Pontoons
Whether you’re dreaming of a private lakeside deck or setting up a sturdy platform for a commercial marina, choosing the right modular pontoon size and layout is a crucial first step. At Pontoon Plus we help design floating solutions for users across New Zealand and the Pacific that fit their location, lifestyle, and long-term plans.
Here are 5 things to consider when ordering your custom pontoon.
1. Assess Your Site Conditions
Before thinking about size or shape, take a good look at your location. Is it a calm lake, tidal estuary, or a coastal site with regular swells? Site conditions influence everything from anchoring methods to layout stability.
- Sheltered water: You may have more flexibility with layout shapes like L or T-shaped pontoons.
- Exposed area: A lower-profile or narrower design may be suited to reduce movement.
- Depth and access: The water depth at your shore and how you’ll reach the pontoon (e.g., via gangway or direct access) will impact your final design.
If you’re unsure, our team can help! Just get in touch, and we can help with recommendations based on your unique situation.
2. Choosing Pontoons for Different Applications
One of the biggest factors in choosing the best pontoon size in NZ is how you plan to use it. Will it support foot traffic, boats, jet skis, aquaculture gear, or something else entirely?
- Recreational pontoons: A simple 2m x 4m platform may be all you need for swimming, sunbathing, or launching a kayak.
- Boat docking: Larger vessels require deeper water, more stable floats, and longer platforms for tying off.
- Commercial pontoons or events: Wider walkways and modular attachments (like handrails or cleats) may be needed to meet safety standards.
By getting clear on your purpose, you’ll avoid under or overbuilding.
3. Common Pontoon Shapes
Modular pontoons are incredibly flexible and customisable – you’re not just stuck with a rectangle! We’ll work with you to find the right floor plan, but here are some popular layout ideas:
- Straight layout: Ideal for simple mooring or swim platforms.
- T-shape: This layout offers space for boats to dock at the end and plenty of usable space for gear.
- L-shape: Great for corner access or creating enclosed swim areas.
- U-shape or square: Perfect for enclosing watercraft or creating a more social floating deck area.
If your needs evolve, you can easily add to or reconfigure your custom pontoon down the track.
4. Weight and Buoyancy
The number of people (or amount of equipment) your pontoon needs to support determines how many floats and modules you’ll require. We use high-quality floats designed to offer maximum buoyancy and safety for your time on the water. If you’re unsure about load limits or buoyancy calculations, don’t worry; that’s our job! We’ll work with you to get the size right; no guesswork is needed.
5. Customising Your Pontoon Solution
Your needs may change over time, and the beauty of a custom floating dock setup is how easily it can be adjusted. Whether it’s extending the pontoon size, swapping modules, or adding accessories, we’ll help make sure your design is scalable and future-proof from the start.
Ready to plan your custom floating pontoon?
We’ve helped customers across Aotearoa and the Pacific Islands design and install modular pontoons for everything from backyards to commercial ventures. If you’re still deciding on the best pontoon size for your project, we’re just a call away.
Get in touch for a free consultation or to explore layout options that suit your budget, space and vision.
