News — Boating Safety

It’s not always sunny at the boat sometimes you just have to deal...

By: MyBoatLife

..with a rainy boat day… here are a few ideas to stay entertained on rainy boat days.

The pitter patter of rain falling down on a boat can be a total bummer. Most people don’t like to be stuck on their boat when it is raining, but sometimes it is inevitable. Whether you plan a trip on the boat not knowing rain is coming, or you are such a boating die-hard (like us) that you go to the boat regardless of the weather forecast, it’s best to have some ideas for rainy day boating activities on-hand.

Most rainy days we spend on the boat tend to be periods of on and off rain. It’s enough to ruin a boat trip, swim in the river or dip in the pool… but you can still find some activities to make the best of foul weather. In fact, sometimes a break from the sun is actually a good thing!

Here are some rainy day boating activities and ideas to get you through your next cloudy boat day.

Watch a movie

This is often our number one rainy day boating activity. We always keep movies on board to keep the kids busy when there is downtime anyway, but it is especially important to have a selection of movies on the boat for rainy afternoons.

Take a nap

Yes, an unexpected rain fall on a boat is the perfect opportunity to take a nap! Let’s face it, we don’t nap enough. Take in the gentle sound of rain falling on the top deck, relax and Curl up in your berth and take a nice long nap.

Do a crossword puzzle

We always keep extra crossword puzzles and word games on board for when we have downtime on our boat. It’s a great independent activity to do when you are sitting under the canvas in the rain. If you don’t have the old fashioned printed kind, you can probably even access a word game with your smartphone.

Play a board game

A few simple board games are also great to have on board for down time or rainy days. Make it a simple game that is age appropriate for the entire family to get involved in the fun.

Tap into your technology

Chances are you have at least a few high-tech gadgets on board to keep you and the kids entertained on the boat when it is raining. Whether it is your laptop to surf the internet (that is if you can get a good internet connection at your marina), game apps on your smartphone or electronic kid’s games, everyone can keep busy while they are waiting for the rain to pass.

Watch the radar

Most captains we know love to watch the radar on their boat to see the weather moving in over their area. Make it fun by teaching your kids how the radar works (not an easy thing to do on sunny days!), or keep an eye on it to check for breaks in the rainy weather to plan activities later in the day.

Go fishing in the rain

Many anglers know that fishing is always good in the rain. Cloudy days and less boating activity in the water always seem to attract more fish. Of course if it’s raining too hard it may not be fun, but a light drizzle shouldn’t stop you from grabbing your tackle box and fishing from the dock or back of the boat.

Explore your local town

Many boaters keep their boats in an area that is close to waterfront towns. And you usually spend more time on the water swimming, tubing or going on cruises than you do checking out your local towns. A rainy day is the perfect time to take a short drive into town to go shopping, check out local attractions or have lunch at a local restaurant. We have some outlets that are a short drive from our boat – its great way to get off the boat and kill time while it’s raining!

Tidy up the boat

This is definitely not the most fun rainy day activity, but unexpected rain on a boat is a good chance to get things a little more organized. Clean the cockpit and interior cabin and do all the other chores you don’t normally have time to do when you are enjoying the boat on sunny days. You may even have enough time to get a little project/repair done.

Plan a boat cruise

Pull out your waterway guide or jump online to plan your next cruising destination. Take the time to think about where you want to go next with your boat. Marinas are often less busy on rainy days so it may be a good time to make some calls for transient reservations.

Socialize on the dock

Well this is one idea that should be a no-brainer! If you keep your boat docked at a marina then you know how much fun the social scene can be on the dock. Take a visit to your slip neighbors when it’s raining. It’s always more fun to sit in the cockpit under the canvas with others socializing and complaining about the weather together. Of course don’t forget to ask the customary “Permission to board?” before climbing on board with your travel cooler of beer for an afternoon of rainy day boat cocktails. 

You will no doubt have some rainy days on the boat. So always be prepared with a few ideas to pass the time while it’s raining. In fact, I wrote this entire blog post one rainy afternoon on our boat!

12 Important Things to Look for in a Pontoon Boat

By: Boat Test

First and foremost, a pontoon boat is about having plenty of seating space.

