A pontoon boat consists of two rounded floats call pontoons, which look a lot like canoes with no openings in the tops. Atop those two floats sits a platform where the boater can sit, steer, fish, or sunbathe. Pontoons are popular with people who love to be out on the water and don't necessarily crave the high-speed boating experience. Pontoon boats should not be taken out to sea or used in choppy waters. Waves over a foot high might flood a pontoon boat.

Pontoon boats are great for slow, ambling trips through open water. Pontoon boats are often called party boats because they're perfect for large numbers of people to gather on and safe enough at slow speeds or when anchored to act as a traveling deck. Pontoons are not to be confused with deck boats, though. Deck boats do not use the pontoon design and never have the open space of a pontoon.

Some pontoon boats have enclosures built onto them with upholstered seating and tables. Others are just plain and flat (with a rail of some sort around the edges, of course) and boaters can use lawn chairs to sit out. They're usually 16 to 20 feet long and are powered by outboard gasoline engines.

Bimini tops can be purchased in many different sizes to cover parts of your pontoon boat. These canvas covers can act as shelter from sun or rain and are less expensive than purchasing a roofed or enclosed pontoon boat. Bimini tops ensure that you and your pontoon will be well-protected during your trip out on the water.