I've written about pontoon and trailer weights before with lots of examples for toons and trailers so you can get an idea if you haven't yet purchased your toon.
While most people use a full-size truck to pull a large pontoon boat, there are some smaller SUVs that are up to the task. Consider the following options.
The Durango is a beast when it comes to towing. Depending on whether or not you get the tow package, and on your engine size, you may find that it can tow up to 7,100 pounds (3,220 kilograms).
When I hook up my 2012 Dodge Durango Crew with the towing package, it barely feels like there is anything behind me. When towing my 22' pontoon boat strapped to the trailer (package weight of over 3,600 pounds or 1,634 kg), I can go up any wet or steep boat launch ramp without any trouble.
In fact, I've never even seen the wheels slip once. Going up hills is a breeze. On the freeway, I find that I can go up to 78mph comfortably. When I pushed it to 82 just to see if it could handle it, there was a slight jitter in the trailer, but that's without a sway bar installed. Suffice it to say, that it'll do just fine.
One nice feature of the Durango is that it has a slightly longer wheelbase than some other small SUVs. This makes a big difference when going down hills. You don't feel like you're getting shoved around by the trailer.
The Dodge Durango is all-wheel drive, and you can shift it into low gear when you're going up a steep boat ramp (under 4 miles per hour), but again... I've never seen the tires slip even once, so I've never felt the need to use low gear.
My 2012 Durango Crew with a ridiculous amount of options and 30,000 miles on it cost $26,000 (purchased in Aug 2014).
It was an easy sell to the wife because she gained third-row seating, which she likes for hauling kids around the neighborhood.
The Pathfinder used to be a very popular towing rig, but the new 2013 body severely crippled its utility as a towing vehicle for boats.
I was within minutes of buying a Pathfinder (in fact, I was sitting down at the dealership ready to buy) when I stumbled on a few forum threads of Pathfinder owners who were using them to haul. Nothing but complaints.
Although the Pathfinder is rated to haul up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg), the real-world owners of the Pathfinder said it really shouldn't be considered for towing anything over 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg).
However, the older model Pathfinders before 2013 do a great job with towing.
The difference is that the older Pathfinders had a body-on-frame construction that was rugged and tough. The 2013 and newer body style is a unibody construction that is not nearly as tough (even though it looks like a million bucks). Looks don't pull boats. Remember that.
The Honda Pilot can be a good towing rig for pontoon boats, but you really have to check the specific model you're getting.
From personal experience when looking through the lot, I found a dramatic difference in terms of what each model would tow, depending on options.
The Pilot is a beautiful (and pricey) car, but you're also getting Honda quality, which I know as a former Honda CRV owner ... is significant.
Metal Polish cleans and polishes your boat's 'toons to a gleaming finish. Use it to remove rust, tarnish and oxidation from all of your marine metal products. |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's metal polish restores luster and shine to aluminum, chrome, stainless steel and other marine metals. It can be used on , railing, refrigerators and other appliances. Use with a microfiber cloth to buff to a shiny finish.
If you don't need third-row seating as I did, the Xterra is one of the most popular options on the boat ramp. It tows a ton of weight easily, is rugged, does pretty well on gas, and isn't terribly expensive even brand new (around $24,000 depending on options).
There are a few snags with the Xterra that made it not a good option for me.
One, as I mentioned, is no third-row seating. The other seems trivial unless you have kids and realize what a pain this is. The rear doors don't have a door handle in the normal location. It's up very high on the side of the door and is a latch that's pulled.
The problem is that the latch is way too high for my kids to reach, and this car is going to be my wife's daily driver. So, unless you want to walk around to both sides and open the doors for the kids every single time you get in the car ... this isn't a great option.
If you don't have kids to worry about and just want a small SUV for towing a toon, then the Xterra is a fantastic choice.
The Honda CRV is just too small for towing a big pontoon boat strapped to the trailer. Depending on your options and the inclusion of a towing package, it usually only tows around 2,500 pounds.
That isn't even in the neighborhood of what a pontoon boat needs, especially when you consider that most car manufacturers are very optimistic in their towing capacity numbers. I usually recommend getting a vehicle that can tow at least 2,000 pounds more than your boat weight.
Aside from that, most CRVs are only four-cylinder engines, so it's not enough juice to get you going from a stop, which is an important safety feature if you live near lots of two-way stops as I do.
]]>In addition to the boat itself, pontoon boats are excellent for fishing because the square railings all around the boat provide a terrific platform to attach accessories like fishing poles, downriggers, cutting boards, etc.
Unfortunately, many of the fishing rod holders for pontoon boats are made cheaply and break easily when bumped. Others are difficult to remove, and others still don't hold the rods at quite the right angle for trolling or other fishing applications.
De-Salt Concentrate keeps your boat, engine and fishing gear free from salt residue and buildup. |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's de-salt concentrate breaks down and removes salt deposits from boats, dive gear, fishing rods and reels, jet skis, decks and patios and more. Simply rinse off with a garden hose and nozzle for a residue-free finish. Use with a flush kit to flush inboard/outboard engines.
Eagle Claw AABRH Clamp-On Aluminum Boat Rod Holder, Black Finish
|
The Eagle Claw AABRH is our #1 top pick for pontoon boat rod holders. There's a reason this rod holder is the #1 rated rod holder on Amazon. It's highly adjustable and easily removable due to the large knobs that can be adjusted by hand without the need for any tools.
Also, it's slightly less expensive than most rod holders from other manufacturers. One negative to this rod holder is that it's made of plastic, but it's very high quality hard plastic and won't rust like the metal rod holders are prone to do.
Scotty 284-BK Baitcaster/Spinning Rod Holder w/ #243 Square Rail Mount , Black
|
The Scotty Rod Holder is nice for those who like the build quality of the Eagle Claw, but who don't like the high profile of the Eagle Claw. The Scotty rises up much less than the Eagle Claw, so it's much less likely to get in the way if you use your boat for towing tubes and cruising as well.
The drawback to the Scotty is that it does not have hand knobs for attaching the rod holder to the boat, so you need to break out the tools to move or remove the rod holders.
Scotty 243-BK Square Rail Mount
|
Scotty makes a rail mount attachment that you can use to attach just about any accessory. If you already have rod holders for a traditional boat with the star attachment at the bottom, the Scotty Square Rail Mount is the best option for you.
The problem I find with this attachment is that it's difficult to remove the rod holder from the star mount. I'd like to see something with more of a "quick release" feature built in to use as a universal attachment.
]]>Buying a pontoon boat is tough because most of the manufacturers do not allow the retailers to advertise prices. Doing so would allow other potential buyers to see how much the boat costs from dealers in other areas and expect the same price from their dealer, which would drive the price down.
Some pontoon boat manufacturers, such as Avalon, show suggested retail prices, but often the MSRP is significantly higher than what you can expect to pay in a negotiated deal.
In this article, I want to show you the actual prices I was quoted from various sellers to give you an idea of what you might pay. Obviously these prices vary hugely on location and features.
This is information I really wish I had while I was shopping for my first pontoon boat. It's not perfect, but at least it'll give you a starting point. Prices are approximate.
These prices include standard features and a painted trailer with spare and brakes.
If you'd like to see more examples, you can check out Pricecraft's boat customization and price tool.
The boat engine makes up a huge portion of the price of any boat. In the case of a standard new pontoon boat, you'll see a new 150hp engine selling for about $12,000. The rest of the price is the actual boat.
It's important to realize this because the boat itself will likely be on the water even 15 or 20 years from now if it's well built and taken care of.
The engine will likely be unreliable at that age. When you're buying a used boat, keep in mind that the motor is the first and foremost concern.
This depends on if you're only shopping for a new pontoon boat or if you'd consider looking for something used but still in good shape. For new pontoon boats, I think you're likely to see better prices from smaller shops that mostly do repair work but also deal in new pontoons.
These guys often have less overhead than the shiny boat lot downtown that makes all its money from selling boats. The repair guys who also sell boats are often willing to sell for less because they realize that they also now have you as a customer for life if they treat you right on the sale.
As I was shopping around and pricing out different options, I found about a $5,000 price difference between most of the dedicated boat lots and those who only sold new boats on the side.
Keep in mind that the brand of the boat will make a huge difference in the price. Each seller will tell you that their boats are better because of X, Y or Z. Some of them will even convince you of it.
The truth is that pontoon boats are fairly generic. That isn't to say that craftsmanship doesn't matter. There really aren't any horrible brands out there - at least among the bigger manufacturers.
Be careful not to get too suckered into the salesman's pitch and focus more on the differences that matter to you. The best prices on pontoon boats are those that have been used lightly for one to two years.
The trouble is that pontoon boat owners don't upgrade to the newer year models nearly as often as the V-hull ski boat owners do. So, it can be extremely challenging to find the gently used one or two-year-old boats. If you can find them, you'll likely find yourself saving about $5,000 on a boat that's only one year old.
From my research, I'm seeing most pontoon boats in most markets depreciating in resale value very quickly in the first few years, and less as time goes on (very much like a car).
As an example, for a pretty average pontoon boat that costs $30,000 new, you can expect to lose $4,000 or 5,000 in resale value the minute you trailer it off the lot.
Over the next three years, you'll probably lose about $1,500 in value each year. At that point, it seems to be a pretty slow decline at only around $400 or $500 per year until the boat is 12 years old.
After 12 years, they hold pretty steady in value until it naturally ages off (even an old clunker is worth $1,500 as long as it's got good enough bones to be restored).
Every state's sales tax, title, and registration fees differ. My state has a 6% sales tax, which is pretty standard. My final purchase price was $29,300. The out-the-door price was $31,000 after all the government crap.
Boat Soap helps keeps that sleek and shiny surface on any boat. |
Check Price on Amazon - Regardless of the make, model or price of your boat, you're gonna wanna keep it nice and clean. Better Boat's Boat Soap is 100% biodegradable and rinses clean for a residue-free finish. Use it on everything from decks, railings and hulls to furniture and even pots and pans. An extension rod and a chamois mop head help get the hard-to-reach spaces.
]]>Since the average pontoon boats are generally not built for speed, skiing and tubing behind one can be difficult. It can be done, though. You just need to take care to select an engine, weight and pontoon style that will be conducive to the speeds required for skiing and tubing.
I scoured the internet for boaters who have reported their average pontoon boat speeds on boating forums. All speeds are recorded with a GPS and, except where listed, with a light to medium load.
Marine Degreaser cleans and degreases engines, boats, cars and RVs. |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's Marine Degreaser breaks down oil, grease and grime to leave your engine sleek and shiny with a high-gloss finish. It's safe for fiberglass, gel-coat, chrome, stainless steel, painted surfaces and more. Use with a microfiber sponge or scrub brush to really shine it up.
If you're new to boating, these speeds are probably a little eye-opening. You probably thought you needed as much speed as possible. As you can see from this breakdown, the optimal speed for most watersports is only 22 mph (36 kilometers).
Just about ANY pontoon boat with a 90 hp motor can do this as long as it isn't loaded down with people. With a 115 hp motor, you should be hitting the optimal speed even if your boat is pretty well loaded down with people.
For most pontoon boat captains, the real goal is to hit the golden 22 mph (36 kph) mark. At that point, your fishing/cruising rig becomes a nice watersports rig.
The way weight affects speed depends dramatically on the specific boat and the setup. Just as a guestimation aid, for every thousand pounds you add to your boat, you'll lose about 15% of your average pontoon boat speed.
So, a 22' boat with no load may get up to 29 mph, but it will likely slow down to 24.5 mph with 1,000 pounds of people in the boat (5 or 6 adults).
Boat Soap removes algae, barnacles and more from your pontoon boat. Combine with a soft scrub brush and an extension rod to reach every space from the bow to the stern and the hull to the flybridge. Use a hose and nozzle to quickly and easily rinse away. |
A pontoon boat trailer weighs approximately 1,200 pounds (550 kilos). As a general rule, you can expect your boat to weigh about 100 pounds (45kg) per foot of boat (including boat, furniture and motor, but not trailer).
If you're trying to figure out how much a pontoon boat weighs for your pontoon boat lift or to make sure you can pull one in a trailer, then know that an average empty boat with motor and gear on a trailer will weigh somewhere around 3,600 pounds (1,634kg).
As a general rule for pulling pontoon boats, I recommend a vehicle that advertises a towing capacity of at least 2,500 pounds (1,133kg) more than the actual package weight of the boat, gear and trailer.
In general, I'd say a truck that advertises it can tow 5,500 pounds is adequate for towing most pontoon boats.
Filling up a 30-gallon gas tank on a pontoon boat will add 185 pounds (83kg).
Marine Polish protects surfaces against corrosion, algae, UV rays and more. Silicone and marine carnauba wax provide a smooth and shiny surface as it repels water, salt and grimy buildup. |
Check price on Amazon - Better Boat Marine Polish is perfect for polishing metal pontoons, gelcoat, fiberglass hulls, plastic and more. Combine it with teak cleaner and a microfiber wax applicator sponge set for an all-around great-looking deck.
If you decide you want to build your own pontoon boat, this is where it can get tricky to calculate. The weight of pontoon houseboats and even pontoon tiny houses can add up quickly, so it's important to use durable but lightweight materials.
This is especially true when building a pontoon house, because you'll eventually need to determine how many tubes you'll need based on your pontoon tiny house’s weight and length.
Boat Trailer Straps keep your vessel securely on the trailer without scratching or scuffing. |
Check Price on Amazon - Regardless of your boat's weight, boat trailer straps and ratchet straps are a necessity. These strong and reliable straps are two inches wide and 48 inches long. They're made from premium-grade marine nylon and have a breaking point of 900 lbs. and a working load limit of 300 lbs.
]]>Oh, groan. I can hear all the men now. No, you don't have to go shopping with your wife. However, that's just me talking. You still have to live with her. Wife or no wife, buying furniture for your boat is a necessary evil.
No fear! Men, you can do this and it can still feel manly! Women boaters, carry on, you know what you're doing.
In this post, we're going to lay out the important stuff about pontoon furniture. Nope, it really doesn't include fabric swatches and colors that you can't even pronounce. It's more important manly stuff. Mostly.
Like everything on your boat, your furniture first has to be made for the environment. This includes all aspects of the environment it will be in, whether you're using it or not. So, what does that really mean?
Well, besides the obvious factors of water and UV, where do you live? What's the weather like? Does it rain a lot? Are there pests galore? Does it get hot and humid? Is there arid ground nearby where your boat is kept (meaning that dust and dirt will blow in the wind and get into your boat)?
Any environmental factors can affect your boat, and thus your boat furniture. Nice furniture will protect you from all of this. When choosing your furniture, you should check the tags and make sure it's resistant to the damaging environmental factors in your area.
Do you only use your boat in the summer but it sits in the water the rest of the time instead of being in storage? This is important. A lot of damage comes from when you're just doing nothing but letting Mother Nature beat you down.
On the other hand, do you use your boat all year long but leave it outside when you are not using it? Even though you may have some kind of roof or boat cover, it is still outside in the elements when not in use and this takes a toll.
I know this firsthand from living in Texas. I even cut back on the number of toys I had one year once I looked at upkeep and maintenance on things I wasn't even using.
As Americans, we tend to acquire stuff whether we use it or not. As for the rest of you in other parts of the world, I certainly did not mean to leave you out and I hope my examples still make sense.
If you buy cheap stuff from an unknown company, you risk ending up with subpar furniture that won't hold up for more than a season or two. Say hello to rips, tears, mold and mildew.
The goal of this discussion of pontoon furniture is to help you find smart items that will weather any storm. The type of items that can handle the elements and the wear and tear that you'll inflict on them over the years.
Featured Boat Care Product
Leather Cleaner is perfect for use in boats, homes, cars and RVs. |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's leather cleaner and conditioner cleans, conditions and protects against cracking, fading aging and weathering. Use on leather and vinyl seats, cushions, consoles and more. Spray on and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
1.Cabela's Pontoon FurnitureAs with anything pontoon, or anything really, there are many options. That said, if it's outdoor stuff, there's one name we hopefully all know. That name is none other than Cabela's. These guys have been doing outdoors since God invented ticks. So, do the rod and reel guys really take care of your boat also? Actually, yes. From fold-down seats to pedestal tables and seats with cup holders, you can find everything you need with these guys. Imagine just making measurements and going online to take care of all of your pontoon furniture needs, and the next thing you know you're on your way to installing with a case of beer and a screw gun. These guys really do make it easy. Additionally, how things are used and changed from one state to the next on your boat is huge, and these guys have thought of that too. You don't have to be limited by any one manufacturer's ideas. If you want a swivel base and they didn't think of it ,then buy your own. Screw gun and beer, please. |
Recommended Item:Wise Premier Pontoon Bench Seat
2. PontoonStuff When you're at the top of your game, there's only one way to go. Everyone is going to target the best spot. There are always going to be contenders. One of the guys pushing for that top spot is PontoonStuff. Now, this name may sound confusing, but what they do is sell pontoon stuff. Interesting, huh? Additionally, as with many businesses these days, a huge part of their business is online sales. However, you can find many of the brands they sell, such as Deckmate. I'm not sure if you're the kind of person that needs to walk into an actual store and touch things, but this may be a consideration and certainly an advantage over Cabela's if you don't have one nearby. Recommended Item: Right Lean Back Pontoon Seats |
3.Marsh Brother's, Inc. for Premium Pontoon FurnitureNo, really, I'm not ranking companies here so keep that in mind. I'm here to give you options in no particular order so don't go looking for trophies from me on their websites. This option is branded as an upper-class option and even has one of those fancy kinds of names, so you may need to take the wife and look for a matching purse and shoes. They're Marsh Brothers, Inc. and they have many options for your future furniture. Their Premium Series is monochromatic, which is one of those fancy words for not a lot of color so you don't have to worry about color fade over time. Additionally, they have a Platinum Series and an X-Series, of course, with different options. Personally, I feel that white gets too dirty and, of course, black is just hot so you never see it on boats. This makes me partial to shades of gray that you'll never really know is dirty until someone sits on it. Recommended Item:The Premium Series |
So, to wrap up things, we have one more huge name to round out your best options for pontoon boat furniture. Our last company is Overton's. This is yet another company who, like many, have a few different lines of products, like Toonmate, with different options. They carry some similar items (and some of the same items) as other companies on this list, of course, but having another go-to store gives you several options where you can compare pricing. Overton's is pretty killer, offering modular designs in multiple colors. These guys offer enough options that you'll feel that your pontoon boat furniture was made just for you. Additionally, if you ever run short on ideas, just throw a party on the water where everyone anchors out and ties up and you can try out their stuff! Of course, you still need to install the furniture when you get it so you're back to the beer and power tools. Recommended Item: Toonmate Premium Bucket-Style Captain Seat |
Now, see, that wasn't too painful was it?
Yes, you may have had to get the matching purse and shoes and you may have even had to go for dinner and a shopping spree because you were spending money on a boat, but it still should have been relatively easy.
In fact, if you do your shopping online and send the boxes to your buddy's house, you may be able to keep it a secret until the next time she gets on the boat. At that time, you can tell her the boat fairies must have left it all behind and installed it.
Bottom line, sooner or later you're going to need new furniture. You could recover your existing furniture, but not only is that a topic for another post, there's something about having the chance to go all new again.
Featured Boat Care Product
Vinyl Cleaner |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's vinyl cleaner keeps upholstery, consoles and more clean, polished and protected from UV rays. It removes tough grease and grime from leather, vinyl, rubber and plastic.
Hopefully, we've set you on the right path to picking out your new pontoon furniture, and by the time the wife finds out, you may be able to make that boat fairy story work.
If it does work, don't forget where you got it when you're buying beer the next time. Enjoy and keep coming back for more great ideas.
]]>How bout the time you tried changing behind two friends who couldn't stop giggling because they'd already downed a whole bottle of wine?
How'd that work for you? You were probably either (A) mortified or (B) didn't care ('Cause you helped them down that bottle of wine!).
Either way, your changing room is meant for privacy, to do anything that requires privacy. The style and size will determine how much privacy is provided and sets the tone for its uses.
This guide can help you find the perfect pontoon boat changing room while discussing reasons to consider and questions to ask yourself before picking your own. Plus, I'll touch on three different examples.
There are many reasons you might want a changing room on your pontoon. Some you may not have previously considered.
1. Clothes Changing: While on your pontoon, anybody on board might wanna change. It's nice to know you have a private place to go instead of hiding behind friends.
2. Portable Toilet: A changing room is perfect for housing a portable toilet, which can be a necessity, especially for long outings or if you have small children. It's always a plus for parties, too. Some invited guests may not come if they're worried there won't be a bathroom.
3. Diaper Changing Area: For some parents, diaper changing requires privacy, but other parents don't care. If a passenger has a baby in diapers, a private changing area is a nice option, especially when it requires more cleaning (or bathing!).
4. Breastfeeding: This is another gray area. Some mothers don't mind breastfeeding in public, but others wouldn't dare. A changing room is a great place for privacy for both mom and baby.
5. Seasickness: Have you ever gotten sick in front of somebody? Talk about embarrassing! If you have a portable toilet in your changing room, a passenger has a place to go if nausea won't subside (even after using a seasick remedy) and until you can get back on dry land.
Metal Polish |
Check Price on Amazon - Better boat's metal polish cleans, polishes and protects chrome, stainless steel and more. Use it to keep pontoon tubes, railing, cleats and more bright and shiny. It removes dirt, grime, salt, surface rust and oxidation.
This depends on the size of your pontoon. Naturally, you might wanna get a huge one, thinking the more space, the better. While that's probably true, it might not work for your pontoon's size.
You need to consider the deck size and layout of your pontoon. How can you comfortably fit a changing room into your floor plan without compromising too much space that's needed for gear like anchors, dock lines and fenders?
Determine the best spot for setting up a changing room, as this will help determine the ideal type.
Will you use the changing room just for changing, or do you plan on adding a convenient portable toilet? Will it be a room to escape torrential rain? And if so, how many will need to fit in there?
Consider all your needs, then determine the type and size you need. Consider any pontoons accessories you may want to house in your changing room.
What can you afford? With endless varieties on the market, you should be able to find one that's budget-friendly. And remember: Unless you have a custom changing room built into your pontoon, you can always upgrade later.
You need to consider environmental factors that might affect the sturdiness of a changing room. Do you live or go boating in an area prone to high winds? If so, you need to consider the durability of your changing room, as well as how it's installed. You want it to withstand your area's typical weather conditions.
If you have young children using your changing room, consider safety precautions before buying. Read labels and packaging thoroughly. Study zippers, hooks and hardware to determine safety. Call the manufacturer to ask questions. Make sure there have been no safety recalls or complaints.
Another thing to consider is the placement of your changing room. Where will you need to place it, according to your needs and the installation instructions? Then decide if the type you buy provides enough privacy for your needs.
Changing rooms come in all forms, shapes and sizes. You can find them in pop-ups, drop-downs/partitions, privacy screens/dividers, combos, bow-enclosures and even custom built.
Your choice of changing rooms will depend on your budget, your pontoon size and your overall needs, so the ultimate choice is up to you.
Here are five top-notch choices you'll want to investigate.
|
Pop-up changing rooms are like camping tents. They pop up when you need them and collapse to take up minimal space perfect for smaller pontoons.
This GigaTent Pop Up Pod (Available on Amazon) is a pretty affordable changing room option. There's no installation or mounting involved. None. Just find the best spot and open it where you want it.
Some have no floors, and some have removable mat floors. This pop-up pod can be fully enclosed for privacy, such as to use a portable toilet, and accessible by a zippered door.
Made to be taken onshore, this changing room has sand-bag pockets to make the pop-up much sturdier. Alternatively, it has sewn-on loops with stakes.
