The Basics Of Pontoon Terminology
There seem to be many pontoon boat terms, but what do they all mean? To get you started, we compiled a list of the most used words and phrases to help you understand things like "What are the parts of a pontoon?" “What is a pontoon vs a tritoon?” and more.
Deck: The flat surface upon which the fence, rail and furniture rest.
Hydro-Dynamic Nose Cone: leading point of the pontoon, designed to cut through the water.
Fence: The flat panels that surround the playpen.
Gate: The swinging door through which you enter the pontoon boat's deck. It's typically found on the starboard side and bow.
Gunwale (aka Gunnel): The upper outer edge of the hull.
Log: A single pontoon tube. Synonymous with a tube.
Lounger: A cushioned seat that you can also lie down on.
Motor Pod: An aft extension of the pontoon boat's substructure to improve performance and support a larger outboard.
Playpen: The area on the deck inside the fence.
Pontoon: A pontoon refers to the tubular structures under the deck on which the boat floats. More generally, it can refer to an entire pontoon with two tubes.
Rails: The framework that supports the fence.
Substructure: The structure that supports the deck, like joists in a floor.
Tube: A single pontoon tube. Synonymous with log. Some pontoons have two tubes, and some have three (tritoon).
Transom: A thick piece of aluminum where the engine is mounted and supported.
Tritoon: Pontoon with 3 tubes.
Underskin: A flat covering on the underside of a pontoon boat to protect the substructure and improve performance.
Waterline: The natural level where the boat meets the water.
Zero G Lounger: Fully electric leg and back rests.
Read on for general boat terms every boater should know.
Nautical Terms: Navigation and Orientation on your Pontoon Boat
What do port and starboard mean? Where is the bow and stern? Here's a list of navigational and orientation terms to help you while you pilot your pontoon and/or be a great passenger while underway.
Aft: The backward direction inside the boat.
Bow: The front of the boat.
Fore: The forward direction inside the boat.
Port: Left, when in the boat and facing forward.
Starboard: Right, when in the boat and facing forward.
Stern: The back of the boat.
Harris Pontoon Layouts Abbreviations
With Harris, you can choose from a wide variety of deck layouts. Here’s a key to the abbreviations:
CS: L -Shaped Aft Bench Seat
CW: Center Walkthrough
CWDH: Center Walkthrough with Dual Helm Seats
FC: Fish and Cruise
FCL: Fish and Cruise with an L-shaped port bench
SL: Single Rear-Facing Lounger
SLDH: Single Rear-Facing Lounger with Dual Helm Seats
SLDDH: Single Rear-Facing Lounger with Two Dual Helm Seats
SLEB: Single Rear-Facing Lounger with Entertainment Bar and Pressurized Sink
SLEC: Single Rear-Facing Lounger with Entertainment Center
Additional Resources:
Tritoon vs Pontoon: What’s the Difference?
This is for general information purposes only. Your use or reliance on any of the information in this Blog is solely at your own risk. Under no circumstance will we have any liability for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of any of the information provided.
Options and features mentioned subject to change. Please confirm availability of all accessories and equipment with an authorized Harris Dealer.