Pontoon (boat) Pontoon (boat) A pontoon boat is a flattish boat that relies on pontoons to float. These pontoons (also called "tubes") contain a lot of reserve buoyancy and allow designers to create massive deck plans fitted with all sorts of accommodations, such as expansive lounge areas, stand-up bars, and sun pads. Better tube design has also allowed builders to put ever-increasing amounts of horsepower on the stern. Pontoon boat drafts may be as shallow as eight inches, which reduces risk of running aground and underwater damage. The pontoon effect is when a large force applied to the side capsizes a pontoon
Luzzu while at sea. On 30 October 1948, a luzzu that was being used as a Gozo ferry capsized and sunk off Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo. 23 people were killed. The town of Marsaxlokk is especially famous for the large numbers of luzzu and similar craft operating in its harbour. The luzzu is often considered as a symbol of Malta. Some luzzi have been converted to passenger carriers for tourists although the vast majority continue to be used as fishing vessels. A "kajjik" is similar in appearance and function to the luzzu, but has a square transom instead of a double-ended hull.