Now, as a warning, the stakes are short so if you plan on taking it onto the beach, I'd highly suggest longer sand stakes (Available on Amazon) to keep it from catching the wind.
The downside to certain pop-ups (and this one is the case) is the lack of screen ventilation or windows, so it can get pretty hot in there!
Campla Pop Up Tent for Dressing Changing Beach Toilet Shower Room Outdoor Shelter
|
These are similar to pop-ups, but contain a little something extra, offering more features and accessories. There's a floor mat for showering, should you ever need to rinse off sandy feet or go pontoon camping and sleep multiple nights on your boat.
There are even extra storage compartments for keeping toiletries and a hanger for towels and a fresh change of clothes. Do you know a lady who brings extra clothes? I know I take extra!
Plus, a built-in clothesline is awesome because spilling a drink on your clothes is par for the course on a boat.
This Campla Portable Pop up Dressing/Changing Tent (Available on Amazon) is an affordable pontoon changing room option.
This changing room also comes with a convenient carrying bag. For taking onshore, there are stakes, but I'd recommend getting longer sand stakes to secure it in high winds.
Carver Industries Privacy Curtain for Pontoons
|
Drop-down changing rooms are made to attach to your pontoon bimini top. Some boaters feel they look best and provide more privacy.
One such drop-down changing room is the Carver Industries Boat Bimini Top with Adjustable Privacy Curtain (Available on Amazon). This drop-down partition has a universal fit that should work with any bimini top and one-inch polypropylene straps for easy-peasy attachment and installation.
The straps even have quick-release buckles for taking down when storms hit. In fact, this drop-down partition is made of marine-grade polyester (Poly Flex), which makes it durable with high tear strength, allowing it to last for many boating seasons.
Taylor Made Products 12006OR Bow Enclosure, Cover, Pontoon Boat Shade & Privacy
|
Pontoon enclosures can fit over the lounge area and even across the bow, providing shade and shelter for passengers. But with the variety of pontoon enclosures available, you can also find one that doubles as a changing room.
This Taylor Made Bow Enclosure (Available on Amazon) is made of durable polyester with a zippered entryway that allows passengers some extra privacy.
The best part about using this enclosure as a changing room is its overall size and height, meaning you don't have to shimmy into a swimsuit while performing a balancing act in a 4-foot square box. You can actually rest on the pontoon bench seating.
Like most of these changing rooms, however, they're not made for long-term use or while underway. Give it a once-over with fabric waterproofing protector spray every once in while. It adds a breathable and waterproof layer to keep canvas, polyester and nylon looking great.
While the hardware is permanently mounted, it's not strong enough for high winds and is safest when removed.
If you know a handy carpenter, you can have a changing room specifically designed, built and installed on your pontoon. Depending on design and installation, it may or may not be permanent.
While they're often more expensive, they're also built sturdier and considered more convenient.
With lots of changing rooms available, you're sure to find one to suit your needs and budget. But always do your research before buying.
A few more tips before making a final decision:
Since I've attended a variety of boat shows over the years, I’ve learned how to best navigate these events and use my time wisely. When you know what to do, a day spent at a show can be both fun and productive.
Attending a boat show is a great way to ogle all the latest pontoon products, watch live demonstrations, share the boating lifestyle with others and also get a great feel for any possible purchases.
All hands on deck. If you're curious about pontoon boats and still debating if they're right for you, the first thing I'd suggest is a visit to a local pontoon boat show so you can get a sense of the 'toon world's culture.
When you're trying to make a final decision about which pontoon to purchase, shows let you observe your options much better than viewing them online alone. Even with no plans to buy or purchase a boat, boat shows can be a lot of fun!
I always find the floor plan of a boat hard to visualize by looking online or through a catalog. To grasp the layout of a boat, it's better to be right on the deck where you're able to touch and feel the materials and get a sense of the space. This is enormously helpful to decide on the size of pontoon that’s right for you, too.
When you choose a local boat show to attend, you can usually find a directory on the show’s website of the vendors that will be on the floor. Take for example the boat show I attend: The Atlanta Boat Show. Locate the Exhibitor List on the site to find local dealers you should approach if you’re in the market for a boat.
Going to a boat show might release your inner child. But if you're a parent and have kids, don’t be afraid to bring them along as well. Some shows have specialized activity areas with things like face painting and crafts. Sometimes there are even professional babysitters on hand.
One really great thing about boat shows is the wide range of seminars and learning opportunities they provide. You can find anything from fishing demonstrations to workshops on engine maintenance. Take advantage and educate yourself—you never know when this information might come in handy.
I’ll admit that reading something online is different than seeing it firsthand. Your brain will retain it a whole lot better if you see it in action.
Also, be sure to double-check the event schedule. Chances are an event may not be available every day and you could find yourself disappointed if you miss the scheduled days.
Discover Great New Products
Even though it's a boat show, there are usually boating-related vendor booths. You'll be able to check out new (or new-to-you products) to make boating life easier, safer, cleaner or more convenient. I discovered a cool piece of gear for holding smartphones, tablets and more in a secure position (for purposes of navigation and such) at the most recent show I attended.
Boat Soap |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's boat soap keeps your boat clean and shiny from bow to stern. It's 100% biodegradable and safe for the marine environment. It removes dirt, grease and grime and rinses away to leave a residue-free finish.
If you’re in the market to buy, I recommend going to at least two shows. The first one will be to get your feet wet and casually check out each manufacturer’s product.
The second will be to take the helm and test drive a few pontoons after you’ve narrowed your selection down to a few winners. If you can’t find a local in-water boat show, talk to dealers at the first indoor show and ask how and where to get behind the wheel to test drive.
Here are a few websites to search, both nationally and internationally:
Most indoor boat shows, especially for pontoons, are scheduled for off-season months between January and April. Due to the lull, manufacturers take the opportunity to start launching their newest, shiniest models.
But because it’s winter, most venues are also indoors. The main disadvantage of an indoor boat show is: You can’t test drive.
Most in-water boat shows take place in the early spring and fall. Some are intended for much larger boats like mega-yachts, sailboats with tall masts and others of this variety, but that’s not to say you can’t find watercraft and pontoons.
Just do your research first. Don’t pay for show tickets only to discover there’s not a single pontoon at the docks.
Also, if you do attend an in-water boat show, prepare for the weather. I’ve been to outdoor shows where it rained for an entire day, and I left with wet clothes and soaked brochures and business cards.
Walking docks and piers with umbrellas becomes a bit cumbersome. I suggest dressing appropriately by wearing a hat and packing a poncho and more foul-weather gear.
Ask yourself what you want out of your pontoon. Would you enjoy skiing and tubing the kids around? Are you a fisherman and need something utilitarian? Or do you entertain friends and family and are looking for more of a cruiser?
If all this hasn't crossed your mind yet, take a look at our guide to choosing the best pontoon for you in order to get a better grasp on this.
Discover which pontoon manufacturers you lean toward. Go online first and peruse their models, taking notice of overall aesthetics and practical capabilities.
Start narrowing the makes and models down to only a few favorites. The engine deserves its own research. Pay attention to each engine’s maximum horsepower and figure out how fast you’d want your pontoon to go.
At the show, you’ll find that most dealers sell their pontoons with one, maybe two, types of motor manufacturers. That’s because they usually have an on-site mechanic who specializes in those engine types.
That doesn’t mean the pontoon boat you want can’t be specified to carry another engine brand. You do have an option and you’ll need to know ahead of time what you’d prefer to power your pontoon.
Calculating the total cost of ownership is a crucial step. Besides the cost of a pontoon boat itself, know what you’re getting yourself into. This includes things like maintenance, docking fees, storage fees (and cover), insurance, trailering and gear such as anchors, dock lines and fenders.
Don’t buy a pontoon boat to find out that it’s too big. It’s important to measure your slip and know the space intended to hold your boat. It shouldn't be a snug fit either, there should be ample space for maneuvering with your dock lines, boat fenders and dock bumpers.
Boat Fenders |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's fenders provide protection from docks and other boats. Made of marine-grad and UV-resistant vinyl, they have a ribbed design that prevents rolling around.
First and foremost, you'll need to pay close attention to each manufacturer’s product quality. You'll also want to take into account your needs and personal preferences.
Would you prefer vinyl over a carpeted flooring? Vinyl is easier to clean, especially if you go fishing frequently.
A carpeted floor has been known to have better traction but captures more dirt and sand.
Just like shopping at a furniture store, take a seat to see if it’s comfortable. Also, is there enough seating for your entire family and guests?
Do you like soaking up the sun. If so, is there a place to lounge?
Does the welding look well-done? Does the boat look well-constructed and tightly sealed? Place your hand on the railings and put your body weight against them like you would when climbing in and out of the water.
Does the boat come with fishfinders already installed? Does it come with any other valuable gadgets to make the boating life easier? Don’t be afraid to play with the electronics.
Get a good feeling for the speakers if they’re included (if not, they can be added).
Exterior Cleaning Kit |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's exterior cleaning kit has all the tools you need to keep your boat clean. The set comes with boat soap, a soap foam gun, a sponge, a boat eraser and two microfiber cloths.
On the last day of the show, return to the dealers who carried your favorite models. Doing so on the last day is important if you're looking to buy a new boat.
Some dealers have a quota to meet before the end of the show and will work getting the price down for you a bit harder.
Out with the old, as they say. At the boat show, what you see is the latest and greatest. But like cars, dealers want to get rid of old inventory.
Ask dealers if they have inventory for the previous year’s models. They might have something back at their private showroom, or even know a guy looking for a trade-in.
There’s nothing wrong with being open to something older or used. There could be a huge difference or no difference at all. And then there could be a difference that you don’t care about, so last year’s model will work great for you as it is.
Dealing with salesmen can be stressful. But try to play it cool and be respectful of each other’s time.
You might feel on cloud nine and eager to make your purchase, but resist the temptation of pulling out the checkbook and signing before you're completely sure it's the right call.
When you get home, compare prices of older models. Even last year’s model could be significantly more affordable. Check ABOS Marine Blue Book, NADA Guides and websites such as BoatTrader and Boats.com to find the current boat values.
Someone could be eyeing the latest brand spanking new boat. You could luck out when they want to trade in their one-year-old models. Overall, have fun and don’t get overwhelmed!
You might find yourself at the end of the day with a permanent poker face or a headache from the amount of information you learned. Talking to dealers and salesmen can be an exhausting experience.
Try to remember that everyone is there because they enjoy being on the water. Find your dream boat, and start looking forward to those summer days.
]]>When you also own a pontoon boat, finding an excuse to go paddling in your kayak gets harder by the season.
From the shade to the time saved getting to a location, it's so much more tempting to pack a cooler and effortlessly coast along instead of paddle.
There are reasons you'd want to not only have your pontoon, but your kayak too! You can only take your pontoon so far up a cove, but you can use it as a launch point for a kayak.
If there's a shallow cove or narrow creek you've wanted to explore drive to the location, drop an anchor, glide in your yak and paddle the rest of the way, knowing that you can always paddle back to grab lunch under the shade.
The trick, however, is how to bring your kayak along for the ride in the first place. Most pontoons just don't have the space up front for a 10-foot or 12-foot yak.
So the best scenario would be to hang it on the outside.
Taking a look around online and seeing a few while attending boat shows, I noticed kayak racks were mostly designed for hanging over the side of powerboat railings and sailboat stanchions. There aren't too many that are molded for the square-shaped railings of pontoons.
I did find a few kayak rack manufacturers who have noticed the need for kayak racks specifically constructed for pontoon boats.
The Toonracker is designed by Boarding Solutions LLC of Englewood, Florida. Made out of nylon straps and marine-grade materials, the Toonracker is recommended for kayaks under 75 lbs. This should be more than efficient if your kayak is made from rotomolded polyethylene, as are most. The beauty of this rack is that if you ever want to trade your kayak in, it can also accommodate up to either two paddleboards or two surfboards. |
Suspenz EZ Kayak Rack, Yellow , 21" x 21"
|
Check Price on Amazon If you're looking for something solid and don't mind rigging it to the boat yourself, Suspenz Kayak Storage has a variety of racks that can be configured to the side railing of a pontoon.
For example, the lightweight EZ Kayak Rack is a nice choice to attach to your 'toon. Just take a look at their offerings for yourself and get creative!
Some of us aren't too keen on the idea of drilling into our boat's railing. If this makes you nervous, you could use a simple pair of tie-down straps. The disadvantage of this is that you have no foam support, potentially resulting in your kayak banging against the side of your pontoon and scratching up the railings or paint job. To remedy this, you just need to get creative and add some cushions to protect the boat. This can be as inexpensive as a foam pool noodle, cut in half and secured to the pontoon railing. If you wanna invest in more than a foam pool noodle, don't assume a generic sponge will work. Be certain the foam is closed-cell foam. If it's not, it'll absorb water. |
DIY Dock Aluminum Kayak, SUP & Canoe Rack
|
Check Price on Amazon Another dock rack you can purchase is this aluminum rack by DIY Dock. The reason I like it is because it hangs over the water, freeing up your walkways or dock.
Not only does it save space by hanging the kayaks over the water, but with a lower arm, it also stores paddles safely out of the way of foot traffic.
Bungee straps secure your watercrafts in place while UV-protected EVA foam padding protects the coat from any scuffs or scratches.
Check Price on EZ Dock To some paddlers, it used to be that the best way to climb into your yak was by the edge of the dock. But instead of climbing in while the kayak is about waist high on the surface of the water, it meant you'd have to climb down into it, which can make the kayak tipsy. Even as an experienced paddler, I still find launching from a dock very unsteady and have lost my balance on numerous occasions. If you have the room on the side of your dock, you may wanna consider the EZ Dock Kayak Launch. It makes getting in and out of kayaks easy for young kids and those of us (like me) with not-so-great balancing skills. It's especially perfect if you live on a busy lake with lots of traffic and wakes, or if you're a paddler who would otherwise have to climb over rocks to launch at shore. |
The entire piece is constructed to float with your dock. If the water rises or falls with either a standard floating dock or a fixed dock, so will the launch.
The EZ launch has a series of rollers which help glide the kayak in and out of the water. Due to its wide yet shallow V-shaped entry, it allows the keel of your kayak (or canoe) to stabilize as you settle in.
This launch also comes with a few smart touches such as integrated paddle notches.
Another awesome reason for a launch is the ability to kayak in the colder months. Sometimes you just wanna go paddle in the autumn months but dread getting your feet into the cold water to launch.
With this launch, you'll never have to worry about that!
Featured Kayak Product
Kayak Paddle |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's kayak paddle collapses down from 35" to 18.75". It has an ergonomic T-grip handle, sturdy locking joints and a high-impact plastic blade. It's compact and portable for use on canoes, kayaks, boats and even jet skis.
Pay close attention to where you install your kayak rack.
When you mount your rack, be certain you're not blocking an entry or exit point. The racks might have a recommended install of say six feet apart (depending on the length of your kayak) at the rear of the boat, but the nose of your yak could easily extend further and obstruct a door.
Depending on the size of your kayak, you may be able to mount it across the bow of the pontoon. An eight-foot kayak could easily fit across most pontoon bows.
If you get up into the 10-foot range, you may need to pay attention to how far the kayak's nose and rudder, if you have one stick out.
Think about the ease with which you dismount your kayak. If you wanna drop the kayak in at a moment's notice, you might want something that's a little less constricting, like straps. Then again, this means you're fighting straps as you're bobbing in the water.
On the other, you'll need help lifting the yak over and into the solid unbendable racks. So I'll leave this decision up to you.
I recommend facing the yak's hull outward. This way, you don't trap water inside and create a heavier yak that will add extra load on the rack's straps.
In fact, it's smart to bring along a sponge to absorb any water weight before you remount it to the rack.
Keep in mind that when you install a kayak rack on your pontoon, your boat's overall beam will be wider. Don't forget your kayak is there when you're underway and pull into a marina or dock on the side where the straps are located.
If you don't give yourself extra clearance, this could create some nasty dents in your pontoon's siding.
This also goes with visibility. A kayak on your side will create a blind spot, making it hard to judge how close you are to nearby docks. It's important to also check for loose straps or bolts every so often as well.
Failure to address any wears and tears could create a serious hazard and injure someone if it falls. Another fantastic reason to bring a kayak along is if you do a lot of pontoon camping. It makes an easy way to get supplies to shore if you don't bank your pontoon.
But if you plan on transporting your pontoon to a different lake or coastal waterway, remember to clean the bottoms of not only your pontoon but your kayak with Boat Soap. You could bring back an invasive species or a kayak covered in slime and algae.
Show us what you've got! If you're a passionate paddler who has rigged out a pontoon for a kayak, talk to us on Twitter or Facebook.
There are more paddlers and 'tooners out there than you'd think. If you're an avid paddler, check out BetterBoat's General Boating for more kayaking tips and accessories.
]]>Can't decide which decals to put on your pontoon? Are you unsure of which decals are legally required in your state? Or maybe you're having trouble sticking or un-sticking a chosen decal.
Well, we've all been there and done that. So, whether you're applying your registration numbers, a custom boat graphic or striping, we've consolidated our knowledge on this topic to make sure you're covered.
We'll walk you through some top options for decal types, give you the steps to apply your vinyl decals without any wrinkling or bubbling and help you get old decals unstuck.
Your state registration and validation decals are required by law, and there are specifications you'll need to keep in mind to display them properly.
Letters and numbers must be 3 high and vertical block font (typically Arial black).
Letters and digits must be separated by hyphens or spaces (Ex: GA-5619-ZW or GA 5619 ZW). Find a marine decal manufacturer, then check to see if they create pre-spaced registration decals. In all likelihood, they do. Otherwise, you'd have to stick the letters on individually and you don't want that.
Lastly, the color of the registration must stand out in contrast to the color of your boat.
Your order will arrive pressed between a transfer paper and backing paper, which allows you to press the letters onto your boat basically like one big strand of tape.
Place the registration decal in any position, but just be sure it's on both sides of the bow. In fact, most places sell registration decals by the pair with this setup in mind.
|
Since it's tradition to name boats, a lot of owners choose to name their 'toon and display the name proudly. A boat name is one of the most common custom decals ordered.
Forget block lettering, this is where you can have fun! You 'll find many script fonts available online, like a nice white center with chrome outlining.
If you 're feeling extra creative, you can create one in any font you want with computer software and upload it as a graphic image. Another fun application is using glow-in-the-dark or reflective tape vinyl, similar to these examples from StreetGlo.
Striping is the name of the swoosh-like vinyl marks you see on the sides of pontoons. If you don 't like the striping your pontoon came with, you can easily remove it and replace it. You can customize these to be anything or any color you want SUCH AS solid color striping
An additional item some owners choose to decal is a life ring This guarantees it makes its way back to the rightful owners if it's ever lost or borrowed. My family and I place one at the end of our dock for visiting friends to find us.
Since they'll be placed on a round object, it might take a few extra steps to ensure the decal letters are angled nicely.
You can also place a decorative graphic on your boat to make it stand out from the crowd. At our lake, I 've seen anything from pirate skulls to fish to American Boat Flags. Whatever floats your boat!
Start by washing the chosen application area with a soap, such as boat soap, and water solution. Be certain to remove any salt, scum or other buildup. After it's fully clean, rinse with a hose and dry. You 'll want to use a fresh, clean towel something like microfiber works great to polish and remove water spots.
The next step in preparation is to spray an alcohol solution (70% isopropyl-based) around the entire area, wiping down with a second towel. Be sure to choose a day without much of a breeze, otherwise you 'll be fighting flapping paper and vinyl the whole way.
It 's important to not try to do this in the heat of summer with high temperatures. You could do this in spring around the time you take your boat out of winterization.
Featured Product
Chamois Cloth |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's chamois cloth is durable, soft and lint and scratch-free. Use for cars, camping, RVs, pets and more.
After the area is prepped, grab a grease pencil and tape measure. Draw a few dots to create a rectangle that suits the dimensions of your decal. Measure from the left side to the right to find the center.
Mark this center above the application area. Take your graphic and gently bend it lengthwise to create a light crease. Then align the crease (which temporarily marks the center) with the grease pencil mark you made on the hull in the previous step. Don't worry too much about the exact position. You 'll be adjusting it slightly in the next step.
Next, you'll position the graphic more exactly. Use the rub rail as a guide, spacing tick marks with the grease pencil along a top reference line.
Some use the hinge method, where they tape off the top or sides of a decal, peeling away the entire piece of paper at once.
I find a better way is to not tape a side, but the center dividing the spaces into two. My husband, once a sign shop technician, applied much larger decals to vehicles and shop windows. He recommends this method because it makes it easier to spread the vinyl straight.
Featured Product
Silicone Squeegee |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's silicone squeegee gives a streak-free finish. It removes water with one swipe and won't scratch surfaces. The soft-touch silicone blade is flexible with a heavy-duty handle.
Being careful not to stretch the vinyl, peel away the backing and use a pair of scissors or blade to cut away the top paper. Using a squeegee, press the vinyl against the fiberglass. If you see the decal forming wrinkles, use the transfer paper to pull it away, reposition it and pat it back down.
If you find some small pinhead bubbles here and there, don 't fret! Take a sharp blade and make a small prick in the vinyl.
This will release the air trapped beneath, allowing you to rub and smooth it out.
At this point, you can remove the tape and peel away the transfer paper. It 's best to peel it away at a 45-degree angle and almost touching parallel to the boat.
You may find you need to peel away the backing of certain letters such as A, P and O and anything with an unattached vinyl piece. Some I 've spoken to suggest using a Seal-It Pen, which keeps the edges from peeling up. You just run it along the edges to create a thin layer of extra glue.
|
One last tip! Wait at least 24 hours for the decal and its adhesive to fully stick before you take your boat anywhere near the water!
Letters are much easier to place. However, it does get trickier with a larger decal and a rounder surface. It's more than likely you 'll need to use the pin prick technique on bubbles and smooth a few surfaces out.
Striping is a much larger graphic, but don't be intimidated. Just start by taking it in sections, marking every 2-3 feet along the top edge.
Next, take the first 6 inches of backing paper away from the start of the striping, pressing the adhesive side down. You 'll remove the backing paper repeatedly a few feet, moving in long sections from one side to the other.
Like any graphic, you 'll take a squeegee and run it along the length of your striping, pressing the adhesive down even smoother. Also, be sure to trim the striping around panels, vents and hatches.
There are many reasons you could eventually find yourself needing to remove a decal: The sale of a boat, the change of state, changing registration or even just an update to your boat 's graphics.
You can pay someone to do it for you, who will usually provide a quote for removal of the old graphic and replacing with the new. Should you choose to remove the graphics yourself, there are few different methods to be aware of.
Regardless, it'll take some real elbow grease. You may want to start the process with a little boat soap and water, which is the safest method for decal removal. The mixture will help dissolve the residue and prevent the decal from reapplying itself as you follow through the next steps.
You can apply heat with a hair dryer or heat gun. But be careful not to damage the gel coat, as it can bubble up and blister if the air is too hot. Remember: If it 's too hot for your skin, it 's too hot for your topcoat!
When you have the surface heated, carefully and slowly peel back the old decal. You may be able to do this with your nails, but if not, try a razor blade just to get started, taking extra caution not to scratch the fiberglass.
Take your time. After you 've pinched a solid grip, you should be able to finish this step using only your hands. Keep the heat applied. This will ensure little to no sticky residue left behind, making the following steps go a lot smoother (pun intended).
|
It 's nearly impossible to not have a little bit of sticky residue remaining. Some recommend taking a cloth or rag and using a substance such as GooGone or a simple mineral spirit or cleaning alcohol to help rub the rest off the surface.
3M 05954 Super Duty Rubbing Compound, 1 qt (32 fl oz/946 mL)
|
After you've removed the decal and adhesive, you 'll more than likely find an imprint where the decal once was. A good buffing job will blend the outline and exposed areas back to an original looking gel coat.
