Which is better, a pontoon or a tritoon?

Just as a v-hulled boat has its own pros and cons, a tritoon and pontoon will each have its own benefits and drawbacks and really, your choice is a personal one. For many boat-owners, the classic pontoon is ideal for a relaxing cruise, while for others, the increased maneuverability and speed of a high-performance tritoon with the capability of pulling skiers or tubes is more appealing. Check out our Pontoon vs Tritoon buying guide for more information. Classic pontoon High-performance tritoon Pontoon vs Tritoon buying guide

What is a tritoon boat?

A tritoon boat is a type of pontoon boat that features three hulls (pontoons) instead of the traditional two.

How much does a tritoon cost?

Tritoon prices vary by brand and features, but for Godfrey, models start at around $45,000.

Why are tritoons so expensive?

Tritoons are more expensive because they offer more —literally. With a third pontoon tube, they provide greater stability, higher horsepower capacity, and better handling at higher speeds. Add in premium features like advanced electronics, luxury seating, and high-end audio systems, and you're looking at a boat that delivers top-tier performance and comfort. In short, you're paying for a smoother ride, more power, and a better overall experience on the water.

What is the advantage of a tritoon boat?

Adding a third pontoon allows the boat to take turns with more ease and comfort, banking into it like a racecar on a track. Plus, with the greater weight-carrying ability, tritoons are often capable of carrying more passengers and higher horsepower engines than a comparable two-tube model, which translates to higher speed.

Are pontoons better than tritoons for rough water?

Tritoons are able to handle rougher water much better than classic pontoon designs, as the tri hull cuts through water more easily to create a smoother ride. In this case, the third tube helps keep the boat more stable on choppy water. Similarly, they’ll be able to handle slightly bigger waves better than a pontoon, both at rest and underway.

Which is faster pontoon or tritoon?

Since adding a third pontoon allows a boat to distribute weight more evenly, tritoons will be more capable of turning smoother at higher speeds. This added maneuverability along with the capacity to carry higher horsepower engines makes tritoons the perfect platform for thrilling watersports. To learn more, check out this selection of tritoons and pontoons , as well as this “ find and compare” tool .

Front view of a Godfrey Tritoon cruising on the water.

Buying Guides July 25, 2025

Tritoon vs. Pontoon: What’s the Difference?

Difference Between Pontoon and Tritoon:

Pontoon boats are rising in popularity, dotting lakes and rivers across the country. Manufacturers have embraced the inherent stability of two hulls, creating expansive seating options for all your guests to spread out. Matched with the high horsepower engines that are available on the market, pontoons are capable of powerful performance to accommodate almost any on the water activity. But you may notice that some boats have a third hull and are wondering what are the benefits of a tritoon versus a pontoon?

Feature

Pontoon

Tritoon

Number of Tubes

2 tubes

3 tubes

Speed & Horsepower

Lower, less suitable for high speeds + watersports

Higher, ideal for watersports

Maneuverability

Slower turning at high speeds

Smooth, precise turns

Weight

Lighter, easier to tow

Heavier, may need larger vehicle to tow

Rough Water Handling

Best on calmer water

Handles choppy water better

Available Lengths

16 – 24

22 – 28 ft

Price

$20,000 - $75,000

$75,000- $200,000+

Best For

Relaxing cruising

Speed + watersports

Front view diagram of a Tritoon with three hulls, and a pontoon with two hulls.

Common Tritoon vs Pontoon Questions

Just as a v-hulled boat has its own pros and cons, a tritoon and pontoon will each have its own benefits and drawbacks and really, your choice is a personal one. For many boat-owners, the classic pontoon is ideal for a relaxing cruise, while for others, the increased maneuverability and speed of a high-performance tritoon with the capability of pulling skiers or tubes is more appealing.

Check out our Pontoon vs Tritoon buying guide for more information.

Classic pontoon

High-performance tritoon

Pontoon vs Tritoon buying guide
A tritoon boat is a type of pontoon boat that features three hulls (pontoons) instead of the traditional two.
Tritoon prices vary by brand and features, but for Godfrey, models start at around $45,000.
Tritoons are more expensive because they offer more—literally. With a third pontoon tube, they provide greater stability, higher horsepower capacity, and better handling at higher speeds. Add in premium features like advanced electronics, luxury seating, and high-end audio systems, and you're looking at a boat that delivers top-tier performance and comfort. In short, you're paying for a smoother ride, more power, and a better overall experience on the water.
Adding a third pontoon allows the boat to take turns with more ease and comfort, banking into it like a racecar on a track. Plus, with the greater weight-carrying ability, tritoons are often capable of carrying more passengers and higher horsepower engines than a comparable two-tube model, which translates to higher speed.
Tritoons are able to handle rougher water much better than classic pontoon designs, as the tri hull cuts through water more easily to create a smoother ride. In this case, the third tube helps keep the boat more stable on choppy water. Similarly, they’ll be able to handle slightly bigger waves better than a pontoon, both at rest and underway.
Since adding a third pontoon allows a boat to distribute weight more evenly, tritoons will be more capable of turning smoother at higher speeds. This added maneuverability along with the capacity to carry higher horsepower engines makes tritoons the perfect platform for thrilling watersports.

To learn more, check out this selection of tritoons and pontoons, as well as this “find and compare” tool.