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An End to the Classic Pontoon Flooring Debate: Carpet or Vinyl?

An End to the Classic Pontoon Flooring Debate: Carpet or Vinyl?

I’ve seen a lot of disputes arise when it comes to pontoon flooring.

You have anglers who enjoy the practicalities of vinyl, which is easier to clean, and you have entertainers who wouldn’t dream of anything other than soft carpet beneath bare feet.

Though you’d be hard-pressed to convince them otherwise, I find some boaters’ arguments for carpet are a bit outdated. Today, with modern advances, I find the advantages of vinyl far outweigh those of carpet.

But before I can argue my case with the advances of vinyl, I need to explain the perceived advantages and disadvantages of both materials.

Carpeted Pontoon Flooring

A carpet is an excellent option for those on a budget. If you do decide to go this route, stick with a marine carpet. Marine carpeting is designed to withstand the elements and is significantly more durable than regular carpeting.

You can easily find marine carpets like this marine grade boat carpeting in many sizes on Amazon, which comes in many colors.

Advantages of Carpeted Flooring

Acoustical Properties

I’ve heard some people say that they prefer the acoustical properties carpet seems to have. It’s a softer step and dampens the sounds of feet stomping on deck, especially when you’re waiting ever so patiently for a catch.

Traction

Yes, carpeting does offer traction! You won’t find yourself slipping around on carpeting, even with wet feet.

Now, there was once a time when the only other option for boat flooring aside from carpeting was slick, slippery vinyl, that was the same as that pressed linoleum found on kitchen floors. Fortunately, this isn’t the case today. I’ll go into more details under the vinyl section.

Softer Feel

Like I said, there are certain ‘tooners who love to entertain and wish for their deck to have the softer, at-home feel of a living room.

I can’t argue with this. Who wouldn’t like that? But if this is your only reason for going with carpeting, try to think a bit more on the practical side.

It is, after all, a boat. Unlike your living room floor, it will constantly get wet.

Disadvantages of Carpeted Flooring

Scalding Metal Rivets

In older boat models there are metal rivets and snaps that—if you’re not careful—will completely burn a bare foot if you step on it during a hot day.

Sand, Stains and Fishy Smells

One of the absolute worst things about carpet is its ability to absorb. And I mean absorb anything. Dirt, sand, fish guts—you name it!

Whether you dock near a sandy beach or a lake with earthy shores, the amount of particles that will sink through will astound you. Even when you eat, crumbs drop and spills happen. It’s inevitable!

And if you’re a fisherman, carpet is going to absorb every smelly, slimy thing you don’t first trap in a cooler.

Also, after a while, carpeting has the tendency to become matted.

Underdeck Rotting

Carpeting absorbs water—never quite drying—leading to mold and rot which harms the plywood underneath.

In fact, that may be why you’re here, right? Maybe your deck is feeling a bit creaky like there’s softened wood, and you’re thinking it’s time for a re-decking job so you might as well replace the floor covering too.

Well… if there’s currently carpeting on top, that’s most likely what’s happened. Over time, the carpet will weaken the decking materials, creating an less-than-sturdy floorboard.

Vinyl Pontoon Flooring

I used to think of vinyl floor covering for boats as the same type of vinyl flooring you’d find in homes. Bolt rolls of linoleum that makes your boat floor look just like your kitchen floor. But I’ll tell ya—vinyl has come a long way since then!

Not only is it extremely durable, but it’s also much more aesthetically pleasing.

Advantages of Vinyl Flooring

Cleanliness

Unlike carpet, vinyl is much easier to keep clean. Did your line break after a giant catch and the fish flopped all over deck? Did your kids spill sugary soft drinks all over and you’re afraid it’ll turn sticky? Just give it a gentle wash and it’s good as new.

And especially if you live in a humid environment, mold won’t grow and spread when it’s undercover or in storage.

Easy Maintenance

Vinyl is also much easier to maintain. All you have to do is give it a good hose down, even with a pressure washer, before or after winterization. Just be sure to allow time for it to dry before placing and snapping on the cover.