It might be unsightly at first, but after a while, you 'll never notice it. There are a few good buffering compounds out there.
The manufacturer 3M makes a Super Duty Rubbing Compound and Finesse-it Marine Glaze that I know many boat owners swear by. This two-step process helps remove light oxidation.
If you need help with your 'toons, take a look at our guide to polishing pontoons. Also, if you 're searching for a well-rounded collection to DIY your pontoon decal, I recommend an amazing deal for 7 bucks. It 's a professional vinyl application kit that consists of felt squeegees, Lil Chizlers and razor blades.
|
And that's a wrap! Once you've gotten your own decals and followed these application steps, sport your new pontoon decals in style.
Take your newly-decorated pontoon for a spin. You'll love having a boat that reflects your personality and style.
]]>Shopping online or in local boating shops, it can be hard to tell what's high quality or low quality. Beyond that, it's hard to know what your loved one will actually be excited to receive.
Here are some recommendations they're bound to appreciate.
|
If you boat around cold water during parts of the year, a wet suit is a really nice gift for a pontoon fan. This premium men's wet suit only costs $65, gets awesome reviews and looks great.
When buying a wet suit, the first consideration is what you want to have covered. I find that the short sleeves and shorts style is most popular because you can use it both when it's cold or also when it's pretty hot outside.
A wet suit not only keeps you warm on the water, but it also dries quickly, is a safety feature because it protects the body from hard slaps on the water, and prevents the uncomfortable rubbing of life jackets on the body.
Navionics Garmin MSD/NAV+NI Plus - United States and Canada , Black
|
Humminbird Electronic Chart (Sotheast States)
|
A mapping card is really nice to have for boating because it shows you the depth of each of the areas of the lake. It prevents running aground, which can cause serious injury and damage to the boat when you find a sudden shallow area.
It's also really nice to have for fishing because a good fisherman can look at the maps and know where some likely hotspots are for fishing.
Aside from that, most good mapping cards also show you where the nearest beach-side restrooms and the marina are. If you ever boat at night and are concerned about finding your way back in the dark, a mapping card is essential.
Lillipad Pontoon Diving Board with Quick Release for Storage
|
This is a NIIIIIiiice present. Think "wife of the year" or "rich wife of the year." It's pricey, but the lillipad diving board for pontoon boats is tough to beat in terms of awesome presents for pontoon boat captains.
|
One fun idea would be to decorate a bathroom or even the garage area where you keep your boating stuff with a little nautical inspiration. This captain's steering wheel would be a handsome addition to your pontoon boating decor.
Dunham Men's Captain Boat Shoe,Brown,10.5 6E
|
I have a strange love for my boat shoes, despite the fact that I generally could care less about fashion. If your loved one is more of the sophisticated (also known as "old guy") type, then he'll surely appreciate these waterproof leather loafers.
If he's more of the sporty (not old) type, then these Addidas ones are an awesome choice (and my personal preference--sorry old dudes).
adidas Performance Men's Climacool Boat Lace, Black/Chalk/SharpGrey, 9
|
RestorePontoon Boat Under Deck RGB LED Lighting Kit
|
If you want your pontoon to have a little style at night, it's tough to beat an LED light kit. The install is done in just a couple of hours and you'll have vibrant under-deck lighting illuminating the water under you as you cruise along in the evenings. This kit comes with everything you need for the install.
Prospec Electronics JBL-PRV175 Jbl Am/Fm/Bt/USB 4X45 Stereo
|
If your pontoon boat has a built-in stereo, but it's an old-school stereo without Bluetooth (so you can't play music wirelessly from your phone), this is a fun and simple upgrade.
Simply buy a new stereo of the same size on Amazon and the install can be done in 15 minutes.
If you don't currently have a stereo in your boat and you have to wire the speakers and such, this would be a much more involved upgrade.
This marine-grade stereo fits a standard-size opening, is water resistant and includes Bluetooth to play music wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet. If you need a circular one to fit a gauge-style opening, then this is a good choice.
Under Armour Men's UA Fish Hunter LS Solid, Steel (035)/Rhino Gray, Large
|
When you're out fishing on your pontoon boat, you want to have breathable fabrics so you don't get too hot, but you also want nice pockets and a shirt that won't stay soaking wet if it gets dipped underwater. At least, that's what I want.
This Under Armour fishing shirt looks fantastic and is made of durable fabrics. I want one.
|
We're all picky about our boats, and boat registration numbers have never looked very attractive. Until now.
These raised boat registration numbers look as good as possible ... almost like a factory look. You can pick them up for $40 on Amazon.
Freestyle Men's 101050 Shark Tide Classic Digital Sport Watch
|
I love Shark watches! When I lived near the ocean, I had Shark watches that would last through years of abuse. They're incredibly durable and waterproof.
This one shows high and low tide times for those who use their pontoon boats near the ocean or very large bodies of water.
Captain with Ships Anchor Embroidered Baseball Cap - Navy
|
For the captain of the pontoon boat, a handsome captain's hat is a must. It's part of a captain's self-esteem.
This is such a cool idea. If your loved one wants to do something unique with the 'toon and doesn't mind a little project to install, this kit will allow you to install a campfire pit right on the deck of your pontoon boat. Awesome!
|
If the person you're buying for is a fishing fan, then look no further than this Plano tackle box. It's HUGE! When I first bought mine I thought I'd never fill it, but sure enough, I did.
Before this tackle box I had fishing stuff all over the garage and never had with me what I needed when fishing. With a pontoon boat where there's usually lots of storage, you have the luxury of using an oversized tackle box to keep things organized.
Onyx M-24 Manual Inflatable Belt Pack Life Jacket, Gray
|
Many captains don't wear life vests. On a pontoon boat that feels like a huge barge that sits up high on the water, it can feel unnecessary if you aren't jumping in and wakeboarding or tubing.
Most of the time, this is perfectly fine, but at some point in your lifelong boating venture, trouble will rear its head and you'll wish you had your life vest on.
A great solution to this that encourages pontoon captains to wear a vest is a waist pack manual inflatable life vest. It's small and discreet, but a quick pull of the rip cord and you're safely floating.
|
Check Price on Amazon - Boaters can always use new boating gear and cleaning products. Get creative and fill a bucket with boat soap, a sponge set, dock lines, fenders and whatever you can think of. Toss in a scrub brush, a few boat erasers and a set of cup holders. They'll love it!
]]>Well, for one thing, that enormous expanse of salt water! Saltwater can be nasty and corrosive, deteriorating your pontoon's metal tubes and structure if you leave her unchecked.
Before you pencil in plans for that summer vacation at the beach, a bit of proper maintenance and preparation needs to be considered for this type of marine environment.
Here are eight tips you need to confidently face the great blue without worry.
If you're in the market to buy a pontoon for mostly saltwater conditions, take a careful look at the hardware and materials used to put the deck together. Unlike some decks that are only screwed to the frame, saltwater pontoon decks should be bolted down.
The pontoon's log tubes need to be capable of handling the swells you could encounter. Part of checking the general construction quality should be to see that the tubes are completely welded to the decking. Some 'toons are welded only every foot or so and you don't want that.
This doesn't mean that you should only go testing how securely pontoon decks are bolted down. You'll need a boat that's sturdy all around. After all, the ocean has much choppier swells than the local lake and can rock your pontoon around a lot harder.
For this reason, your pontoon's log tubes should be a minimum of 25 inches in diameter. When you're unsure about how a boat was made, ask the dealer or manufacturer directly and let them know how you're intending to use the boat.
Verify that your pontoon is protected under warranty. Among the intimidating red tape, it may have language that prohibits or even nulls the warranty if you consistently toy around in saltwater.
Check under exclusions for verbiage like "damage caused by or related to environmental conditions" and make sure salt isn't listed as one of the said conditions.
You might also look under the warranty for verbiage that suggests the warranty is valid only if the hull has "a proper application of an aluminum bottom paint by licensed applicator."
When in doubt, contact your dealer or manufacturer directly, maybe even by email to get it in writing in order to clear things up.
You may have noticed a sticker label called the Saltwater Series on pontoons. This is a sort of stamp of approval that dealers can add to their models.
But you should be aware this does not guarantee their invincibility in salt water. Instead, what it does guarantee is that the dealer has taken additional measures to make the pontoon's materials salt water resistant.
Featured Boat Care Product
De-Salt Concentrate |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's de-salt concentrate breaks down and flushes away salt deposits from inboard, outboard and jet engines. It's perfect for use on fishing gear, dive equipment, driveways, outdoor furniture and more.
Some owners argue that taking any pontoon to the Gulf is just plain dangerous, while some argue that it can be done if you're experienced and know how to check the weather and light wind knots.
The fact that your pontoon is big and sturdy doesn't mean it can be taken out to sea. In fact, I'd really only suggest taking your 'toon into bays and inlets.
Even venturing into a Gulf could turn a trip a bit rocky. And if you see whitecaps, don't even think about it! A deeper V-hull might be able to handle it, but a pontoon boat probably can't.
Martyr CMGROUPERZ Zinc Alloy Grouper Hanging Anode Zinc
|
Okay, so just what's this about electrolysis deterioration? Well, saltwater enhances extra electrical currents. In turn, it causes any metals to corrode at a faster rate. In order to avoid electrolysis deterioration, you'll need to install zinc anodes.
Zinc anodes, also referred to as sacrificial anodes, act as protective buffers against corrosion. In short, since the saltwater is drawn to electrical currents, it gravitates toward the zinc anodes instead, saving your motor (that's why the word "sacrificial" - you're sacrificing the anodes for the sake of your motor).
This Martyr Hanging Anode (check price on Amazon) is a great and clever one for boaters. Most motors have them on the motor, but this is a handy option.
I recommend giving your anodes and electrical connectors an inspection once a year. Maybe just make a point to add it to your winterization checklist.
|
As mentioned above, your warranty may prescribe this in an exclusions clause. It's important to just do it anyway. If you have any reason or temptation to venture into salty seas, just have it done!
Per warranty standards, the paint job will likely need to be completed by a licensed professional. Plus, the application should be done with an approved non-copper anti-fouling paint.
I'd check with your dealer to see if this is a service they can provide. If not, I'm sure they can at least get a local recommendation.
If you have an older beater boat and you no longer have warranty worries then you can apply the paint yourself with this Krypton brush-on anti-fouling paint (check price on Amazon).
Salt deposits can build up anywhere, so it's important to keep your pontoon in ship-shape shape. Be sure to clean the space between the bunks and the pontoons with a freshwater rinse with a hose and even a de-salt concentrate.
If you're trailering the pontoon from salt water often, consider rubber trailer bunk glides (check price on Amazon) instead of carpet for your bunks.
Trailer Bunk Glides (4" x 48") kit of 4
|
Read over this post on deciding on a pontoon boat trailer to get a better idea of the additional things you should consider for submersion in salt water, such as aluminum versus galvanized steel frames.
Additionally, just as carpet on trailer bunks can absorb ocean water, so can the carpet on deck. This among many reasons is why some boaters prefer vinyl flooring over carpet.
For a great collection of vinyl flooring, take a look at Infinity Fabrics (check price on Amazon).
Marine Carpeting Infinity Woven Vinyl Flooring Seagrass Series HD Backing 80 Mil / 8.5 Feet Wide
|
After your boat is nice and dry, glance over it to check for any areas of scratched or chipped paint where metal is showing through.
You'll want to repair these areas and apply a paint touch-up. I'd even use Corrosion-X lubricant on the engine as well.
The ocean provides a plentiful variety of fish. For you pontoon anglers out there, you might be tempted to catch a few. If you want to use a trolling motor, there are a few things to be aware of for saltwater fishing.
If you diligently rinse and flush your boat after a day of play, a freshwater motor might suffice. Keep in mind that saltwater trolling motors are built with stronger metals and tighter seals around things like electrical components.
A well-made mount will have features like stainless steel brackets, powder coat paint, sealed electrical components (with waterproof tubing) and zinc anodes to protect your circuits.
The same goes for the trolling mount. Whether you have a bow-mounted trolling motor or transom-mounted trolling motor, your mount needs to be just as corrosion-proof as everything else.
Knowing your trolling motor and mount can handle salt water is a bonus, but that's not to say you shouldn't rinse it out with fresh water anyway.
Check out this buyer's guide to trolling motors for more information on the sizes and styles of trolling motors as well as the advantages and disadvantages of bow mounts.
Oh, and unless you want to spook fish with a cavitation bubble show, check out this post on choosing the correct trolling motor shaft length.
So long as you take preventative measures and keep your pontoon in good shape, you won't have to worry about the salt.
Not all pontoons are made to be the adventurous seafaring vessels as our cruiser counterparts. Yours may not be able to withstand choppy swells and waves, but that's okay!
Just take care, and you can enjoy pontoon rides in salt water for many years to come.
]]>If pontoon hardware and other major pontoon parts are rusted or broken, a replacement could be the best option.
This guide will help familiarize (or re-familiarize) you with essential pontoon hardware and what each piece does. Hopefully, this will help you monitor your hardware and replace it when necessary (Translation: After you read this, there's no excuse not to keep your pontoon hardware in tip-top shape!).
Your pontoon's equipped with a variety of hardware designed for the protection of your passengers. It's essential that your pontoon hardware is installed properly, inspected regularly and repaired or replaced as needed.
Ignoring even one of these steps could result in passenger injury. So, it's best to familiarize yourself with all the hardware listed and regularly check it. It can keep your passengers safe (and eager for more toon outings and activities).
Although tiny, this part protects the fingers of your smallest passengers (even adult fingers). By filling in space where your pontoon fence and gate meet, pontoon pinch guards help prevent finger pinching or catching. Another plus: These pinch guards keep objects (like fender lines, dock lines and clothing) from snagging or catching between the gap. Most come in a kit of three or more and include stainless screws for easy installation. While most are white, you can find them in gray to camouflage with your pontoon railing. These really are awesome. If you don't have one installed already, get on that pronto. Nothing is worse than a pinched finger! |
Pontoon gate latches are a great safety option. It prevents the door from accidentally swinging open, which protects your passengers and pets.
This T. H. Marine GL-2-DP Pontoon Gate Latch comes in gray to match and camouflage with a metal railing. The molded nylon also prevents rusting. This one fits rounded doors made of square tubing as well as both right-handed and left-handed gates.
FYI: My mom had one of these installed on her pontoon when my twins were small. It gave me peace of mind so we could enjoy her toon without worry.
I can't imagine anything scarier than a child (or even your pet) escaping through a gate and falling into the water. A sturdy gate latch really is a necessity for safety.
Gate lift hinges are made of stainless steel and are built for pontoon gates that lift up and out of a doorstop. These hinges lift and lock your gate into your doorstop to keep it stabilized. Most come with steel self-tapping stainless-steel screws for easy installation. Although these may not be a necessity, they're helpful to prevent gates from dragging the deck while opening and closing (it's so aggravating when your gate door drags). |
Lift and lock door stops are made to stabilize and secure your pontoon gate. These work on the gates with lift and lock hinges (and latches) described above.
Most are universal designs to work on any gate and are made of sturdy plastic. You'll need to check the size of your railing and gate, but most fit the universal 1 ¼-inch railings. Door stops should come with screws for installation, and they should install easily.
Tip: Make sure to order the correct swing direction:
T. H. Marine Pontoon Door Stop - Left Hinge (Check Price on Amazon)
T-H Marine DS-1L-DP Pontoon Door Stop - Left Hinge
|
T. H. Marine Pontoon Door Stop - Right Hinge (Check Price on Amazon)
T-H Marine DS-1R-DP Pontoon Door Stop - Right Hinge
|
NOTE: Strangely, each of these affordable options attaches with a single screw, but neither comes with the screw. You may want to grab some stainless steel screws since they won't rust.
As the name implies, pontoon rail braces provide additional support for your pontoon railing. Some passengers not only hold onto the railing, but your kids might lean, sit or even jump on it. Yikes! That's why pontoon rail braces are a good investment (this was a top priority for us when our twins were small). Rail braces are made of high-grade stainless steel. They install easily and come with installation hardware (but be sure to ask). Most often, these are installed at each gate and are commonly 13" high and 1" wide. If you don't have your pontoon railing braced, please consider doing it. It's a high priority when it comes to pontoon safety. And here's something else to think about: Always check the screws before each outing as they may need tightening. |
Stainless-Steel Pontoon Fence Bolt Kit, 26-Pack
|
A fence bolting kit is used to secure your railing onto the deck. This is the foundation that keeps your railing safe and secure, so this hardware needs to be in tip-top condition always.
This JIF Marine Products Pontoon Fence Bolt Kit (check price on Amazon) is an excellent hardware kit. The hardware in these kits is stainless steel, which will never rust.
The bolts are often ¼ inches in diameter with Phillips heads. It also includes 1-inch washers and flange nuts for complete and sturdy installation. The screws included are 3 ½ inches long.
Even if you don't yet need to replace your fence bolting hardware, check it often. Make sure each bolt/screw is tight and secure. It will give you peace of mind, if nothing else.
Floor plates, or deck plates, come in different shapes and sizes for different needs. Keeping this hardware secure prevents injury from toppled tables not to mention keeping those yummy snacks from spilling.
Most floor plates like this Sequoia Floor Plate (check price on Amazon) are five inches in diameter and used to mount your table to your pontoon deck.
ITC Floor Base Sequoia 5" Polished TR4000
|
Stainless steel floor plates attach to your seat pedestal. They include a four-bolt mount and spring, so the seat can swivel. The pedestal is attached to the floor plate, and the seat is then mounted to the pedestal. Often, it has these features:
|
There are many pontoon accessories you could collect. But have you ever given a thought to how to enhance their safety? Or even their functionality?
Ladders need to be checked often for sturdiness and security. To withstand the weight of continued use, ladder hardware is a top priority when it comes to passenger safety.
An unsecured ladder could cause a severe injury, and you definitely don't want that! Ladder hardware needs to be heavy-duty stainless steel and include things like bolts, nuts, washers and braces.
This SeaLux Stainless Steel Surface Mounting Sockets Hardware (Available on Amazon) is a good example of what you need for secure ladder stability.
|
Quick release hardware kits- If you want to mount ladders in multiple locations, you can buy stainless steel quick-release hardware. This comes in handy if you need to attach, or release, your ladder quickly.
Bimini top hardware keeps your bimini top secured in place, which is essential to passenger safety. Bimini tops are great for shade and protection, but keeping them secure is a big deal in a moving pontoon. Just sayin'.
Here are some hardware pieces you may need:
MxEol Boat Bimini Top Deck Hinges (Check Price on Amazon) - This pair of hinges is flat mount and comes in black nylon for saltwater durability. They mount with two screws each (included).
Mxeol Boat Bimini Top Deck Hinges Flat Mount Black Nylon w/Screws Pair
|
MxEol Boat Bimini Fittings Top Cover Cap Eye Ends (Check Price on Amazon) - These cap eye ends also come in black nylon, and they're for 7/8-inch tubing.
Mxeol Boat Bimini Top Cover Cap Eye End Nylon Black Pair (Inside Version for 1" Tube)
|
Awpeye Quick Release Pins (Check Price on Amazon) - You may even need to add (or replace) your bimini top pins with quick-release pins for easy removal. This 4-pack of pins are 1/4 " in diameter w/drop cam and spring.
Awpeye 4 Pack Quick Release Bimini Top Pins 1/4" Diameter w/Drop Cam & Spring, Marine Hardware
|
Don't forget your Eevelle Summerset Boat Bimini Frame Accessory Clips (Check Price on Amazon) to make your bimini top frame functional. Use it to attach accessories like clothes, flashlights or towels. There are so many pontoon boat accessories you might carry on, you'll need somewhere to put them all!
Eevelle Summerset Boat Bimini Frame Accessory Clips (Set of 2) - Black
|
As with anything on your boat, using heavy-duty stainless steel deck bolts and screws prevents rust and corrosion. I recommend the JIF Marine Deck Screws (Available on Amazon).
Now, you have a good grasp on hardware that's essential for passenger safety. This section switches gears to explain some of the basic hardware your pontoon needs for durability, security and smooth sailing.
|
Nothing's worse than water stains, mold and mildew; this is an easy, affordable solution for prevention. Fence risers like this Pontoon Fence Riser Kit (check price on Amazon) prevent water build-up by lifting the fence off the deck, which allows water to roll off and pass through as needed. Some come in designs that can be installed without removing your fence.
Tip: Check your railing size before ordering and contact the manufacturer with questions.
Boat cleats and tie-downs keep your pontoon anchored securely while docked.
You can find them in heavy-duty plastic like this Digger Anchor Cleat (check price on Amazon), or you can find galvanized cleats like these Simplified Living Dock Cleats (check price on Amazon). It's no fun when a cleat pops off and your pontoon floats away dock lines and all. Yep, this comes from experience.
Corner caps protect your pontoon's decking. Since they get bumped often, and easily, replacement may be necessary sometimes. Most corner caps are cast aluminum and are offered in various shapes and sizes. Here are a few examples:
|
Since pontoons are exposed to the elements, it's a good idea to keep your hardware protected whenever possible.
Replacing boat parts is part of pontoon ownership, but when you take care of your hardware, you don't have to replace parts as often. Your pontoon hardware can be damaged from rust, corrosion, sun, saltwater and docking damage.
Here are a few preventative measures you can take:
Dock Lines |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's dock line is made of double-braided marine-grade nylon with a non-abrasive finish. It has a 15-inch eyelet and heat-treated ends.
By regularly checking your hardware, and taking these simple precautions, your pontoon hardware can last for years to come. It will protect your boat and your passengers while giving you peace of mind.
And who knows? It might even save you a little money in the long run, too!
When you're stranded with nothing but miles of water around, and you're in the company of friends or lake neighbors, we all - men, women and children - need privacy sometimes.
That's why pontoon boat changing rooms and privacy partitions are excellent pontoon boat accessories. Having one of these is a convenient way to make our modest guests and shy friends more comfortable.
Kids and small children can be bashful, especially around adults who aren't mom and dad. And even more to the point, kids have very sensitive skin. It's probably a good idea to change them out of wet clothes to avoid skin rashes from bathing suits and swim trunks. You may need a changing room or partition for another obvious reason:
Using a portable toilet.
Sometimes we can just hop in the water to relieve ourselves. Other times, not so much. And if you've never thought of keeping a portable toilet on board, check out our pontoon boat bathrooms post, which gives multiple reasons to consider one as well as provides reviews of popular choices.
Boat and RV Toilet Paper |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's boat and RV toilet paper is septic-safe and dissolves more quickly than standard paper. Each roll is individually wrapped and perfect for use in boats, RVs and porta-potties.
Privacy partitions are quite painless to set up. They're easy to hang whenever you stop for a dip and a breeze, and they're easy to take down when you're ready to gain speed. You don't have to leave them permanently hanging in the wind beneath your pontoon's bimini.
Most hanging partitions conveniently attach to the bimini with a set of straps. Often times the straps are Velcro and fully adjustable. They fold up to be stowed away in your on-deck storage, and they generally don't take up much room.
There are a few different ways to add changing rooms to pontoons, including outfitting and building a custom changing room. Here's a breakdown of six pontoon boat privacy partitions available for purchase on the market today.
Taylormade 67867 Easy-Up Privacy Partition, Grey, 30"" w x 30"" d x 70"" h
|
Materials: 100% marine-grade polyester
Size: 70"H x 30"W x 30"D
Features:
Vortex Privacy Room/Changing Room, 38" Long, 30" Wide, 69" Tall 1 to 4 Business Day DELIVERY
|
Materials: 600-denier, marine-grade canvas.
This material is similar to what's used in pontoon boat covers and biminis, so you can trust that it's very durable.
