News — pontoon boat

Boating Equipment and Accessories: A Brief Guide For 2020

By: Boat Trader

Once you’ve chosen your perfect boat, the next thing on your list will be to outfit your new vessel with all of the right boat equipment, gadgets, and accessories for a truly good time on the water. Depending on the type of boat that you’ve chosen and your intended use, there are a number of different accessories and equipment that you may need for the type of boating you intend on doing. Of course, there are also some really cool gadgets that you’ll just want to have on board for fun too! Either way, this guide should help you get started.

In this guide, we’ll cover onboard equipment for trailerable boats that measure less than 35 feet. Some items are legally required for proper boating, but most boat accessories are just fun to have on board or they could make your boating more enjoyable. There are plenty of categories that include everything from essential safety items to premium upgrades, making it easy to get the perfect boat when you add the accessories and equipment that you want.

Basic Safety Gear

Of course every good boater should have boat safety in mind above all else. So if you don’t already have them, your boat should include basic safety essentials like a fire extinguisher, life jackets, a first aid kit, and a horn. If you don’t have a built-in horn, or just want to guarantee you’re heard in an emergency, an air horn is a great choice. We won’t spend a lot of time here because this is all pretty basic stuff. Plus, there’s not a lot of information to consider in your purchases, so long as you choose quality safety items to stock your boat.

Remember that it is your responsibility to have proper life vests and safety gear on board in the event of an emergency. You can choose from standard life vests, upgraded water sports vests, and other models, making it easy to find something for just about everyone. There are also throwable life preservers, of which everyone should have at least one or two on board for safety. Stock up on safety equipment and accessories so that everyone is able to have a good time on the water without worrying about the basics.

Navigation Equipment

If you think getting around on roads is difficult, try your hand at navigating the water without a little experience or the assistance of a GPS. GPS units are almost a necessary investment for any boater these days. Not only does it guarantee that you won’t get lost, but it will help identify potential hazards and water channels along your route. Many GPS units will even let you create a “breadcrumb” trail that shows your path out into the water so that you can turn around and follow it right back in.

Models are available from leading navigation brands like Garmin and others, and there are a number of features and models to choose from. Some boats come with built-in navigation systems or the option to have it added at the time of purchase. If you have this choice, it could be the better way to go. That way, it’s done and it’s hard-installed so you never have to worry about whether it’s on board or if it needs charged when you’re ready to hit the water.

Many premium sound systems have built-in navigation as part of the device, as is the case with modern car radios. If you are considering upgrading your sound system or radio, check that out while you’re looking at navigation equipment because it may be easier for you to justify investing in a more expensive unit so that you can get the perks that come with having an integrated GPS.

The other option is to buy a unit that is solely for navigation. These systems are designed in portable styles and units that can be installed on the boat, so that everyone can get what they want. Some of the units are more feature-rich than others, but as long as the GPS function does its job, the rest of the bells and whistles are a matter of personal preference.

Fishing Gear

When you’re outfitting your boat with fishing gear, there are a lot of different accessories that you can consider. From standard fishing buoys and kill bags to rod holders, built-in coolers, and even fish finders, there are plenty of accessories that you can add to your boat if you’re looking to hit the water to do some angling.

Popular fishing accessories and equipment include:

• Tackle boxes and tool organizers
• Rod holders and racks
• Outriggers
• Cutting boards and other prep tools
• Coolers and livewells

Unlike other accessories and equipment for boating, fishing gear is uniquely designed for a variety of types of fishing. A lot of accessories are universal and can be used for multiple applications.

But when purchasing fishing equipment for your boat, you have to make sure that you choose the right accessories for the type of fishing boat and the type of fishing that you want to do. For example, if you want a fish finder, you’ll want to purchase one that seeks out the type of fish that you want to catch.

Communication Devices

There are a number of different communication devices available for boats today. Different types of devices work differently depending on where you are, so it is important for boaters to have multiple communication devices available. These devices should also be able to provide safe operation when wet and be designed specifically for boating use. You should always keep your cell phone on you, but remember that this will only work if it’s kept dry and you’re boating in range of cell towers. This isn’t always the case.

Other communication devices may not be technology based. These include dyes, flares and SOS signals, flags, fog or air horns, and other items. Even your own arms waving in the distance are a distress signal tool if you need them in an emergency. Of course, there are much bigger communication devices that you should have on hand.

Two of the most useful items are:

• VHF FM-DSC marine radio. This radio lets you talk to authorities and other boaters. It can be used anywhere and in any type of water, and has Digital Selective Calling to alert people to boaters in distress and help identify their location. These radios are a must for any boat for those who want a safe way to stay in touch and send a distress signal when they are out on the water.
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, which transmits the boats location to emergency responders and can summon help quickly regardless of a boater’s location.

