What is the height of the pontoon sitting on the trailer?

Discover the height of a pontoon boat on a trailer, factors affecting it, and tips for safe storage and transport. Ensure clearance with our guide.

Pontoon boats are a popular choice for recreational boating, offering spacious decks, comfortable seating, and versatility for family outings or fishing trips. However, one critical aspect of owning a pontoon boat is understanding its height when placed on a trailer. This measurement is essential for safe transportation, storage, and compliance with local regulations regarding bridge clearances and road restrictions. Typically, a pontoon boat on a trailer ranges from 8 to 10 feet in height, but this can vary based on several factors such as the boat’s design, trailer type, and accessories like the Bimini top. This article provides an in-depth exploration of pontoon boat heights, offering practical advice for owners to ensure safe towing and storage.

Why Pontoon Boat Height Matters

Knowing the exact height of your pontoon boat on a trailer is crucial for several reasons:

• Safe Transportation: Low bridges, overpasses, and tunnels have height restrictions that must be adhered to. Incorrect height measurements can lead to accidents or damage to the boat.
• Storage Solutions: Whether storing your boat in a garage, shed, or commercial storage facility, the height determines if it will fit through the door and inside the space.
• Legal Compliance: Many regions have legal height limits for vehicles and trailers on public roads, typically around 13.5 feet in the U.S. Exceeding these limits can result in fines or restrictions.
• Trailer Selection: The trailer’s design impacts the overall height, affecting how the boat sits and whether it meets your storage or towing needs.

This guide will break down the factors influencing pontoon boat height, provide real-world examples, and offer actionable tips for measuring and managing height effectively.

Factors Influencing Pontoon Boat Height on a Trailer

Several elements contribute to the overall height of a pontoon boat on a trailer. Understanding these factors helps owners make informed decisions about towing, storage, and modifications.

1. Boat Design and Structure

The design of the pontoon boat itself is a primary determinant of height. Key components include:

• Pontoons and Deck: The pontoons (the cylindrical floats supporting the boat) and the deck form the base height. Pontoon boats typically have a low profile compared to other boat types, but the deck height varies by model and size. For example, a 21-foot tri-toon (three pontoons) may have a slightly different deck height than a 25-foot dual-pontoon model due to structural differences.
• Railings and Furniture: Railings, seating, and other deck features add to the height. Higher railings or elevated captain’s chairs can increase the overall profile.
• Hull Type: Pontoon boats typically have multi-hulled designs, which provide stability but can affect how the boat sits on a trailer. Tri-toons, with an additional pontoon, may sit slightly higher due to their construction.

2. Bimini Top Configuration

The Bimini top, a canvas canopy providing shade, is often the highest point on a pontoon boat. Its position significantly affects the total height:

• Travel Position: In the “travel” or “lowest secured” position, the Bimini top is partially folded but secured to prevent movement during towing. For example, a 21-foot tri-toon with a Bimini in the travel position was reported to measure 8 feet 6 inches tall on a tandem axle trailer.
• Fully Lowered: When fully collapsed, the Bimini top rests closer to the deck, potentially reducing the height by several inches. However, some owners avoid storing or towing with the Bimini fully down, as it may rest on the sundeck or furniture, risking damage.
• Raised Position: When fully raised, the Bimini top can add 2 to 4 feet to the height, making it impractical for towing or storage under low clearances.

The ability to adjust the Bimini top’s height, such as shortening its struts, can help owners fit their boats into tighter spaces like a 10-foot garage door.

3. Trailer Design

The trailer’s construction plays a significant role in determining the overall height:

• Bunk-Style Trailers: These trailers use adjustable bunks to support the boat’s pontoons. The height of the bunks, frame, and tongue can raise or lower the boat’s position. Bunk trailers are common for pontoon boats and allow customization to fit specific models.
• Scissor Trailers: Scissor trailers have a lower ground clearance, reducing the overall height of the boat-trailer combination. However, they may not be suitable for all pontoon boats, especially larger models.
• Tire Size and Axle Configuration: Larger trailer tires or a tandem axle design can increase the height by several inches. For instance, a tandem axle trailer may add 4 to 8 inches compared to a single axle trailer.
• Custom Trailers: Some owners, like one who built a custom trailer for a 25-foot Bennington, achieve lower heights (e.g., fitting under an 8-foot opening) by modifying the trailer’s frame or suspension.

Trailer manufacturers can vary, and even boats of the same model may sit differently on trailers from different brands, leading to height variations of up to 8 inches.