Size: 69"H x 30"W x 38"D
Features:
Carver Industries Privacy Curtain for Pontoons
|
Materials: Poly-guard, marine-grade polyester and 1" polypropylene straps Size: 60"H x 30"W x 30"D
Features:
Privacy Station - Drop Down for Bimini Top
|
Materials: Letom, similar to canvas fabrics for boat covers
Straight from the fabric manufacturer's mouth, Letom is a polyester solution-dyed textile fabric for marine covers. If Sunbrella fabrics are your preference, go to the NorthStar Products website to special order (with an upcharge).
Size: 72"H x 30"W x 27"D
Features:
|
Materials: 185-denier polyester ripstop fabric with a 450 mm waterproof rating Size: 74.8"H x 47.2"W x 47.2"D | Folds to 24"D
Features:
WolfWise Pop-up Shower Tent Green
|
Materials: Waterproof taffeta polyester and flexible steel. Included are four mounting stakes and a carrying bag.
Size: 75"H x 47.2"W x 47.2"D
Features:
The biggest disadvantage I noticed about drop-down partitions is they just aren't long enough. Whether pontoon manufacturers are just slowly increasing the standard height to biminis or whatever the case may be, the longest partition found was 72 inches.
For adults using it as a changing room, seeing someone from the knees down may not be an issue. But if you plan to use it for a boat bathroom, your partition needs will be different. In fact, some partitions wouldn't shield a small child from changing.
Consider the length or style based on your needs. As I mentioned earlier, these partitions aren't hard to put up or take down, so I thoroughly recommend taking them down when not in use.
The partitions do get in the way since they're right behind the driver's view. They can annoyingly block the use of benches for anyone wanting to stay beneath the bimini for shade.
Even though drop-down partitions are specifically designed for pontoons and look more appealing, I think the pop-ups have one bigger advantage: You can carry them anywhere! You don't need to worry about where you're hanging them. You can take them out and set 'em up on the beach or at a campsite.
The disadvantage of pop-up partitions lies on the flip side: They don't attach anywhere! They come with stakes instead of Velcro bimini straps, but you can't stake them down on your pontoon boat decking either. If a nasty wind comes up, you might find yourself swimming after a pop-up partition kite.
So, I'd say that if you plan to use it on deck and without being staked you should maybe rig something out to keep it secure. Pontoon privacy partitions are relatively inexpensive and go up in a flash (get it?).
If you start seeing your shoreside neighbors mooning in broad daylight and want them to show some decorum, buy one for them as a gift! Or heck, drop them a not-so-subtle hint and send them this post.
]]>I own a 2015 G3 SunCatcher V22RF, so I'm quite confident that I can give you a quality and unbiased review.
This is the information that I wish I knew before purchase.
The quick take: The G3 SunCatcher Pontoon boat is probably the most versatile and family-friendly boat on the water. It has well thought-out seating for a variety of uses, as well as the features you'd expect to see when you want to spend an entire day on the water.
Fishing is incredibly convenient, and towing riders behind the boat is a breeze. With room for everyone to sit comfortably and at a reasonable price point, the SunCatcher Pontoon is terrific.
While we did notice a few very minor imperfections and durability concerns, there isn't a whole lot not to like. I don't regret my purchase even slightly.
What I've found with the stock prop is that the boat is more than capable of towing skiers, kneeboarders, wakeboarders and a tube. To me, that's all I'm really concerned with. As long as I can go that fast, I'm good.
The boat that I purchased had a 90hp motor on it at the boat store, but I negotiated with the salesman and got him to put on a 115hp Yamaha outboard for an additional $900.
The speed difference between a 90hp and a 115hp on this boat is only about 3mph (4.8kph), but I really wanted to be able to ski behind the boat even when it's loaded with people, so I'm glad I sprung for the slight increase in speed.
Under ideal conditions with only me in the boat, a low fuel tank, not much gear or heavy anchors and the bimini down, I can go 29 miles per hour (46.6 kph).
With the boat loaded pretty full with people (11 people) and gear, I can go around 21 mph (34 kph).
The good news? The optimal average speed for watersports (waterskiing, tubing, kneeboarding, etc) is around 20 mph, so it's PERFECT! Even with the boat loaded to capacity with 11 people, I can ski with no problem (well, no problem as far as boat capacity is concerned).
Interior Cleaning Kit |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's interior boat cleaning kit makes it easy to keep your boat clean from bow to stern. It comes with a bottle of vinyl cleaner, a bottle of vinyl protectant, boat cleaning wipes and two microfiber cloths.
I paid $32,500 for the boat but then paid $900 to move up to the 115hp motor. Then I paid an additional $200 for the ski tow bar (essential in my opinion!).
After tax, title, and fees, I was at $33,200 out the door. I feel like I got a really good price on my boat. Not a bad deal for a beautiful 22' pontoon boat.
Driving a pontoon boat is much more familiar to the newer boat owner than driving a traditional ski boat since the boat does not curve up on turns. Even a sudden turn taken at full speed is unlikely to make the boat feel unsteady on most pontoon boats such as this one.
That's a big plus for convenience and safety for new boat owners. Not surprisingly, the turning radius is not great on this or any other pontoon boat.
If you want to flip tight corners on a dime, a pontoon boat is not for you. This is significant for performance water sports athletes, but for those who like to kneeboard or tube occasionally, it's not a problem at all.
The model I purchased doesn't have power steering, so it's difficult to pull the steering wheel.
As I mentioned in my post about average pontoon boat costs, taking the power steering out of a boat can dramatically cut the cost. I was more concerned about this before purchase but found that it's really not that big of a deal. I let my 5-year-old sit on my lap and drive, and he can pull the steering wheel when he puts his back into it.
One feature I really like is that the gas tank is centered under the deck on a mini pontoon. As I mentioned in my average pontoon boat weight post, a full tank of gas can weigh about 75 pounds, so this really helps to make the boat feel balanced.
I got a gray padded vinyl flooring in my pontoon boat and I love it. In fact, it's one of the first things that people mention when they get in the boat. It looks modern, clean and attractive. Best of all, it's easy to take care of.
I can't imagine why anyone would get a pontoon boat with carpet anymore. This vinyl flooring is soft because of the thin pad underneath, and I have not found it to get hot in the sun.
If you decide that you do want carpet, you can simply have a snap-in rug installed in the main playpen area and you're set to go. For me, I wouldn't even consider the carpet. The vinyl is really nice on this model.
My pontoon boat came with an Alpine stereo pre-installed. I'm not exactly one to pump out loud music, but I do enjoy listening to some soft music while on the water.
My favorite feature of the stereo is Bluetooth. Since I have all my music on my phone or on Pandora, I can just press play on my phone and it's instantly played on the boat's speakers. Works great and requires only a 30-second one-time setup for the Bluetooth (much better than the Bluetooth in my Honda). The speakers are a little weak for my preference.
Again, I don't blast music at all, but the sound is a little hollow. It's certainly not bad and most people probably like it just fine, but I do like a full sound so I'd probably prefer to upgrade to a better speaker at some point. The music sounds just as good as most car speakers do, so it'll be fine for most people.
The layout and seating in this boat is the defining feature. I would have chosen a ski boat, but I wanted to fish as well. I would have chosen a fishing boat, but I want to ski and hold 11 people.
So for me, this model is the ultimate family play boat. When I have the guys on the boat to fish in the morning, we can bring the little ones with us and they can run around and jump off the seats like wild kids.
We fish in style on comfortable rear-facing seats with a livewell and an aftermarket fish finder. When we ski, everyone can fit comfortably and someone always ends up falling asleep lying down on the remarkably comfortable front-facing loungers. The kids play with playdough on the table and eat snacks.
No boat can compare with a pontoon boat, and for my preference, no pontoon boat can compete with this seating layout. It's perfect!
The boat is rated for 11 passengers or 1,560 pounds. We've had the boat filled to capacity a few times now and found that we can go fast enough to get a skier up (but I wouldn't mind it going 2 or 3 miles per hour faster), and everyone has a comfy seat without being crowded. It's remarkable.
Pontoon boats generally do very well with storage because of the ample seating arrangements on most pontoon boats. That being said, I'm especially fond of the storage on this model.
All of the under-seat storage bins have vents so that wet items left in them do not mold as easily. There's a cupped upper lip to prevent rain or other wetness on the seats from seeping down into the bin.
One negative is the hinge under two of the front loungers. The hinge swings out 90 degrees but not quite to the point that the cushion hits the floor, so if you open the seat up and let the cushion flop onto the hinge, it pulls on it too much, which looks like it would break the hinge over time. But all of the other hinges look good.
Another negative is that the G3 SunCatcher does not include a door on the side of the captain's console for a cooler to be slid underneath. Without the door, it's difficult to fit a cooler through the foot hole because of the placement of the captain's chair.
This makes the rather large space under the console less useful and cuts down on the storage room in the boat. Another cool thing that I'd love to see in terms of storage is a dedicated "dry box" near the captain's console. A good place for everyone to put their cell phones and wallets as you take off would be really handy.
Right now I just stick my phone in the cup holder of the captain's chair. Works okay but then five other people stick their wallet there to stay high and dry, so it gets messy.
The captain's chair is comfortable and swivels side-to-side so you can turn and talk to those at the table when the anchor's out, and it scoots forward and back so that my wife can comfortably reach the steering wheel. I do wish the captain's chair had a full head rest, though. It looks wimpier than models I've seen from other manufacturers.
One knock for me is that the console doesn't include an engine hour monitor. I know it's easy enough to take in and have checked, but I want to make sure I'm maintaining my engine properly, so I'd love to see that incorporated in the console with a simple gauge. It's also missing a battery power gauge.
The captain's console doesn't have nearly the space that I'd like to see for mounting a fish finder or depth finder. I spent about half an hour trying to figure out how to mount my larger 7" fish finder on the dash without covering things up.
If you're curious how I finally did it, check out my step-by-step tutorial on mounting a fish finder on a pontoon boat. I used this model as the example.
I found the speedometer to be off by about 2 or 3 miles per hour, but that's not surprising for any boat. Boat speedometers are rarely correct, which is a safety issue when pulling riders.
I use the gps on my fish finder to get a correct speed reading. Overall, the console and captain's area looks really high end. The gauges, steering wheel and throttle level all look top notch.
One note is that the large metal surface on the steering wheel frequently blinds the driver when hit by the sun. A more rounded steering wheel could fix that, but so could a piece of redneck duct tape.
I fish in spurts. Sometimes fishing is about all I can think of during the week until the weekend finally comes around again, and other times I'm not excited about it at all.
Since getting my pontoon boat, fishing has been a lot more fun. I catch 10 times more fish than I did from the bank. Being able to target certain areas of the lake has produced significantly larger trout and salmon in the Idaho lakes where I fish.
Fishermen are welcomed on this model with a large 12 gallon livewell. It's huge! The button from the captain's console fills the livewell with a drain in case you get overzealous.
Unfortunately, full drain plug is located at the bottom of the livewell, which means you have to reach into the fishy water to drain it. Also, the plug at the bottom of the livewell does not have a retention chain, so you have to be careful not to leave it on the side while draining the livewell and losing it.
It would also be nice to see a livewell water switch, so that if non-water is drawn from the livewell pump, it would prevent the pump from running and burning up.
I've bumped or had the kids bump the button a few times already when turning on the radio and other electronics before getting in the water.
Cutting Board |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's cutting board fits into a rod holder for an easy, safe and efficient way to slice up the day's catch. It has slots for knives and trays for pliers, hooks and other items.
On top of the livewell is a premium fishing station. It has spots for five rods stored vertically, a huge cutting board surface, a spot for two filet knives to be stored (though I wouldn't use it because it's too dangerous with kids on the boat), cup holders for your drinks and an integrated ruler to measure your catch. Fantastic! It's tough to beat that convenience for fishing.
You can catch a fish and chuck it in the livewell without even leaving your seat. Most pontoon boats store the livewell under the seats in the front of the boat, which is a pain.
My complaint on the fishing station is the rod holder. I usually have four or five rods out when we're fishing, and the rod holder doesn't hold the rods well enough. They inevitably end up falling out when I take out another rod, which causes tangles.
This is another area that I'd love to see an engineer make a simple but much better solution. Shouldn't really be that hard...
Another thing I'm not fond of on the fishing station is the top surface. It's extremely durable and designed to be a cutting board, but I wouldn't want to get cuts and nicks on this surface even though it's made to be a cutting board.
I'd rather see an inlay where a removable cutting board could be placed in the boat. Serious fishermen almost always want the trolling motor to be installed on the front of the boat. After all, it's easier to pull a rope than to push it, right?
Many pontoon boats don't have any space where the deck sticks out in front of the railing, so you have to cut and weld your front gate to get the trolling motor to fit, which makes the boat not look as nice and requires a fair amount of work.
That doesn't appear to be necessary with this model. There's a generous deck space in front of the railing so you can put on a trolling motor. Very nice!
When trolling and sitting in the rear area for fishing, you'll be quite comfortable with ample leg room. In fact, it's a bit too much leg room.
The rear-facing swivel fishing seats are scooted so far back that it blocks easy walking room to get to the port-side fishing seat. This is the one area on the boat that I feel is a little cramped. It's great when you're fishing, but when you're walking around at the back of the boat to rig things up for skiing, it's a bit tight.
All-in-all, it's tough to beat the comfort and convenience of fishing on this pontoon boat. It has everything a fisherman could want to fish in style and in a far more convenient way than other comparable fish/ski pontoon boats.
Really nice console design, but it's missing a couple key gauges and doesn't have much room to install a fish finder.
I'm pretty happy with the trailer. Unlike most pontoon boat manufacturers who use black carpeting on the skids, G3 uses plastic runners, which make it very easy for the boat to slide on the trailer. It's easy to load and launch - much easier than I thought it would be.
I do wish that the skids came up higher. Since they are only at a slight "v" shape and only come up a couple inches to the side of the pontoon, I have seen the boat slipping on the skids between getting it on the trailer and when we pull up the ramp to strap down the transom straps and trailer straps. If the skids were taller, I think this would be eliminated.
While I think the trailer for this boat is nicely built, it does make me wonder why no manufacturers are building in more convenient ways to load boats like the easy loader.
Seems like the cost would be minimal compared to a $30,000 boat, and the differentiation would make it a nice advertising point for the manufacturers. I'm sure this is available as an add-on, but another point is that my boat didn't come with a spare tire. Bummer.
One major consideration for me was the underskinning on the boat. Some of the boat manufacturers I looked at such as the Bennington had underskinning on the entire underside of the boat. This is a nice feature to protect the boat and to prevent water from splashing up under the boat and reducing performance.
This boat has underskinning only at the rear of the boat, for about 1/3 of the underside of the deck. When the wind and chop is just right, you can really feel the waves hitting the supports because there's no underskinning. Big deal? Not at all.
Would I have paid $300 additional to get it? Probably. But there is one really good thing happening below the deck on the SunCatcher - a centered fuel tank. Fuel tanks can be extremely heavy, so having it centered makes it that much easier to balance the boat.
You can order your SunCatcher with several different motors up to the max of 115hp. Personally, I chose the 115hp because I wanted to be able to pull skiers and tubers even when the boat is filled to capacity.
The new Yamaha 115hp engine is untested and brand new, so it only comes with a three-year warranty instead of the typical five-year warranty. This was definitely a point of concern for me, but it wasn't enough to convince me to chose something less powerful.
When I had the motor switched from the 90hp engine that was installed up to the 115hp, I gained about three miles per hour in top speed.
Interestingly, there's no significant size difference between the Yamaha 115hp motor and the 90hp motor. On the Mercury engines, the size difference is significant.
Somehow, Yamaha has managed to create their new 115 in a powerful yet lightweight and compact package, with the entire engine weighing only 377 pounds.
Waterproof Spray |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's waterproof spray adds a water-repellent barrier to cushions, boat covers, umbrellas, luggage and shoes. Water beads up and wicks away. It's safe for canvas, polyester, nylon, leather and more.
I love my SunCatcher. Knowing what I know now, I definitely would have still purchased it. No regrets at all. However, the boat isn't perfect. None are. My biggest complaint is the bimini top.
It's good to have a nice tight bimini, but no matter how hard I pull, I can't get it up without unbuttoning the corners to give a little more room on the canvas. Even with four people trying to get the bimini top up, we were unable to do so without unbuttoning the corners and leaving them flapping (very slightly) in the wind.
It actually works just fine, and the flapping is very minimal, but it left me puzzling over why in the world they would make the bimini fit so tight that it was extremely difficult to put up.
Also, I'd love to see a different design for the bimini boot (the cover that goes over the bimini for storage and trailering). It always takes a minute (or several) to go on with the zipper. A little engineering effort could certainly create a design that could be put on in 15 seconds or less.
On the bright side, the cover is pretty good. It's made of very high quality material (as is the bimini) and fits easily over the boat.
My only complaints with the cover are (1) it won't fit over the ski tow bar that G3 sells because there's no slit/Velcro in the cover on that spot, and (2) it doesn't cover the vinyl floor on the aft-starboard side of the boat. This area is left to bake in the sun every day while in storage while the rest of the boat is covered. Weird.
The changing room is convenient for long days on the boat when people want to change in or out of a swimsuit. It's easy to put up and down in only a few seconds, but sometimes I wonder if it would have been better to not have the changing room and to instead just have that cabinet for storage for cleaning products, gear and whatnot. Personal preference, but my wife says she likes it ... so end of argument.
I'll keep this section updated with information as I own the boat over the years, but so far I haven't had any real issues with durability or anything breaking. t has been great so far!
The only very minor thing that has broken is one of the snaps on the side fencing. It broke when I loaded slightly crooked and the snap hit the white plastic on the trailer. It broke off when the boat shifted.
Very minor and it was my own fault for loading a bit crooked. In a perfect world, I wouldn't mind seeing those snaps a little further out from the white bars on the trailer to prevent this problem. Again, very minor.
One thing I really like about the G3 Suncatcher is that they double-reinforce the splash guard on the front of the pontoons. I haven't seen any pontoon boats from other companies with this type of reinforcement. Most companies only have a single bent piece of metal to form the splash guard, which is easily broken if the boat bumps up against the dock.
Another unique, and significant, benefit of the pontoon boats from G3 is that they fill their logs with styrofoam. This is obviously a significant safety feature so that in the unlikely event of a pontoon puncture, you don't fill it with water and capsize.
This also improves the performance of the boat because the logs are reinforced on the inside to prevent bending when underway. Foam-filled logs are a significant addition to the value, and G3 is one of the few manufacturers that does it.
I have not had any issues with the hinges on the gates, but this is a common spot where pontoon boats break. The gates are only held by two small hinges, which works fine for normal use, but when you invite Uncle Norman and he sits on the gate not knowing that it can't support weight, you'll surely have a repair to be made.
Some of the other pontoon boat manufacturers use a full-length piano-style hinge on the gates, which would surely do better at preventing this problem.
Vinyl Protectant |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's vinyl protectant prevents fading and cracking on vinyl, leather, rubber and plastic. It adds a protective barrier to guard against dirt, grime, saltwater and UV rays.
Another thing I noticed is that the pontoons are scuffed up quite a bit in about 10 spots from where the rope on the white vinyl cover that was used to ship the boat rubbed on the pontoons during shipping. Big deal? Not really, but when you buy a brand-new boat, you want it to look perfect. I'm guessing those scuffs will buff out, but I haven't yet tried.
The first time I had the boat out on the water, the cords coming out of the engine and sitting in the metal tray in front of it came loose and one of them extended so far back that it caught the prop. Fortunately, the cable was not cut all the way through and was remedied with some electrical tape.
I secured the large cords with a few zip ties to prevent this from happening. This is worth mentioning so that you remember to check this on your boat before taking it out, but it's probably the fault of the local shop that sold me the boat and switched out the engine.
Disclaimer: While I do my best to provide accurate and complete information in all my posts, I don't claim that they are without issues either. Always do your own research to verify pricing, availability, specs and features on your own.
]]>Who can resist a decked-out deck? It'll make them instantly feel more comfortable on the water and help them become more interested in getting out for a day of boating. I understand everyone can't afford a full spread of luxury furniture, so there are two ways to go about this.
One is finding nice pieces that are affordable while still feeling like a luxury. After all, the most expensive, high-end pieces aren't always the right ones for your 'toon.
The other is to find top-of-the-line luxury items. That way, when you finally can make that big investment, you know you're getting the best. But even then, nobody ever wants to pay more than they have to, right? My prerogative is to track down both.
Ultimately, retrieving pieces that won't break the bank and still have a luxurious appeal is the ideal situation you're looking to make happen. I love finding affordable pieces that enhance pontoons and give off a vibe of pure opulence.
Buying specific pieces online is much faster than going to a boating store and looking for a series of seats that aren't guaranteed to be in-store. I've had extreme difficulties looking for particular pieces in stores, as the likelihood of finding the sought-after item is practically impossible.
If I go online, I can find what I'm looking for with a few clicks within minutes, and there's no hassle. So, I'm here to eliminate the problems you can encounter while shopping for specific luxury items.
Here are ten types of luxury pontoon furniture that are well worth investing in and a few of my recommendations for each.
Putting on a cover can be a pain (though boat cover support poles can help that situation). Many pontoon owners neglect to buy a sufficient cover due to the time constraints they have in their lives. Applying a cover is strenuous and tedious. You might think, how can a piece of fabric to cover a boat be luxurious in any way?
Boat Cover Support Poles |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's boat cover support pole prevents water, ice and leaves from accumulating in your cover. Telescoping poles are adjustble from 23.5" to 56" for a customized fit.
This particular MSC pontoon boat cover is made of marine-grade polyester canvas. It's made for highway travel and designed for long-term storage. The cover's flexibility helps with fitting other accessories on your pontoon that wouldn't otherwise fit.
You can even leave it on while trailering and hauling your pontoon, which is a huge matter of convenience. There are numerous colors available that will complement your particular pontoon and give it a more pleasing look overall.
Wise 8WD707P-1-660 Deluxe Lounge Seat (Grey/Navy)
|
Having bad seating on a pontoon can be the major difference between enjoying your boating time and feeling like a bad time was experienced by all. Investing intelligently in the proper seating is a factor your guests will consider.
If you're thinking about driving solo, then the seats won't matter. But if you want people on your pontoon with you, then don't cut corners by purchasing cheap seats.
These stylish luxury pontoon boat seats by Wise are a smooth dream for an avid boater. The impeccable durability, lift seat cushion, storage compartment, comfortable high-grade foam and stylish marine vinyl all make up a long-term investment that lasts years.
Having a sleeper seat on your pontoon is a convenient way to remain stationary and enjoy the breeze. Lay back, sip a nice drink (alcoholic or not) and take a quick cat nap in the sun.
Being able to lie down after a long trip and relax on your pontoon is a true luxury. It also creates another space for storage of things like dock lines, anchors and boat fenders, which comes in handy.
Having multiple places for storage isn't only extravagant, but it provides a plethora of options that help your organizational pursuits.
This 36" pull-out sleeper seat by Wise has a 100% plastic frame construction with a molded base for enclosed storage. Create a bed on your pontoon boat that your guests will love.
It features heavy-duty aluminum and stainless steel hardware. This quality sleeper pontoon seat utilizes space while providing a great place to rest or work on your tan.
Retrieving the correct table for your pontoon can be daunting and almost implausible. The decor has to match the essence of the pontoon. There are a number of different styles that can accommodate numerous pontoons depending upon what kind of design you're looking to create.
First, many of us wish we had more surface area (where you can set down bottles and drinks) as well as storage space. Give yourself the luxury of having both with this Boat Outfitters storage station.
You'll finally have space for drinks, a cooler, paper towels, silverware, a cutting board and other useful odds and ends.