In addition to radio beacons, there are also personal locator beacons that boaters can buy to put on their person instead of their boat. That way, if something happens and a boater is left away from the boat, they can be found in the water in the event of an emergency. These aren’t must-have items for your boat, but they certainly are worth looking into if you really want to make sure that you are safe on the water.

General Equipment

It’s important to have all of the right tow lines, towers, buoys, anchors, and other mooring and docking equipment for your boat. After all, unlike many of the optional accessories discussed here, these items are required for regular and safe operation of your boat.

This list could also include:

• Bumpers
• Ropes and docklines
• Chains
• Paddles

As with the safety equipment, requirements vary by state so you will need to check to see what is actually required to be on your boat. Then, you can purchase all of the must-have items and upgrade the others as you see fit. Think about how you want to enjoy your boating. In most cases, you’ll probably choose to add as many accessories and safety equipment upgrades as you can for the peace of mind alone.

Premium Upgrades

If you really want to outfit your boat with the best essentials, you can find plenty of premium aftermarket and point-of-sale upgrades like sound systems, solar panels, and more. Popular premium upgrades include satellite radios and smart devices, such as the Fusion Entertainment line of digital radios that include color touchscreens and digital signal processing.

Another popular boat accessory upgrade is composite decking that can be installed over fiberglass and offer a better finish and a better ride. This material is known as SeaDek, and can help reduce the vibrations and offer a softer surface for kneeling or barefoot walking. This cool feature can reduce fatigue by as much as 25% and keep your boat looking stylish for years to come.

If you’re into night boating, you might want to invest in a night camera to help you identify markers, other boats, and items in the water when you’re out at night. There are a number of night cameras and scouting devices available, and most boats can be outfitted with a model that will give them the visibility that they need.

Solar panel systems are designed to provide a power source for the boat without using as much gas or other power to fuel the various systems. A solar panel integration on a boat is a unique installation, so make sure that you have this done by professionals if you consider adding one to your system.

Quick Tips for Buying Accessories and Equipment

Never buy anything for your boat if it isn’t model specific or say that it offers universal installation. If it’s an accessory that doesn’t need to be specifically for your boat, such as a GPS unit or a livewell for your fish, you can pick and choose what you like based on other features. If, however, you’re upgrading your sound system or built-in communication tools, or you want to install rod rocks for fishing even, you may need to consider at least the model of your boat, if not other technical specifications.

Remember that all of these items are designed to improve your boating experience. They are often optional items that you can add to your boat for personal enjoyment, safety, or another use. Take the time to browse the market and read up on reviews to see how other boaters like various products before you buy. Often, with accessories and gear like this, finding out what other people like is the best way to go.

Stick with reputable, certified boat dealers and websites. Sure, you might be able to find some great deals on major retailers like Amazon.com, but when you want reputable equipment and accessories, you should buy from marine websites and companies for the best results. Plus, then you have someone that you can ask for recommendations and assistance in outfitting your boat with all of the accessories that you need.

In Summary

No matter what kind of boating you have in mind, there are plenty of accessories and equipment that you can add for the sake of necessity or pleasure. By taking the time to check this guide when outfitting your boat, you can make sure that you’ve covered all of your bases and gotten the equipment and accessories that you need. Everyone will argue about which the best brands and products are, but when you get into specific categories of equipment and accessories, those reviews are plentiful.

If you’re new to boat ownership or just looking to outfit your new boat for the best time on the water, you should make sure that you have all of the extras ahead of time. you can upgrade and buy premium accessories and non-essentials as you go, but if you have everything when you first hit the water, you’ll be on your way to better boating from day one.

Remember to shop for boat-specific accessories when necessary and to take advantage of the reviews from other boaters to find the best products on the market today. As long as you keep these things in mind, it’s easy to make the most of boating equipment and accessories for your new vessel.

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What Are The Differences Between A Catamaran And Pontoon Boat?

By: Pontoon Boat Review

Pic By: Dream Yacht Charter

Some of these differences are observable while others are not. Catamaran and Pontoon are both made up of two hulls or pontoons (usually of the same size else you would be having an outrigger or a proa) connected with a wing-like structure.

Some folks consider both as basically the same and suggest catamaran is just a type of pontoon and some think their differences are basically on their usage and a pontoon would technically be called a catamaran.

The name “Catamaran” was derived from the word “Kattumaram” which in Talim means “tied wood”. The ancient vessel from which we got so many derivatives was just two logs of wood connected by smaller logs of wood and accommodations were made on the smaller logs above the hulls.

The modern catamaran and pontoons come with different designs. The sophistication of modern engineering is so evident in the production of these boats. While the pontoon might be as simple as a deck placed on two pontoons to a bit more complex designs, the catamaran has pontoons which are usually a part of the structure of the boat with different spaces.