Pontoon boats have been among the most popular models for the past few years and there are no signs of that trend slowing down. Manufacturers are listening to consumer requests for more performance, more styling and more luxury. Regardless of whether a family is looking for a boat to putt around the lake at sunset or a do-everything model that can run fast enough to surprise some bowriders and tow watersports, there are some features that we would want in any pontoon boat.

1. Match Boat Size to Number of Guests

A smart captain knows how many people he’s going to have aboard. As boats increase in size, their passenger capacity usually goes up. For example, Sun Tracker’s Party Barge 18 DLX is 20’ long and it is rated for nine people. Step up 2’ and the passenger capacity goes up by one. In other words, it’s a good idea for a captain to know how many passengers he’s planning to have on board before deciding on a size. Most boats have a capacity plate. Check it to verify a boat’s passenger capacity. Do not exceed it.

A capacity plate is the best way to know how many passengers a boat can hold.

2. Seating Configuration

Not only should an owner know how many people he’s going to be carrying, he needs to know what his passengers want to do when they’re on board. If maximum numbers are the priority, get as much seating space as possible. If the family is made up of teenage girls who like to sunbathe, get a boat like the Regency 220 LE3 that has aft-facing chaise-style lounges. Got some kids who like to fish? Get a fishing package that has two fighting chairs up front.

What grade of captain’s chair is required? They vary wildly from the basic to the super luxurious.

Where to put the wheel chair? Pontoon boats are idea for old salts, but you will need a gate wide enough to get them aboard and then once aboard a place to lock them in place.

Sunbathers would love the aft-facing lounges on the Regency 220 LE3.

Shown here is the bow of the Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 22 DLX, complete with fishing chairs, rod racks and a trolling motor.

This is a pretty conventional floorplan layout for a pontoon boat with the focus on providing as much seating capacity as possible.

3. Raised Helm

A captain needs to be able to see over the passengers sitting in front of him, so we prefer boats with a raised helm like the one found on the Regency 220 LE3 Sport. The captain’s chair mounts to the elevated fiberglass console, putting the driver in a position that gives him better all-around visibility.

This helm station is raised 3” off the deck, which puts the driver in a better position to see over the people seated on the lounge ahead of him.

4. Boarding Gates

Pontoon boats are about convenience and one of their most attractive attributes is that they are easy to board. Most have a minimum of three gates, bow, stern and port ( or starboard) side. Additionally, you should also make sure that side boarding gates are wide enough (32”) to accommodate a wheelchair.

Gate latches can be easy or somewhat difficult to operate. Make sure you like the device on the boat you buy.

Side gates make it easy to board from the dock and should be at least 32” wide to accommodate a wheelchair.

5. Bow Deck

It is surprising how many pontoon boats are on the market that have no bow deck. That is to say that the fencing or superstructure goes right up to the bow so there is no deck upon which to walk to tie-up or to set an anchor. Obviously this has been done to maximize seating space and keep costs down. That is a trade-off we don’t recommend. Every boat needs a bow deck, and 12” in the minimum fore and aft for this purpose.

A small platform on the bow makes it much easier to board a pontoon and to work with docklines. The deck seen here is minimum size we recommend.

6. Provision for Storing and Setting an Anchor

Every boat should have an anchor and a dedicated place to keep it. That includes pontoon boats. Yet, virtually no pontoon boat builder makes provision for one. Obviously, one reason for this is that most users take their pontoon boats from dock to dock, or from the launch ramp, back to the launch ramp -- and don’t anchor out much.

Required for Safety. Nevertheless, there are times -- even on protected lakes when going from marina to marina -- when an anchor might be a required item of safety equipment. What if the engine fails and the boat is being blown onto a rocky shore, a marina, or the toward a dam on a water reservoir? What if the boat is being used in a river, the engine has failed, and the current is strong? The times when an anchor is a necessity are too numerous to mention.

Further, there is no boating pleasure quite so fine as anchoring in a cove for lunch, or anchoring for sundown cocktails with family and friends. How do you do that without an anchor?

