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
Additional Resources:
Tritoon vs Pontoon: What’s the Difference?
