News — Boating

US Staff Sergeant Transitioning To Pontooning

By: PDBMagazine

After graduating college, Gilbert H. Weiss served in the US Army and USAR from 1967 through 1974. He was on active duty in 1967 and 1968, and spent the rest of his military time in the US Army Reserves. Gil came to attain the rank of Staff Sergeant and functioned as medic, later becoming the motor sergeant for the 348th General Hospital

Gil and his wife Carole have always loved being out on the water, and sailing was their favorite means of accomplishing this. Having been married for 53 years, they’ve also been sailing together now for 55. Gil and Carole owned a sailboat for 25 years and they spent a lot of time enjoying themselves on it. Their two sons also enjoyed boating and fishing with them too.

However, last year Gil had a major knee issue which affected his mobility, making him realize that sailing might not be the safest means of recreation anymore. This being the case, Gil and Carole decided to sell their sailboat last May. On the same day he sold the boat, they bought themselves a Godfrey Sweetwater pontoon which they playfully named Knot 4 Sail.

They bought their pontoon from Highway Marine in Quakertown, Pa. Gil and Carole have known the folks at Highway Marine for quite some time since they stored and served their sailboat for several years, and they’ve always been pleased with their excellence in service.

“The pontoon boat decision was based on several wonderful experiences with rental pontoon boats at the New Jersey shore with our family,” shared Gil. “It’s easy on and easy off with comfort and ease of operation. It’s simpler to maintain too.”

They’re looking forward to spending the rest of their summer “tooning,” and they’ve found that their sailing friends enjoy their floating patio too. To top it off, Gil’s knee is feeling much better thanks to physical therapy and daily exercise.

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Search For Kelsey Starling Continues Since Boat Wreck on The 4th of July

By: www.whnt.com



WINSTON COUNTY, Ala. – A Decatur man was arrested Friday in connection with a boating accident on Smith Lake.

Our news partners at AL.com report William Jackson Fite, 23, was booked into the Winston County Jail. He faces a charge of boating under the influence.

Kelsey Nicole Starling, 26, was reported missing when the crash happened around 10 p.m. Thursday.

Her little sister, Meghan Starling says her family is hopeful that they'll find her.

"We're just really thankful for the people who are helping find her, that they're still looking and that they say they won't stop because we really want Kelsey back," said Starling.

Authorities stated she was still missing after their search concluded Sunday night but the search is still ongoing.

Please remember to always boat responsibly.

- Pontoon-Depot Team

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10 Best Cities to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks by Boat

By: Discover Boating

When it comes to fireworks, Independence Day celebrations are hard to beat. As great as they are on land, though, they’re even better from the water. Here are 10 of the best boat-friendly places for watching fireworks this Fourth of July.

Boston, Massachusetts

Chicago, Illinois

The pyrotechnics show off Navy Pier lights up Lake Michigan. If you’re close enough to shore, you might hear the music to which the spectacle is synchronized. Navy Pier hosts fireworks shows every Wednesday and Saturday night this summer, too. 

Kemah, Texas

Grab the kids and spend the day at the Kemah Boardwalk before returning to your boat at the adjacent Kemah Marina to watch the fireworks. The show, over Galveston Bay, starts at 9:30 p.m. Like Chicago’s Navy Pier, the Boardwalk hosts fireworks every Friday through July. 

Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada Border

The Lights on the Lake literally lights up the southern waters of Lake Tahoe. Between the highly touted display and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it’s no wonder the show is considered among the country’s best. 

Marina del Rey, Califorina

This 20-minute spectacle attracts onlookers from miles around. Start time is 9 p.m. Check the Visit Marina del Rey website for tips on when to arrive, as well as options for kayak and paddleboard rentals if you decide to spend the day. 

Miami, Florida

South Floridians have lots of options when it comes to boat-friendly places for watching fireworks. The Fire on the Fourth Festival, over the Atlantic Ocean in North Miami Beach, is popular. You can also raft up with fellow boaters at Miami Marine Stadium. 

New York, New York

The largest display in all of the USA is the annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. Because the show encompasses the Brooklyn Bridge as well as four barges along the East River, there are lots of good vantage points. 

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

USA Today names Rockaway Beach’s celebration one of the nation’s best. The city, in northern Oregon, sends up the fireworks after a day marked by a big parade, wiener dog races, beach treasure hunts, and more. 

Seattle, Washington

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Seafair Festival, so you know the fireworks over Lake Union will be extra special. They start at 10:15 p.m., visible from both the Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park areas. 

Tampa, Florida

Tampa’s new mayor has big plans for the first city-run Boom by the Bay celebration, encompassing four different fireworks displays over 2.5 miles along the water. Since the event was just announced this month, keep tabs on the official Facebook page. 

Washington, D.C.

This year the iconic show, which promises to be bigger and longer, too, takes place from West Potomac Park, rather than the Washington Monument. That’s great news for boaters. You’ll be in good company on the Potomac River, since several sightseeing boats organize trips, too.

Regardless of where you go, be mindful of possible Coast Guard waterway restrictions, and remember to follow these simple safe boating tips. Have a happy and safe 4th!

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The Ultimate Boat Show Guide Boat | Pontoon-Depot

By: Lenny Rudow

Boat shows offer you the ability to see a slew of new model boats all at the same time, comparison shop, and make a seriously good deal.

Our Boat Buyer’s Guide is chock full of information, and should help any prospective boater get a good idea of just what type of boat will be best for their needs. But once you’ve decided on a type of pleasure craft, be it a pontoon boat, a flybridge motor yacht, a deck saloon sailboat, or anything in-between, you need to do some serious boat shopping to find the exact model that’s ideal for you–and the perfect place to make that happen is at a boat show.

While you’re at the show, try to see as many boats as possible and don’t get too hung up on any one model until you’ve seen all the choices. In fact, many buyers will walk the entire show floor with a map of the displays in hand (these are usually in the guides available at the show entrance) and mark off the locations of potential boats of interest without closely examining them. Then later they can go back and look at the options that caught their eye, one by one. At extremely large boat shows, it may be prudent to sit down with that guide and try to pick out which displays you want to see before you start walking around, too.

Boat shows give you the opportunity to check out all different shapes, styles, and sizes of boats on the same day, in the same place.

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