Pontoon & Catamarran - Whats the Difference?

Profezzur · Post by **Profezzur** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:32 pm

I've shown a few friends that pictures of my pontoon, built using the Free Pontoon Plans here on the JEM site, and they insist on calling it a catamarran. So my question is, what is the difference between a pontoon and a catamarran? The only thing I'm seeing is that a catamarran seems to have a rounded bottom on the pontoons that hold it aloft in water whereas the pontoon's pontoons are flat bottomed.

Is there any discernable difference between the two and if so, what?

TIA

Post by **jem** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 3:00 pm

Personal opinion: Pontoon, catamaran, kinda the same thing. It's a multi hull type boat. You could get specific if you wanted.

What ever you wish to call it. A decked double pirogue!

hairymick · Post by **hairymick** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 4:02 pm

G'day Prof,

Aussies would probably call it a catamaran but who knows? Pontoon boats are pretty much, unheard of here.

I have to admit to being a little interested in the concept and can see the potential as a sight fishing platform. Powered with a small electric trolling motor, there would be a lot of advantage in this type of boat here.