If you prefer to use a bit of solution, I prefer the you use StarBrite Cleaner and a long brush so you don’t hurt your knees and back.

Acoustics

I notice that a lot of people who prefer carpet do so because of its noise-softening capabilities. But I really find this to be one of those outdated myths I mentioned.

Today, some types of vinyl can be just as quiet. Padding can be added beneath for an acoustical sound barrier and—soft-carpet entertainers are gonna love this!—extra cushion beneath your step.

UV Resistance

If you’re replacing old boat carpeting, take notice of the difference in the carpet’s color. In areas where the sun never touched it—say in a fold or tuck somewhere—the color is much more saturated.

That’s because, after a while, the sun’s UV rays exposed and faded the pigments of the carpet. With modern vinyl flooring, this will never happen because most are UV stabilized.

Better Warranty

Remember what I said about the carpet damaging the deck after long moisture retention? Well, as manufacturers have begun to realize the damage caused, they’re now offering a longer warranty if you install vinyl.

Companies and dealers are so confident in the durability of vinyl, they know the vinyl will make their decking last longer than if it had a carpet covering.

Also, vinyl is typically glued so heavily and securely to the flooring that it creates a waterproof seal all on its own.

Ease of Installation

Vinyl tiles are easier to install, of course. Some come in pre-glued sheets with an adhesive backing you simply peel and press, while others are pieced together by snapping the edges in line.

Another option is vinyl planks, narrow strips about two feet long by a few inches wide. These can also be glued or snapped together.

Disadvantages of Vinyl Flooring

Preventing Slips (Debunked!)

Parents worry about kid safety on board. One of the worst things that could happen is having a child take a nasty fall, or even tumble overboard.

So when kids climb out from the water and stand in a puddle, parents concern themselves over their child slipping. And this is why a lot of boaters prefer the natural traction of carpet.

But there’s a happy medium. Let me introduce you to…

Textured Woven Vinyl

Textured vinyl can prevent kids (or anyone for that matter) from slipping by providing just enough traction underfoot. It’s still breathable and reduces mold like any vinyl would, but adds just the right amount of friction underfoot to create a non-skid surface.

Textured vinyl no longer comes in just tiles or planks. Instead, textured woven vinyl flooring is available for order in a variety of widths, usually around 8 feet, and go anywhere from 10 to 30 feet in length.

It’s also much more aesthetically pleasing. You can find it now comes in a variety of textures and colors. And even more impressively, there are attractive patterns resembling a realistic teak and faux tessellation stonework.

Pontoon-Depot has a variety of colors of luxury woven vinyl in their Seagrass collection. 

Conclusion

Vinyl floor covering is a commonly recommended upgrade for your pontoon. And depending on the quality and ounce weight, it will cost you more, but the expense is something which everyone needs to personally weigh against their budget.

However, I find that the advantages of vinyl far outweigh the advantages of carpet. From the ease of maintenance to lessened worry of underdeck rotting, textured vinyl flooring is a nice addition for a pontoon.

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How to Polish and Clean Your Pontoon

How to Polish and Clean Your Pontoon

By: Pontoon Enthusiast

It’s natural that, after spending a good couple of thousands on your pontoon boat, you want it to look as beautiful and shiny after a few months or years in the water as it looked when you first launched it. As such, besides the furniture and accessories upgrades that are essential in order to preserve both beauty and functionality, it’s expected of you to do some polishing work every now and then.

This guide will show you the materials and techniques you need in order to polish your boat efficiently and apply coating properly. You could, of course, call for the help of a specialist, but any pontoon boat dealer will charge you around $400 for a mirror polish and application of Shark Hide aluminum cleaner. Honestly, unless you charge $200 an hour yourself, it’s not worth the money. For only a couple of dollars, you can get all the materials you want, and the entire work can be done in 3-4 hours (depending on the size of the boat, as well as your own experience and willingness).

