News — Pontoon Boat Operating

Joining A Marina Community | In Boating Safety, Tips and Pontoons!

By: LoweBoats.com

Boating means many things to many people. For some, it means thrill-seeking hours of wakeboarding, water skiing and tubing, or perhaps it means peaceful daybreak and twilight hours with a rod and tackle. For others, it means relaxing cruises and warm summer afternoons of dropping the hook for swimming, sunbathing and dining al fresco.

But at its heart, boating is really about community. As you share your passion for the on-water lifestyle with your family and friends, you naturally will gravitate to other families, couples or groups who share the same interests. And when you become a community, your entire on-water experience goes to the next level. It just keeps getting better and better.

Yet, how can you find those like-minded people?

It’s easy. Find a marina near you or near your favorite cruising grounds that fits your personality and lifestyle. It’s guaranteed that most of the other boaters there will be your kind of boaters. In fact, the right marina will provide countless ready-made playdates.

How do you choose the right marina? It’s simple: Do a little homework, and talk to people — marina management and slip-holders alike.

These are a few important questions to ask yourself as you start reviewing marina prospects:

• Does the marina easily accommodate boats like yours? A sailors’ marina might not be the best for a pontooner seeking other pontooners, and a marina catering to larger cruising boats might not be as appealing as one that serves vessels of all sizes, shapes and styles.
• Is the marina located in or near appropriate waters? A pontooner should dock his or her boat in a marina that offers access to relatively sheltered cruising grounds with lots of interesting nooks and crannies to explore. A coastal marina that is a gateway to big, open and frequently rough waters wouldn’t be the best place for a pontoon.
• What amenities are important to you? Are you simply looking for a place to dock your boat and hang out with other boaters, or would you like to take advantage of shower facilities, laundry, picnic areas, special events and other attractions?
• Is there a good vibe on the docks? Do people look like they’re enjoying themselves? Ask them how they like the marina and if there have been any problems or concerns.
• How do you feel when you tour the facility and talk with the management? Do you feel ill at ease, or do you feel comfortable? In the end, you want to form a relationship with the marina owners and staff. If you feel that they’re your kind of people, you’re going to be happy keeping your pontoon there.

For extroverts, some of the main delights at a marina are hanging out on the boat at the end of a fun day on the water, visiting with the boaters next door and across the way, savoring an ice-cold beverage and listening to music.

At the nearby Skipper Bud’s Quarter Deck Marina, seasonal slip-holders could enhance their experience with outdoor grills, an outdoor fireplace, a covered pavilion and a plush boaters’ lounge with all the extras. On one occasion, I spotted a crowd of boaters enjoying an impromptu suppertime picnic in the pavilion — their laughter and good cheer were infectious.

Some marinas, like the Bay Harbor Lake Marina in Bay Harbor, Michigan, offer formal events such as in-water boat shows, classic boat shows and rendezvous cruise-ins. Others, like Marina Jack’s in Sarasota, Florida,  are part of large complexes that incorporate restaurants, retail outlets and watersports equipment rentals.

The best part is that you don’t need to be on the East or West coasts or in the Great Lakes. You can be an inland-lake boater and still enjoy the very best of marina life. Just look at operations such as the Ozark Yacht Club  in Missouri, the Holiday Marina on Georgia’s Lake Lanier and even the Frisco Bay Marina  and Dillon Marina, both located at 9,000 feet in the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

Marinas have embraced the idea that they, too, need to focus on community. To that end, they have added those aforementioned amenities — things like swimming pools, picnic areas, pavilions and gazebos — that encourage gathering. And they have created a formidable list of events, from Venetian parades, Fourth of July fireworks and Halloween trick-or-treating to regattas, cruising clubs, rendezvous events and dockside barbecues.

If you don’t currently belong to a marina community, what are you waiting for? Jump online and do a search for marinas in your chosen boating area. You might also want to do a more general search for exciting events and activities in that region… for example, in the Lake of the Ozarks, you won’t want to miss www.funlakelife.com and www.lakeozarknow.com.

Don’t be shy – your new and improved boating lifestyle is out there, waiting for you!

For all your accessories and/or vinyl flooring visit Pontoon Depot's shop site.

How To Launch A Pontoon Boat The Right Way | Pontoon-Depot

By: Manitou Pontoon Boats

Launching a boat is something every boater needs to do in order to enjoy a day on the water. As such, everyone owes it to everyone else to know how to do it right and do it quickly. Every second spent dawdling at the launching ramp not only cuts into your day, but into everyone else’s day as well.

Once you get to the launching ramp, it’s too late to cram for your real-life test. By preparing in advance and knowing what to do when, you’ll be able to efficiently launch your boat free of angry horns and shouts from other boaters.

BEFORE YOU REACH THE LAUNCHING RAMP

Prepare your boat before you approach the ramp. This ensures when it’s your turn, you’re ready to go without any delay.