4. Accessories and Add-Ons

Additional features on the pontoon boat can increase its height:

• Navigation Lights: These are often mounted on poles and may extend above the Bimini top when raised. Owners must lower them before towing to avoid clearance issues.
• Audio Systems and Towers: Upgraded audio systems, like the Roswell sub, amp, and speaker package on a 2019 Bennington RSRC 25, or wakeboard towers on sportier models, can add height.
• Radar or Antennas: While less common on pontoon boats, radar domes or antennas on larger models can significantly increase the height, sometimes up to 14 feet for a 30-foot boat.

5. Environmental and Positioning Factors

The environment and how the boat is positioned on the trailer can also affect height:

• Sloped Surfaces: A sloped driveway or uneven ground can tilt the trailer, altering the measured height. Always measure on a level surface for accuracy.
• Load Distribution: Improper loading, such as an uneven weight distribution, can cause the boat to sit higher or lower at the bow or stern.

Typical Heights of Pontoon Boats on Trailers

Based on real-world reports and general data, pontoon boats on trailers typically range from 8 to 10 feet in height. Below are specific examples from pontoon boat owners:

• 21-Foot Tri-Toon: A 21-foot tri-toon SPS on a tandem axle trailer with the Bimini in the travel position measured 8 feet 6 inches.
• 22-Foot Pontoon: A 2018 Bennington 22SSXAPG with the Bimini fully folded down was approximately 9.5 feet tall.
• 25-Foot Pontoon: A 25-foot Bennington on a standard trailer was reported to fit under a 12-foot RV shed with room to stand, suggesting a height of around 9 to 10 feet. Another owner with a custom trailer fit a 25-foot model under an 8-foot opening.

The following table summarizes average heights for pontoon boats and other common boat types on trailers for comparison:

Chart: Factors Affecting Pontoon Boat Height

To visualize the factors contributing to pontoon boat height, the following Mermaid chart illustrates the relationships between key components:

This chart highlights how each factor contributes to the overall height and how they interrelate, helping owners identify areas for adjustment.

Measuring Your Pontoon Boat’s Height

Accurate measurement is critical to ensure your pontoon boat fits under bridges and into storage spaces. Follow these steps to measure the height:

1. Park on a Level Surface: Ensure the trailer is on flat ground to avoid skewed measurements.
2. Identify the Highest Point: Determine the tallest part of the boat, typically the Bimini top (in travel or lowered position) or navigation light.
3. Measure from Ground to Highest Point: Use a tape measure or laser measurer from the ground to the highest point, including any accessories.
4. Account for Trailer Components: Include the trailer’s frame, tires, and tongue height in your measurement.
5. Add a Safety Buffer: Add 2 to 2.5 feet to your measurement to account for potential errors or road obstacles like uneven pavement.

For example, if the boat’s deck is 3 feet above the trailer, the Bimini top in the travel position adds 5 feet, and the trailer’s frame and tires contribute 1.5 feet, the total height is 9.5 feet. Adding a 2-foot buffer suggests a clearance need of 11.5 feet.

Bimini Top Management for Towing and Storage

The Bimini top is a critical factor in pontoon boat height management. Here’s how to handle it effectively:

• Travel Position: Most manufacturers, like Bennington, design Bimini tops to be towed in the travel position, where the canopy is partially folded and secured. This position balances height reduction with protection for the canopy and deck. For a 25-foot Bennington, this typically results in a height of 8.5 to 9.5 feet.
• Fully Lowered: Lowering the Bimini top completely can reduce the height by 6 to 12 inches, depending on the model. However, owners like BamaAF note that laying the Bimini on the sundeck for storage may cause wear or damage, making it less ideal for long-term storage.
• Modifications: Shortening Bimini struts by 1 to 2 inches, as suggested by the-little-B, can lower the height enough to fit under a 10-foot garage door. Consult with a professional or the manufacturer to ensure modifications maintain structural integrity.

When towing, always secure the Bimini top to prevent it from flapping or detaching, which could cause damage or create a safety hazard.

Storage Considerations

Storing a pontoon boat requires careful planning to ensure it fits within your garage, shed, or storage facility.

Garage and Shed Dimensions

• Standard Garage Doors: In the U.S., garage doors typically range from 9 to 12 feet in height and 16 to 18 feet in width. A 10-foot door may accommodate most pontoon boats with the Bimini in the travel position, but a 12-foot door is safer for larger models or those with raised accessories.
• RV Sheds: An RV shed with a 12-foot clearance, as mentioned by BamaAF, can comfortably house a 25-foot pontoon with room to spare.
• Custom Storage: If your boat exceeds standard garage heights, consider a custom-built shed or a commercial storage facility. Peer-to-peer storage platforms like Neighbor offer affordable options for boat storage, allowing you to find spaces that meet specific height requirements.