All this being said, let’s get down to business:

1. PRELIMINARY CLEANING

Before cleaning your boat, you have to first clean your boat. Yes, it’s exactly how it sounds. Boats are known to accumulate a lot of dirt from the water, including algae and such, mineral buildup, and whatever dirt you see. While a pontoon boat that is towed back home after every use may have little to no dirt deposit, one that’s usually docked will definitely have plenty of things to clean. In particular, saltwater pontoons tend to have large amounts of salt and other minerals, as well as algae, in a thick layer on the below-water hull.

For a normal level of dirt, you’ll just have to use a power washer to remove everything in one go. If you don’t own a power washer, you can borrow one or use a wet rag (the latter option takes more time). If you haven’t cleaned your ‘toon since Reagan was still in office, you will need a gentle plastic scraper and a brush in addition to the power washer.

When it comes to power washers, there’s plenty of them to choose from on the market. For instance, you can check out the Sun Joe SPX3001 Electric Pressure Washer. You might be able to find cheaper alternatives on the market as well, but nothing will leave you quite as satisfied as this one. It comes with five different spray tips that ensure different angles for a thorough cleaning. The motor is also pretty powerful – it generates more than 2000 PSI water pressure while not consuming more than 1.67 gallons per minute. It also comes with a pretty long hose (20ft) so that you can clean any spot on your pontoon without carrying the whole unit around with you. A 2-year warranty is also included in the price. Find out more about it on Amazon here:

2. APPLYING CLEANER

Time to clean better! While cleaning solution plays no part in the actual polishing, it’s this very step that ensures a long-lasting polish. Otherwise, you’ll see your hull just as dirty as it was before polishing, within the span of a single trip.

Our recommendation, if you’re not delighted at the thought of spending money on acidic baths or whatever pontoon-specific product, is to use some plain old toilet cleaner. It’s a strong enough substance to remove dirt from every nook and cranny and it works exactly the same as any high-end product.

However, if you want to take it a step further and level up your cleaning game, we suggest you try the Meguiar’s M4916 Marine/RV Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover. Don’t be too scared of the “marine” label on it – it does a perfect job for any type of surface on your boat, pontoons included. It’s also fairly cheap and retails in convenient 16 oz. bottles. Although it will cut through any kind of dirt and/or grime, this product is non-toxic and easy to apply, either by hand or using a machine. To grab your own bottle, click the button below:

As applying the solution can really get pretty time-consuming, we recommend getting a plastic sprayer, kind of like the one you’re using to wash your windows or water your pansies. Dilute the solution to a 30% concentration (2 parts water, 1 part cleaner) and you’re good to go!

The best way to go is to apply the cleaner to a section, leave it to work for a bit, and then remove it before it dries. The reason for this is that if the solution gets dry, it will leave deposits that are super hard to clean. Hence, it’s better to take your time and work on one small area at a time. Use a wet rag to make sure every bit of cleaning solution has been removed.

3. BUFF

Finally, the actual polish. It’s not really necessary if you just want to clean your boat and applying Shark Hide can be done at this point as well. However, if you want that nice, glossy mirror finish, you better be sure your polisher is in good condition.

Speaking of which, if you don’t have a polisher, you should get one. It’s a really useful tool and it works for your boat, car, and bike, all the same, as well as for any other similar surface. You simply can’t do this kind of job manually and expect the same results. If you’re not sure what to buy, the Porter-Cable 7424XP is a very good choice, as it offers you ambidextrous handling and speed adjustment (2500-6800 RPM). You can, of course, buy anything you want, just make sure the speed isn’t too high or you may end up leaving marks that are simply impossible to erase.

Time to polish! For best results, use a 6-inch woolen pad. Also, in order to not leave polishing marks, it’s recommended that you use a circular or swirly pattern. Do you know how the kid from Karate Kid polished Miyagi-san’s car collection? Well, that’s the spirit.

This is the most time-consuming part of the operation, about 2 hours for a medium boat.

