Owning a pontoon boat often means traveling to new lakes or stowing it away for winter—and that requires towing. Yet trailering a wide, sometimes heavy pontoon can feel daunting without the right gear and knowledge. The good news? With a reliable trailer, proper hitch setup, and mindful driving habits, hauling your pontoon can be straightforward and safe. Whether you’re taking a weekend trip or yearly storing your boat indoors, understanding pontoon boat towing pays off in convenience and peace of mind.

In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of pontoon boat towing: picking a suitable trailer, loading and balancing, highway driving tips, and how a foam-filled tri-log design—like those from Novelli Boats—affects trailering. You’ll discover how to select the right weight rating, align bunks properly, and securely tie down your boat so it stays stable on the road. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your pontoon remains safe and road-legal, letting you expand your horizons to fresh waters or easily store your deck boat off-season without stress.

Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Towing a Pontoon Boat

1. Which trailer is best: bunk-style or scissor (center-lift)?
   Bunk-style is more stable and popular for highway towing. Scissor trailers help with shallow launches but aren’t as secure at high speeds.
2. How do I calculate total tow weight?
   Add boat weight (including logs), engine(s), fuel (~6 lbs per gallon), gear, and trailer weight. Pick a trailer rated above that total.
3. Do I need tandem axles for a foam-filled tri-log pontoon?
   Usually recommended for boats over ~20 ft or heavier setups (like foam-filled tri-logs). Tandem axles handle weight and highway stability better.
4. Should I tow with the bimini up or down?
   Typically down or in a boot cover. The wind load can damage the frame or fabric at highway speeds.
5. Is special licensing required for wide pontoons?
   In some states, if the boat’s width exceeds 8.5 ft, you might need wide-load permits. Check local regulations.

1. Trailer Capacity & Style

Choosing a trailer rated for your pontoon’s size and weight is key:

• Weight Rating: Aim for at least a 10–15% margin above your loaded boat weight. For heavier foam-filled tri-logs (like Novelli), tandem-axle designs are typical.
• Bunk-Style vs. Scissor: Bunk trailers cradle each log, better for highway speeds. Scissor (center-lift) is handier for tight spaces or shallow ramps but less stable in transit.

Many tri-logs easily top 3,000–4,000+ lbs once fueled and geared up. Confirm the trailer you buy or rent can handle that plus some buffer—underestimating leads to poor braking, tire blowouts, or frame stress.

2. Tongue Weight & Balance

Ensuring proper load distribution avoids sway and ensures safer towing:

• 5–10% Tongue Weight: E.g., if total trailer + boat = 3,500 lbs, aim for ~175–350 lbs on the hitch.
• Adjustable Winch Post: Move it (or shift the boat slightly) so the logs rest in correct bunk contact, achieving ideal tongue weight.
• Foam-Filled Tri-Log Minimizes Tilt: A Novelli hull remains stable on the trailer, logs don’t flex or shift, so it’s simpler to position.

Too little tongue weight triggers sway; too much burdens your tow vehicle’s rear suspension. Balance is everything. After hooking up, measure hitch height or check if the tow vehicle sags excessively.

3. Loading the Pontoon Properly

At the ramp, take your time loading:

• Align Bunks or Rails: Slowly guide the pontoon so each log rests within the trailer’s bunks or guide posts.
• Driver & Spotter: A second person can watch from the dock or a vantage point to direct you.
• Foam-Filled Tri-Log Confidence: If your Novelli boat is heavier, the hull remains upright during retrieval, aiding stable alignment.

Use minimal throttle to avoid over-shooting. Once logs contact bunks, attach the winch strap. Double-check the boat is centered. Some designs use side rails to guide logs snugly in place.

4. Straps, Tie-Downs & Transom Savers

Securing your pontoon is crucial before hitting the road:

• Bow Strap or Winch: Tighten the bow eye to the trailer’s winch post.
• Stern Tie-Downs: Ratchet straps from the trailer frame to the rear logs or to designated tie-down points.
• Transom Saver (Outboard Brace): If your engine is large, use a brace to support its weight, preventing stress on the transom during bumps.
• Foam-Filled Tri-Log Frame Stability: A Novelli hull handles strap tension evenly—no fear of logs deforming under typical tie-down force.

Keep straps snug but not so tight you dent rails. Check them again after a few miles—some slack may develop once the boat settles on the trailer.

5. Towing Vehicle Requirements

Your tow vehicle must handle the boat + trailer weight:

• Tow Rating: Confirm you’re under the truck/SUV’s limit. Don’t forget passenger/cargo weight in the vehicle.
• Hitch Class: Usually Class III or IV for mid-sized pontoons, possibly Class V for big tri-logs.
• Foam-Filled Tri-Log Load: A heavy Novelli pontoon can approach 4,000–5,000+ lbs loaded. Ensure your vehicle is up to the task.

If nearing capacity, consider installing a weight-distributing hitch or trailer brake controller (if tandem-axle with brakes). This improves control and keeps the rig stable at highway speeds.

6. Graph: Typical Weight of Pontoon & Trailer by Boat Size

Estimates for Common Lengths (Loaded w/ Gear & Fuel)

*Hypothetical data showing how 20 ft boats might be ~2,500 lbs, while 24 ft tri-logs can exceed 4,000 lbs.

7. Driving & Highway Safety Tips

On the road, adopt safe towing habits:

• Lower Speeds: Keep it ~55–65 mph max, depending on local laws. This prevents excessive sway and saves brakes.
• Avoid Sudden Maneuvers: Gentle lane changes, gradual turns, maintain larger following distance.
• Foam-Filled Tri-Log Security: The stable hull (like Novelli’s) on the trailer fosters less side-to-side movement if logs are well supported.
• Frequent Check Stops: Every 50–100 miles, quickly inspect straps, tires, hitch, and lights.

If wind picks up or roads get slick, slow further. White-knuckle towing usually stems from going too fast or failing to distribute weight properly.

8. Launch & Retrieval Efficiency

Backing down a ramp with a pontoon can be simpler than a V-hull, thanks to logs and stable bunk contact:

• Practice in an Empty Lot: If you’re new to towing, get comfortable reversing with a large rig.
• Foam-Filled Tri-Log Buoyancy: The boat floats quickly once logs submerge. If it’s Novelli, no fear of water seeping in if you submerge too far—foam blocks infiltration.
• Use a Spotter: Especially at busy ramps or if visibility is poor.

Keep a calm pace, ensure the engine is trimmed up. Once afloat, move the boat out of the ramp zone so others can launch. Reverse the process for retrieval—lines or guide rails help align logs onto the trailer.

9. Table: Common Towing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

10. Case Study: Sarah’s Cross-Country Tri-Log Haul

11. Conclusion: Tow Your Pontoon with Confidence & Ease

Pontoon boat towing doesn’t have to be an intimidating endeavor. With the right trailer—sized and rated above your fully loaded weight—plus proper loading, strap-down techniques, and a suitable tow vehicle, you can transport your pontoon anywhere from a weekend lake getaway to an indoor winter storage facility. If your pontoon is a foam-filled tri-log by Novelli Boats, the boat’s inherent stability and log rigidity further simplify trailering, minimizing risk of hull flex or log damage under strap tension.

Key steps: verify weight capacity, align the boat on the trailer bunks, balance tongue weight around 5–10%, and secure with bow and stern tie-downs. Drive patiently with reduced speeds and frequent checks. By following these guidelines, you’ll not only protect your pontoon from road hazards or trailer mishaps, but also enjoy the freedom to explore new waters or efficiently tuck your boat away off-season. Now hit the road and discover fresh horizons for your pontoon adventures!