DNRguide’s blog on mini pontoons generated more reads than most other blogs to date, so it seems a follow-up would be fitting. This summer I was happy for the chance to run a better video on details of a representative mini pontoon. You can see it below. The footage is of some Mitey Toon mini pontoons at the Northern Exposure manufacturing site in Duluth, Minnesota.
Boaters with access to smaller or protected waters who want a low-cost easy boarding water craft with two soft seats will find a mini pontoon a tempting solution for getting on the water. A pleasure boater will find the ease of use relaxing, and if you fish - the mini pontoon is sneaky quiet with electric power and normally comes with a 6′ by 8′ flat platform to work from. And if you like green - but need power on the water - the totally electric mini pontoon could be your ticket.
Finding the right boat for your boating application is the key to maximizing fun. One boat that is not on enough lists for consideration is the mini pontoon. By mini, I mean a two-sponson pontoon boat that is under twelve feet in total length. The sponsons (those tubes that the pontoon’s platform rests on) are typically aluminum, but could also be plastic, or wood. Load capacity is normally under 800 pounds. Power could be electric or gas. (Yes - some are pedal or paddle powered, but that is another direction than we are heading here.)
Mini pontoons can be used for slow water strolls around ponds or small lakes, or on bigger water under little wind and no water current conditions. If getting on the water and sitting in a comfortable boat seat on an elevated platform that moves along in virtual silence appeals to you, then look at the mini pontoon. It is an easy in and out for all ages, and the stability of the pontoon configuration makes for a relaxing experience.
Fishing from a mini pontoon offers more comfort and stability than a conventional mono-hull small boat or canoe. You can enter shallow waters with ease, and organize your equipment any number of ways on the usual six foot by eight foot platform. The available biminis keep the sun under control - a feature not usually found on the other small boat options.
For motorized mini pontoons, power can be electric or gas. An electric option frequently used is the Minn-Kota 55# thrust trolling motor. With an onboard battery charger, you simply refuel an electric-powered mini pontoon by plugging in the charger when you return to port. Nothing could be simpler. A battery will keep you moving at sea (read pond) for six hours or more.
Use Gas power for a mini pontoon if it will be used where there is a need for more thrust power to deal with wind, or for a little more speed. Yamaha has a great four-cycle long-shaft F4 four-horse motor to fit the bill.
True - a mini pontoon does not have the same asthetics as a curvy painted and varnished wood launch made for two. But for every other nautical reason, a mini pontoon may serve your small boat purposes very well.
low-cost ($3-4,000)
stable
easy in & out
light weight (250-400#)
multi-use
environmentally friendly
low-maintenance
simple to use
An online search for mini pontoons will kick up a number of manufacturers. Among those, here is the one I like: the Mitey-Toon manufactured by Northern Exposure in Minnesota. Designed for electric or gas, you can buy a complete electric Mitey-Toon with power and charger for under $3,500. The quality of the design and welds is first-class. The eighteen inch sponsons give an extra lift under load, and the manufacturer will customize as needed for railings.