We recommend that the forward, portside seat locker be used as the dedicated anchor locker. Be careful to keep the rode coiled properly and not tangles with the anchor. Most pontoon boats have small cleats for mooring lines on the two corners of the bow, and they will have to do, as we almost never see a proper anchor cleat on the bow centerline. We would like to see a stout pull-up cleat for this purpose. Alternatively, a bridle using the port and starboard cleats will probably work best.

7. Re-Boarding Ladder

The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) guidelines call for a re-boarding ladders on all boats to extend 22” below the waterline. So that is the minimum requirement. Additionally, we’ve seen ladders made from sturdier material and larger stanchions with heavier-duty grabrails. Not everyone is an agile 150-pound teenager and having a heavy-duty ladder makes it easier for a larger number of people to use it.

There is a great difference in the ladder and re-boarding apparatus from one boat builder to the next. Check them out before buying.

This is a good example of the heavy-duty re-boarding ladders that more pontoon manufacturers are using. Notice the thick handrails that will be easy to grab and will support a large person.

8. 2 Pontoons or 3?

Recreational Pontoon boats had just two pontoons in the beginning, but 20 years or so ago builders started introducing tri-toons. Tri-toons cost more but they have many advantages when it comes to load capacity and speed.

Twin pontoon boats rarely can plane and generally are design for slower displacement speeds. They are fine for cruising around the lake at sedate speeds, and to provide a stable platform for swimming and entertaining. Putting large engines on a twin-toon boat will make it go marginally faster, but generally it will not provide satisfactory performance for towing sports.

Tri-toons, if properly powered and propped, can go as fast as most sport boats and can get on plane fast. These boats make good platforms for towing ports, but don’t expect them to make big wakes for wake boarding. However, they are fine for waterskiing and tubing.

This Sun Tracker tri-toon has multi-chambers. Note that the diameter of the toons is 26” and the center toon has a flat “pad” on the aft section of the center toon. This will aid planing and provides an ideal well for the outboard.

9. Match Outboard Engines to the Task

Twin toon boats require little power, depending on the load and the speed required. Out board engines of 50 or 60-hp can generally push an 18’ to 20’ twin toon at 15 or 16 mph. That about as fast as they will go and putting a larger engine on and winding it up will make the boat go a little faster, but it will do little more.

For those who want to go fast or tow skiers and tubers, we recommend a tri-toon with a 150-hp outboard or larger. Larger tri-toons can easily handle 300-hp engines and some models now handle two large outboards, and we have even tested a 32’ tri toon with three large outboard engines.

High-Torque Matters. All pontoon boats are hard to get moving fast and this fact places a premium on outboard engines that have high torque in the low RPM ranges. Owners who want to engage in towing sports would do well to consider 2-stroke engines or ones with superchargers. Both are well-known for creating greater torque at the low end. That, together with 4-blade props will probably provide the best performance for nearly any pontoon boat application.

This 2-stroke Evinrude E-TEC 250-hp outboard engine pushed the 25’ tri-toon pictured here at over 46 mph. It went 0- to 30 mph in 6 seconds.

10. Pontoon Tube Size Matters

Pontoon boats obviously get their buoyance from the pontoons, and the greater their diameter generally the more satisfying the experience. 23” pontoons are about the smallest diameter toons we see and they are generally on smaller tunes, those under 20’. More typically we see 24”-25” pontoons on both twin-toon and tri-toon vessels. Occasionally, on some of the more expensive boats we will see 26” toons.

In some tri-toon models the center toon is of a greater diameter. This aids in turning with a slight lean inward, as well as giving the boat the buoyancy it needs to go fast.

The greater the size of the diameter of the pontoon the more stable the boat will be and the faster it will go. All toons should have 3 or 4 air-tight chambers. This not only give the tubes more integrity but also provides a measure of safety should a chamber be punctured.

This Sun Tracker has a 24” pontoon diameter. Note how it rides with four adults and one child aboard.

11. Bimini Tops Are a “Must Have”

Virtually all pontoon boats have a Bimini top available either as standard or as an option. They are important to the guests’ comfort and we recommend getting the biggest ones available. Look for one that is easy to deploy. Some boats even have power Bimini tops. Make sure you operate the Bimini before buying as some can be aggravating to set and put in their boot when it is time to call it a day.