• Load your safety equipment, mooring lines, and other gear into the boat.
• Unhook and stow the transom straps.
• Disconnect any incandescent light-bulb plugs.
• Gather your mooring line and fenders, making them ready to use.
• Make sure your drain plug, if your boat has one, is in place.

WHILE ON THE LAUNCHING RAMP 

You’ve waited your turn, and ideally everyone in front of you followed all the same steps you’re following, continuing a friendly and efficient day of boat launching. Now, prepare yourself to get your boat into the water.

• Get a spotter. Move all kids and onlookers from the ramp area and put a spotter out there. Launching is easier with one person driving and another directing.
• Situate your vehicle and boat. Line up your vehicle and trailer as straight as possible, about the length of a trailer away from the water.
• Back into the water. Slowly back your trailer down the ramp, only making small, fine-tuned steers. If you need to straighten the trailer, driving forward a bit can be a big help. When the stern begins floating in the water, stop.
• Secure your vehicle. Set the parking brake. If you have an excessively large boat, chock the wheels on your vehicle.

GETTING IN THE WATER

At this point, you’re ready to get your boat off the trailer and into the water.

• Unhook the boat. Disconnect the winch strap and safety chain from the trailer. Next, back the boat away from the trailer. When the water is just above the wheels of the trailer, you’re ready for the next step.

• Launch the boat. Start your boat’s engine. Important: make sure the engine is in the water before you crank it. Shift into reverse and gently back up. All Manitou boats have to be powered with the engine into the water off the trailer—you can’t float it back by hand. If, after applying gentle power, your boat doesn’t move, you probably need to back up farther.

SECURING THE BOAT

Now that you’re in the water, tie your mooring lines to the dock. Make sure all your passengers and supplies are nearby and ready to board. By getting everyone and everything on the boat quickly, you show courtesy to other boaters and help keep the launching ramp free of holdups.

While your other passengers are boarding, park your vehicle nearby and make your way back to the boat without delay. Join your family and friends on the boat, untie the mooring lines and off you go.

For all your accessories and/or vinyl flooring visit Pontoon Depot's shop site.

Pontoon Boat Statistics | Pontoon-Depot

• Freshwater Fishing
• Watersports
• Day Cruising
• Just For Fun
• Safety/Education
• Entertainment
• Spending Time With Family
• Maintenance/How-To
• 15 Max
• 16 - 30 FT
• Outboard Engine
• Sterndrive Engine
• Trailerable

Pontoon boats may still be the ultimate “party barge,” but these versatile craft have grown far beyond the slow-moving vessel you may remember from Grandpa’s cocktail cruise. Yes, the core remains very much the same — stable pontoons below, topped by an abundance of seating above. Today’s craft, however, increasingly feature plusher seats and lounges, entertainment centers and wet bars, and the latest sound and lighting systems. They also perform increasingly like boats with a deeper v-shaped bottom, or “hull”, and include with triple-tube models that carve on a dime and an abundance of horsepower.

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The Complete Guide to Pontoon Sea Legs

By: BetterBoat.com

What are pontoon sea legs?

Sea legs are basically two portable hydraulic mechanisms that attach to a pontoon boat’s underside, which can lift the boat approximately six feet above water when activated. Even out in the middle of the lake! When you’re ready to head home, you just lower it back down.

Unlike traditional boat lifts or storage systems you normally see on docks, they’re an excellent alternative for pontooners. Because as you’ll soon learn, pontoon sea legs go wherever you and your boat goes.

And you might not even need a boat trailer to haul your pontoon to storage, either.

How Pontoon Sea Legs Work

Attached to the bottom of your pontoon, sea legs are powered by a battery, which lifts the boat up out of the water to a holding position.

Tucked hidden away and installed under a seat compartment, the sea legs’ hydraulic system is activated by a one-horsepower, 12-volt pump.

To work properly, they require at least a 750 cold cranking amp battery, similar to this Optima Deep Cycle Marine (check price on Amazon).

Strong Pontoon Sea Legs Materials

Sea legs are typically constructed of lightweight extruded aluminum alloy tubing, set at an angle to provide the strength for a heavy pontoon boat. The aluminum isn’t bad for erosion prevention, either. At the end of each sea leg is a 48” x 18” pad foot, which supports the structure along the lake bottom.

The four hydraulic cylinders themselves are supported by steel alloy piston rods, which support approximately 6,500 pounds of lift capacity, which should support most heavier pontoons.

Pontoon Sea Leg Manufacturers

Sea legs are currently manufactured by two reputable Minnesota companies. Here’s a brief introduction to each:

Hewitt

Hewitt offers different models for pontoons. One model has a wide base to offer better stability in wind and rough water. But there are also electric and hydraulic sea legversions.

Sea-Legs

Sea-Legs, the brand, has sold more than 10,000 sets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their product offers 3,000 pounds of extracting and retracting power to keep from getting stuck. This is great if your lake’s sediment has sand, rock and mucky areas that could get the legs stuck.