Pontoon Storage Station with Cooler Unit
|
Luxurious tables have a flashy finish that catches the eyes of the guests you have on your pontoon. This Wise rectangular pontoon table (check out the Amazon pricing here) looks simple, but it makes a luxurious world of difference when hosting with its four cup holders.
The high-impact injection-molded plastic gives the table stability. The quick-release mounting pedestal allows the table to be moved around different places on your pontoon.
Wise 8WD944 Rectangular Pontoon Table with 4 Recessed Cup Holders
|
If you're looking to buy a table with matching seats, it doesn't get any better than this gorgeous Wise set. The upholstery can be customizes when you purchase via Amazon.
This wonderful tool truly improves the luxuriousness of your pontoon a beautiful Docktail Bar, which will hold your cocktail ingredients, snack foods, cups and plates ever-so-conveniently.
|
Want to take your table out on the water? Yes, you heard me correctly. Bust this awesome inflatable table out when you're spending a day offshore to play card games, have some cold drinks and enjoy a lovely conversation while feeling the nice cool water on your legs.
WOW World of Watersports Tube Aqua Table 1 2 3 or 4 Person Inflatable Floating Picnic Table, 12-2000
|
Seagrass Luxury Marine Vinyl Flooring by Infinity - 8.5' Wide (Color 8, Greystone, 8.5' x 25')
|
Boat carpet glue is a necessity to ensure the carpet is properly laid down and cemented. Don't be cheap on spending and researching for the correct adhesive. You need glue that will last numerous seasons and be able to survive the wear and tear of meteorological patterns.
The material luxury pontoon carpets are made out of makes it easier to clean than a cheap carpet. Paying the cost has its benefits.
The luxury pontoon carpets from Infinity Fabrics will add ambiance, flair, style and grace. Coordinating the correct colors and finding the right sizing is very important.
|
Investing in the correct lighting is a crucial element that could be the divine difference between life and death. Navigating the water is a smoother journey with some wall mount navigation lights.
The sooner you're seen on the water, the better. Whether it's during those late night trips or early morning trips, you'll be secure with a set of navigation lights.
Carpeting and glue are essential pieces to possessing a fancy pontoon. Buying them individually is an option that should be avoided, if you aren't looking for anything specific. They have a variety of different carpeting that will accentuate the features of your pontoon.
Replacing your flooring is done easiest with a deck kit (like this fabulous, all-inclusive option). Don't skip out on creating the best-looking pontoon possible by adding these unique features. All of your guests will end up thanking you for a lovely time on the water.
|
What's more enthralling than relaxing on the ocean waves while listening to the soothing melodies of your own choice? There isn't any comparable feeling. So, a stereo is an indispensable item to have aboard on your pontoon.
There are many different kinds of radios you could purchase, but this marine-grade Boss stereo system is the one I recommend most often as it's both high-tech and sturdy.
Entertain your guests with the sounds and octaves of great music that will shake the waves in the ocean.
Pactrade Marine Boat Stainless Steel Destroyer Steering Wheel with Grip Foam, 13.75" D, Black
|
Steer your pontoon in style and comfort, and you'll be admired by all the other boaters out there.
This Pactrade Marine steering wheel has a patented design that's sleek and comfortable. The soft grip is non-magnetic, meaning that your compass won't be compromised.
Show other pontoon owners what you're capable of by not only steering accurately and precisely, but by possessing a style that stands out.
Extreme Max 3005.3383 5-Step Pontoon/Dock Ladder
|
This five-step, heavy-duty pontoon ladder gives easier access to your pontoon. It has wider steps than most ladders (5-1/2" depth x 16" width per step), which allows you to board like royalty.
The ladder is very simple to deploy on the water. There aren't any issues when it comes to movement. It includes all mounting gear and has a three-year limited warranty and a capacity of 350 lbs.
Docking has never been easier with this finely-crafted ladder.
The right horn sitting on your deck or captain's stand isn't only aesthetically pleasing. It can even be a life-saving method in times of turmoil and treachery.
This stainless steel horn resists rust and corrosion like a charm.
|
MARINE BOAT STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TRUMPET HORN 12V HEAVY DUTY
|
How can a situation like this be avoided? Pontoon boat fenders are there when you need them. They add extra security and insurance for your boat, but often times they're the accessories we overlook. We just pick up the most inexpensive shape we find and throw it overboard.
There are a variety of fenders out there that all serve different purposes. It's important to know what each one's purpose is to ensure that your boat's hull is protected.
Here's a quick overview of the types of fenders that are available on the market, including fenders designed for those square railings that pontoon owners are all too familiar with.
Editor's Choice
Boat Fenders |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's fenders have a ribbed design that prevents rolling, offering a stable and secure way to protect your boat from docks and other boats. They're made of marine-grade durable material and feature two reinforced deep-set eyelets at either end. An inflating pump comes with the set of two fenders.
For every five feet of boat length, you should have one inch of diameter on cylindrical fenders. You’ll need a minimum of three fenders - one at the widest beam, one at the fore and one at aft - but a general rule is to have one fender per 10 feet of waterline.
This set of rail hangers and adjusters is a great accessory for quickly deploying a boat fender. Even if you know your knots, it’s nice to have around as they can be easily repositioned at a moment’s notice.
Rail hangers can be purchased for round rails as well, but these are specifically constructed to clamp securely to a 1” square pontoon railing.
Fender racks are good for larger vessels and sailboats which have lifeline stanchions. These make it easier to deploy while keeping two fenders nearby yet safely out of a skipper’s pathway.
Just like your vinyl upholstery, your fenders can become moldy and dirty. Covers might be a bit excessive for some boaters - they come in customized colors and embroidered logos - but you should at the very least keep them clean.
Boat Soap |
Check Price on Amazon - You can use Better Boat's Boat Soap to keep fenders and everything else on board your boat clean and shiny. It removes dirt, grime and residue and rinses clean for a residue-free finish.
Mildew Stain Remover |
Check Price on Amazon - A quick spritz with mildew stain remover should do the trick for mold and mildew stains.
Also called the cylindrical double-hole, these fenders are generally for smaller vessels and contain eyelets on each end of the fender. The double-eye feature allows the fender to be hung horizontally by two lines.
Most cylindrical fenders are molded with ribbed reinforcement, which adds a certain stability and keeps the fender in the desired position.
These fenders are molded to slide a rope through the middle tube. You can even slide several together on the same rope for longer applications.
These fenders are very similar to the cylindrical double-eye fender but with a softer edge. They are smoother like a ball fender and don't have ribbed reinforcement.
Round cylinders, also known as ball fenders, are made of plastic vinyl with a hollow interior. These round ball cylinder fenders only support one line attachment.
I don’t think your average recreational boater would get much use out of these. They’re mostly used for powerboats and commercial fishing vessels. And, because they can get quite large, they can be used as mooring buoys.
Transom fenders are a smart choice for boaters who just love to anchor or tie up around crowded poker runs or party islands. They attach by gripping the center of your transom or swim platform for extra protection.
This particular model fits swim steps up to 4” thick and secures by passing a line through a ¾” diameter tube and tying off.
My biggest complaint with these is that they’re a bit large and you’ll need to consider where to store the fender when it’s not in use.
Rectangular-shaped flat fenders are designed so they won’t roll around the side of your boat. They're also very modular and can be fastened together to make an even larger fender. The flat shape makes them easy to slide into storage.
Best yet, you can use them as extra guest seating. Oftentimes, you might find them called contour fenders or tab fenders. This means the model has an added center crease, which adds flexibility and allows the fender to lend to your boat’s contoured shape.
The difficulty with fenders on pontoons is that a pontoon has the same beam width from bow to stern. It also has flat aluminum sidewalls protected by the frame.
This makes protecting your pontoon a little trickier. It especially adds to the trickiness when the railings are square. Some of the fenders are made to secure more permanently, making it less trouble to remember to throw over a fender.
You don’t have to drill into the railing because they fit snugly by themselves, but you may not be able to fit your pontoon cover once they’re attached.
Plan to remove them before preparing your pontoon for winterization. One thing about pontoon fenders: Some are made of solid plastic and though they're hollow, they won't float!.
Due to being plastic, there’s not really much in terms of shock absorption. So keep this in mind.
Pontoon side fenders are made to fit their signature square railings and framework. This side fender by Taylor Made Products (seen right) is designed with marine-grade and UV-resistant vinyl and is included with a valve for re-inflating.
This fender saver by Taylor Made Products secures to the railing but is specifically designed to protect your pontoon’s aluminum fencing.
I’ve seen these used out on the water with large groups of rafting boats tied together. These fit snugly but also come with an attachment strap for extra security.
Pontoons are already manufactured with aluminum corners to protect their platforms. But hit a dock, or a neighboring boat for that matter, at the right speed and you’ll rip one right off. Adding a nice buffer like these corner fenders can limit your impact.
Their gray PVC color blends into the original aluminum framing, making them not that noticeable. When you purchase, pay attention if your pontoon has square corner fenders or round corner fenders. You’ll need to know the right size to fit.
These dock fenders can be used for both docks and pilings. Often, dock fenders come with molded caps that mount to your dock and give a bit of cushioned protection.
Dock wheels work great if you tend to come into the slip a little too strong. They roll you off and away from the dock, keeping your boat from making a direct impact and causing possible damage. These dock wheels mount on the corner of your dock with a bracket and are re-inflatable.
Having the correct quantity and sizes of fenders can really make or break a bad situation. Maybe our poker run neighbor didn't have the fender dropped to the appropriate height. Maybe the fender wasn't ribbed, which caused it to flail around everywhere.
A fender may seem like an insignificant piece of equipment, but one day, and maybe even at a huge dock party, your pontoon boat and neighboring boats will thank you!
]]>Plus, at some point, somebody on your pontoon is going to want to take a swim and I imagine they'll want to get back in the boat again too (and without a whole lot of hassle and flayling of limbs to do so).
Having a quality ladder is going to make getting out of the water a whole lot easier. To accommodate everyone who rides on your 'toon, it's important to make certain that your ladder is long enough that it extends below the surface of the water.
Be sure you have at least two rungs underwater. Unless you're limber and can reach a high rung while also bobbing along in the water, four would be even more comfortable.
No matter what, the handrails and rungs should be thicker rather than thinner, allowing plenty of gripping room and hopefully a non-slip surface with good traction for wet hands and feet.
Even if you've got the longest arms of anyone you know and don't need the ladder to go too deep underwater for you to reach it, longer is better for any potential guests you'll have on board who aren't so lanky.
Beyond length, there are other things to consider when purchasing your pontoon ladder. We'll start by looking at the various options out there.
A folding ladder is arguably the easiest type to use. You can slide this ladder up into its mounting hardware when you're in the water and simply fold it up when you leave.
The RecPro marine 4-step folding ladder has mounting slots for the gunwale and unfolds to rest on your 'toon with a set of plastic legs.
When not in use, you can use its built-in clip to fold the rungs up and hold them in place.
RecPro Marine Pontoon Boat 4 Step Folding Boarding Ladder AL-B4
|
Dockmate Folding Dock Ladder, 4-Step
|
You'll find that most under-mount ladders are placed in the front of the boat under the bow. The Extreme Max under-mount pontoon ladder is made of aluminum and attaches to your pontoon under the front deck.
It stows easily with a rubber strap when not in use. When you're ready to use it, you can deploy it by unhooking the strap and sliding the rungs out into the water.
These grooved rungs have excellent traction, making it easy to grab onto for both kids and adults.
Extreme Max 3005.3434 Undermount Pontoon Ladder - 4-Step
|
Garelick/Eez-In 19643:01 Under Platform Sliding Ladder
|
Dive ladders are recognized by their unique design of a single central rod with rungs on each side, as opposed to rungs in the middle attached to two left and right braces.
If you do a lot of diving in your lake or have shallow ocean waters and go swimming, snorkeling or any diving activities, these are perfect for your excursions.
The rungs are placed to easily climb while wearing finned feet. You can attach this Garelick/Eez-In Under Platform Double Tube Telescoping Ladder to your diving or swim platform.
Garelick 19636:01 EEz-In Under Platform Double-Tube Telescoping Dive Ladder
|
Like many items and accessories on your boat, the material a ladder is made out of is an important deciding factor. Do you take your pontoon boat in saltwater or does it stay in freshwater lakes?
Much like the considerations you'd make for your pontoon trailer, you should keep this in mind. Salinity could rust or corrode your ladder over time if you choose a material inappropriate for your needs.
Aluminum is the more common and popular ladder. This is probably due to it being the less expensive option of the two materials. It's a lighter load to carry on board as well as lift to and from the mounting hardware on your platform.
However, due to the weight, they can also flex and bow under significant weight. If heavier people will be using your ladder, you'll want a stronger material.
Stainless steel ladders are more expensive, but also the best you can buy. Unlike the lightweight aluminum ladders, they're sturdier and can handle the weight of a heavier swimmer climbing up. They also have a higher corrosion resistance (a big plus if you're boating in salty or brackish water).
Most pontoon owners have a tough time deciding where to mount and attach their ladders, especially taking into consideration the location of your pontoon's diving platform, which can be located on the bow or stern of the boat.
At the bow, you have two choices: You can either install a removable hook ladder if the bow has a diving platform, or you can install a center under-mount that goes between the 'toons.
You can place an under-mount ladder at the stern on one side of the engine. This is a better place for your ladder if you love to ski or go tubing as it's accessible for an exhausted passenger to climb on board.
Gunwale ladders, also known as side-mount ladders, are the more common ladder type. Referred to as a side-mount ladder, you'll recognize these by their hook-like shape.
They latch to the side of the pontoon over the gunwale, where the pontoon usually has at least one side gate entrance.
Some owners also find side mounts helpful to be able to grab the pontoon sides for support when coming out of the water. Most install a removable system for the side-mount ladders because they can conveniently lift off the gunwale when docked.
Take note, though, that removable ladders can't be deployed while you're in the water.
Featured Boating Product
Grip Tape |
Check Price on Amazon - For a safe surface, Better Boat's grip tape is the best bet for ladders, ramps, boat decks, pool decks and more. It adds an industrial-grade layer of traction to wood, concrete, metal, fiberglass, linoleum and much more. Tape is extra wide and comes in black or white.
Other than the ladder itself, here are a few extra accessories that could come in handy in terms of easy mounting capabilities or just overall safety.
If you have kids, or even pets, this is a great additional accessory. It covers the hinges of the ladder, making it a nice safety feature.
They usually have a rounded top that prevents you from getting cut by sharp edges of metal. More importantly, the hinge guard prevents the fingers of small children (and yes, even adults) from becoming pinched.
These must not have been invented when I was a kid, because I remember a few really awful pinches myself. They're also typically made of a marine-grade composite, so they'll have no problem withstanding freshwater and saltwater.
There may be a place you decide to place the ladder that may not have a way for your passengers to lift or guide themselves out of the water. In this case, I would highly suggest a boarding handrail. Especially if you lack upper body strength. Most boarding handrails are made for docks as well.
|
RecPro Marine LHW-B Flush Mount Boat Ladder Bracket Hardware for AL-B4 OR SSL-B4B Boat LADDERS
|
A lot of owners find it tricky to decide where to mount their ladder. I say forget the worry and use this easy release keyhole mounting system in two different places on your pontoon.
That way, you can guarantee the option of placing a ladder at the safest spot on the pontoon, closest to your swimmers.
This is for quickly mounting and un-mounting your ladder. But more importantly, it means you can mount your ladder in multiple locations.
Say you want one at the gunwale and the bow's platform. Similar to the keyhole mounts, you can get this additional hardware for flexibility.
Another ladder to take into consideration is one for your pets.
Take a look at the Paws Aboard ladder mentioned in Pet Meets Pontoon: 10 Important Steps to Keep Your Pets Safe on the Water. This is perfect, especially for senior pets.
Also, if you're thinking of purchasing a pontoon boat in the near future, remember that the price range for a ladder can cost anywhere from $200 to $500.
It's important to factor this into your pontoon boat's overall cost. Regardless of that price, the ladder will be well worth it. Your water-loving passengers will thank you.
]]>Once you're beached, we can play pontoon games or even set up for some overnight pontoon camping. While our convenient vessels do make beaching pretty painless, there are still some tips you should know.
Properly beaching a pontoon boat is no laughing matter. You sure don't want to end up damaging your 'toon!
One of the major reasons boaters love pontoons is their functionality. Easily beached, pontoons make going camping or simply visiting and relaxing in a remote location hassle-free.
You can visit small islands or the peaceful faraway shores of a lake or even an ocean with ease. Not everyone loves the idea of beaching, especially not the owner of a shiny new pontoon who doesn't want to burnish the 'toons just yet.
Some of us prefer to wait a season or year (or two) before giving in and doing the unspeakable.
When you have a lot of gear, grills, beach chairs and umbrellas to carry to shore, beaching is a great move. It's nice to know that you don't have to partially swim with a heavy cooler to get there.
I recommend investing in a sturdy under-mount ramp like this one offered by Extreme Max (check price on Amazon).
Extreme Max 3005.3849 Heavy-Duty Aluminum Pontoon Boat Ramp - 70" x 21", 600 lbs. Capacity
|
Having a ramp you can pull out makes beaching and disembarking even easier.
Other boats tend to have a shiny gel coat on their hull to help add speed to the boat's performance. With pontoons, you typically only have to worry about galvanized metals, unlike fiberglass materials.
A pontoon log's draft is nothing compared to that of a v-hull, and there's not too much to worry about when it comes to rougher woodsy banks.
Still, larger rocks can cause dents and breaks if you're not careful while beaching. Patching a pontoon can be an expensive repair.
Make certain you know the area first. You can even wade knee-deep around it to get a feel for your pontoon's parking space just to be sure.
Approach the bank with caution. There could be enormous floating logs - crocodiles as my family calls them - or sandbars beneath the waters. You could run aground before you even attempt to beach your pontoon.
Be absolutely certain your path is clear and there are no swimmers in the water. This goes double for snorkelers. Kids love to play diving games, fetching coins and catching fish. If a child is unseen beneath the waters, it could end in an emergency. No one should be nearby while the motor is running.
As you enter shallow waters, you'll need to trim the engine up a bit. Trim it up until your pontoon prop takes in air.
Then drop the prop and trim back down again about three inches. The three inches simply allow the engine some movement in case you run aground.
After this point, the engine should be turned completely off and you'll drift the rest of the way.
Another reason you want to reduce your draft is so the engine doesn't suck up any mud or sand. That could really ruin your day or be an extremely costly repair.
It also helps to ask passengers to meander toward the back of the pontoon boat while you're drifting towards the shore, moving weight off the front of the boat.
Next, you'll need to physically and manually pull the pontoon the rest of the way, closer to shore. You can do it yourself, but if you have a buddy or family member who can jump off the pontoon foredeck to lend a hand, I suggest teamwork instead.
When you step off the foredeck, you should be able to touch ground beneath the water. If not, you can still pull in by swimming, but it helps to have some firm footing to brace yourself.
Even if you don't find yourself in rougher waters and tides, I still suggest setting an anchor to keep yourself straight. Wakes from other boaters or strong gusts of wind can sway you into a fellow boater's vessel.
Anchor Line |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's anchor line securely holds a boat or jet ski in place while you have fun in the sun. Reflective rope is woven in to make it visible at night and in low light. Made of marine-grade double-braided nylon, it's strong, durable and abrasion-resistant.
What you can do is secure a line to a tree on land if available or bury a mushroom anchor beneath the sand. Whatever you do, make sure it's a taut line.
Sand Anchor Spike |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's sand anchor spike is made of hot-dipped galvanized steel and is easy to transport. It's perfect for use in shallow water or sandbars.
Alternatively, you could secure the main anchor off the pontoon's stern.
In fact, there are several double-anchoring methods you can use for beaching near land:
Learn more about the best pontoon anchors here.
Sometimes you just want to spend a day visiting your boating friends and neighbors on the communal island. If your island is anything like my island, it gets overcrowded real quick on a nice summer day. When this happens, boats squeeze in tight like sardines. If it gets overcrowded, toss and clip a few fenders over your square rails to feel at ease.
It's important to choose the correct pontoon fenders or you could find yourself having to constantly readjust along the pontoon's side, or worse, find yourself standing between them to prevent a game of bumper boats. Not as fun as it sounds and very dangerous!
Check out Taylor Made, which offers some specialized pontoon fenders (check price on Amazon) and even clips to fit pontoon square rails (check price on Amazon).
Have passengers use the foredeck pontoon gate to disembark. If you like to keep you pontoon sand-free and minimize how much you have to clean carpet or sweep vinyl, ask passengers to board using the pontoon's ladder off the stern. This will give any sandy feet a wash before embarking.
When the time comes to "unbeach," ask passengers to stay seated near the back to move weight off the foredeck. With someone on shore, push the pontoon foredeck. Open the gate if you lack a longer foredeck. Jump back onboard when you've drifted off the beach.
You can rinse your feet or do whatever you need to do from there. Lastly, trim the motor back down, reverse and head back out on the water.
You never know where you're pulling up. Below the water could be sharp sticks, rocks and even broken beer bottles. I can't stress it enough, but wear water shoes, especially when you're somewhere unfamiliar. You don't want to have to go to the hospital with a cut foot.
Water shoes are a particularly handy item to have while boating anyway, since the right pair offers great traction, can function in a wider variety of terrains and dries quickly.
Apart from wandering around barefoot, another dangerous thing I've noticed boaters do is pull into a beach area while still towing. This is a very dangerous thing to do. The rope can get tangled in the prop, or worse, pull someone closer into it.
As I mentioned earlier, when you're a new pontoon owner you want to protect it as much as you can. So, if you truly hate the idea of beaching your pontoon, most of these steps can still be used the next time you approach shore. Just follow all the steps here without actually bringing your 'toon onto land.
Sometimes, it works out better to avoid beaching on the shore. I personally like having a little extra space in front of the pontoon for a game of volleyball or just an open area to swim. Beaching your pontoon is really a personal preference.
Maybe it's not something you intend to do all the time, maybe only on special occasions. But at some point, I hope these steps and tips will come in handy. Finally, my family would say watch out for those log gators!
]]>If you've got carpeting on your pontoon's deck, cleaning that carpet should be at the top of your to-do list. The carpet is one of the first things on board to show its age with wear and tear. Wet feet, muddy sneakers, spilled food and drinks, saltwater splash, live bait and fish guts all take their toll.
Keeping your pontoon carpet clean and spiffy doesn't have to be hard. You certainly don't have to resort to replacing that carpeting with vinyl.
With these carpet cleaning tips, you'll find that keeping your pontoon carpeting clean is easier than you think.
Your boat carpet sees a lot of traffic. Whether it's human feet or pet feet, that dirt can add up. Soil and stains can do a number on your carpet. Not only can they make it look bad (or even gross) but they can harbor bacteria and mold that make onboard guests sick and eat away at the carpet and deck. Yuck.
Then there's Mother Nature to think about. Your pontoon carpet is exposed to rain and sun on a regular basis, and if you don't store it properly in the winter, snow and ice can cause problems too. And I mean cringe-worthy problems like mold, mildew, moss and fading.
The takeaway: Caring for your pontoon carpet extends its life, prevents mildew and reduces the potential for harmful bacteria. It can maintain or even increase your boat's value. Who wants to buy a used boat with a nasty old carpet?
All of this means that carpet cleaning should be done regularly and done right. Since nobody loves to clean, let's make this as easy as possible.
First things first. Before cleaning with anything, even water, you need to check your carpet material. What's it made out of? Some of the most common materials are polyester fibers and artificial grass, which should be perfectly fine to wash with water and carpet cleaner or even boat soap.
Then, there are other considerations. Does your carpet have marine-grade backing, long-term UV protectant or mold/mildew sealer or protectant? If it does have long-term treatment with these things, then you're all set to wash.
