A pontoon boat can have a cabin. Most pontoon boats with cabins are custom modifications to existing pontoon boats – however, there are a few commercially available pontoons that include cabins. Pontoons with cabins have several advantages, including providing you with a space to sleep and rest.
This article will look at some of the advantages of having a cabin on your pontoon boat and some of the ways in which it can come in handy. It will also provide you with some examples of well-known pontoon boats with cabins.
Advantages of a Pontoon Boat With a Cabin
Given that one of the draws of a pontoon boat is the open deck, it’s easy to wonder why anyone would want a pontoon boat with a cabin. However, there are some advantages to owning such a boat. These include:
- They’re a good option for families with young children who can’t spend much time out in the sun.
- They provide sun protection during peak summer months and the height of the afternoon.
- They can be used for a variety of purposes, including pleasure trips, fishing, and hunting.
- They offer a ton of storage space you can use even if you don’t intend to spend time in the cabin itself.
- If you aren’t a fan of the ocean spray, you can spend time in the cabin to reduce the spray you’re exposed to
- They’re a good investment as they retain their value over time and can be resold if necessary without taking a major loss. They’re also a good investment in that their versatility means you’ll get a ton of use out of them.
Disadvantages of a Pontoon Boat With a Cabin
While pontoon boats with cabins have their advantages, it’s not all positive. There are some disadvantages you should be aware of as well. These include:
- They are expensive. Most pontoon boats with cabins are custom modifications, which can get pricey. Even pontoon models that come with pre-built cabins need to use more materials than pontoon boats without cabins, making them the more expensive options.
- Maintenance is a challenge.
- Finding a place to store them can be challenging, particularly if you don’t use them frequently. Additionally, pontoon boats with a cabin are heavier than those without, which makes transport and storage a further problem.
Situations in Which Pontoon Boat With a Cabin Can Be Advantageous
Pontoon boats have advantages in certain situations. Let’s take a look at them.
Traveling With Young Children
Young children, especially babies and toddlers, should not spend too much time in direct sunlight, as it can make them irritable. If you have a young family and are going on the river with them, having a cabin on your pontoon boat can protect your little ones from the direct sunlight and make the day out enjoyable for everyone.
Overnight Trips
A cabin is a must if you’re planning a short trip that includes spending one or two nights on your boat. It provides you with protection against the elements at night and also ensures you have a (relatively) comfortable bed to sleep in.
This can also be an advantage if you’re spending a couple of hours on the water and simply want to take an afternoon nap – the cabin provides the perfect place to snooze for an hour or two without the heat of the sun beating down directly on you.
Examples of Pontoon Boats With Cabins
As mentioned above, most pontoon boats with cabins are custom modifications. However, there are a few commercially available models available, including:
- Southland Majesty SX: A luxury option that can accommodate up to 15 people. There are three different lengths available, and the largest model can achieve up to 150 horsepower. The camper top is optional if you’d rather not have a cabin. Other features include a pop-up dressing room and ample storage space.
- Southland Hybrid Recreational Vessel: Also known as the HRV, this boat is available in 4 lengths and can accommodate up to 10 people. It features a full shower, a kitchen, and numerous onboard appliances powered by solar panels and a wind turbine that all come included.
- Daigno L’Équinoxe: The cabin in this pontoon boat features transformable benches that convert to a Queen-sized bed, as well as additional folding beds that are optional depending on your needs. Other features include a full bathroom with a shower, a toilet, and a sink, a kitchen, and tons of storage space.
Final Thoughts
Pontoon boats can have cabins. However, most pontoon boats with cabins are custom modifications to existing pontoon boats (though some commercially available options exist), making them a relatively expensive proposition.
That said, pontoon boats with cabins also have their advantages, especially if you have young children or are planning on taking an overnight trip in your boat.
For more, check out How Much Weight a Pontoon Boat Can Hold | To Not Overload It.
Jim James is a published author and expert on the outdoors and survivalism. Through avid research and hands-on experience, he has gained expertise on a wide variety of topics. His time spent at college taught him to become really good at figuring out answers to common problems. Often through extensive trial and error, Jim has continued to learn and increase his knowledge of a vast array of topics related to firearms, hunting, fishing, medical topics, cooking, games/gaming, and other subjects too numerous to name.
Jim has been teaching people a wide variety of survivalism topics for over five years and has a lifetime of experience fishing, camping, general survivalism, and anything in nature. In fact, while growing up, he often spent more time on the water than on land! He has degrees in History, Anthropology, and Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. He extensively studied Southern History, nutrition, geopolitics, the Cold War, and nuclear policy strategies and safety as well as numerous other topics related to the content on survivalfreedom.com.