Pontoons are one of the best boat choices for people really looking to enjoy their time on the water. They're stable, safe, have plenty of space for entertaining friends and family, and they're perfect for sports like waterskiing.

Traditionally, this type of boat had two floats, or pontoons, but now they're also available with three. If you're not an expert, it can be difficult to know what the difference is in practical terms, and which one would be best for you.

While the decision you make shouldn't have too big an impact on your enjoyment, there are a few benefits in picking the right one, especially if you have particular uses in mind. These are the main points that differentiate between the two.

Two-tube pontoon boats

With a float on either side of the boat, double-pontooned boats offer more stability than more traditional boat shapes like yachts. Because of this, any type of pontoon boat will be great for people who want to spend a calm, enjoyable time on the water. As they tend to cost less than boats with three pontoons, they're a good choice for new boat owners who intend to use their new purchase for pleasure cruising or fishing on relatively still waters.

One of the downsides to this type of pontoon boat is that they can move about a fair bit if you go sailing on rougher water. This shouldn't be a problem for the average owner, but it does limit where you can use the boat. They also have limited speed, although they don't exactly crawl along, so you can still use them for water sports.

Three-tube pontoon boats

That extra tube gives a big increase in stability, so getting a triple pontoon boat is the best option if you want to be out on choppy seas. It makes the boat much more able to handle more water movement and still give you a smooth ride.

With three pontoons, you'll also typically get a speed increase and sharper turning, so it's worth looking at if you're a serious water sports enthusiast. Towing someone on water skis will be a lot more fun with the increased power and manoeuvrability. Of course, these benefits might appeal to you simply because they sound enjoyable for the sake of it, and that's fine too.

If you think it will be useful, spending the extra cash for a third tube is well worth it. However, it's also worth thinking about if you can afford it, even if you're a first-time boat owner and unsure of exactly what you need, as it will guarantee your new boat for the future and your possible changing activities. For more information, contact a business such as White Water Marine.