INTRODUCTION TO 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