 These spaces can be used as residence or for storage. Most of the catamarans also have a mast with a canvas in between the pontoons. Catamarans come with different complex designs that will best suit the desired use.

Simple pontoons are usually used for pleasure cruise or fishing in smaller water bodies like rivers and lake. The water surface shouldn’t have high water current and is not dramatically affected by a change in weather conditions. The use of pontoons in open seas and ocean is highly prohibited because it is not structurally designed for such an environment. 

The pontoon shape does not cut through waves. Its wave handling capacity is poor. They cannot maneuver effectively in rough water bodies. Meanwhile, catamarans can sail the seas or oceans because they are designed to handle such an environment and they can cut through waves.

The pontoons are usually not large. Most pontoons are between 15-40 feet and 8-12 feet wide with the outboard motor placed behind. While the Catamarans are usually very large and their motors are usually in the pontoon tube.

There is also an observable difference in the speed of both the pontoon boat and the catamaran. The feature is also related to their intended use with the different types of water bodies. A pontoon boat can attain a speed of about 26 miles per hour while a catamaran was designed to move faster, up to about 50 miles per hour.

A buyer who is interested in getting a pontoon can purchase one between $12,000 to about $75,000 while a catamaran can go for a price ranging from $60,000 to above $2 million.

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The Boat Show Schedule Posted by Harris Boats for 2020

By: Harris Boats

21 Pontoon Boat Owner Gifts, Ideas, & Suggestions...

By: PontoonPedia

...They Will Absolutely Love!

Whether it’s Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, a birthday, Christmas, or you just want to spoil the pontoon lover in your life, what can you get them as a gift?

Let’s be honest, pontoon boat owners are notoriously hard to buy for. At least that’s what my family tell me! Maybe it’s something about the perfectionism and attention to detail. I don’t know. All I do know is that it can hard to find the perfect pontoon boat owner gifts.

I wanted to fix that problem and offer some advice with some great pontoon boat gifts.

What I did recently was canvas opinion at the local marina with some of the guys and gals who have pontoons. I had some great present and gift recommendations and suggestions. Some were good, some were inspired, and some where downright strange.

Gifts for Pontoon Boat Owners

Below you can see a list of gift idea for pontoon boat enthusiasts and owners that won’t break the bank and will make their day when they open it. I have listed them in order of price and cost bracket so it should mean you can find the perfect present idea this year for the man or woman in your life whether for Christmas, a birthday, or just as a gift.

Fishing Rod Holders – Under $15

They do exactly what they say, and I can’t really go into too much detail other than they work. The ones I use are the Extremes on Amazon. They last long and have never broken on me and have a simple mechanism to fit them onto to boat – you don’t need to screw or glue anything.

At this price it would be crazy not to get some as a gift for your pontoon boat owner or lover if they love to fish. Go check them out, they are cheap, but essential accessories. I have also recently put together a list of the best pole holders that will give you some additional ideas.

Captain’s Hat – Under $20

We all know what he’s like when out on his pontoon boat. He’s the captain of the ship, and the master of seas – at least he likes to think so anyway!

Let’s stroke that ego a little bit, with the addition of his very own pontoon captain’s hat. It certainly makes him look the part, even if is about as authoritative and seaworthy as the captain of the Titanic.

Go take a look at one that I like on Amazon. It’s in navy blue and has an anchor embroidered onto it – see latest prices.

Floating Beer Pong Game – Under $20

Elevate your party with this brilliant game which can be played on the still water. It comes with 5 beer pong balls and two inflatable beer pong racks.

It’s definitely one that the adults will enjoy whilst out on the pontoon boat, but perhaps is best left for when the kids aren’t with you! Take a look on Amazon.

Pontoon T-Shirts – Under $20

Whether it’s the captain of the boat you’re looking to buy a shirt for, or a pontoon boat t-shirt that anyone can wear, we’ve got something for you. Browse the captain t-shirts here, or browse all pontoon t-shirts. They come in various sizes, colors, and prices.

Fishing Shirt – Under $25

It’s important to wear a shirt with a breathable fabric when out fishing. This fishing shirt is a great gift idea. It will help you to keep cool, but also comes with plenty of pockets for all those small fishing accessories.

It will dry quickly in the sun and offer UV protection to help keep those harmful rays of your pontoon loving friend or family member.

Cup Holders – Under $30

Any pontoon boat owner will love these cup holders and will wonder how they did without them once they’re fitting onto the boat. These one fit all sizes of cans and bottles, and are really simple to attach and fit. They just hook onto rails.

Check out the SkiffDaddy cup holders on Amazon (view current prices) and read some of the reviews which will soon tell you how great these are. I’ve got 2 sets, positioned on either side of my deck – they are invaluable, and at a good price too.