Local Regulations

Check local zoning laws and homeowners’ association (HOA) rules for boat storage on your property. Some areas restrict outdoor storage or require boats to be covered or stored indoors. Commercial storage facilities often have height limits, so confirm the clearance before renting.

Navigating Low Bridges and Overpasses

Safe navigation under low bridges and overpasses requires precise height knowledge and careful planning:

1. Calculate Total Height: Add the boat’s height (from the deck to the highest point) to the trailer’s height (from the ground to the boat’s deck). For example, a 25-foot pontoon with a 4-foot deck height and a 5.5-foot Bimini in the travel position on a 1.5-foot trailer totals 11 feet.
2. Check Bridge Clearances: Research bridge heights along your route using navigation apps or state transportation department resources. Ensure your total height, plus a 2-foot buffer, is less than the bridge clearance.
3. Drive Cautiously: Approach bridges at a slow, idle speed to assess clearance and avoid sudden stops. Be aware of road conditions that may alter the trailer’s height, such as potholes or inclines.

Case Study: Bennington Pontoon Boats

Bennington, a leading pontoon boat manufacturer, offers models like the 2019 RSRC 25 and 25QSB, as mentioned by users Capman, RodEarl74, and joecfd1. These boats, equipped with features like the ESP package, Suzuki or Mercury engines, and curved Bimini tops with LED lighting, are popular among pontoon owners. Here’s a closer look at their reported heights:

• 2019 Bennington RSRC 25: Capman, a new owner, was concerned about fitting this 25-foot model with a Suzuki 350 engine into a 10-foot garage door. Community feedback suggested a height of 8.5 to 9.5 feet with the Bimini in the travel position, likely fitting but requiring precise measurement.
• 2018 Bennington 25QSB: RodEarl74 reported towing this model with dual curved Bimini tops in the travel position, noting it appeared tall relative to the tow vehicle, suggesting a height close to 10 feet.
• Custom Trailer Solution: Joecfd1 fit a 25-foot Bennington into an 8-foot opening by building a custom trailer, demonstrating that trailer modifications can significantly reduce height.

Specifications and Pricing (Bennington Example)

For context, here are approximate specifications for a 25-foot Bennington pontoon (based on typical models like the RSRC or QSB):

Note: Prices are approximate and can vary based on customizations, dealer pricing, and market conditions. For accurate pricing, visit a Bennington dealer or https://www.benningtonmarine.com.

Solutions for Height Challenges

If your pontoon boat is too tall for your storage space or local clearances, consider these solutions:

• Adjust the Bimini Top: Lower the Bimini to its fully collapsed position or modify its struts to reduce height.
• Choose a Low-Profile Trailer: Opt for a scissor trailer or a custom-built trailer to lower the boat’s position.
• Remove Accessories: Temporarily remove navigation lights, antennas, or other tall accessories before towing or storage.
• Alternative Storage: Use platforms like Neighbor to find storage facilities with higher clearances or outdoor options that comply with local regulations.
• Measure and Plan Routes: Always measure your boat’s height and plan routes to avoid low bridges or overpasses.

Conclusion

The height of a pontoon boat on a trailer, typically ranging from 8 to 10 feet, is influenced by the boat’s design, Bimini top position, trailer type, and accessories. Accurate measurement and understanding of these factors are essential for safe towing, storage, and compliance with regulations. By following the steps outlined—measuring carefully, adjusting the Bimini top, selecting an appropriate trailer, and planning routes—owners can avoid clearance issues and protect their investment. Whether you’re a new pontoon owner like Capman or an experienced boater, this guide provides the tools to manage your boat’s height effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average height of a pontoon boat on a trailer?

The average height ranges from 8 to 10 feet, depending on the boat model, trailer design, and Bimini top position.

Can I tow a pontoon boat with the Bimini top fully lowered?

Yes, but it may rest on the sundeck or furniture, risking damage. The travel position is recommended for towing.

How do I measure my pontoon boat’s height on a trailer?

Measure from the ground to the highest point (usually the Bimini top or navigation light) on a level surface, adding a 2-foot buffer for safety.

What if my pontoon boat is too tall for my garage?

Consider lowering the Bimini top, using a low-profile trailer, or finding alternative storage through platforms like Neighbor.

Are there legal height limits for towing a pontoon boat?

yes, most U.S. states have a maximum height limit of 13.5 feet for vehicles and trailers on public roads. Check local regulations.

Happy Boating!

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