If you’re ready to get a vessel for some fun on the water, familiarize yourself with two popular types of boats: pontoons and houseboats. These crafts provide endless entertainment for their owners in different ways. To help you decide which to purchase, here’s how they vary.

Houseboat

Houseboats are designed for people to live on them for any amount of time—from days to years. There are two main types: cruising and noncruising. Noncruising houseboats are more widely used and have little mobility; they’re equipped with small engines or sails that can’t handle turbulent waters and are designed to be docked or anchored. Cruising houseboats have larger engines and are designed for moving on the water. Luxury houseboats are large and have multiple levels, built almost like a standard apartment. You can purchase or rent any type of this vessel.

Pontoon

Pontoon boats get the name from the floating devices attached to the bottom. The pontoons provide buoyancy because they’re airtight and hollow. These boats have a simple design so they are customizable and easy to make. That also makes them slow, which is perfect for recreational use like fishing or sunbathing. However, modern pontoon boats have added speed capabilities and upgraded interiors to enhance the boating experience.

Key Differences

Pontoon vessels are often smaller than houseboats and don’t have amenities like kitchens, beds, and refrigerators. However, they’re faster and more maneuverable. Houseboats are designed for the owner to live on it, so they need space for sleeping and storing food. Many noncruising houseboats are equipped with a water hookup for plumbing since toilets, showers, and sinks are standard. Pontoons are mainly designed for the recreation of an afternoon, not weeks.

If either of these vessels fit your needs, contact Lewis Boats in St. Peters, MO. This family-owned and -operated boat dealership has over 20 years of experience and one of the largest showrooms in the area. Their expert staff also has several Customer Satisfaction Index awards. They’re stocked with top-of-the-line brands of boats to boat parts. If you’re looking for a vessel or need it repaired, call (636) 949-9926. View their inventory online.