4. CLEAN AGAIN

Yes, we know, this is repetitive and annoying, but you absolutely have to make sure that no polishing compound remains on the hull before applying the Shark Hide. Otherwise, the residue will interfere with the Shark Hide and remain sealed there, resulting in a foggy and unappealing look.

At any rate, all you have to do is repeat the step nr.2 described above and remember to be as thorough as possible.

5. APPLY SHARK HIDE

It’s the job of every pontooner to make sure their boat looks good and nearly all of them use Shark Hide for that. It’s nothing complicated: an aluminum cleaning solution that you apply pretty much like a normal cleaning solution. Unlike the toilet cleaner, however, Shark Hide will take care of any oxidized surface as well, leaving everything nice and shiny.

Applying Shark Hide is similar to applying the cleaner on steps 2 and 4. A 2:1 or 3:1 mixture of water and Shark Hide should do for the average use, but more or less concentrated solution can be used according to your particular situation. Use a plastic spray bottle to pulverize the hull from the bottom up. Light foam will appear. Make sure there is no aluminum exposed (i.e. the foam must get everywhere) in order to not leave vertical streaks.

Rinse the foam with plenty of water after 4-5 minutes, as it absolutely must not dry. In order to not leave any marks whatsoever, work thoroughly on small sections.

That’s it! Well, polish is not known for being particularly resistant, and you may very well need to redo all that work after a couple of trips. However, Karate Kid became so not as a result of long years of training, but thanks to a couple of days spent polishing cars! As such, putting a bit of elbow grease and a couple of hours every other month can’t be that hard and, who knows, it may actually help you discover your inner karate fighter.

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Buying a Pontoon Boat or a Deck Boat?

Buying a Pontoon Boat or a Deck Boat?

By: Discover Boating

So, you want a versatile boat that handles easily, features plenty of seating and storage, and is designed to be able to bring along a big crew? Sounds like you may have already narrowed down your choices to two choices that are among the fastest-growing segments in the entire boating industry: pontoons and deck boats. Since the very first aluminum pontoon was introduced in 1958 at the Chicago World’s Fair (it was a Sanpan), boaters have been drawn to their unapologetically simple design, ease of use and the no-frills ability to get lots of folks aboard to get the party started. Back in those days, you broke out the folding lawn chairs, fired up the charcoal grill, and slowly putt-putted your tiny outboard to the nearest cove of like-minded revelers.

Similarly, the deck boat concept really started in 1974 when a company called Hurricane started building a fiberglass V-style hull to add better performance and handling, but still retain the a pontoon-style topside and wide-open floor plan that people loved so much about pontoons. It was so popular, in fact, that the first deck boat (called FunDeck) has been in constant production ever since. But my, how times have changed. These two boat types have come a long way and have been refined to the point that they really stack up against any other powerboat style. And today, they really go head-to-head when families are in the market for a new boat. Let’s examine the pros and cons of each.

Style

This is perhaps the most subjective part of comparing pontoons and deck boats, and it all comes down to your personal tastes and what turns your head. Today’s pontoons are tricked out with coordinated graphics, a choice of rail skin colors, high-quality vinyl seats, and tough and attractive marine-grade carpet. But since every inch of a pontoon is built for maximum seating and storage, some folks find them a little utilitarian. Today’s deck boats are designed similarly to other fiberglass runabouts, but with the bow section carried as far forward as possible to accommodate more folks in the forward seating area. You’ll see coordinated upholstery accents, bimini tops and carpet, and the exterior graphics tend to be a little bolder. Many deck boats also have integrated wake tower options, which adds a distinct watersports profile.

Handling

With a fiberglass, V-style hull, you typically would compare the handling of a deck boat to a similarly sized open-bow boat. Look for a stable ride at all speeds, little or no bowrise, and superior turning at higher speeds. The option of outboard or I/O propulsion is a big plus for deck boats as well, depending on your needs. Even with a full load, pontoon boats (by design) are going to plane easily with less horsepower than a deck boat. Sharp turns are helped by the addition of hydraulic steering systems, but you will still cut a wider swath in a pontoon, unless you choose a performance model with triple (center) tube system, which provides extra buoyancy and stability.

