How stable is a pontoon boat on big lakes?

Question

I want to buy a pontoon boat, but I have not seen any on Lake Michigan. Can a pontoon withstand the potential waters of a great lake?

Answer 1

Pontoons are not made for heavy seas.  Even 3-4 footers can damage the railings.  The intent of these boats is to act as floating patios for relaxing cruises on calmer lakes and rivers.  The pontoons are held together with aluminum stingers, and they are not built to take great lakes waves.  You're better off considering a 22' or larger deck boat, if you want to take many people out.

Answer 2

It depends on how big the pontoon is, if its small it can get bumped and thrashed by large waves. So I would not recomend to take a pontoon on a great lake or if you do try to find a calmer  

part of the lake. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

very stable

Answer 4

I boat in the Thousand Islands and Lake Ontario.  There are many pontoon boats up here, but they are used mostly in the bays.  They are good in the open lake on calmer days when waves are less than 3 or 4 ft.  When you get into the 6 ft and over waves, they are stable but the water will frequently come in over the floor .   If you do decide to get one, go for a minimum of 24 ft with 3 pontoons and use common sense.  Don't go out if it's blowing hard, or if you are out on the open lake and the waves start to build up,  head for safe harbor.