Back

How to Choose Between a Pontoon and a Tritoon in 2026

Dec. 8 2025 Godfrey By Sawyer Erickson

Share

Choosing between a pontoon and a tritoon is one of the most common questions families face when shopping for a new boat. Both styles offer comfort, space, and flexibility—but the differences in performance, handling, and overall feel can make one better suited to your family than the other.

Since Lakeside Marina carries only Godfrey pontoons and tritoons, this guide focuses on the 2025 and 2026 Godfrey lineup to help you understand which layout, tube configuration, and model series will fit your family’s plans for next summer.

What’s the Difference Between a Pontoon and a Tritoon?

The key difference is the number of tubes under the deck.

  • Pontoons have two tubes, offering smooth cruising, spacious seating, and great value.

  • Tritoons have three tubes, which add buoyancy, stability, handling, and horsepower capacity.

Both can be amazing family boats—your choice comes down to how you plan to use your time on the water.

Choose a Pontoon If Your Days Are More About Relaxing Than Speed

Two-tube models shine for families who prioritize cruising, comfort, and affordability. Godfrey builds some of the most enjoyable pontoons in this category, with layouts designed for conversation, lounging, and low-stress lake days.

Best Reasons to Pick a Pontoon

  • Calm, comfortable cruising

  • Lower price point

  • Great fuel efficiency

  • Easy handling for new boaters

  • Perfect for slow rides, sandbar time, and sunset cruises

Godfrey Models to Consider (Two-Tube Options)

  • Sweetwater 2286 Split Bench (2025/2026)

  • Sweetwater 2286 Fish Models

  • Sweetwater 2086 Series
    These pontoons offer comfortable layouts, wide loungers, great storage, and smooth performance—ideal for families who aren't focused on top-end speed or aggressive tubing.

Choose a Tritoon If Your Family Loves Tubing, Big Crews, or Choppier Water

If tubing is a must, if you spend a lot of time on Lake Winnebago, or if you simply want a sportier, more confident ride, a tritoon is almost always the better fit.

The third tube gives the boat more lift, better cornering, higher horsepower capacity, and significantly more stability at speed.

Best Reasons to Pick a Tritoon

  • Stronger performance for tubing

  • Better handling in chop

  • More stable with large groups onboard

  • Higher horsepower options

  • Improved planing and acceleration

Godfrey Models to Consider (Tritoon Options)

  • Sweetwater 2286 SB with 27" Center Tube Package

  • Sweetwater 2286 Quad Bench with 27" Center Tube Package

  • Monaco 235 SFL

  • Monaco 235 SB

  • AquaPatio 235 ULW

  • AquaPatio 255 SDC
    These tritoons deliver the power, balance, and confidence families look for when tubing, cruising larger bodies of water, or hosting bigger groups.

Pontoon vs. Tritoon: Key Questions to Ask Yourself

1. What kind of water do you boat on?

  • Calm, smaller lakes → Pontoon

  • Larger, windier water like Winnebago → Tritoon

2. How important is tubing?

  • Light, casual tubing → Pontoon

  • Frequent tubing or teens/young adults → Tritoon

3. How many people do you bring with you?

  • Mostly 2–6 people → Pontoon

  • Frequent groups of 6–12 → Tritoon

4. How much speed do you want?

  • Slow, peaceful cruising → Pontoon

  • Faster acceleration + stronger handling → Tritoon

5. What’s your ideal budget?

  • More affordable entry point → Pontoon

  • Higher investment for higher performance → Tritoon

Layout Matters as Much as the Tubes

No matter which you choose, the layout will determine how comfortable your family will be. Godfrey’s 2025–2026 design updates give you plenty of options across both pontoons and tritoons, including:

  • Split Bench (SB) layouts for maximum seating

  • Quad Lounge (QL) layouts for all-around comfort and conversation

  • SFL lounge series with stern-facing loungers

  • ULW and SDC layouts in the AquaPatio line for premium comfort and sleek style

You can have a relaxing family pontoon or a performance tritoon in almost any of these layouts—so the tubes decide performance, but the layout decides lifestyle.

So Which One Is Right for Your Family?

If you see your perfect day as calm cruising, relaxing seating, and taking it slow, a Godfrey pontoon will be your favorite place on the water.

If your family wants to tube, explore bigger water, or enjoy a more dynamic ride, a Godfrey tritoon will give you everything you’re looking for—and then some.

Either way, the 2025–2026 Godfrey lineup has models designed for every kind of lake day, and winter is the best time to compare layouts, talk through horsepower, and secure build slots before spring demand kicks in.