Versatility

Both styles of boats truly shine when it comes to the ability to do a lot of different things on the water. Fishing, watersports, cruising, camping, entertaining, etc. are all right in the wheelhouse of pontoons and deck boats. In fact, depending on your family’s needs, there are all sorts of different packages to dial in your preferred activities, such as rod holders, tackle storage and livewells for more hardcore anglers. If you’re like most folks considering one of these boats, though, you will find that the basic features will serve you well, and allow you to fish in the morning, pull the kids on tubes in the afternoon, and finish the day with a beautiful sunset cruise.

Ease Of Operation

In the world of trailer boating, you really can’t get much easier than pontoons and deck boats. With their stable platforms both are fairly easy to master when it comes to everything from launching and retrieving to cruising out on the water. Look for a raised helm or a captain’s seat that features a fold-up bolster to increase visibility. Pull-up cleats conveniently installed around the deck will make it a cinch to pull up and dock from any angle. Make sure you’ve got docking lights for bringing the boat in safely in the evening, and an all-off master switch to make sure you don’t run down your battery when you leave the boat.

For more info on the two, visit our Boat Selector Tool page.

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4 Must Haves When Entertaining on a Pontoon Boat!

4 Must Haves When Entertaining on a Pontoon Boat!

There are plenty of things to do out on the water, like fishing, sitting quietly, waiting for a good nibble, but what if you’re an Entertainer?  What if your family and friends aren’t into fishing?  What if you’re bringing people out on your boat or pontoon boatwho just want to have a blast?

Here are a few things to bring when entertaining on a pontoon boat that are guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser: 

1. FOOD!!! 

Everyone loves to eat.  Always be sure to have tons of finger food handy to keep your guests happy.  Some easy to prepare and transport boat foods are:

  • A bowl of chips
  • A canister of popcorn (try the Chicago Mix! Guaranteed crowd pleaser)
  • Fruit and/or veggie tray
  • Hummus and pita bread
  • Guacamole and veggies
  • Crackers and cheese 

2. Music

Most boats are equipped with a radio or USB port for your phone or music playing device.  Nothing livens up a mood like good music.  Music tastes vary, but here is a list of top 10 “Boating Songs”:

  • “Redneck Yacht Club” - Craig Morgan
  • “Come Sail Away” - Styx
  • “Don’t Stop Believin” - Journey
  • “Pontoon” - Little Big Town
  • “Rock the Boat” - Hues Corporation
  • “Toes” - Zac Brown Band
  • “Copacabana” - Barry Manilow
  • “Boats” - Kenny Chesney
  • “It’s Five o’Clock Somewhere” - Alan Jackson feat. Jimmy Buffet
  • “Kokomo” - Beach Boys

3. Games

There are plenty of games to play on your boat, some involving game pieces and some not.  Some obvious suggestions are things like 20 questions, eye spy and charades.  For an interesting challenge, though, here are a few board and card games that are easily played on a boat:

  • Cards - go fish, crazy 8s, rummy, Euchre, Hearts
  • Card Games -  Love Letter, Hypertheticals, Snake Oil, Mad Gab, Taboo, Super Fight, Apples to Apples, Dixit, Exploding Kittens, Fluxx, Munchkin, Uno, Codenames
  • Board Games - Trivial Pursuit, Headbanz, The Game of Things, Scattegories, Pictionary, Telestrations, Bang!, Boggle, Concept, Cribbage, Roll for it, Sherrif of Nottingham, Yahtzee

4. Good conversation

You’re with friends afterall!  Pick a topic and see where it takes you. Here are some suggestions:

  • Your first concert
  • The best part of your home town
  • Famous people you’ve met
  • Your favourite book
  • The best restaurant in the city
  • The farthest place you’ve driven
  • Your next out of country adventure

These are just a few tips and suggestions, but hey, it’s your boat!  You do whatever you think will make the best day on the water for you and your party!  Happy boating!

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