News — Pontoon Boat Operating

Fall Is Here! Boating Season Isn't Over, It's Just Getting Started!

Boating is not a one-season activity.

Sure, summer gets all the glory, but some of the best fishing imaginable takes place in fall, when bass pile up in shallow water as the temperatures drop.

If you're in it for relaxation, autumn offers some of the finest sightseeing opportunities of the year.

The point is, there are a lot of ways to extend your boat season. Fall is also a primo time to save money on repairs and upgrades outside of the expensive peak season. Maybe you need new lighting or seating. Maybe it's time for a new fishfinder, marine speakers or other electronics upgrades. Maybe you're finally ready to get rid of the dreary boat carpeting and move to safe, slip-free and good-looking MariDeck flooring. Either way, we've got you covered all year round.

Yes, we're based in Arkansas, but you don't need to be from our neck of the woods to take advantage of our selection and affordable pricing.

Check out our shopping page. You see it. You like it. You want it. We deliver it.

We'll ship anything anywhere in the lower 48. Even better, we ship for free on all orders over $50. You have questions or concerns? Give us a call. We're easy to talk to, and with 100 years of combined experience, we've seen it all.

So, what are you waiting for? The summer's over and it will be for another seven months. This is the perfect time to repair, reassess and upgrade. Then, you'll be ready to get back out on the water and create even more memories while your less-adventurous pals in the boating community are hunkering down for winter six weeks too soon.

Finding the Right Horsepower For Your Boat | Pontoon-Depot

What is horsepower & why should I care about it?

Horsepower, hp, is a measurement of energy. One unit of horsepower is the same as the amount of energy or power needed to lift 550 lbs. 1 ft. in 1 sec. Usually this is used in regard to engines or motors. In the situation of pontoon boats, it is a measurement on the engine that helps us easily say how powerful specific engines are. The engine on a small metal fishing boat may only be 10 hp to 20 hp while a high quality speedboat may have an engine with 500 hp. Theoretically, the higher the horsepower, the easier it is for your engine to push your boat.

Why is there a horsepower limit on a pontoon boat?

All boats are different, pontoons included. Because of this, each boat has a maximum horsepower limit that cannot be safely exceeded. If you go over the allowed limit, the coast guard or police can stop you from putting your boat in the lake. They DO check! But going over the limit in horsepower may not be necessary. Most boats have a more than generous range in what the horsepower can be handled safely. If you really want more horsepower that your boat says it can handle, than you may want to consider buying a boat that can handle such a heavy duty engine.

When all boats are first made, pontoons included, and are being full scale tested, they are used with a variety of different engines starting from low horsepower engines and then they increase the engine horsepower until they find the limit that the boat cannot handle safely. They also would test to see the boat’s performance with specific engines. Then with an accurate evaluation of each engine, they would decide what hp the boat performed the best at and what it performed the safest at. With those limits set, they choose a limit to rate the boat for.

Here are some examples of the maximum horsepower on specific pontoon boats, for a reference.

• My 22′ G3 Suncatcher V22RF has a max engine horsepower of 115 hp.

• A 25′ 6″ Bennington 2372 RCW Windscreen Sport Arch has a max engine of 300 hp.

• The 2015 Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16′ DLX maxes out at a recommended 40 hp.

• A 28′ 5″ Bennington  2575 QCW IO Sport Tower has a max engine horsepower of 430 hp.

• The 24′ 2014 Avalon A Series Catalina DRL has a max engine horsepower of 135 hp.

• The 25′ 4″ 2015 Regency 220 DL3 has a max engine horsepower of 250 hp.

• The 26′ 2” 2015 Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 24 DLX has a max engine horsepower of 150 hp.

• A 20′ Sweetwater SW 2080 BF has a max engine horsepower of 90 hp.

• A 25′ Windjammer Rear J Lounge has a max engine horsepower of 135 hp.

• An Avalon 16′ Eagle Quad Fish has a max engine horsepower of 50 hp.

• An Avalon 14′ Eagle Quad Fish has a max engine horsepower of 40 hp.

• A 24’ Avalon LSZ Quad Lounger has a max engine horsepower of 125 hp.

• A 26’ Avalon LSZ Quad Lounger has a max engine horsepower of 135 hp.

• A 27′ Suntracker Regency 254 XP3 Pontoon Boat has a max engine horsepower of 300 hp.

• A Lowe SS210 20′ Pontoon Boat has a max engine horsepower of 115 hp.

Find out more here at: http://pontoonguide.com

4 Common Mistakes Boaters Make | Pontoon-Depot

Mistake 1: Underestimating What It Takes to Operate a Boat

Both experienced and novice boaters can underestimate the level of knowledge, skill and experience required to operate a boat effectively and safely. From trailer­ing and launching, to safe anchoring, to docking and undocking, the equipment, navigation, handling and rules of the road are completely different than on land. Serious accidents, including swamping and capsizing, often result from simple failures such as loading a boat properly and within capacity or anchoring safely. Studying the rules of the road, getting safe boating instruction, and ensuring you know and understand your boat are all key to avoiding accidents.

Mistake 2: Inattention

The beauty and fun of being on the water can make boating seem carefree and effortless. A brief lapse in attention is often behind groundings, collisions and capsizing. Many accidents occur late in the day, when operators are fatigued. Many involve collisions with markers, jetties and other obstacles that are visible and avoidable. The water may seem calm and familiar, but operator attention and diligence are vital.

Mistake 3: Boating Under the Influence

Fun, relaxation and friendship go hand in hand with boating. While no amount of alcohol is safe for a boat operator, the sun and fun that make boating so enjoyable can also make alcohol more dangerous for passengers. Dehydration, physical exertion and fatigue can accelerate and amplify the effects of alcohol, more quickly impairing judgment and coordination, which increases the chances of risky behavior and injury, and the danger of falling overboard. Intoxicated individuals on board pose an increased risk of injury to themselves and others.

Mistake 4: Failing to Recognize Risks

Bad weather, unfamiliar locales and hazardous waters are risks that boaters sometimes fail to account for. Responsible boaters learn to respect the weather and to check conditions prelaunch and while on the water to avoid sudden storms. While exploring new areas is part of the fun, it’s smart to check with local boating authorities if you’re heading out on an unfamiliar body of water. They can point out known hazards and offer navigation tips.

Mistake 5: Underpreparing for Emergencies

Filing a float plan and ensuring that proper emergency and communication equipment are present and working are essential safety precautions. But preparation only begins there. Passengers, as well as the operator, need to know basic emergency procedures, how to communicate and how to use emergency equipment if the operator becomes incapacitated. Practicing with equipment is particularly important, as every moment is precious in an emergency. It’s smart to have all aboard know and practice the basics of safe rescue techniques for a person in the water (PIW) (or “man overboard”). Finally, ensure that everyone aboard wears a life jacket at all times. If something goes wrong or there is a fall overboard, there is often no time and no way to access a life jacket.

The Coast Guard provides a wide range of safety information and resources through its Boating Safety Resource Center. For more information, visit uscgboating.org.

Great Tips On Operating Your Boat | Pontoon-Depot