salesperson at a local dealership or a friend who has experience with both. Having an idea of the differences between the two kinds of boats will help you navigate your way into the perfect boat.