You'll just want to check out the sealers and protectants and make sure you don't end up using any chemicals that negate their effects or reduce their potency. If it doesn't have any treatment, you may want to look into applying such treatments after cleaning.
Whether you know the answers to the above or not, you'll still need to check your owner's manual for your carpet cleaning guidelines. After all, you don't want to ruin your carpet, strip important sealants or void your warranty (heck, no!).
Your owner's manual can be your BFF, and that's what it's there for. If you can't find it, or if you have additional questions, contact the manufacturer. The answers you get might determine the cleaners you choose.
Once again, check with your owner's manual. When in doubt, call and ask. You want to be sure about these things.
Your pontoon deck is a busy place. It's where all the fun happens. But when the fun's over, there's usually trash, dirt and debris all over the place, even if your guests are a relatively clean and orderly bunch.
Do this first: Pick up and remove all the trash. You know, like empty cans, half-empty water bottles, cigarette butts (yeah, you might want some gloves) and any other obvious trash you see.
Next: Remove all unsecured items in the way, such as chairs, coolers, umbrellas and radios. Put those in one place, out of the way of the carpet as much as possible. Good job. Now you can start the debris removal. You have several options. Let's check them out.
Libman Commercial 919 Lobby Dust Pan and Broom Set (Open Lid), Black/Red (Pack of 2)
|
Yeah, we're talking about a good old-fashioned broom and dustpan. A quality broom with a long-handled dustpan is a handy item to keep around. It can save you time and minimize back discomfort.
A cordless stick (upright) vacuum is a convenient way to pick up small pieces of debris and eliminate the annoyance of a cord.
Tip: Be sure to fully charge it before using. You may not have access to an electrical socket (not to mention that charging can take hours).
Another tip: It may not work as well if your boat carpet is wet.
|
A cordless blower is powerful enough to remove debris quickly and without a cord. Once again, fully charge it!
Armor All, AA255 , 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum , Orange
|
Yep, wet/dry vacuums do a great job of sucking up unwanted debris. And yes, it's great to have if your carpet is wet. Remember, you need somewhere to plug it in.
I'm counting moss, mildew and algae as stains, even though they're more like unwelcome guests living in your carpet. Left to grow enough, they can leave stains behind.
Featured Boat Care Product
Mildew Remover |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's mildew stain remover helps remove stains from boat tops, seats and covers as well as kitchens, outdoor furniture and camping gear. It's safe for use on vinyl, fiberglass, plastic, tile, grout and canvas.
If you have moss, mildew and algae growing on your carpet (yikes!) and you don't know how to remove it yet, click here and read this guide to learn what steps you should take. Now, on to the rest of your stains.
You have two main stain-removing options:
Your best and most economical path is to find a stain remover that's safe and removes all types of stains.
Spray Nine Marine Cleaner (check price on Amazon) is a powerful and popular choice. Just make sure to read the directions, ingredients and any warnings.
Don't forget to check the boat's owner's manual before applying it. You might even want to ring up the manufacturer and ask what specific cleaning materials and stain removers they recommend.
Moss, mildew and algae are things that can keep cropping back up, so if that has been a problem for you, you may want to seal your pontoon carpet with an anti-moss and anti-mildew treatment like Wet & Forget (check price on Amazon) after cleaning.
If you want to remove stains naturally, just to be on the safe and healthy side, white vinegar is known to help with stain removal. Here's how you use it:
1. If fresh, blot the stain to remove any excess.
2. Spray a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar on the carpet.
3. Let set for 15-20 minutes (or longer if you have time).
4. Using a medium-stiff brush, scrub the stain until the stain is removed.
5. Repeat if necessary.
6. Rinse with a water hose.
That's just my own favorite DIY stain cleaner.
During the boating seasons, the above steps are all ones you'll want to take weekly or every couple of weeks, depending on how often you're using your boat.
That will keep your carpet from sustaining any serious damage or staining. Ever month or so, you'll need to do a deep clean after following all the above steps.
So, once the stains have been removed, it's time to do the deep clean. You have options here, too:
Once you've removed the debris, removed stains and deep cleaned your pontoon carpet, it's time to dry and fluff the carpet. Drying thoroughly can reduce the chances of mold, mildew and moss growth.
To speed up the drying process: Remove excess water with a wet/dry shop vacuum. Once the excess water has been removed, the sun can do the rest.
Once the carpet is dry, "fluffing" will improve the appearance for a look that's almost new.
Do this:
Step 1 Use a medium-stiff bristle brush. (Bristles that are too soft won't get the job done, but bristles that are too hard can rip the carpet fibers.) Tip: A long-handled brush or extension rod can reduce back strain.
Step 2 Brush the whole surface of the carpet with the brush. This will "fluff" the carpet fibers.
Step 3 If desired, vacuum again with your shop vacuum.
Step 4 Looks good as new, huh?
Optional: If you want to, you can apply a carpet protectant/sealer to prevent stains later. Some even offer UV protection. (I might sound like a broken record, but once again, check your owner's manual before applying anything).
Boat Soap keeps your whole boat clean and shiny from stern to aft. |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's boat soap cleans quickly and rinses away residue-free. It removes dirt, grease and grime above and below the deck. Its 100% biodegradable and won't contaminate the water or harm marine life.
Remember, there are no specific guidelines to clean your carpet. It all depends on your boat guidelines, what you have access to, how dirty your carpet is and the type of condition your boat carpet is in.
You may even own a ponton tiny house where you have high-grade carpet that needs real liveaboard maintenance. Once you consider all these things, choose the cleaning option that fits your needs.
The most important thing is to take care of your carpet and protect your pontoon deck. Because, after all, that's where all the fun happens.
While making the experience as rustic or luxurious as you desire, you'll also find that camping makes for an inexpensive and unplugged family vacation.
Before you go heading out for the great outdoors, we'll walk you through all of the things you should think about first. Start by picking your location, then prepare yourself, your family and your pontoon.
Check with the park or state to find out if you need any type of permits or licenses (like those for boat launch and fishing). You may find some lakes or rivers don't allow boats to tie up overnight and some don't allow camping at all. Chances are, you'll have to abide by a few rules. If you're going to be camping for long periods of time, you may need a separate inspection or type of permit. Ask around locally for good spots to camp. You might discover quiet coves by word of mouth. Don't assume you can just wing it and pull off somewhere. Even if you're on a large lake with small no-man's-land islands, there are places that may seem deserted but in fact are private property. |
Unlike other boats, pontoons were made for pulling to shore and beaching, making it easier to haul in your camp gear. Whether you decide to anchor out or pull into shore and tie up a dock line, try to find a lee, protective cove or channel where you won't fight waves and wind or drift back out to open water.
Featured Boating Product
Dock Line |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's dock line is made of marine-grade double-braided nylon for a safe and sturdy hold. It has a heat-treated end, a 15-inch eyelet and is sun and salt resistant.
Pack an extra anchor for safe measure and more dock line to tie off to a tree on land. Use a GPS anchor alarm and app that can alert you should your boat drift too far in the middle of the night.
A couple of apps for that are Drag Queen for iOS and Anchor Watch for Android. One thing to remember when choosing your anchoring location: If you anchor in the middle of the cove, you'll find fewer bugs and more privacy.
There's nothing worse than planning a camping trip only to get rained out, but sometimes weather is unpredictable. There are several boating apps to ping you about detrimental weather.
Take precautions and bring a dry bag of ponchos and extra clothes, just in case conditions change. Know how to boat in nasty weather conditions should you need to get back home.
If you don't yet want to invest in a full canvas enclosure, I suggest simply purchasing a traditional tent. Something simple can provide great versatility.
Get a size that's able to fit on the front deck between the seats. Then you have the option to make camp off the water if you'd like.
If you choose to pitch it on the front deck, tie off the tent using its eye holes. Normally you'd stake a tent into the ground, but since there's no ground, you'll need to secure it to your pontoon with a bungee cord or zip tie.
The best option for pontoon camping is to upgrade to a canvas canopy enclosure, which would act as your tent. They come in half enclosures and full canvas enclosures.
They can range in price from $1700 (made locally) to $2200 (manufacturer cost), and you can customize the locations of plastic windows, zippers and bug nets.
Make sure to get a good night's sleep on your pontoon.
Coleman Sleeping Bag | 30°F Palmetto Sleeping Bag | Cool Weather Sleeping Bag , Red
|
Sleeping bags are a requirement for me. I've tried camping with only a few household blankets but they don't stand up to the cold the way an all-season sleeping bag can. Of course, Coleman (Check Price on Amazon) is a trusted name in camp gear and they carry a variety of bags to choose from.
An air mattress is the standard go-to camping bed. But I've always had issues with these. They're terrible at containing body heat, really not that comfortable to sleep on and they never seem to hold air (leaving you re-pumping the next night).
Instead, get a Teton camp pad (check price on Amazon). If you prefer to sleep above ground, get a camp cot (check price on Amazon) as well.
If pontoon camping is something you find you enjoy, you may want to think about upgrading one of your seats into a fold-out sleeper seat. It's possible to sleep along the seat as is, but they're very narrow.
The other alternative would be to unbolt and remove the furniture. Obviously, this may not be convenient for a one-time weekend trip, but again, if you find yourself camping often, this could really open up the space.
When it comes to camping, keep cooking as simple as possible. Make the experience easier and prepare your meals at home. Of course, there's always the exception, like if you plan to catch a few fish or bring hamburger meat that's much more enjoyable when freshly cooked.
But if you have meal sides, lunches or breakfasts, go ahead and cook those ahead of time, wrap in foil and place in a Ziploc stored above the ice in your cooler.
Like I mentioned, some food just tastes better freshly grilled. You can either bring a grill that attaches to the pontoon or a camp stove to cook with on land.
Remember the propane tank and bring extra for the camp stove. But remember, you can always cook over a fire. If I have a decent bonfire at my site, I use it to my advantage and preserve the propane for emergencies (like when rain dampens the coals and wood) or brewing a desperately needed pot of coffee in the morning.
Bring along a cooler packed with ice. Unfortunately, unless you invest in a cooler brand like Yeti or Pelican (Available on Amazon), which keeps ice retention for a week or more, you'll have to find a store that sells ice bags to replenish and keep your provisions cold. Of course, keep it under shade as much as possible.
Make sure you carry enough water for both drinking and food preparation and cleaning. Bring along a 5-gallon water tank and a pump (Available on Amazon).
I've camped remotely enough to be able to walk to a nearby stream and use a water purifier. Even still, be aware that most purifiers aren't instantaneous and need time to work their magic. Some require around four hours to safely decontaminate bacteria.
Most campgrounds have showers within a walk from your campsite. But if you're camping in a remote area, you can always bring along a solar shower like this Viking Nature 5-Gallon Camping Shower Bag (Available on Amazon) and biodegradable all-purpose soap like Campsuds. The same goes with bringing along a portable toilet or portable bucket toilet seat set.
This Partysaving New Travel Portable Toilet (Available on Amazon) is a great option. Of course, if you really want to embrace the wilderness just bring along a trowel (and bury it appropriately and sanitarily far away).
Also, be sure not to leave anything behind that's non-biodegradable. Campgrounds will have dump stations to toss your waste, recycling and propane bottles. Never leave waste on your pontoon. It invites critters on board, especially at night.
Instead, bring along a few trash bags to throw accumulated trash and, at night, either toss it in the bin or hang it in a tree. It goes without saying that if you have nowhere to throw your trash carry it out when you leave.
Lastly, think about clean up. Some people bring along paper plates to toss away after use. I prefer to carry a set of Fozzils collapsible bowls (Available on Amazon) that store away flat, saving on space. They also clean quickly with a cheap kitchen scrub and dish soap or even boat soap if it's handier.
Rutland 50B Safe Lite Fire Starter Squares, 144 Squares
|
If you have booked a site (and not just pulling off at a remote island), there's a good chance you'll have access to a fire pit to build a campfire. If you have a fire pit, bring along dry wood (nothing too recently cut), firestarters and a lighter.
Obviously, make sure these don't become wet on your boat ride. In fact, bring along a tarp to cover and keep the wood dry once you place it on land.
If you use a canopy enclosure or tent on your boat, you can use a small cabin heater. Just make sure to plug it up to another power course that's not your boat's battery. We also recommend a carbon monoxide detector as a vital piece of boat safety equipment when using a heater inside an enclosure.
Other than safety lights, you'll want at least a few light sources on board to be able to read or for the family to play games after dark. One easy way to manage this is to pick up some rechargeable solar lights and tie them to the pontoon. Always bring LED lanterns for under the bimini and flashlights if you need to go on land.
I prefer a hands-free headlamp (buy on Amazon) because walking around in unknown territory at night can bring an accidental fall and you'll be able to catch yourself.
Anytime you're boating after sundown, you need to make yourself visible to other traffic (like early-rising fishermen zipping by in their bass boats). Always use your white running lights for safety from dusk until dawn, especially when there's thick fog. A battery should be fine to handle this, but just in case, bring along cables and a second battery.
Featured Boating Product
Rope Cutter |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's rope cutter is an essential tool for cutting and sealing nylon, polyester and polypropylene ropes. It's useful for speaker cable, wire, boat ropes and camping gear. It cuts and seals to prevent fraying.
So, you're probably feeling pretty prepared to camp right about now. Even so, always have a contingency plan. Make sure that somebody knows where you're going to be. Know that if something goes severely wrong, you can call a neighbor or find a local hotel.
Lastly, remember that you might not be able to convince everyone in your family to enjoy camping. Some love it, some hate it.
If you break into it slowly and make a good first impression, you won't scare them off the idea for life. Before long, you may have them craving it too.
Heck, you may even make a future liveaboard with your own marina slip. Happy camping!
]]>With players of one or more, and for kids of all ages (since we're all kids at heart), here's a list of 16 fun games to can play on your pontoon boat. You can even come up with fun and unique things for the "winners" and "losers." Maybe the losers have to wash the boat while the winners are in charge of the garden hoses. That sounds like a win/win for the boat captain!
With or without getting wet, you can hold a summer pontoon party and invite friends and neighbors over for a match or two. My crazy family's favorite combines jousting and water chicken. Play at your own risk!
On hotter summer days, it's to keep refreshed by staying in the cool waters. But for those of us who need a bit more than just lazing about on floats and climbing up and down pontoon water slides, here are five games for more entertaining water sports.
Leave your sneakers on land for this basketball game. Versahoop Basketball Hoop (check price on Amazon) is made to be hooked on a pontoon's gunwale railings to create marine courts.
Although it may be hard to tell players apart if there are two teams of skins, be sure to get close VIP courtside seats on your pontoon's benches and root for them.
One really smart feature of this basketball hoop is the ability to remove the hoop and lay it out flat for compact storage. When not in use on your pontoon, the hoop can be clamped on anywhere.
This Intex Pool Volleyball Net (check price on Amazon) can be used for more than a pool. If you're a competitive volleyball player, you might be annoyed there aren't exactly rules for "ball out" in the middle of open waters. But for the sake of an easy game, this is a lot of fun.
I know what you're thinking: You'll probably have to tie it up with a line to your pontoon because it's inflatable, but you'd be happy to know that the pole bases come with anchor weights. Even if the weights are far above the water's depth, it will still prevent the inflatable from being blown downstream by the wind.
Cornhole has become a very popular game for backyard barbecues and park picnics. But what about us water bugs? Well, luckily Airhead's Lob the Blob Inflatable Cornhole game (check price on Amazon) is just for us.
Unlike the volleyball net, I don't believe it comes with weights so you might need to rig your own. And don't take the point system too seriously as the floating cornhole bags will bounce more than slide.
This one is easy if you already own foam noodles, as most boaters do. Of course, if you need more, you can always buy a whole bunch on Amazon. Only a two-player game, it's perfect if you don't have enough players or people willing to get wet for team sports.
Step One: Mount your steed. On land, take a PFD life vest that's already required on board and place your legs where arms normally go. Yes, it should appear like you're wearing a diaper. Sorry. Now grab a noodle and hop in the water.
Step Two: Now joust! Once in the water, face off with your opponent. Each knight/player straightens their noodle as best they can and swims toward each other aiming to knock the other sideways into the water.
Don't be super aggressive with this game! I can tell you from experience these foam noodles can really hurt when you're smacked in the face. Aim for the chest instead, or somebody will come away with red cheeks and it won't be from sunburn!
Most are familiar with this classic water sport. In fact, it only really works in water because, well, that's a long fall for the person sitting on someone else's shoulders. Water chicken is a team player game of four or more players.
Breaking off into multiple teams of two, one teammate sits on the shoulders of the other going head to head and neck to neck with the opposing team, attempting to knock them over. Whoever's still standing wins! Now, it's possible to do more than two teams of two, but don't go too crazy.
Anchor Kit |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's anchor kit keeps your boat firmly in place while picnicking, playing games, fishing and more. It has a pre-spliced eyelet made of corrosion-proof stainless steel. The kit includes a fluke-style anchor, nylon rope and an anchor chain.
If you find yourself taking cover and waiting out a rainstorm or even pontoon camping, grab a board game to beat boredom. Just gather around beneath the bimini or pontoon enclosure and pass the time till the sun comes back out.
This oversized checkers rug (check price on Amazon) is great for storing on your pontoon all year round. With a two-foot by two-foot reversible woven rug, you fold it away for a rainy day along with the giant black and red checker pieces.
And if checkers is a bit advanced for youngsters no worries! Flip it over for a game of tic-tac-toe. I had a very similar style checkers rug growing up and we carried it everywhere: Picnics, camping, the beach. Since it's cloth, you can shake out the sand after use. Easy cleanup!
You sunk my battleship! Okay, now I know in today's modern age you can just download and play this game on electronic devices, but I'm old enough to remember the classic battleship game (check price on Amazon) with the red and white pegs you have to press down manually (instead of tap a screen).
So, if you're a parent who refuses to let their kid stare at a screen all day or just need to save your battery for more important things like finding fish or navigating your way back home, consider this old-school game.
With portable cases, you'll never lose the pegs or ships. Alternatively, you can opt for the magnetic version of Battleship (check price on Amazon), which is free of tiny pegs.
Although not boating-related, Scattergories (check price on Amazon) is one of my all-time favorite board games. It's mostly about writing in notebooks, so there aren't many pieces you can lose overboard.
The idea is to roll dice with letters on them and come up with the most unique item beginning with that letter. For example, if it lands on "S", you set the timer and each player tries to come up with unique items on a set list: Ice cream flavor? Strawberry cheesecake. Type of bird? Seagull.
To make it a more nautical-themed game, you can create your own lists like fish, boat part and body of water, for example.
You might be familiar with the standard Yahtzee game, but have you ever heard of Yacht-Sea? This play on words is the perfect substitute for rolling dice games on deck.
It's just like Yahtzee but with added maritime-themed rules. Just keep a few extra dice on board in case some roll overboard during an exciting round.
I've not played the Merchants and Marauders (check price on Amazon) game myself, but it's sure to please kids who love anything pirate-themed.
The game is set in the Caribbean and you find fortunes as pirates would have once done through plundering. The goal is to build impressive tall ship vessels and be able to fend off your enemies and add ship crew.
Fair warning: This game says it takes about three hours to play. So grab the dock lines, tie up your pontoon, get comfortable for the long haul and grab some fruit snacks to stave off scurvy.
If you've ever played a card game outdoors, you know the wind is your enemy as much as the opposing poker-faced players around you.
But did you know there's such a thing as magnetic playing cards (check price on Amazon)? Once you've got those secured, here are several card games you can play solo or with multiple players.
If you're like me and sometimes enjoy a little peace and quiet down on the pontoon dock, you can always play a game of solitaire. Most card players know how to play solitaire, but there are actually several versions out there. Find your favorite card layout!
This one's for the anglers: A game of Go Fish (go figure). Most know this game. You can play with a simple deck of cards or get yourself a waterproof set of UNO cards (check price on Amazon) and make it more interesting between the four colors and Wild, Draw Two's and Reverse cards.
Rummy is considered one of the great classic card games. Click here for a good explanation of how to play. It's the perfect game for multiple players and uses a standard deck of cards.
Any kid who's learned to swim has played the game of Marco Polo. The designated Marco yells Marco! and everyone else responds Polo!
The catch is that the Marco player closes his eyes or uses a blindfold, trying to catch fellow swimmers by using only the sounds of splashes and their voices.
Contest or no contest, cannonballs are quintessential to water living. But add a long dock runway or pier to it, and you can make a much bigger splash.
Pontoons can be great for this, with the proper safety precautions. Gain a longer running pad and crash those waters hard! Of course, you need judges but make sure they're okay with getting drenched.
Scavenger hunts can be played both onboard your pontoon deck and in the water. Just find some common objects onboard like sunglasses, sandals, scrub brushes and soft fishing lures (hookless, of course) and hide them in nooks and crannies around the boat.
Make sure to remember where you hid the items (or make a map to give it a more hidden treasure kind of feel - Argggh!).
If you're ordering board games online, check to see how many players they suggest and if the whole family can join in on the fun.
If you have very young children, please be sure to check the age-appropriate levels, as some can have very small pieces which can become choking hazards.
I should add if you're playing in the water, maybe avoid sharp edges and pontoon engines. Don't get overly competitive. Remember: It's just a game. And have a good time!
]]>Well, when you're hosting a party on your pontoon, the 'toon itself might steal the stage. Especially if it's got a built-in wet bar.
Sure, you can install one later, but if you're considering a new pontoon purchase, you might as well look for a 'toon with this popular feature included.
It seems like an added luxury that you don't really need, but entertaining friends and family are what days on the water are all about. And what better space to gather around than a built-in wet bar on your pontoon's deck?
Whether you'd prefer to perch on a stool or lean back on a bench, pontoon boat bars can create a social atmosphere for cocktail-mixing adults as well as contained areas for children to eat.
The Rod Holder Cutting Board is made of marine-grade commercial polyethylene that's UV resistant, sturdy and durable. |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's rod holder cutting board makes it easy to prepare bait and gut, de-bone and slice fish. Adjustable to any angle, it offers knife slots and storage trays for hooks, lures and what-have-you.
The surface repels spills and stains, is easy to clean and removes quickly for storage and cleaning. Use a bit of boat soap and a microfiber cloth to clean.
There are several varieties of pontoon bar types available. I mean, if you've ever attended a boat show, you'll notice the sheer variety in pontoon boat bar styles.
Some have a simple galley where you can store a few liters, whereas others might be full-blown high-top counters with sinks and stools.
Okay, let's say you already own your own pontoon and are looking to upgrade it a bit with a new bar. Luckily, there are always attachable Docktail bars and accessories if you just need something smaller-scale or temporary.
For example, they've got a handy utility table (check price on Amazon) if you need to add counter space.
|
And here's a Docktail Bar Pontoon Boat Cup Holders Table (check price on Amazon) that can be installed right on your pontoon's square railing.
Docktail Bar Pontoon Boat Cup Holders Table Accessory - These Boating Accessories Effortlessly Clamps on 1 1/4" Pontoon Rails - Holds Cups Bottles and Bowls for Snacks - StarboardWeatherproof
|
Then, you can look for the additional appliances that complete the whole pontoon boat bar, like a mini-fridge and portable ice maker.
If you're looking to buy a new (or just new-to-you) boat, then you can seek out a model with all of this good stuff already integrated. We'll help you with that now.
Before giving you a list of boat models that carry bars, here's a list of common styles you might come across while you're checking out the market.
You can find a variety of boats with basic, bar-height seating arrangements without putting out much for optional upgrades. A lot of boats will have this as part of the entire package, just without the sink.
I find bar tops are useful for everyone, even if you're more of a quiet boater and not an entertainer. They give you a nice place to sit and eat lunch.
