Pontoon vs Tritoon: What's the Difference and Which Should You Buy?

Barely a week goes by at Bill's Used Boats without a customer asking: 'What's the difference between a pontoon and a tritoon, and does it really matter?' The answer: yes, it matters quite a bit — depending on how you plan to use the boat. Here's the plain-language version.

The Basics: What Makes a Tritoon Different?

A standard pontoon has two aluminum tubes (called logs or toons) running underneath the deck. A tritoon adds a third tube in the center. That third tube adds:

• Buoyancy — More lift means more weight capacity and better stability when loaded with passengers
• Performance — The additional buoyancy allows for higher horsepower ratings and significantly faster top speeds
• Stability — A tritoon is notably more stable in rough water and at speed
• Planing ability — Tritoons get up on plane faster and more efficiently

When a Standard Pontoon Is the Right Choice

A two-tube pontoon is the right boat if:

• Your primary use is slow, leisurely cruising — no tubing, no watersports
• You're on a budget — standard pontoons are significantly less expensive both new and used
• Your lake is small and calm — protected coves don't demand tritoon performance
• Your typical crew is 4-6 people max

Browse our used pontoon boat inventory.

When a Tritoon Is Worth the Upgrade

A tritoon is the right call if:

• You want to pull tubes, wakeboarders, or skiers
• Your lake gets choppy on busy weekends — Percy Priest and Old Hickory both build significant wave action by afternoon
• You regularly carry 8 or more passengers
• You want 150HP or more
• You're keeping this boat for 10+ years — tritoons hold their value better

See our used tritoon inventory.

The Price Difference

In the Nashville used boat market, expect to pay $8,000–$15,000 more for a tritoon versus a comparable standard pontoon. For most families that premium is worth it once they experience the performance difference.

Our Recommendation for Most Nashville Buyers

If you're going to be on Percy Priest or Old Hickory on summer weekends with a full family and any interest in watersports — buy the tritoon. The standard pontoon will feel underpowered and uncomfortable in afternoon chop within the first season.

Questions? Call us at (629) 245-2628 or stop by 3622 Central Pike, Hermitage.