All boats should have canvas to protect the upholstery from UV degradation to say nothing of the soot and grit that might be in the air. Those living near highways will be familiar with the light rain of tire rubber and unburned diesel carbon that settles on everything. While a playpen-style full cover might seem like a good idea (they are certainly the cheapest), individual seat covers are much easier to deal with. Unless a boat is stored in an area where the deck can get covered in leaves or pine needles, go with seat covers.

This Bimini top provides some protection but consider the optional Bimini extensions that some builders offer.Individual seat covers are easy to handle and stow.

Individual seat covers are easy to handle and stow.

12. Comfort Amenities are Important

Consider your family and guests and ask yourself how they can et the most enjoyment out of the boat you plan to buy. Heading our list of welcome amenities is the changing curtain so that guests can wiggle out of wet bathing suits and get into dry cloths. Most builders make these available as an option, if not standard. Also, a porta-potti can be fitted in some of them, but not all.

Other convenience items worth mentioning are portable cub holders that sit on the seats and pedestal tables. Generally the pedestal tables are small and are limited to drings and snacks. Those wanting to serve dinner al fresco will need to find a boat with a proper table, and long with a grill.

These days builders of pontoon boats are providing more and more amenities. Sinks, running water, refrigerators, gas grills and more are available in the premium-level pontoon boats.

  A table adds to any boat’s versatility. On most pontoons there are receptacles fore and aft for a table.

Coveted for the privacy it provides, a pop-up changing curtain is often a welcome feature on a pontoon boat. Some are large enough for a porta-pottie.

For all your accessories and/or flooring options visit our site pages. PontoonDepot.com

Can a Pontoon Boat Tip Over? What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

By: Bill Lewandowski 

Are you worried about buying a pontoon boat, or perhaps you are booked to ride one on vacation? If you are, then please don’t worry about a tip over. Due to the design of pontoon boats, it’s almost unheard of for them to tip over, and the chances are very, very slim.

Pontoon boats very rarely tip over or flip over, with recorded cases being very uncommon. With a solid flat deck, and the pontoon tube design, they are a very buoyant vessell designed to be used on calm inland waters.

Can You Tip a Pontoon Boat?

The tubes underneath the deck offer a stable and secure buoyancy, and even if one tube is damaged, the other one will still keep the boat afloat.

The flat deck and two pontoon tubes gives great stability on water.

It means that pontoons don’t have the risk of flipping or tipping over like traditional v-shaped hull and deck boats do – they can withstand being side to side rolled a lot better due to the unique design.

Another aspect to consider is that in the main, pontoon boats are only ever used on calm waters such as those found in lakes and rivers. They are not designed to be used on the ocean where strong waves and wakes can occur.

It is very unlikely that you will tip or flip this boat over.

Can Pontoon Boats Be Dangerous?

Just like any water vessel, there will be dangers.

With pontoon party barges that have raised platforms and additional floors, then stability can be an issue, but only really in stormy weather conditions.

There have been some cases where pontoon boats have flipped over, and people have been caught underneath.

For example, there was a case in the news where a pontoon boat flipped over due to a sudden heavy storm coming in over a lake.

Some the fishermen in the area tried their best to rescue them, but sadly two people did pass away in the accident as you can see from the news report below.

https://youtu.be/tYi_fCn0iKs

How to Keep Safe on a Pontoon Boat

The captain of the pontoon boat should always have a clear emergency plan in place, and it’s their responsibility to make all passengers aware of the procedures, including where the safety equipment is placed.

If you own a pontoon boat, explain things in a simple and clear manner so that even the kids and elderly can understand what to do in case of emergency and flipping over.

Most of the boat accidents happened due to lack of common sense. I would like give you a few bullet points, which you can keep in mind while sailing a pontoon boat.

• Pontoon boats are not generally designed for speed, and instead should in most cases be driven at a leisurely pace.
• Avoid using a pontoon boat in water bodies where there is the chance of high waves or stormy conditions.
• Always check the weather forecasts before setting off.
• If you see a storm approaching, take the boat back to shore.
• Keep the weight on the pontoon boat equally distributed and don’t ever overload the boat.
• Finally, and most importantly, have enough life jackets for all passengers on board.

Conclusion

It’s almost unheard of for a pontoon boat to tip over, and they make for great boats for entertaining, family time, and vacation trips.

