🚤 Pontoon vs Tritoon: What’s the Right Choice for Your Wisconsin Waterway?

If you're in the market for a new boat, you've probably come across two popular styles: Pontoons and Tritoons. While they might look similar at a glance, they handle very differently — especially depending on where you plan to use them.

At Amherst Marine, one of the most common questions we get is:
"Do I need a tritoon, or will a pontoon work for my lake?"
Let’s break down the differences so you can make the right call for your water lifestyle.

🪶 What is a Pontoon?

A pontoon boat typically has two tubes (or “pontoons”) underneath the deck. This design provides excellent stability and a smooth, relaxed ride on calmer waters.

✔️ Best For:

• Smaller lakes in Wisconsin

• Leisurely cruising

• Entertaining family and friends

• Budget-conscious buyers

🧭 Pros:

• More affordable than a tritoon

• Easier to store and trailer

• Great fuel efficiency

• Stable ride on flat water

🌊 What is a Tritoon?

A tritoon has three pontoons underneath, which increases stability, buoyancy, and power. That third toon makes a huge difference on rougher water and at higher speeds.

✔️ Best For:

• Larger bodies of water like Lake Winnebago or the Mississippi River

• Watersports like tubing and skiing

• Bigger groups

• Boaters who want more horsepower

🧭 Pros:

• Sits higher in the water — better wave handling

• Smoother ride on choppy conditions

• Can handle larger engines (up to 300+ HP)

• Feels more like a traditional V-hull at higher speeds

💡 How to Decide: Pontoon vs Tritoon

🔧 Available Options at Amherst Marine

We carry a wide selection of 2025 Harris pontoons and tritoons, including:

• Cruiser & Sunliner Pontoons — Great for family cruising and laid-back weekends

• Solstice Tritoons — High-performance, premium boats ready for watersports and big lake adventures

👉 Browse Our Current Inventory

• We also can order any boat to whatever configuration you prefer in a pontoon or tritoon style!

🏁 Final Thoughts: Which One Is Right for You?

If you're boating on a smaller Wisconsin lake and want a relaxing, budget-friendly ride, a pontoon is likely perfect. But if you're planning to take on bigger water, higher speeds, or towing, a tritoon is worth the upgrade.

Still unsure? Our team at Amherst Marine is happy to walk you through your options, show you in-stock models, and even schedule a test drive.

📞 Ready to Find Your Perfect Boat?

Whether you're leaning pontoon or tritoon, Amherst Marine has the knowledge, service, and inventory to help you get on the water with confidence.

👉 View Inventory
👉 Contact Us
👉 Or stop by and see us in Waupaca, WI!