Small Fishing Pontoon Boat: Pros and Cons for Solo Anglers & Tight Budgets
You’re scrolling through boat listings at 2 AM, coffee in hand, wondering if a compact pontoon could actually handle your fishing style without draining your bank account.
Why Small Pontoon Boats Are Having a Moment
The fishing boat market is shifting. While everyone used to chase bigger boats with more horsepower, there’s a growing crowd of anglers who’ve figured out something smart: small pontoon boats (16-20 feet) offer serious advantages that larger boats just can’t match. We’re talking about lower costs, easier handling, access to shallow water, and the ability to launch almost anywhere.
I’ve watched this trend explode over the past three years. Small pontoons aren’t just for beginners anymore—seasoned anglers are downsizing because they’ve realized that a nimble 18-footer can outfish a 24-foot yacht in the right situations.
But here’s the reality check: small fishing pontoons aren’t perfect for everyone. They have real limitations that you need to understand before dropping $15,000-$35,000 on one. Let me walk you through both sides so you can make an honest decision.
What Counts as a “Small” Fishing Pontoon?
For this article, I’m talking about pontoons in the 16-20 foot range. These boats typically have:
- Dual pontoons (20-23 inch diameter)
- Outboard engines ranging from 40-90 HP
- Weight capacity of 1,200-1,800 pounds
- Deck space for 4-6 people (comfortably 2-4)
- Shallow draft (usually 12-18 inches when loaded)
Anything under 16 feet starts getting into ultra-compact territory (which has its own quirks), and over 20 feet you’re moving into mid-size pontoon range where different considerations apply.
The Major Advantages of Small Fishing Pontoons
Let’s start with the good stuff, because there’s plenty of it.
1. Price Points That Won’t Wreck Your Finances
This is huge. A quality small fishing pontoon like the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX runs around $22,000-$28,000 fully rigged. Compare that to a 23-foot model that’ll set you back $45,000-$65,000. You’re saving enough money to buy a used truck to tow it with.
Even premium small pontoons like the Bennington 20 SFX (their fishing model) top out around $45,000 with a nice engine package. That’s still less than mid-range larger pontoons, and you’re getting Bennington’s legendary build quality.
The savings extend beyond purchase price too—insurance, registration, storage, and maintenance all cost less on smaller boats.
2. Easy Towing and Launching
Here’s something that sounds minor until you actually own a boat: a small pontoon is easy to tow. Most 18-foot pontoons with a 60 HP engine and trailer weigh around 2,500-3,200 pounds total. That means almost any modern SUV or mid-size truck can handle it safely. My buddy tows his Lowe Ultra 18 Cruise with a Ford Explorer—no problem.
Launching is a breeze too. You can back these boats down shallow ramps, and if you mess up, they’re light enough to maneuver by hand. I’ve seen guys launch small pontoons solo at tiny lake ramps where bigger boats would be a nightmare.
Pro tip: Small pontoons fit in standard garage bays (with the engine tilted up). No more paying for boat storage or dealing with winter prep at a marina.
3. Shallow Water Access
This is where small pontoons absolutely dominate. That shallow draft (how deep the boat sits in water) opens up fishing spots that bigger boats can’t touch. Backwater channels, creek mouths, shallow flats, lily pad fields—you can navigate all of it.
The pontoons themselves act like skids, so you can bump into stumps or sandbars without the catastrophic damage you’d get with a fiberglass V-hull. I’m not saying you should be reckless, but there’s definitely a forgiveness factor here.
“My 18-foot pontoon gets me into farm pond coves where bass boats can’t go without tearing up their lower units. I’ve got entire stretches of shoreline to myself because of it.” — Jake Mitchell, Kentucky Lake guide
4. Fuel Efficiency That Makes Sense
Smaller engines burn less fuel. It’s that simple. A Mercury 60 HP four-stroke on a small pontoon might use 3-4 gallons per hour at cruise speed. A 150 HP engine on a bigger boat could burn 8-12 gallons per hour doing the same thing.
Over a season of fishing, that adds up to hundreds of dollars saved. Plus, you can run longer between fill-ups, which means more fishing time and less time idling at the fuel dock.
5. Manageable for Solo Anglers
If you fish alone or with one other person regularly, a small pontoon is perfect. You’re not dealing with excess boat. Everything is within reach—your rods, tackle boxes, cooler, electronics. No wasted deck space, no unnecessary weight.
