Boat Terminology: Pontoon Boats
Have you ever read a sentence like “The strakes on the pontoon logs improve planing time and tracking when the outboard is trimmed,” and wondered what language it was? Not to worry, we’re here to help. The vocabulary of boating—specifically pontoons—isn’t difficult to master. To get you started we put together a list of the most commonly used phrases you need to know. These terms are specific to pontoon boats and learning them will help you quickly become an expert as you begin your journey toward becoming an owner.
Deck: The flat surface upon which the fence, rail and furniture rest.
Dolphin Nose Cone: 2-piece pontoon tip with integrated splash fin on premium Harris pontoons
Fence: The flat panels that surround the playpen.
Gate: The swinging door through which you enter the pontoon boat’s deck.
Log: A single pontoon tube. Synonymous with tube.
Lounger: A cushioned seat that you can also lie down on.
Motor Pod: An aft extension of the pontoon boat’s substructure meant to improve performance and support a larger outboard.
Playpen: The area on deck inside the fence.
Pontoon: Specifically, pontoon refers to the tubular structures under the deck that the boat floats on top of. More generally, it can refer to the entire boat.
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, some have three.
Underskin: A flat covering on the underside of a pontoon boat to protect the substructure and improve performance.
Read on for general boat terms every boater should know.
Harris Pontoon Layouts:
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
CWEB: Center Walkthrough with Universal Bar on Port Side
CWEC: Center Walkthrough with Entertainment Center
DL: Dual Rear-Facing Loungers
DLDH: Dual Rear-Facing Loungers with Dual Helm Seats
DLEB: Dual Rear-Facing Loungers with Entertainment bar and Pressurized Sink
EGDH: Entertainment Galley with Dual Helm Seats
FC: Fish and Cruise
FS: Fish
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
