The Midwest—from Missouri’s Truman Lake to the Ozarks and beyond—is a boater’s paradise of calm lakes and winding rivers. It’s no surprise that the pontoon boat has become the reigning champion of our waters.
At Midwest Marine Boats in Grandview, MO, we see families every day who are considering joining the pontoon life. They’re looking for a vessel that can handle family fun, fishing trips, and leisurely cruises. If you’re weighing the decision, this complete guide breaks down the key pros and cons of owning a pontoon boat in the heartland.
The Pros: Why Pontoons Are Perfect for the Midwest
Pontoon boats offer a unique blend of stability, comfort, and versatility that makes them an ideal choice for the inland lakes and reservoirs found throughout Missouri and the wider Midwest.
1. Unmatched Space and Comfort
This is the #1 benefit of owning a pontoon boat. Unlike V-hull boats, a pontoon’s flat, wide deck provides a massive, stable platform.
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Entertaining: You can comfortably host large groups for social gatherings, lake picnics, and sunset cruises.
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Luxury Seating: Pontoons feature plush, L-shaped lounges and high-quality furniture, feeling more like a floating living room than a boat.
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Accessibility: The high railings and wide, level deck make boarding and moving around easy for all ages—from toddlers to grandparents, and even your four-legged friends!
2. Exceptional Versatility for Any Activity
The modern pontoon is the ultimate multi-tool for the water. Whether your perfect day involves casting a line or towing a tube, a pontoon can do it.
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Cruising and Lounging: Their smooth, stable ride is perfect for leisurely tours of the lake.
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Watersports: With a powerful enough engine and a tritoon (three-pontoon) package, you can easily tow wakeboards, skis, and tubes.
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Fishing: Many models are custom-outfitted with fishing chairs, livewells, and rod holders, offering a spacious, stable platform for anglers.
3. Stable and Smooth Ride
Thanks to their twin or triple-tube design, pontoon boats distribute their weight evenly, offering a remarkably stable and smooth ride on the common chop of a busy Midwestern lake. They rarely rock or pitch like smaller V-hulls, which keeps everyone on board more comfortable.
4. Low Maintenance and Easy Ownership
Pontoon maintenance is often simpler and less expensive compared to other boat types.
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Easy to Clean: The durable aluminum hull and vinyl decking can typically be cleaned quickly with a hose-down.
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Outboard Engines: Pontoons almost exclusively use outboard engines, which are easier to access for routine service, maintenance, and essential winterization.
The Cons: What to Consider Before You Buy
While the advantages are significant, no boat is perfect for every lifestyle. It’s important to understand the trade-offs of pontoon ownership.
1. Slower Speeds and Handling
Compared to a traditional runabout or ski boat, a standard pontoon is not built for high-speed thrills.
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Max Speed: Basic pontoons are best for cruising. While performance tritoons can reach faster speeds, they generally can’t match the top-end speed of a dedicated ski or speed boat.
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Maneuverability: Due to their wide, flat bottom, pontoons have a wider turning radius, which can make docking in tight marina slips more challenging for beginners.
2. Limited Rough Water Performance
The Midwest is known for calm inland waters, but bad weather can pop up quickly.
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Choppy Water: While stable in light chop, a pontoon’s flat hull is less effective at cutting through large waves. If you plan to boat on large, open bodies of water prone to high winds and big wakes, you must be vigilant about checking the forecast.
3. Storage and Towing Challenges
Their biggest asset—their spacious deck—can also be a drawback when the boat is out of the water.
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Size: Pontoons are wide and long. Finding adequate storage, whether at a marina or in your own yard in the winter, can require more space and planning than a smaller boat.
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Trailering: Due to their width, you’ll need a suitable truck and a specialized pontoon trailer. While this isn’t a huge factor for local lakes, it’s something to consider if you plan on long-distance towing.
4. Winterization is Non-Negotiable
As with all boats in the Midwest, proper winterization is essential to protect your investment from freezing temperatures. This isn’t a unique pontoon drawback, but it is an annual cost and service you must factor into your budget.
Final Verdict: Is a Pontoon Right for You?
Pontoon boats excel at what Midwestern boaters value most: spending quality time with family and friends on the water.
If your ideal boating day involves:
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Comfortably hosting a large group.
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Fishing, swimming, and leisurely cruising.
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A stable platform for all ages.
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Easier maintenance and cleanup.
…then the benefits of owning a pontoon boat heavily outweigh the drawbacks for your Midwest boating lifestyle.
Come talk to the experts at Midwest Marine Boats in Grandview, MO! We have a wide selection of pontoon and tritoon models to match your family’s needs and help you get out on the water this season.
Ready to find your perfect pontoon?
Contact Midwest Marine Boats in Grandview, MO, today to schedule a walk-through or learn more about our current inventory!
