I was wondering if there is a lot of difference in the stability, handling and safety of the longer pontoons over the 18 footer? Seems the availability on the used market is good on the 18, but is bigger better on those breezy days? Thanks

I have a 24 ft and it handles rough water very well. The only reason i would go smaller is for ease of storage. Whatever size you get make sure it has enough motor. Mine started with a 75 hp and i put a 115 on it. Gained ten mph and less fuel consumption.

My first pontoon boat was a 18 footer, didn;t take me long to go up bigger, from my experience i would surely go with the at least 20 or maybe to the 22 footer.

+1

As mentioned already, go with enough motor or you'll be left wanting more in no time.

I've owned four toons, and really like them for stability and room.
If I were buying another new one it would be a tri-toon with planing strakes and 20'. If you're using the toon for fishing on a sizable lake, speed is the biggest negative factor.

My present toon is a 20 ftr with 75 HP 4-stroke and it tops out at about 18MPH with four aboard. The third toon and strakes, I am told will increase the speed by 30/40% while decreasing fuel consumption. This would make an ideal rig for fishing or family cruising.

I am kinda slow, what are "strakes"

Strakes are a V shape airfoil shaped metal wing welded to the bottom outside of the toons for more lift which produces more speed on less power.

I don't know how many makers use them but have seen them on Bennington pontoons.

Interesting. I would've thought adding a couple of feet would only apply to a bass boat for stability.

I would like a 22-24 ft with 115, dang they high price

Any pontoon length will not do well if the winds are high. They don't draw much and act as a floating billboard due to the design. One advantage of the longer boats is a higher horsepower rating for the motor. As has already been said get the most motor your toon is rated for. It comes in handy when a sudden storm pops up on a calm day.

I would go with the 18 footer if you will be trailering it a lot. Also a trailer with the smaller tires helps when launching.

I had an 18 ft with a 75hp mercury..I could trim up the front of that deck like a bass boat..fast too.

18 will get you in tighter places and better on the troll motor .

Agree, I have a 20' with a 110 motor- I can put it anywhere (on the water) that a 18' will go & get there pretty quick -