If anything, as a vacationer, if you have the opportunity to take a trip on a pontoon boat, go for it. You will be much safer than you would on a traditional-shaped boat, and there are also high side railings in place as well – great for keeping the kids away from the water!

For all your accessories and/or flooring visit our store at Pontoon-Depot.com

Pontoon Boat Interesting Facts about Maintenance

By: Senior Style Bible

Picture By: Bennington-Yamaha

Q: Who makes the best pontoon boat?

A: Top manufactures around the world are:

Premier 290 Grandview
Princecraft Vogue 25 XT
Manitou 23 Legacy
Aquapatio 250 Express
Bennington 2575 RCW I/O Sport Tower
Starcraft Magestic 256 Starliner
Sun Tracker Regency 254
Harris Flotbote Solstice 240
Lowe X250
G3 Sun Catcher X322 RF

Sylvan being on the toppers they changed the idea of traditional shaped round pontoon to tubes 27” are used. Eventhough few of the higher pontoon models offers smooth handling in sea and speed, there priority seems customer comfort being cushy and diverse. Some of the lower end models can be used as legit tow boats for water skiing and surfing. Shallow nature of pontoons reduces risk of underwater damage and floating around unevenly. Bennington and Starcraft supplies the best pontoon boat transoms for integration and sale as separate module by selected boat dealers.

Q: Where is the pontoon boat’s vin number located?

A: For each boat VIN number stays unique and precise. It’s generally named as HIN (HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER). As per the boat safety act released in 1972, all the boats should have mandatory HIN – 12 characters indicated at the upper right corner without hyphens or space mostly to the rear transom. Moreover they should be continuous. It generally serve as an important indication of Boat Safety.

Q: Where are pontoon boat registration numbers placed?

A: The Registration numbers of a pontoon boat has to be clearly indicated on the forward half of the boat. It should be affixed, painted and embarked on an imported sheet to the bow side. It must be read from left to right on the sides. Contrast colors with bold letters (3”) and should be in block fonts. Other than the registration number and designs the registration number should be 24 inches.

Q: How wide is a pontoon boat?

A: Deck widths are around 8.5 feet for 24 foot long boats, and can be as narrow as 6 feet for 16 foot long pontoon boats.

Q: How much does a pontoon boat weigh?

A: An average pontoon boat weighs around 2,200 pounds (998 kilos), including the motor, and hold around 2,000 pounds (907 kg) of people and gear. The weight of a pontoon boat trailer is approximately 1,200 pounds (550 kilos).

Q: What’s the fastest pontoon boat?

A: The fastest pontoon boat of the world is said to be the one owned by Brad Rowland.

It runs at a pace of 114 miles per hour and has triple Mercury Pro Max 300 HP engines. The default rectangular shape may not help to accelerate the speed but the motors will enhance the speed by increasing the number of motors attached. We can not only see it but hear the boom. Special models have custom designed pontoon boat transoms to alleviate the performance and buoyancy in water. It is said to scream on water!

Q: What are pontoon boat lifting strakes?

A: A little bulge of metal that goes on the bottom and to the side of the pontoon is known as the lifting strake. It helps the boat get up on a plane rather than plowing through the water. Depending on engine selection, addition of lifting strakes decreases splashing 00and increases top speed as much as 4.8 miles per hour. Lifting strakes are recommended for engines rated 115hp or greater and for boats exceeding 30 mph, for optimum performance. They are also recommended for 90 hp or greater on boats with twin elliptical pontoon.

Q: Are boat clubs worth the money?

A: In a situation in which boat ownership is filled with difficulties and expenditure, boat clubs are worth the money. Clubs are more affordable than owning a boat.

Q: Are boat registration fees tax deductible?

A: The fees for registration and tags is only deductible if the vehicle, boat, trailer, etc., is used for business purposes and then they can be deducted as a business expense. This benefit can be availed of only if you have a licensed charter boat or commercial fishing vessel. Auto and boat registration fees are personal property taxes and can be deductible, if they are based on the value of the vehicle. Sales tax can be deducted only in lieu of a state or local income tax deduction, so you should figure it both ways and pick the one that gives you the lowest tax.