The Cost of Pontoon Sea Legs

The cost to place sea legs on a pontoon can vary, depending on which brand you go with. But here is a general breakdown:

For a two-tube pontoon boat, sea legs cost approximately $4,300. And that’s just the legs.

Installation cost an additional $700, totaling $5,000.

For a tritoon pontoon boat, sea legs are approximately $6500, plus $1000 for installation, totaling $7500.

If you want the average 26-foot lift canopy, expect to pay around $4500, which doesn’t include setup or installation.

And then there’s the bells and whistles! Want a remote control for your pontoon sea legs? It’ll cost around $300 to $400.

The warranty — With your sea legs, you will find a warranty. But they may be different and vary anywhere from a one-year to two-year warranty. Ask your dealer about specific details of your warranty and read the fine print! Once installed, improper use of your sea legs can void the warranty.

Pontoon Sea Legs vs. Traditional Hydraulic Lifts

Sea legs are different from your traditional hydraulic lifts. The most obvious difference is that sea legs are installed to the bottom of your pontoon. Traditional hydraulic lifts, however, are installed onto docks and within storage facilities.

If you’re considering buying either sea legs or hydraulic lifts, consider their additional advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of Sea Legs Over Lifts

• Prevents having to haul your boat to docks/lifts

• Prevents a pontoon from banging against the dock

• Activated by the convenient push of a button

• Protects pontoon tubes from algae and mold buildup

• Deployed anywhere easily without cables and pulleys

• Install works on most pontoons

• Drifting is prevented and without anchors

Disadvantages of Sea Legs Over Lifts

• Affects your pontoon’s performance and towing capacity, as they add ~350 pounds

• Only fits pontoons between 18 and 30 feet

• Pontoon weight affects sea legs. (For maximum performance, the weight cannot exceed 5,800 pounds

• Sea legs are not on the cheap side

Alternatives to Sea Legs and Lifts

Sea legs aren’t a good fit for all pontoon owners. One major issue is the cost. If you prefer not to spend money on sea legs, lifts or even a dock, you can always go with economical ways to protect and secure your boat.

You have a couple of options:

1) Secure your boat to a dock or deck — For starters, learn some of those handy, Houdini-esque nautical knots.

The downside? This method won’t protect pontoons from mold/algae. It may not prevent damage from banging the dock’s side either. If you go this route, make sure you have a good pontoon cover to protect your boat.

To be fair, you’ll probably want to cover your pontoon when using sea legs, too. It’ll still be exposed to the elements, so a good cover is a good idea, like this Pyle UV protective cover(check price on Amazon) that’s mildew resistant and waterproof.

2) Use a trailer — Load your boat up onto your trailer and haul it to and from the water.

When you can’t currently afford sea legs or own your own dock, these are great options! Sea legs are expensive. So are docks. They don’t always fit our budgets … and some folks are simply more budget-conscious.

How Many Sea Legs Your Pontoon Needs

Your sea leg quantity depends on your pontoon’s overall size in terms of length and weight. Keep in mind, however, if your pontoon’s longer than 30 feet or shorter than 18 feet, it may not be suitable for sea legs at all.

In most cases, however, a pair of sea legs is installed toward each end of the boat. Longer pontoons, obviously, may require more. Check with your dealer and installer to help determine what your pontoon make and model needs.

Sea Leg Safety and Stability

Reports of pontoons tipping over while on sea legs are out there. But don’t let that scare you away. You just have to use them in the right conditions.

Muddy underwater sediment and even high wind affect a sea leg’s stability, so double-check these possible conditions before installing.

They can’t be used in water with rocky bottoms, either. It reduces the safety and stability of the sea legs.

Laws and Permits for Sea Legs

Although sea legs have supported pontoons since 1996, they’re still an up and coming trend and growing steadily.

Check with your state and local authorities to inquire exactly what permits are needed. It’s possible sea legs may not even be permitted where you live. Avoid spending that much money or having to remove them!

As always, it’s always a good idea to double-check. If you’re uncertain where to start, check with the United States Coast Guard to better understand laws and regulations. If you’re still unsure, request a contact in your local area.

Sea Leg Insurance

You need insurance for practically everything these days. And you’ll need insurance to cover your pontoon sea legs, too. Attached to your pontoon’s bottom, they’re not a permanent structure and may require a different type of insurance.

Check on your pontoon coverage, too, while you’re at it. Your current coverage may change with these additions. And your insurance company may need to know how your boat’s being stored.

If you have questions, you can contact the United Marine Underwriters for guidance.

Conclusion

Pontoon sea legs are a promising alternative to traditional lifts, even though they’re unusual and make your pontoon appear as though it could walk on water.

They might not work for every pontoon owner. But if they do, one thing’s for sure: They’ll not only protect your pontoon, but also be a great conversation piece!

For all your accessories and/or vinyl flooring visit Pontoon Depot's shop site.