Don't need all the appliances of a home kitchen and only want to pack a cooler? No problem.
A wet bar is a bar with a sink (at least). You may also come across wet bars with fridges and occasionally grills. Of course, a grill is easy enough to add yourself.
On some pontoons, you may find both a built-in wet bar on one side and a galley on the other.
This combination can be quite nice, as it provides maximum counter space and cabinet storage space. With a setup like this, you don't have to get creative with your boat storage ideas.
Galley kitchens inside our homes are designed as maybe one or two walls where all the cabinets and appliances are hooked up.
Since a pontoon has minimal space for these kitchen accessories, you'll typically see galleys lined up along either the port or starboard railing.
You can find pontoon bar galleys with many amenities including mounted stoves. On the other hand, you can also find them very minimal with only counter space and a bit of cabinetry to store items.
In the latter case, the galley is paired with another standing bar feature.
One thing to mention: Keep in mind that none of these bar tops are adequate for preparing fish. If that's something anglers are looking for, many pontoon manufacturers carry pontoon models offering an optional fish station.
For a quick fix to the fish preparation problem, consider a rod holder cutting board. Designed to fit in the rod holder (Those rod holders are so handy, huh?), this board provides a stable surface for de-scaling and fileting the catch of the day.
Just remember to store it away from the food-related accessories. That's a mix-up you definitely don't want!
Whether it's cocktails or appetizers you're after, here are a few boat models with bars in the layout. To find out what type of pontoon bar is suitable for you and your family, think about how you entertain in your own home.
Do you typically sit gathered around a table? Or are you too active and prefer to stand to eat?
Bennington's G22 Bar and Galley Pontoon Boats
Bennington's G22 Bar and Galley Pontoon Boats have very nice touches like underlighting at the bar and cup holders for those moonlight cruises.
Although you won't find the sink on the galley side, you'll find it in front of the bar. The bar does not have stools, per se. Instead, it has reclining swivel chairs, which to me is much more luxurious. The starboard galley is optional.
The sink is in front of the bar. So, if you feel you need the counter space and storage beneath to hide away all the plastic tumblers and plates your heart desires, I'd suggest adding the galley.
Bennington adds nice touches like stainless railings.
Also called the Vertex Bar Series, standard features of this series include lighted drink holders, a tilt-out trash can and a fiberglass bar with deluxe seating.
It only consists of a bar top, not the whole shebang wet bar or even a galley area. But if you never intend to mix cocktails and need a prep station for snacks, this might be all that you need.
Keeping it simple by preparing lunch ahead of time is how most 'tooners think. The more counters you have, the more you'll need to clean up at the end of the day. For some of us, this is plenty of space for entertaining.
Veranda 2016 Relax Bar Series
Veranda's Relax Series Bar differs from the Vertex Bar in one major way. It has a non-skid vinyl bar top instead of fiberglass. But that's just the bar feature.
The Veranda Relax Series is an entirely different model entirely. Their floor plans are very similar, but the Relax series has more optional upgrades.
Sylvan's bar is located in the aft, which is a bit unusual placement by pontoon bar standards. The most impressive part, in my opinion, is the pop-up glass and plate holder located on the back of the bar's top.
It was a smartly-planned use of what could have been wasted space behind the bar. Other features include a faux granite countertop, a sink (which I find to be larger than average for these bars) and a pull-out drawer where a cooler is stored beneath.
The portside galley adds a bit more counter space for preparing drinks. With this galley, you have the option of adding a small fridge.
In addition to the bar, located on the starboard side, are two bucket seats with a built-in insulated cooler between them.
If you love to entertain guests and prepare fresh meals right from your pontoon, this bar area feels more like your own personal kitchen space.
If you're looking for a lot of counter space to spread out for a burger-building station, this is your pontoon! Aside from the overall space, it has most bells and whistles other pontoon bars incorporate, like cup holder lighting and stainless steel rails (to keep that drink from sliding off).
Avalon's Ambassador Entertainer Bar will make your jaw drop. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing but nothing was spared in this fully-equipped galley and wet bar combo. It has a Corian-like counter surface with an electric refrigerator and a built-in sink with a stainless faucet.
There are even hidden cold-storage compartments. Avalon really utilized every square inch of volume in this bar. There's not much empty space to speak of. You can cook your meals at the aft prep center and take your plate to an illuminated bistro table.
On the bistro table is a curved stainless double wine bottle holder, but the coolest thing is a hidden wine rack beneath them that raises with only the push of a button.
Manitou's SES Bar has no galley sink or extra counter space. It only comes with the bar top and four adjustable height barstools.
The main difference the SES Bar has from the Entertainer is a lounge bench placed starboard where the galley or wet bar would normally go. If you plan to store your food and drinks in a personal cooler, no big deal. But it's something to consider.
SES Galley
This galley is pretty decked out. A built-in grill for flipping burgers, a refrigerator to keep your drinks cool and a sink to wash up.
The only difference the SES Galley has compared to the SES Entertainer and SES Baris is bench seating. Without a bar top, it'll feel like the equivalent of taking your drinks into the living room, except there's not even a cocktail table. If you feel the need for some sort of flat surface to eat on, this may not be the bar boat for you.
However, I do like the open space it provides without the table. Bench seating is more family-friendly, allowing children to cozy up without having to be lifted up to a bar stool. If you allow pets on seats, they can jump up freely too.
SES Entertainer
The Entertainer is the most bar space you can get from Manitou Pontoons. Like the SES Bar and SES Galley, it has both a bar table and extra counter space.
The SES Bar's lounger is replaced with the wet bar including a sink, mountable grill and refrigerator below. The seating consists of a pair of height-adjustable stools on one side of the bar top, and a bench on the other.
One nice feature I absolutely love is that the bench converts into a sun lounger.
This list is by no means the entire world of pontoon boat bars on the market. And of course, there are more pontoon models designed every year. If you don't see exactly what you like, talk to your favorite manufacturer about having it custom-made.
It's important to find a pontoon fitting your particular needs. Once you're set up, entertaining on the lake can be a lot of fun.
Of course, with a bar on board, just remember that it's important to drink responsibly (yes, even if you're not the captain). Heavy drinking to the point of getting plastered can result in falling overboard and creating an emergency situation.
Being alert when on the water can mean life or death. Have fun entertaining, but be safe on the water!
]]>They could be your answer to low-cost houseboat living. Sounds awesome, doesn't it? Especially if you can't afford bigger liveaboard boats, don't like the idea of marina living or want something more customized than cheaper boat living options.
With the tiny house trend on the upswing, growing interest is spreading across the world. While they seem practical and break the cuteness scale, there's a lot to consider before investing in one. Let's weigh your options.
Pontoon tiny houseboats are custom homes designed to fit onto a pontoon base (metal tubes). You can enjoy all the comforts of home on the water, without the huge cost (and labor) of owning an enormous houseboat.
You can buy one pre-built or have one custom designed, which all depends on your budget, desired size and how you plan to use it.
You love this idea, and I'm right there with you! But, like me, you still have questions: Is it safe? Are there special rules and regulations involved? And then there's the biggest question of all: How much will it cost?
This guide can help you with all that. You can read on to find information on state law and permit guidelines, types of pontoon tiny houseboats to consider building or buying, costs, transportation, and more.
If you're as intrigued as I am (mine's already built in my head!), read this guide to get answers and maybe even get started.
How do you plan to use your pontoon tiny house? Will it be solely for recreational and entertaining purposes, or do you plan to use it for extended fishing trips? Or both? Either way, there are a few considerations to think about.
|
If you plan to use your pontoon tiny houseboat for fishing, there are various pontoon fishing accessories. Some of them may take pre-planning and/or installation during the building process.
Consider these accessories and features for a tiny house built for fishing:
|
Keepalive KA14461 Tank W/Aerator
|
Cannon Uni-Troll Manual Downrigger, 10 STX
|
Interested in a kit? Check out these clever pontoon tiny house kits and ideas. Solar power is another option to consider: Check out this solar-powered pontoon tiny houseboat.
It's awesome! All these options are features you might wanna think about, depending on your needs and plans. But you absolutely need to plan ahead to avoid later regrets.
Once you decide how you intend to use your pontoon tiny house and have chosen some of the features mentioned above, you'll next need to consider these basic underlying features.
Will you float in freshwater or saltwater? Will the house be used year-round or only in the summer? These are important considerations before building or buying.
Water types are an important consideration. Plan to sail the pontoon tiny houseboat you build or buy in oceans? Make sure it's saltwater worthy. This includes all hardware, electrical connections, plumbing, and even motors, which can all be affected by saltwater brine.
Since saltwater causes erosion, you need to ensure your pontoon tiny house is saltwater worthy throughout. To do so, here are a few must-haves: Use maritime paint and maybe corrugated steel roofing (check price on Amazon)to withstand the elements.
Amerimax Home Products 4736011001 Corrugated Metal 3' Project Panel, 3 Piece
|
You can even install solar panels for the roof (if there's room in your budget). Yes, these cost more upfront, but they save you money in the long run. Not to mention, it's these small investments that help protect your bigger investment. Discuss this with your builder or dealer.
Before making the final payment, or signing any final documents, consider having your new tiny house inspected to be certain it's saltwater worthy. This is crucial if you're sailing year-round. Your boathouse baby will be exposed to the elements for longer periods, so plan ahead for this to avoid later problems.
Your pontoon base and tubes will be determined by your pontoon tiny houseboat's weight and length. It will also be determined by your budget. Can you afford new tubes or used tubes?
Consider a used pontoon tube's age and condition. Older tubes need to be thoroughly inspected for holes, dents and drainage problems. Check out how it currently floats. If it fails the test in any of these areas, it's a major safety issue. This is when you should consider buying new bases for better safety and security (not to mention the investment in the house you might've already built).
Two-tube or three-tube pontoon? Ask your builder or dealer to determine this. An assessment of your needs, along with the house size and weight, can help the builder/dealer make this call.
Here's a pre-fab float system to consider: Look at this Pontoonz Modular Float System, created in New Zealand.
This is an innovative option you may wanna think about (for cost, you'll need to contact the dealer).
Interior Cleaning Kit |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's interior cleaning kit keeps your pontoon or tiny house clean and tidy. It comes with vinyl cleaner, vinyl protectant, boat cleaning wipes and two microfiber towels.
1) Get a quote
2) Ask for proof of insurance
Avoid working with someone who isn't familiar with this procedure. And especially avoid someone without proper insurance to cover your boat, just in case.
Find a reputable company or individual. It's worth the hassle to be worry-free. You'll sleep better, too!
Just like regular boating, houseboat laws and permits vary from state to state. Even in each country.
Certain bodies of water, such as lakes and reservoirs, frown upon houseboat living regardless of it being a pontoon tiny house. Although smaller than some yacht-like houseboats, they're still considered houses in the eyes of the law. So restrictions vary.
Before building or buying a pontoon tiny houseboat, check with governing state authorities to verify precisely what's allowed and what permits are needed.
If you can't have your tiny pontoon houseboat in the closest most convenient waters, it may not be worth pursuing.
To check your local laws, here are two places to start:
Check these sites for your state information, and then check with the governing offices to ask any additional questions.
Houseboat insurance, big and small, varies from state to state (not to mention from agency to agency). But, you're required to buy it.
Your costs will be determined by many factors, like size and investment. If you're unsure who to contact for insurance quotes, check with the United Marine Underwriters for advice.
If you're handy with DIY projects, build a pontoon tiny house yourself. It may help protect your wallet. But whether you plan to hire a builder, buy a custom-designed tiny home or use a kit, there are additional costs to consider.
When planning a budget, you need to determine costs for many areas, not just basics. As with any newly-built house, you'll have these initial building costs: Foundation, walls, flooring, roof, heating and air. These costs can vary greatly depending on what you choose.
You'll then need to purchase appliances such as sinks, a shower and a toilet.
And then there's decorating: Paint, cabinets, hardware and mirrors. You'll need special furniture: Hidden bed/storage beds, chairs with storage and folding tables.
Then there are annual costs: yearly maintenance, as well as fees, permits and storage costs. Oh, and then there's this ...
Your new tiny boathouse will need to be transported whether it's on the base yet or not. You'll have to transport it to the base to be attached, and you'll have to transport it to its final destination (Geez... so much to think about!).
So, as I said before, locate a reputable company that can transport it for you, including a transportation quote and proof of insurance. Then, you'll need to transport it to either a storage facility or a dock for the base to be attached.
It's best to keep that transport company in your contact list to transport your pontoon tiny house to a service provider for maintenance or repairs (hopefully not, but it's best to plan). Transportation costs and fees can all add up, so get quotes first to include in your budget.
Just chalk it up. You may not want to pay those few final inspection costs, but it could protect your investment. And even protect lives.
When having a tiny house built, you'll need it inspected for proper building codes, laws and permits just like a regular house. Don't forget about saltwater compliance inspections, as I mentioned earlier.
If you're not doing the building yourself (or hiring it out), ask your dealer about the final inspections. Are they included? Who's responsible for handling it?
Check the fine print in your contract. Once your tiny house leaves the dealer, you may have no recourse if proper codes haven't been met.
Before transporting your tiny pontoon boathouse, have it inspected to make sure it's properly attached to the bases/tubes. If it isn't, it can become damaged during transit. And you sure don't want any problems on the water.
A smart option is to pay licensed inspectors for each building phase up until the point of base attachment. Safety is never worth saving just a few pennies.
You might need tiny house storage either temporarily or in the winter. Start your search to locate a storage facility that can (and will) safely store it. Most likely, they'll need the weight and size before providing a quote.
Once you get a quote, ask for proof of insurance. Yep. I'm a broken record, but you can't forget!
If you can't locate a viable storage facility close by, you'll need to consider transportation costs to a neighboring city for storage. This is a big deal because safe secure storage can protect your investment and give you peace of mind.
This is an awful lot to consider before building, or buying, a pontoon tiny houseboat. But when you consider that it's truly a house (even though it floats), there are many costs and considerations to think about.
Thorough planning, research and a simple financial plan can guide you on your way to tiny houseboat living on your pontoon. Won't that all be worth it?
]]>In the old days, you had to head to your local boating shop to replace your windshield and gather all the marine soaps and other materials to clean and protect it.
Nowadays well, you'll probably still want a professional touch for the actual material choice and windshield installation. But DIY types can find everything they need online, and everyone else can grab their smaller additional accessories on the internet too.
Here, we'll walk you through choosing the right pontoon windshield if you're going DIY, how to choose a rain shield (if you're going a little smaller) and how to maintain all of these things for the long term.
MARINE MOORING 34049402 - Marine Mooring Plexiglass Windshield - 3/16" 34049402
|
To start, you'll need to focus on getting the right pontoon windshield for your particular boat. You want to clearly see through your windshield, stay protected from the elements and debris and have something that's built to last.
Marine Mooring is a brand most boaters already trust, so that's what I'll recommend. They've created numerous pontoon accessories, including this plexiglass windshield. The measurements are 3/16" and it's the right fit for most standard pontoon center consoles.
These striking windshields add a custom look to any pontoon, so they allow you to stand out among other avid boaters on the water. You may have a particular preference as to how a windshield should look on your pontoon, so find what works best for you.
SOURCEONE.ORG 3/8 th Inch Thick Acrylic Plexiglass Sheet, Clear Heavy Duty
|
If you've got the tools, the skills and the time, you can use any plexiglass sheet of choice (like this heavy-duty option on Amazon) to cut, bend and install your own custom pontoon boat windshield.
With a little know-how, you can even install window wipers (check prices on West Marine) on your pontoon windshield. If the windshield is installed on your center console, make sure you have a center console cover to protect the whole kit and kaboodle, like this Taylor Made option (check price on Amazon).
Taylor Made Products 80420 80420 Boat Seats & Console Covers Boating Hardware & Maintenance Supplies
|
|
Rain is an inevitable form of weather we face throughout our entire boating lives. A few unfortunate boating days are bound to turn rainy, wet and even fierce. It's our responsibility to make sure we're taking all of the necessary precautions to maintain proper visibility. One cool option is to hook a rain shield up to your T-Top.
For example, if you've got the Dolphin Pro2 T-Top (check price on Amazon), a very popular option for center consoles, then you can pair it with the fitted weather enclosure (check price on Amazon).
If that's not your particular T-Top, then you can try out this universal rain shield by Oceansouther. There's a huge variety beyond this offered by Marine Mooring.
Their full pontoon enclosures and rain shields will keep you and everyone else on board safe and sound in a rainstorm. The Marine Mooring rain shield is made with 20-gauge, clear, marine plastic and gray polyester framing.
It attaches easily to your existing Bimini or hard top with turnbuckles and snaps. It's difficult to move, even by the most ferocious weather conditions. You can also consult our full guide to pontoon enclosures.
Once you've got your plexiglass pontoon boat windshield, it's time to ensure it's well supported. The last thing you want happening, when trying to get back to the marina in a rainstorm, is for your windshield to become unlatched. Nobody wants to go home in a messy soggy pontoon.
Make sure you have replacement windshield support bars on board for those "just in case" moments. They're made of anodized aluminum with nylon fittings, chrome-plated zamak feet and sold in single units. The standard bars are 16 inches in length, but they do come in various sizes.
These are often overlooked, but if there's one thing I've learned by going through repairs, it's this: an ounce of prevention is worth 10 gallons of rainwater flooding your deck.
Remember, keeping your windshield clean is half the battle when fighting against the elements.
Did you know that being caked with an excessive amount of dirt and grime can make your windshield susceptible to cracks and breaks? It's not just about avoiding having a dirty windshield the captain can't see through, it's about having a cracked pontoon boat windshield that needs to be repaired or replaced.
Yup, you can fix a cracked windshield with a little elbow grease.
But it's better to avoid having to be this creative. First things first, get yourself a windshield cover. Whenever the windshield is not in use, cover it right up. This TruXedo windshield cover (see on Cabela's) is a cool functional option for larger boat windshields.
While you're towing your boat, be sure to keep your windshield protected from rocks that kick up from the road and from underneath your car's tires. The Kikn' Rox Rock Shield is a handy invention to do just that. It's relatively inexpensive and comes in a few different formats such as aerosol, wipes and spray. Each has its own unique purpose.
The aerosol application cleans all glass surfaces, including your windows, and it may be used on plastic, which means you're able to clean your rain shield with this cleaner too.
The package I've linked you to above comes with a little hand cloth, but I'd also recommend a chamois cleaning cloth or a reach cleaner. It makes cleaning that much easier if you've got a large windshield on your pontoon boat or if you happen to be short.
|
Another handy option is a boat squeegee and sponge.
Boat Squeegee |
Check Price on Amazon - Just like what you use on your car windshields, Better Boat's boat squeegee has a sponge on one side and a squeegee on the other to loosen dirt and then wipe it away. It's also collapsible and easy to store.
De-Salt Concentrate |
Check Price on Amazon - You'll also want to consider saltwater on your windshield. You can use a de-salt concentrate to break down and remove salt deposits. It's also great for flushing inboard and outboard engines.
Waterproof Spray |
Check Price on Amazon - While we're on the subject of maintenance, let's talk about waterproofing. If you have a canvas rain shield, you'll want to use a product like Better Boat's fabric waterproofing spray. It adds a water-repellent barrier. Water beads up and wicks away on canvas, polyester, nylon, leather and more. Use on bimini tops, boat and car covers, rain shields, tents and even shoes.
So, you've got all of the windshield options and accessories you need, my friends. All we're looking to do is boat safely along and keep our pontoons looking clean, sparkly and shiny. And maybe keep the bugs out of our teeth along the way.
Making sure you have a sturdy, clean pontoon boat windshield and the accessories to maintain it is the best first step to achieving all of these things.
]]>There's no better way to relax and fish than in a pontoon boat. After all, this is a unique boat offering stability, style, space and comfort.
There's plenty of space for fishing gear, boat fenders, lines, rod holders, cup holders and friends. Whether you take pleasure in harpooning, gill-netting, bottom trawling or using open nets, pens, cages and traps to get your catch of the day, it goes without saying that you'll need a sturdy boat to aid you in your quest.
In addition to being a great all-around boat electronic navigation charts (ENCs) and fishing maps will turn a pontoon into the ultimate fishing boat, allowing you to plan your routes and find fish with ease.
That's getting more into the features end of things. Let's start with the pontoon brands that have the best options for fishing.
The process of finding the best pontoon for fishing will be made simpler if you buy from a reputable brand. Ideally, you should buy directly from a brand so that you can take advantage of their warranty options and feel confident about your investment.
Each brand will present buyers with contrasting characteristics, therefore, the one you choose ought to reflect your fishing wants and needs. Below are a handful of well-known brands that offer warranties on their fishing pontoons.
Pontoon boats that have been designed with fishing in mind may not necessarily look different from your typical pontoon boats at first glance. Most fishing-focused features will be subtle.
Nevertheless, what might not look like much can actually make a significant difference in how well an angler is able to find and catch fish.
To ease the process of actually finding the best pontoon for fishing, first gain a better understanding of the specific features you ought to be keeping an eye out for.
A rugged fishing machine will combine various angling amenities, such as:
Garmin GHP Reactor Hydraulic Autopilot Starter Pack w/GHC 20
|
Wise 6039 Twin Pack Rod Holder with 2 Side Mounts, Black
|
Better Boat Cutting Board |
You don't necessarily have to use an exorbitantly-priced fishing lure to reel in the big ones (like the $1 million diamond-embellished lure crafted by MacDaddy Fishing Lures, for example).
Rods, reels and lines aside, becoming a better angler is dependent on your trawling skills and, of course, the type of vessel you're navigating.
That's why it's so important to invest in the best pontoon for your fishing adventures. Apart from that, you'll need to invest some time and energy into your sessions on the water.
Practice makes perfect, so do make an effort to research fishing hot spots in your area whether online or just by chatting with local folks at the marina.
Once you've got some ideas of where to go, use a GPS system to track popular fishing areas on a map. Should you be planning on setting sail during winter or at a time when the seas are rough in your location, make sure you know how to handle your vessel when the water gets rough.
Make sure you don't leave home without a boat emergency kit. After all, preventative measures will ensure your safety when cruising around.
What's more, a pontoon can double up as a party barge, so you can socialize with your fellow anglers after a day out at sea or on a freshwater lake. Going down the "build-your-own" route might be a worthwhile decision if you have certain specifications in mind.
"Pontoon accessories" alone brings up more than 10,000 items, with most being under $200. So, the question really is: What are you searching for, and what do you actually need?
And, if you stumble across something really cool for you or your boat,you're probably gonna want that too!
The answer is: All this and the kitchen sink! Sometimes I look around and think "Good Lord," we're just going out for the afternoon. Don't you sometimes wonder what the Skipper on Gilligan's Island thought when his guests were boarding his boat for the four-hour cruise? Those day-trippers packed enough to last through three seasons!
Having all the little extras is nice (as long as you're not tripping over everything). Your family or guests will think you went above and beyond for the extra towels, wipes, koozie holders, sunglasses and more.
When searching on Amazon for items that you may need, save time by using keywords in the search engine at the top. Remember that the more detailed you are, the less items the search will produce.
By using just a few keywords to describe the item, it's more likely it will pull the bulk of that general description. An example would be searching for the exact product you're needing like:
If your search goes like this:“Cypress Cay Seabreeze SL 230 white captain boat seat with stripes, Amazon will pull up 69 results, and not all of them will be seats.
Whereas, if you search “pontoon seats, you get more than 743 results to choose from. This gives you a larger variety of seats to explore plus the hardware you may need to install them. Definitely a winning Daily Double hit.
I find the reviews on Amazon can be very helpful when choosing a product. As an example, a reviewer may say that he likes the product but also adds in not to forget to order the extra part needed to install it. Little hints like that are always helpful.
