Which one is optimal for salt/brackish use, inshore obviously?

I have been on both but really didn't have an opinion on which is better. Boat will be used in the intracoastal between Daytona and Jacksonville which is pretty flat inland water.

Avalon pontoon.

Pontoon all the way. We are down in Brevard county. You will want to go in as much water as possible and that means less than 2 ft a lot on the river all the way through the state. You can go deckboat if you want to get your gelcoat fixed every year...............

manitou makes some killer pontoons !

Pontoons ride better than deck boats? If the boat is being lift kept does that make any difference?

Boat is going to be for a retiree so top speed isn't the goal. In my experience the deck boat can be a wet ride with it plowing water at speed causing it blow over onto the deck at higher speeds. I think the deck boat looks a little nicer when in the water.

Well, then what the hell did you ask for.
Sounds like you know it all anyways. I must of missed someone saying better ride, because I did not.
Don't call me when your stuck on all the sand bars that change week to week.

Huh? Think you might have "overthought" it there......

I asked since I have been on one deck boat and two pontoons in my lifetime and I have an uncle retiring looking to buy a new boat to use for his family at his new house. The dealers in the Daytona area tend to push deck boats (Hurricane brand) since that is what they sell and the pontoon guys tend to be more scattered/less inventory. I honestly don't know the advantages/disadvantages of either but thought some on here would know.

Harris Pontoon Boat . If it was for you and not your uncle or if you plan on using it then go tri-toon. Triple pontoon that will haul ass.

Ok, I will stick with what I said then. A deck boat on the Indian River system will not be very fun unless they just want to go up and down the channel. If you need pontoon dealers, they are on every other block down here just a couple of hours south. For used, go to craigslist in Spacecoast and you will find many. You can even get some nice Benningtons for good deals.

Oh, to add, try to get him into a 4 stroke motor as it will be less work to worry about.

I had a 04 Hurricane 26ft.with twin 225 merc.4 stroke outboards which I enjoyed, but it was kinda cramped with a just a few people on it. I looked at the Avalon pontoons they are very nice but I was shy of using it in the Chesapeake Bay. In calmer water I think the toon is ideal, has more room and much easier to wash down too.