And here’s something people don’t think about: a small boat forces you to be organized. You learn to pack efficiently, which makes you a better angler overall. I’ve fished with guys who have massive boats packed with junk they never use. Keep it simple, keep it small, catch more fish.
The Honest Drawbacks of Small Fishing Pontoons
Now for the reality check. Small pontoons have legitimate limitations you can’t ignore.
1. Limited Passenger Capacity
That 4-6 person capacity is a legal maximum, not a comfortable reality. If you actually load up six adults, coolers, and fishing gear on an 18-foot pontoon, you’ll be cramped and the boat will handle like a barge. Realistically, these boats are comfortable for 2-3 anglers.
If you regularly fish with a crew of four or more, you’ll feel the squeeze. People will be in each other’s casting space, and there won’t be room for everyone to have their own area.
2. Rough Water Performance
Let’s be straight: small pontoons are not offshore boats. Those narrow 20-23 inch pontoons don’t displace much water, so when waves pick up, you’ll feel every bit of it. On windy days with 2-3 foot chop, the ride gets uncomfortable fast.
I’ve been on small pontoons in rough conditions. It’s not dangerous necessarily, but it’s jarring. You slow down, take waves at an angle, and sometimes just decide to head back to the dock. If you fish large lakes with frequent wind (think Great Lakes, big reservoirs), this is a real consideration.
Safety reminder: Always check weather forecasts and wind speeds before heading out—small boats have less margin for error in bad conditions.
3. Speed Limitations
Even with a strong engine, small pontoons top out around 20-28 mph. If you need to run 10+ miles to your fishing spot, that’s a long ride. Larger triple-tube pontoons with 200 HP engines can cruise at 35-40 mph and get you there in half the time.
For small lake or river fishing where you’re rarely running more than a few miles, this isn’t an issue. But if you fish sprawling reservoirs or need to cover water quickly, the speed limitation becomes frustrating.
4. Limited Storage and Features
You’re working with less deck space, which means less storage. Most small fishing pontoons have:
- One small livewell (20-25 gallons)
- Limited dry storage compartments
- Fewer rod holders
- Basic seating (often fixed, not swivel)
- Minimal electronics mounting space
Compare that to a 23-foot fishing pontoon with a 35-gallon livewell, dedicated tackle storage, multiple casting decks, and you’ll see what you’re giving up. It’s all about trade-offs.
5. Resale Value Can Be Tricky
Here’s something dealers won’t tell you upfront: small pontoons have a narrower buyer pool when it’s time to sell. Families want bigger boats for entertaining, and serious anglers often want more features. Your potential buyers are mainly budget-conscious beginners or solo anglers.
That doesn’t mean small pontoons have terrible resale value—good brands like Bennington and Avalon hold value well regardless of size. But you might sit on the market longer than you would with a more versatile 22-23 foot model.
Small Fishing Pontoon Pros and Cons: Quick Reference
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Lower purchase price ($20,000-$35,000) | Limited passenger comfort (2-3 anglers realistically) |
| Easy towing (most SUVs/trucks can handle) | Rough water struggles (uncomfortable in 2+ foot chop) |
| Shallow water access (reach tight spots) | Slower speeds (20-28 mph typical max) |
| Better fuel economy (3-5 gallons/hour) | Less storage space (smaller livewell, fewer compartments) |
| Fits in standard garages (saves storage costs) | Smaller resale market (takes longer to sell) |
| Easier to launch solo (light enough to maneuver) | Basic features (fewer rod holders, simpler layouts) |
| Lower insurance and maintenance costs | Not suitable for large groups or entertaining |
Top Small Fishing Pontoon Models Worth Considering
Let me give you real examples with actual specs so you can compare what’s out there.
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX
This is the budget king in the small pontoon category. You get an 18-foot boat with a Mercury 60 HP engine, a 24-gallon aerated livewell, six fishing seats with storage, and eight rod holders. The floor is weather-resistant vinyl that cleans easily.
It’s barebones compared to premium boats, but everything works. The Bimini top provides shade, and there’s a basic fishfinder mount at the helm. You can find these new for $23,000-$27,000 depending on dealer and region.
Best for: First-time boat buyers, casual anglers on tight budgets, anyone who wants simple and functional.
