When you’re considering purchasing or transporting a pontoon boat, understanding its height on a trailer is crucial. This dimension impacts everything from storage options to transportation, and even the types of roads and bridges you can safely navigate. This article will delve into all the aspects related to the height of a pontoon boat on a trailer, including specifications, transportation considerations, and pricing.
What is a Pontoon Boat?
Pontoon boats are versatile, flat-decked vessels that are ideal for leisure activities such as fishing, cruising, and water sports. They are popular due to their spacious design and stability, making them a favorite for families and groups. Typically, pontoon boats have a large, open deck area that sits atop two or three metal tubes (pontoons), which provide buoyancy.
Standard Height of a Pontoon Boat
The height of a pontoon boat can vary based on the model, make, and any additional accessories or modifications. On average:
- Deck Height: The deck of a pontoon boat is usually about 2.5 to 3 feet above the waterline.
- Overall Height (with bimini top collapsed): Most pontoon boats range from 6 to 8 feet in height when the bimini top is collapsed.
- Overall Height (with bimini top up): With the bimini top up, the height can extend to approximately 10 to 12 feet.
Height of a Pontoon Boat on a Trailer
The height of a pontoon boat when it’s mounted on a trailer is a critical consideration for transport and storage. When calculating the overall height, you need to consider:
- Trailer Height: The height of the trailer itself typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 feet.
- Boat Height: Adding the boat’s height (with the bimini top collapsed) to the trailer height gives you the overall height.
- Tower Height (if applicable): Some pontoon boats are equipped with wakeboard towers or other structures, which can significantly increase the overall height. These can add an additional 4 to 6 feet to the height.
Example Calculation:
- Pontoon Boat Height (Collapsed Bimini): 7 feet
- Trailer Height: 2 feet
- Total Height: 7 + 2 = 9 feet
For boats with towers or other structures:
- Pontoon Boat Height (Collapsed Bimini): 7 feet
- Tower Height: 5 feet
- Trailer Height: 2 feet
- Total Height: 7 + 5 + 2 = 14 feet
Transportation Considerations
When towing a pontoon boat on a trailer, the height of the boat and trailer combined is an important factor. Here are some things to consider:
- Road Clearance: Ensure that the combined height is under the legal limit for road travel. In the U.S., the maximum legal height is generally 13.5 to 14 feet, but this can vary by state.
- Bridge and Overpass Clearance: Always be aware of the height of bridges and overpasses on your route to avoid accidents.
- Storage: The height will also impact where you can store your boat. Garages, boat sheds, and other storage facilities must have enough clearance to accommodate the boat on its trailer.
Price and Specifications of Pontoon Trailers
The cost of a pontoon trailer can vary based on the size, material, and brand. Here are some general price ranges and specifications:
Single-Axle Trailers: Ideal for smaller pontoons (up to 20 feet). Prices range from $1,500 to $3,000.
- Height: Usually adds around 2 feet to the total height.
- Weight Capacity: Up to 3,500 lbs.
Tandem-Axle Trailers: Suitable for larger pontoons (up to 28 feet). Prices range from $3,500 to $6,000.
- Height: Typically adds 2 to 2.5 feet to the total height.
- Weight Capacity: Up to 7,000 lbs.
Triple-Axle Trailers: Used for the largest pontoons (30+ feet). Prices start around $6,000 and can go up to $10,000 or more.
- Height: Adds about 2.5 feet to the total height.
- Weight Capacity: Up to 10,000 lbs.
Additional Considerations
- Custom Trailers: For those with unique requirements, custom trailers can be designed to accommodate specific boat dimensions, including height.
- Storage Considerations: If you plan to store your boat in a garage or under a carport, ensure the structure’s height is sufficient for the total height of the boat on the trailer.
- Trailer Accessories: Consider adding accessories like trailer guides, winches, and lighting, which may impact the overall height slightly but improve the ease of use and safety.
Conclusion
Understanding the height of your pontoon boat on a trailer is essential for safe transportation and storage. By considering the boat’s specifications, trailer height, and potential additional structures like towers, you can ensure your boat travels safely and fits in your chosen storage location. When purchasing a trailer, be sure to consider the type that best suits your boat’s size and weight, and always check local regulations regarding maximum allowable height for road travel.
Investing in the right trailer not only protects your boat but also ensures a smooth and hassle-free boating experience. Whether you’re heading to the lake for a weekend or storing your boat for the off-season, knowing these details will save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road.
Happy Boating!
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