A boat expert answer please. what is better a patoon boat or ski boat?

Question

we are renting a boat for 4th of july are original request was a a patoon boat they said ok and were going to give a 7 passanger patoon boat for 5 hrs. they just called and said they had a s***w up so now they are giving a 17ft ski boat. but they are also throwin in a couple of hrs for free same price 200 is this good or should we try for the patoon somewhere else?

Answer 1

Looks like you have your answers, but I will chime in anyway.

Capacity is the primary issue. If you can guarantee that people will sit on shore while the others cruise around in the ski boat, then take the deal. If your group is similar to the people around here, nobody is going to sit on shore, and you will pick up even more people along the way, take the 'toon. Might want to go and search for a 'toon with capacity of 10 or more.

Answer 2

First, make sure to clearly read and understand the terms and conditions of the rental.  Don't forget to ask them about state laws regarding boating licenses or boater education courses, because you might be required to take a legal crash course in boater safety and operation before operating the rental.

Depending on the condition of the lake and other factors, you might want to pay for insurance on the rental if they offer it.  It all depends, so do some research on it before deciding.

Now you need to analyze your needs for renting for on the 4th of July.  Are you taking on 7 passengers or just 3 to 5?  If its a full boat of 7 and you can't rotate the people riding by taking turns, then the ski boat would NOT be a good idea.

A typical 17 ft ski boat will have a most likely have a maximum load limit of 6 persons or 900 pounds.  Gear (fuel, towables, ice chest, etc.) and people aboard cannot exceed 1200 pounds.

So if you have a large crowd, say 7 or more people comming, but you CAN rotate the people riding on the boat.  Then go with the ski boat, especially if they gave you an Inboard/Outboard (uses a regular auto engine converted for marine use) which will save you alot on gas versus an outboard.  

If you are going to try to do some watersports (tube, kneeboarding, skiing, wakeboarding) and renting it, make sure to consult with the marina on what might be available and how much per hour.

Answer 3

Look at it this way - this is for socializing- the pontoon boat is much the better choice- you can barbecue on it, eat watermelons on it have ice chests of cold drinks on it-  the ski boat is limited to no more then 4 people at a time, and that would be crowded. get another rental for the pontoon boat- plus some 17 foot ski boats only have seating for two people.

Answer 4

both of these boats you mention are fairly small for the pleasure boat business...does the company make you pay for a driver? I know some in my town that wont let boats go out without a driver from teh rnetal company...check into it because he/she will count for your total capacity.

I would ask yourself what you plan on doing...you want to put around, and float--sitting with friends?? Then the pontoon boat would be best--they might be slow, but very stable in the water, they hold more people (usually), can have a toilet/BBQ ammentities, etc...you can fish of 'em too, and swim--the down fall is they dont tow well due to being slow.

If you want to curise at a faster speed, covering a lot of water and possibly sking/tubing--then stick with the ski boat. The boat wil be closer quarters with you and your friends & no toilet area on a 17 footer or BBQ...its your choice, 7 people on a 17 footer will be crowded, 7 people on my 21 footer is about enough & feels cramped with ice chests, towels, toys, & kids running around!

be safe...lots of yahoos on the water during this 4th o' July weekend-and too many of them will be drunk.

Answer 5

Depends on what your plans are.If it's cruising the water,fishing ,swimming,etc ,and there are 4 or less people involved,Id go with the ski boat.If there's more than4,I'd look for another pontoon.

Answer 6

I'd say that you've got a great deal on your hands. I've worked at a marina for several years and rented boats to hundreds of people. A seven passenger pontoon is a very small boat. An average pontoon boat can hold ten or more because the pontoons are extremely buoyant. A 17 foot ski boat will hold at least 5 people and possibly as many as 8. The ski boat will be a lot faster and more fun than the pontoon and they're usually a fair bit more expensive to rent than a pontoon. Enjoy your day on the lake!

Answer 7

yeah, it's a pretty good deal, I think I'd be satisfied with a couple hours as compensation for the s***w up.

Do please learn the USCG inland "rules of the road".