Bennington 20 SFX (Sport Fish Crossover)
Bennington’s small fishing model brings their signature quality down to 20 feet. You get a raised fishing bow with premium swivel seats, a 28-gallon livewell with rounded corners for fish health, and heavy-duty aluminum construction with through-bolted joints.
The boat comes with an M-bracket package (reinforced transom for heavier engines), so you can mount up to a Yamaha 115 HP and get surprisingly good performance. The helm has space for a 9-inch Garmin or Humminbird unit, and there’s USB charging built into the console.
Expect to pay $38,000-$48,000 depending on engine choice. It’s not cheap, but you’re getting a boat that’ll last 20+ years.
Best for: Serious anglers who want quality, people planning to keep the boat long-term, anyone who values craftsmanship.
Lowe Ultra 18 Cruise
Lowe splits the difference between Sun Tracker and Bennington. The Ultra 18 Cruise offers 25-inch diameter pontoons (slightly larger than average), a 26-gallon livewell, and Lowe’s Diamond Coat finish that resists scratches and UV damage better than standard paint.
You can option it with fishing packages that add more rod holders, a trolling motor mount, and upgraded seats. A Mercury 75 HP engine is common, giving you decent speed (22-25 mph) and good fuel economy. Pricing runs $28,000-$36,000.
The construction is solid—welded aluminum with corrosion-resistant fasteners. Lowe backs it with a limited lifetime warranty on the pontoons themselves, which gives peace of mind.
Best for: Mid-budget buyers, anglers who want a balance of features and value, people fishing in moderately rough conditions.
Avalon LSZ Cruise – 18′
Avalon brings style to the small pontoon category. The LSZ Cruise 18 has a modern wraparound console, comfortable furniture-grade seating, and attention to detail that makes it feel more premium than the price suggests ($32,000-$42,000 range).
For fishing, you can add the angler package which includes a 30-gallon livewell, fishing seats, additional rod holders, and a raw water washdown system (super handy for cleaning fish and gear). The boat handles a Mercury 90 HP without issue.
Avalon uses high-pressure laminated panels for the deck, which are stronger and more durable than standard plywood. The furniture is UV-resistant and mildew-resistant, important for boats stored outside.
Best for: Anglers who also want comfort and style, couples fishing together, anyone who wants features without jumping to a 22-foot boat.
Who Should Buy a Small Fishing Pontoon?
After covering all the pros and cons, here’s my honest assessment of who benefits most from small fishing pontoons:
Perfect for:
- Solo anglers or couples who rarely fish with more than one other person
- Budget-conscious buyers who want quality without breaking $35,000
- Small lake and river fishermen who don’t need to run long distances
- People with limited towing capacity (smaller vehicles, no heavy-duty truck)
- Anglers targeting shallow water species (bass, panfish, catfish in tight cover)
- First-time boat buyers learning the ropes without huge financial risk
Not ideal for:
- Families wanting to entertain groups of 5+ people regularly
- Anglers fishing large, rough-water bodies (Great Lakes, coastal bays, big reservoirs in wind)
- Tournament fishermen who need speed and performance
- People wanting maximum features (big livewells, tons of storage, premium electronics)
- Anyone regularly running 15+ miles to fishing destinations
Real Owner Experiences: The Unfiltered Truth
I spent time on pontoon forums and Facebook groups to see what actual owners say after living with small pontoons for a few seasons.
Common praise:
- “Way cheaper to own than I expected—fuel, insurance, everything costs less”
- “Perfect for my local lake, fits everywhere my old bass boat couldn’t”
- “Easy enough my wife can launch it herself”
- “Less intimidating to dock than bigger boats”
Common complaints:
- “Wish I had more room when friends want to come along”
- “Gets beat up in wind—I avoid going out if it’s over 10-12 mph”
- “Livewell is small, had to cull fish on good days”
- “Took longer to sell than expected when I upgraded”
The pattern is clear: people who match the boat to their actual fishing style love small pontoons. People who stretch beyond what the boat does well end up frustrated.
Essential Upgrades for Small Fishing Pontoons
Even a basic small pontoon can be dramatically improved with a few smart additions:
1. Bow-mount trolling motor — A Minn Kota Edge 55 or MotorGuide X3 gives you precise control for working structure. The wireless remote feature lets you control the boat while casting, which is a game-changer for solo anglers.
