For Rice Lake cottage use, the right pontoon is an 18 to 22 ft Legend or comparable pontoon with Mercury 90 to 150 HP Command Thrust. The lake is sheltered enough that you don't need a tritoon for most uses, but the 22 ft length gives the deck space and capacity that cottage u...
- What size pontoon is best for Rice Lake cottage use?
- For most cottage owners, 20 to 22 ft is the sweet spot. Smaller (16 to 18 ft) for two-adult households focused on simple cruising. Larger (24+ ft) for big families or active water sports.
- Two-tube or tritoon for Rice Lake?
- Two-tube is plenty for cruising, fishing, and lighter family use. Tritoon (three-tube) is the right choice for active water sports, higher speeds, and rougher water performance. Two-tube is more common on Rice Lake.
- What HP does my pontoon need?
- For 18 to 20 ft cruising/fishing: 90 HP Command Thrust. For 20 to 22 ft family use with light water sports: 115 to 150 HP CT. For 22+ ft tritoons with active water sports: 150 to 200 HP CT.
- Should I buy a Legend pontoon at HBW?
- Yes if Legend fits your needs. We're a Legend dealer alongside being a Mercury Platinum dealer. Legend is Canadian-built, factory Mercury-rigged, and well-suited to Canadian use. For specific configurations, [contact HBW](/contact).
- Can I tube and ski with a Rice Lake pontoon?
- Yes with the right setup. 115 HP Command Thrust handles tubing. 150 HP CT handles skiing and tubing comfortably. Tritoons handle water sports better than two-tube hulls.
- Should I get a boat lift for my pontoon?
- If your cottage configuration allows, yes. Lift storage extends hull and motor life meaningfully. Up-front cost is real but pays back in longer asset life and lower maintenance.
- What's the cost of a typical Rice Lake pontoon package?
- For 20 to 22 ft two-tube with 115 HP CT FourStroke, $50,000 to $75,000 CAD all-in for new pontoon and motor package. Pricing varies by brand, length, layout, and motor. [Live Mercury pricing here.](/quote/motor-selection)
- Where do most Rice Lake cottage pontoons launch?
- Most are kept at the cottage on lift, slip, or shore storage. Trailer-launched pontoons typically use Bewdley, Hastings, or Roseneath public ramps.
- Can I fish from a pontoon on Rice Lake?
- Yes very effectively. Pontoons offer comfortable platforms for casting, trolling, and structure fishing. Many pontoons have fishing chairs, rod holders, and fish-friendly layouts.
- How long does a pontoon last with proper maintenance?
- Properly maintained aluminum pontoons regularly last 25 to 40+ years. Furniture and electronics may need updating in the 10 to 15 year range, but the basic pontoon hull is durable.
- Should I get a Mercury or Yamaha for my pontoon?
- For Ontario freshwater pontoon use, Mercury wins on dealer network density and Command Thrust integration. Yamaha is a fine motor mechanically but the local service picture favors Mercury. See our [Mercury vs Yamaha guide](/blog/mercury-vs-yamaha-outboards-ontario).
- Does HBW handle pontoon service and storage?
- Yes. Service, repower, hauling, indoor and outdoor storage all available at HBW. [Contact us](/contact) for specifics.