You may already have a mental inventory of what you have or need on your boat, but it doesn't hurt to have a list. This way you know what's in storage and what you need to get or replace for the next trip out on the water.
Call me crazy, but I love having a small organizer right next to me for all my stuff (keys, phone, drink, glasses, etc...etc...) while I drive the boat. The Kenimoto Boat Organizer is the perfect little storage bag to keep stuff neat and in place.
It has pockets to hold tools, a water bottle, sunglasses or anything else you might need. Use marine-grade hook and loop fasteners (read: Velcro) to attach to a wall or control panel on the boat.
Okay, keeping organized isn't everybody's idea of fun must-have items, so consider some fun games to play on your pontoon boat. Between basketball, volleyball and cornhole, you'll discover lots of great ideas on games for all ages to play in the water or on your boat.
Pontoon boating is as American as apple pie, and there's nothing like seeing our American flag flying from the boat rail. Don't have one yet? You can get complete kits through Amazon.
All different sizes and styles are available, but I like the embroidered stars US flag kit. It comes in 12x18 inch or 16x24 inch, and includes the flagpole and stern lights.
Who doesn't need a 148-piece medical kit? Without a first aid kit, you could be in serious jeopardy (pun intended). If you don't have one for your boat, the All-Purpose Waterproof First Aid Medical Kit is the perfect size and has everything you need.
Along with being waterproof, it's compact and includes a wide array of necessities such as bandages, tweezers, a whistle and scissors. Maybe you need one for your RV or home? Like the old scout saying goes, "It's always best to be prepared."
While we're on the subject of safety, what about foot protection on the boat? Slippery surfaces on deck and beach areas (which may also be rocky, mucky or just hazardous for bare feet) are good reasons to check out the assortment of water shoes that Amazon has for the whole family.
From slip-on styles and neoprene to lace-up versions, I'm sure you can find what suits you and your family's needs for foot protection and comfort.
Air Horn |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's air horn can emit a blast that can be heard up to 1/2 mile away. It's small and compact enough to stow in a boat console, jet ski or kayak.
Time to repair your captain chair(s)? You can actually buy one cheaper than trying to recover your current one (funny how that happens).
The Leader Accessories Pontoon Captain Bucket Boat Seat is the real deal. This durable and firm captain's chair is getting great reviews, and it looks amazing too.
Made of marine-grade water-resistant vinyl, it's ergonomic and available in different colors (all the better to match your boat). Be sure to check the sizing chart to make sure it's the right fit for your boat.
Be sure to check your boat ropes for repair or replacement. Whether it's anchoring, docking or towing line, marine rope is essential to all types of boats from pontoons and runabouts to ski boats, trawlers and even fishing kayaks.
Time to add or replace your pontoon boat Bimini top? There's a variety to choose from on Amazon. Best of all, it can be shipped right to your door!
Check out the Vortex Royal Blue Square Tube Frame with 4 Bow Bimini. It's 8 feet long by 91-96 inches wide and comes as a complete kit with a five-year warranty.
It's UV and mildew resistant and offers a whole lot of shade out on the water. At around $295, it's a tad over the $200 category, but shade is one of those things that you just can't put a price on.
Fabric Repair Tape |
Check Price on Amazon - Accidents are bound to happen. Better Boat's fabric repair tape fixes rips and tears in awnings, sails, tents, bimini tops and more. It's weatherproof, strong, durable and safe for use on vinyl, leather, canvas and plastic.
Having lunch (or any meal for that matter) on the boat is the best. Grilling on the boat? Super huge upgrade from that cold sandwich.
With the Cuisinart Grill Modified for Pontoon Boat with Arnall's Stainless Grill Bracket, you can grill your favorite burger, chicken or even the fish you just caught!
Cuisinart is a name brand you can trust and has the reviews to back it up. Just a little over $200, but well worth it. Upgrade your next pontoon cruise with a lakeside grilled dinner for family and friends.
Editors Choice
Rod Holder Cutting Board |
Before you get to grilling, a rod holder cutting board is super handy for filleting all those fish, or just for a stable surface to prepare burgers and hot dogs. Better Boat's cutting board fits right into the rod holders on your boat and has slots for knives and other utensils.
You're halfway through the summer and what condition is your boat cover in? There are a variety of pontoon boat covers available on Amazon to fit your needs, including the MSC Trailerable Pontoon Boat Cover 300D.
Very affordable at $119.98, it comes in different colors and is UV resistant. Protect your investment by keeping your boat covered.
Keeping the boat clean and ready to go is important for maintaining your boat while in use or when it's in storage. Check out this article “Sparkle and Shine: The Best Boat Cleaners for a Ship-Shape Vessel for great products to protect your boat.
A few products to keep on your boat care list include:
I recently searched Amazon for pontoon novelty items and it pulled up 1000 results! Do we really need a T-shirt that says “What Happens on the Pontoon Stays on the Pontoon? Of course we do!
Personally, I like the one that says “Pontoon Queen - Classy Sassy and a bit Smart Assy."
I also came across some cool lights for the boat. The RoLightic LED boat light kit, Marine Pontoon Lights are waterproof and change colors. Do I need them, no! But they would be super fun to have.
It's not a game of whether purchasing your new pontoon stuff saves you time or money, or if it's a novelty or must-have item. It's the pride of boat ownership and the experience and memories you create while boating that makes it all worth it.
Take a cruise through a search on pontoon stuff and check out all the cool new items listed. You never know what you might find that will be exactly what you've been searching for!
As with anything, it's best to go about the purchase process with your eyes wide open. Knowing the advantages as well as the disadvantages of owning a pontoon boat is a big help.
I wouldn't discourage anyone from taking a long hard look at pontoon boats, but they certainly aren't the end-all-be-all boat. Consider the following disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.
Pontoon boats can go over 100mph (160kph) in extreme circumstances, but most pontoon boats sit right around the 28 - 35 mile per hour mark if you have a 90hp engine or faster (and an overall length under 24').
That's fast enough for just about any towing water sport you want to do, but pontoons are not speed demons. If you want to race, impress people or cross a massive lake very quickly, you're barking up the wrong tree.
Newer pontoon boats are starting to have larger engines and three metal tubes (or tritoons) which can produce very fast results for the adrenaline seeker on the pontoon spectrum.
Pontoon boats offer an incredibly stable and wobble-free ride most of the time. In severe storms with heavy chop on the water, a pontoon boat is more dangerous than a traditional V-hull boat.
When large ocean-sized waves hit the front of a pontoon boat, the pontoons can dive into the wave instead of riding over the wave. In extreme circumstances, this can cause capsizing.
It's true with any boat but particularly true with pontoons. Get off the water when there's a storm approaching! Not only can the waves be dangerous, but the high profile of a pontoon can make it impossible to trailer or tie down with boat trailer straps during a wind storm.
I learned this lesson the hard way and a man nearly lost his life trying to help me. I was on my small local lake only two minutes from my house and enjoying an evening on my boat (the second outing). A storm was approaching, and I thought pretty soon we'd get a little sprinkle. No big deal, right?
We headed for the dock when we felt the first raindrops. Within a matter of seconds, the winds kicked up to over 30mph and the waves pounded the boat.
We made it to the dock, but the winds pushed the boat against the dock so hard that we were worried the boat would be thrashed if we tried to tie it with dock lines right away, so we stood on the dock pushing it out.
Another boater saw us and ran over to help. He jumped in the water (he was wet from being on a jet ski) to push the boat out from the dock (between the boat and the dock).
A sudden gust pushed the boat so hard that we couldn't keep the boat away from the dock (I was standing on the dock with my passenger, and the jet ski guy was in the water).
The boat suddenly pushed toward the dock and nearly pinned the jet ski guy between the 2,500-pound boat and the dock. It would have killed him for sure, but fortunately, we pushed with all our strength and got him out. Do not tempt fate.
When you see a storm on the horizon, you should already be off the water! And never ever get between a boat and a dock (or another hard place).
The wake on my pontoon boat is just about the last thing I'd ever think about when choosing a boat, but for some people, the wake shape is very important.
The wake behind a pontoon's outboard engine is very comparable to a traditional ski boat, but the pontoons on either side also make a wake.
This means the boat's wake is less "humped" and much wider than a traditional boat. That makes it pretty tough to catch much air when being towed behind the boat, but you can still catch a little. You'll definitely be going fast enough to still have an excellent ride.
The turning radius of a pontoon boat is about as good as your truck pulling a boat (which is not good). If you want to make hairpin turns and get performance handling, then a pontoon boat is a poor choice.
This is important not only for the serious towing watersports crowd but also for fishermen who want to fit into a tight little channel or cove to catch some fish.
I'd estimate that the turning radius on my 22' pontoon boat is somewhere around 25' (7.8 meters).
Older outboard engines are loud, but newer outboards are very pleasant. In fact, at idle I can't even hear if my Yamaha 115hp engine is turned on or not.
At wide open throttle, you definitely hear the motor. It's loud but not annoyingly so. In fact, if you're an avid fisherman, you may want to consider investing in a pontoon trolling motor that's much quieter.
A pontoon outboard engine is louder than an inboard for sure, but newer outboards are very nice and you won't hear a massive difference.
Dock Lines offer superior shock absorption and elasticity to keep your boat safely tied and anchored to the dock. |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's Dock Lines are made of marine-grade double-braided nylon for extra strength and durability. They're sun, salt and water-resistant and have excellent shock absorption. While great for boat use, they can also be used for camping, tying trees, moving furniture and more.
]]>Most pontoons are made from an aluminum frame. Sitting on top of the frame is the base we call the deck. That deck is the flat support used to hold all components of the boat (including the passengers).
It's also where all the fun happens! So, let's dig a little deeper and look at all aspects of your toon's deck.
Whether you're looking for a general pontoon knowledge or you want to know the ins and outs of pontoon boat decking for a future purchase, we can help you out here.
The purpose of a boat deck is to provide structure and support. It also acts as the attaching surface for the boat's components, like furniture and equipment.
In case you're a newbie pontoon aficionado or just plain curious, the basic definition of a ship's deck is this: "A fixed structure that covers a lower compartment or hull."
That said, the deck of a pontoon is a bit different right off the bat because it doesn't just cover the hull. It covers the pontoon logs, which form its unique support system. "Log" refers to that long aluminum tube keeping the boat afloat.
Since the decking provides structural reinforcement, it needs to be sturdy enough to protect your 'toon from storms, waves and instability at high speeds.
If your deck is strong, you 'toon is strong. That's why I recommend that every pontoon owner learn about the deck of their boat as well as how to protect, maintain, repair and replace it (even those of us who are less savvy about mechanical things).
Above board, many of your precious equipment will be attached directly to the pontoon boat decking. Some likely components you'll have attached are:
Again, a sturdy pontoon deck will help you keep all of the above items in order. Last but not least, especially for those of us who love fun and flair, the pontoon deck provides the base that houses our supplies for daily outings and even pontoon boat camping.
Yep, now we're talking extra storage, food, beverages, chairs, umbrellas and stereo equipment! Everything aboard your 'toon depends on the decking.
So, I realize you might have been intrigued when I noted that the deck is supported by, and attached to, pontoon logs.
This is integral to the design of any pontoon. It's what truly defines the 'toon. The logs not only support the deck, but they allow the boat to be buoyant. They allow the boat to travel on, and through, the water. Pontoon logs are made of aluminum because it's soft, durable, lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
With better pontoon logs being designed each year, pontoon boats are stronger, more resilient and have more horsepower capability than ever before. Stronger logs = stronger decking = stronger 'toons.
For commercial boaters, pontoon logs are typically available in sizes from 18 feet to 26 feet in length. They come in a variety of placement options, including center, single, tri-toon and transom-mount (the last one's often custom-made).
Let's remember that a pontoon boat is subjected to a lot of stress when it hits waves and rough waters. That's why a strong reinforced structure is so important.
Over time, wear and tear can wreak havoc on your pontoon, so ensuring the quality of the hardware that holds the boat together should be your top priority.
The takeaway? If your pontoon deck is bolted, have the bolts checked regularly or learn how to do that inspection yourself. If they're loose, replace them.
Deciding the purpose of your pontoon can help you choose the best deck size. Have you decided? Okay.
First, know that for stability and balance, the deck is always longer than the pontoon logs. The length of decking will depend on the length of the logs underneath it.
Let's look at each material type, along with the pros and cons.
Marine grade plywood comes in different types. It's not exactly what you might think. Yes, it's high-quality plywood that's most often used for boat flooring. But it isn't waterproof. It's just held together with waterproof glue.
Pros: Lightweight, strong and usually defect-free, this wood is constructed with waterproof glue so that water and high humidity won't cause it to deteriorate.
Cons: It's actually not waterproof or water-resistant wood. It requires sealer to be water-resistant.
You can find three-quarter-inch-thick sheets in 4' x 8' dimensions at most home improvement stores. The average price seems to be around $60+ per sheet.
CCA-treated plywood has been treated with chemicals to prevent water damage, decay and rot. Many people choose this material because it's readily available and easy to work with.
Pros: It as been used for years and resists insects, water damage, rot, algae and fungi. It's a good base for floor covering and is durable overall.
Cons: Heavy and shouldn't contact food or water meant for human consumption. It requires protective equipment when cutting or installing. It can't be burned it must be disposed of per state and federal regulations.
On average, CCA-treated plywood can be found at most lumber stores and home improvement warehouses for about two bucks per foot.
If you're interested in one of the above two options, the Engineered Wood Association (APA) offers guidelines on wood and what works best.
Aluminum is a popular pontoon deck choice because of its many pros.
Pros: Aluminum is lightweight, easy to install, strong, easy to clean and maintain, lighter than wood, rust-resistant, stain-resistant and doesn't need covering.
Cons: It may have to be custom-made, is costly and, due to variations in sizes and needs, the prices vary.
|
Composite board is usually a blend of wood and plastic. You can even find blends made of polyurethane foam, glass strands and woven fiberglass.
Pros: It's lightweight, maintenance-free, easy to work with, won't warp and is easy to clean.
Cons: Composite board can peel if pressure-washed or sanded. It needs more support from underneath, is prone to mildew and mold and comes at a high cost (around $6-10 per foot).
Here's one nice example of composite decking material we found, if you'd like to take a look.
Vinyl plank flooring is gaining in popularity. The pros will tell you why.
Pros: It's strong, waterproof, skid-resistant, easy to install and looks like wood.
Cons: It can be more expensive.
Vinyl plank flooring can be found at most home improvement stores or lumber yards. It averages three to four bucks per foot. I spotted this nice sample on Amazon, which comes in packs of ten.
Now that I've gone over the most common pontoon decking materials, let's talk about coverings to protect and improve upon those materials. I've got all the most popular choices of pontoon flooring lined up for you here.
Indoor/outdoor carpet is a common pontoon deck covering. Often made of polyester, it offers practicality and easy maintenance. It also comes in many sizes and colors for the decorators on your crew.
Pros: Indoor/outdoor carpet is easy to find and install, offers built-in UV protection, comes with marine-grade backing to resist mildew, is weather and fade-resistant and has a low pile height.
Cons: As with any carpet type of material, it can retain moisture and still get mildew despite resistance. It also requires washing rather than just a quick hose down with boat soap.
The price of the carpeting varies depending on style and size, but I'm sure you can find something affordable. Just make sure to regularly clean your pontoon boat carpet with cleaner and a cleaning brush to prevent mildew.
|
Some people love artificial turf grass because it offers low maintenance and is practical for pets and children. Here's a few other reasons:
Pros: Easy to wash and maintain, pet-friendly, stain-resistant, UV-resistant and water-resistant.
Cons: Not attractive to some, uncomfortable to some for barefoot walking and sitting.
Price really depends on size, but we found this artificial grass option.
BlockTile B2US5230 Deck and Patio Flooring Interlocking Tiles Perforated Pack, Brown, 30-Pack
|
Check out these nifty BlockTile Interlocking Tiles. Most often used on garage floors, they offer a great alternative to pontoon boat carpeting.
They have lots of advantages, too. Let's look:
Pros: Easy installation and upkeep, rigid but can conform to your dimensions, well draining, water-resistant, UV protection, air flow, strong and non-slip.
We found these at just under three bucks per foot.
Since aluminum deck flooring doesn't require covering, you might save some money with aluminum. Vinyl and composite boards may not need covering either. It's personal preference and depends on your flooring choice.
If you have a wood pontoon deck, it may need covering. The good news? There are many choices available at many different price points. Who knew there was so much to consider with your pontoon boat decking?
After you've gotten that nice new flooring installed, you'll want to take care of it. No matter how hard you try, you're going to end up with stains, crumbs, blobs of sunscreen and even drips of ketchup on the floor.
It's just the price you pay. But, rest assured, it's not the end of the world. Really, it's not.
Indoor Outdoor Carpet: Use a vacuum just like you would on other carpet to keep sand, dirt and other detritus from ruining boat deck carpeting. This is a time when those little dustbusters really come in handy.
Artificial Turf Grass: You can use a pressure washer to easily clean artificial turf grass on your boat deck. Some recommend using a product like Simple Green to get out stains on artificial turf grass.
Vinyl Floor Deck Covering: Use a soap foam gun, which can be attached to a standard garden hose, to simply spray away any traces of dirt and scum. A chamois mop works equally well to scrub away stains. Better Boat Cleaning Wipes are a terrific way to quickly wipe away mishaps on the go.
No Deck Covering: With nothing on the deck but aluminum, it's super easy to spray it down with boat soap and rinse it off.
Boat Soap helps remove stubborn stains and dirt from boat decks. You can even use it on pots and pans. |
Check price on Amazon - Better Boat Boat Soap cuts through grease, grime and blobs of sunscreen (we all know it happens) to leave your pontoon boat's deck clean and shiny. Best of all, it's 100% biodegradable and doesn't leave a slippery film.
]]>I mean, everything requires attention, and this can only mean that we've got to talk about pontoon boat replacement parts at some point. You have to change the oil in your car and put gas in it, right?
You have to mow your lawn, if you managed to get stuck with one. Even the wife needs to get her hair and nails done. So, eventually, the investment you made in your pontoon boat is going to need some attention too. This is, after all, why it's described as an investment. It's just the beginning.
We have written many things about how to upgrade your boat, customize it and just basically add to the cool factor, but there's always more to be done.
In this article, we're going to discuss the "more." This includes items that need to be maintained and other items that are prone to aging, wearing out and breaking.
So, we are off again. You ready? Time to get started with our discussion about pontoon boat replacement parts.
Okay, so, remember that oil change and gas situation with your car? Well, oddly enough, you have to do the same thing with your boat. It has an engine. This stuff is necessary.
Oil, gas and spark plugs need to be checked out regularly, and you'll need to do annual tune-ups of your engine, fenders, dock lines, anchors, lights and other hardware. They all need to be maintained.
Depending on your environment, this list can change from place to place and item to item. If you're in a cold-weather environment and store your boat in the winter months, you'll have to winterize your boat.
When you dust it off for use again, you'll have to do more than stick your key in the ignition. First and foremost, are you still legal? Do all of your lights work? Is the battery dead? Does the horn work? Is the fire extinguisher still in good shape and do you have enough life vests?
If you're in a much hotter environment, you have to keep your boat cool and clean even though it actually lives in the water.
Additionally, if you trailer your boat, you have other considerations, but we'll just focus on the actual boat here. All boats have a maintenance schedule that comes from the factory, and this is a good place to start.
Additionally, if you bought your boat used, you should still be able to obtain this information. This is the first place to start, but don't forget a trusted mechanic. After all, these guys do this stuff full time.
Quicksilver Black Diamond Propeller Black Finish, 14.5 dia x 19 pitch, Right Hand
|
Okay, this was always a big one for me. I lived on a man-made lake on the lower Colorado River in Texas, and that naturally meant I encountered a lot of rock.
Now, stainless steel props look cool and are expensive as hell, but if you run your boat up on shore for parties and the water level always changes, you're going to hit stuff. A lot of stuff, actually.
This is when you learn the value of a disposable prop. Just buy an aluminum prop and get used to throwing these things away every year.
Rock is rock and it's not going to give up for your pretty prop, so this is a basic fact of life in the boating world. You're going to try to get in somewhere that you used to go before, but just a little water level change or somebody losing something overboard that you didn't know about can be a very expensive encounter. Accept the unpredictable and prepare to replace this item every year.
Hot! Cold! Hot! Cold! Sound familiar? No, I'm not talking about your last love interest. I'm talking about the weather. Wherever you live, the weather keeps changing. We can't do anything about it.
Add in rain, ultraviolet rays, people and general stuff and you got a situation that will eventually destroy your furniture. This stuff isn't meant to last forever.
That's why it's high on our list of pontoon boat replacement parts. The good news is there are ways to slow down the process of deterioration.
First, keep your boat out of the weather as much as possible.
Second, keep your boat clean. Finally, there are a number of protective solutions on the market that you can use to care for your pontoon boat furniture.
|
However, if all else fails, you are still in luck because replacing furniture is something that can be easily accomplished with pontoon boats. In fact, we have written about it before.
I can't remember the last time I was on somebody's pontoon boat when the top wasn't falling apart unless the boat was brand new. They're not sexy by any means, but they're necessary. I doubt you can even recall a cool photo when the top was on a pontoon boat.
I mean, pontoons are convertibles, right? However, whether you have a hard or a soft top, the covering for your pontoon is the first and last line of defense against the elements.
These elements can be extreme. I know they have been in Texas. We get hot and cold weather, which causes boat tops to shrink and expand, and we also get extreme sun, ultraviolet rays, rain and hail.
Trust me, you want a top when you get caught out on the water in a hailstorm! For this reason, you really need to plan on replacing your top regularly. This really isn't a bad thing since most pontoon tops are canvas, much like those on a Jeep.
For a few hundred dollars and a case of beer, this is a task that can be easily accomplished. The beer comes in handy for several reasons actually. One, because it's beer. Two, because it helps to have a friend for this small project. Three, if you replace your top at the right time it's going to be hot outside.
You generally want to replace your top during a hot day because they're not that easy to stretch when they're new and the heat will help.
Now, it should be noted that there are several options for repair or replacement of your top. For example, you don't necessarily have to replace the frame or hardware if it's in good shape and you have a good boat upholsterer.
Additionally, this person may be able to just repair the top you have. After thorough inspection, your options should be clear.
The deck of your boat is another item that cannot be overlooked. After all, you do stand on it. This has to be the area that gets the most abuse when it comes to your boat.
You screw things to it, people drop things on it, it shrinks, it expands, it stays wet most of the time and it takes every single shock that your boat takes from hitting a wave to running aground too fast.
This is part of the infrastructure of your boat's very existence. This means you must take care of it in whatever way necessary, be it repair or total replacement.
While it's pretty durable, it's still usually going to be made of wood, which means sooner or later you're going to have to repair it extensively or replace it. In short, you should inspect the deck annually and clean it with a top-quality boat deck cleaner.
Deck Cleaner |
Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's deck cleaner quickly breaks down dirt and grime on painted and fiberglass decks. It leaves a polymer non-slip finish.
Repairs can range from peeling up the carpet and replacing a section of deck to complete tear-down to the pontoon cross members and total replacement of the deck and carpet.
It's ideal to do this kind of work inside, away from the elements, because you will be using adhesives to reinstall your carpet. In any event, always make sure to use new hardware and marine-grade plywood. After all, it is a boat.
Well, that brings us to the conclusion of another short pontoon journey together. Everything needs to be maintained and things break.
Your pontoon boat is a labor of love and a dance that is built out of two steps forward and one step back. While we are always thinking of the next great project, life and the environment eats us alive. Nobody beats mother nature.
While you enjoy your boat, and even while you work on your boat, time passes. This means taking care of her. Like anything in life, this is how you make things last.
]]>