2. Upgraded fishfinder — Most factory units are basic 5-inch displays with minimal sonar. Step up to a Garmin STRIKER Vivid 7sv or Humminbird HELIX 7 with CHIRP sonar and down imaging. You’ll find fish faster and understand bottom structure better.
3. Additional rod holders — Small pontoons never have enough. Add Scotty or RAM mount rod holders along the railings using clamps. Four to six extra holders mean you can have multiple lines out while trolling.
4. Anchor system — A proper Power-Pole Micro (if your budget allows) or quality mushroom anchor (20-25 pounds) with rope keeps you positioned over structure. Wind will push a light pontoon around more than bigger boats.
5. Marine stereo — Okay, this isn’t fishing-essential, but a Fusion or Wet Sounds Bluetooth stereo makes those long days more enjoyable. Look for units specifically rated for marine environments.
Here’s something I learned the hard way: Don’t skimp on the trolling motor battery—get a quality deep-cycle marine battery like Interstate or Optima. Cheap batteries die in two seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Fishing Pontoons
Are small pontoon boats stable enough for fishing?
Yes, absolutely. The dual-pontoon design provides excellent stability even on smaller boats. You can stand and cast comfortably in calm to moderate conditions. The low center of gravity makes them more stable than many V-hull boats of similar size. Just avoid standing when waves pick up.
What’s the smallest pontoon boat good for fishing?
Most anglers find 16-18 feet is the practical minimum for serious fishing. Below 16 feet, you’re sacrificing too much deck space and livewell capacity. The sweet spot for small fishing pontoons is 18-20 feet—enough room to fish comfortably without getting into mid-size boat territory.
Can you use a small pontoon in rivers?
Yes, small pontoons excel in rivers. The shallow draft (usually 12-16 inches) lets you navigate skinny water, and the pontoon design handles current well. Just be cautious of strong current pushing you into obstacles. A trolling motor helps maintain position when anchoring isn’t practical.
How much horsepower do you need on a small pontoon?
For 16-18 foot pontoons, 40-60 HP is adequate for most fishing situations. If you want better performance or plan to pull tubes occasionally, 75-90 HP is ideal. Don’t over-power—a heavy engine adds weight and cost without proportional benefit on small pontoons.
Do small pontoons tip over easily?
No. Pontoons are extremely stable due to their wide stance and buoyant tubes. Capsizing a pontoon requires extreme conditions (severe storms, operator error). That said, smaller pontoons are more affected by waves than larger models—you’ll get bounced around, but you won’t tip.
What’s the best engine for a small fishing pontoon?
Mercury and Yamaha four-stroke outboards in the 60-90 HP range are popular and reliable. The Mercury 60 HP FourStroke is known for fuel efficiency and quiet operation. The Yamaha F70 offers a bit more power with excellent durability. Avoid old two-stroke engines—they’re loud, inefficient, and pollute more.
Can one person launch a small pontoon boat?
Yes, with practice. Small pontoons are light enough (2,500-3,500 pounds with trailer) that one person can safely launch and retrieve them. Use a transom saver to protect your engine, and practice at an empty ramp before trying it on a busy Saturday morning.
Making the Right Choice for Your Fishing Style
Here’s my final advice after covering everything: be honest about your actual fishing habits, not your ideal fantasy fishing life.
If you fish 30 times a year and 25 of those trips are solo or with one buddy on a calm lake, a small pontoon makes perfect sense. You’ll save money, enjoy easier ownership, and catch plenty of fish.
If you fish 10 times a year with four friends on a big reservoir where afternoon winds kick up to 15 mph regularly, you’ll quickly outgrow a small pontoon and wish you’d bought bigger.
Test drive boats if possible. Many dealers will let you run boats on the water if you’re serious. Pay attention to how it handles at different speeds, how much room you actually have while fishing, and whether you feel comfortable in the conditions you typically encounter.
Budget reality check: Don’t just look at the purchase price. Factor in a trailer ($1,500-$3,000), safety gear ($300-$500), registration and insurance ($400-$800/year), fuel, and maintenance. A $25,000 boat becomes a $30,000+ commitment pretty quickly.
And remember: a small fishing pontoon that you can afford to use every weekend beats a big fancy boat that sits unused because it’s too expensive to operate or too intimidating to launch.
What’s your experience with small fishing pontoons? Are you considering downsizing from a bigger boat, or stepping up from a kayak? Drop a comment and let’s talk about what works for your fishing style!