Telescopic Boat Hook – Under $40

Accidents will happen, and I’ve lost count of the amount of times I have dropped things into the water whilst out on my pontoon. Thankfully I have a handy boat hook which has a telescopic handle, letting me hook almost anything up and out of the water.

I have a Davis boat hook which can reach out to 12 feet once fully extended. Amazing eh! Go take a look at this boat hook on Amazon, it won’t cost the earth, and will be an invaluable accessory for any pontoon boat owner.

The Plano Fishing Tackle Box – Under $40

Is the pontoon boat owner in your life a fan of fishing? If so, then I have the perfect gift for him or her. It’s the Plano fishing tackle box, and it’s absolutely huge.

The lucky owner of one of these bad boys is never going to lose a single essential fishing item or tool again, as this box comes with a ridiculous amount of storage to suit any fishing trip you could imagine. View the latest prices on Amazon.

Inflatable Portable Rescue Device – Under $40

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the recreational pontooner in your life? How about giving them the gift of increased safety and visibility with a wearable portable rescue device – view now on Amazon.

I don’t’ have one of these myself but am seriously considering buying it for my kids whilst they are out on the inflatable tubes behind the boat.

It might look odd, but it can save lives.

It’s quite a simple, yet intriguing concept. You strap it to your wrist whilst out in the water, or even on the boat, and inflates in just one second with one pull of a lever. It can support the weight of up to 275 pounds, so whilst I like it for kids, it will suit most adults too.

Fishing Rod Racks and Storage Ideas – Under $50

If your pontooner is out on the water fishing all day, then there are going to be times when they just want to sit back, relax, and crack open a beer. At times like this it’s essential that they have a solution to store their rods that is robust, secure, and won’t damage the poles.

I’ve put together a list of just a few storage ideas that you might want to consider. Click here to see rod racks and storage ideas.

Fancy Boat Registration Numbers – Under $50

On most pontoon boats, the registration numbers never really look like much. They are very standard from boat to boat. So how about something that will let your pontoon owner’s boat stand out from the crowd?

These ones on Amazon are raised up in a 3D chrome design and will look stunning when stuck onto the boat. They are sure to be a talking point down at the marina or by the side of the lake from jealous pontoon owners. An ideal and affordable gift.

Waterproof Speakers – Under $70

When at home I use a pair of AOMAIS Go waterproof Bluetooth speakers for our backyard movie nights, but they also perfect for taking on my pontoon. Easy to carry, very robust, and with a clear sound quality, it’s possible to hook them up to a phone or similar device.

If the pontoon owner doesn’t have a stereo sound set-up already on his boat, then these speakers are perfect. Even if they happen to fall in the water they will be fine, as they can go up to 33 feet under for half an hour and still work. Have a look at the Amazon reviews to see for yourself.

Alternatively have a check through my list of the best waterproof speakers which come with Bluetooth functionality, making them ideal for boating.

Wetsuit – Under $70

The NeoSport wet suit on Amazon is designed for all forms of water sports including diving, scuba, paddle boarding, surfing, and kayaking – and so is the perfect gift idea for a pontooner who loves to get into the water.

It will keep them warm and dry and is considered one of the best in this price range due to the protection that it offers when the wearer slaps against the water. That is an essential safety feature for any person being pulled on a tube or water skis.

Captain’s Life Vest – Under $90

It’s important that your loved one if safe whilst out on the water, and if they don’t have life vests already on their pontoon, you must, must, get them one – it could even be a legal requirement in your state to do so.

Unfortunately, many pontoon captains don’t wear life vests, I see it all the time. They seem to think that they are safe from harm due to the design of the boat, but it’s simply not true. Take a look at this exceptional life vest kit on Amazon and have the peace of mind your loved one if safe with this recommended gift suggestion.

A great solution to this that encourages pontoon captains to wear a vest is a waist pack manual inflatable life vest.  It’s small and discreet, but a quick pull of the rip cord and you’re safely floating.

Tide Indicator Watch – Under $100

This watch is a perfect gift idea for a pontoon boat owner as not only is it rugged and waterproof, this watch will also show the tide times – essential information for any boater when planning a trip or out fishing.

The best one available to buy is the Shark Tide Classic on Amazon. It comes in black and has a clear digital interface with plenty of options. It looks good enough to wear whilst on-shore too.

Specialist Boat Shoes – Up to $100

But the pontoon boat owner in your life already has perfectly fine shoes, why would you buy specialist boat shoes? Good question! They offer great grip, are waterproof, and really rugged meaning your pontoon lover can skip around the boat in all weathers with ease.

There are two recommendations here. A pair of waterproof leather loafers, perhaps for an older gentleman, or a pair of funky Adidas boat shoes if you need a more sporty look.

Garmin Fishfinder – Under $110

Something a little bit more expensive now, but an amazing gift for any fishing fan who loves to catch from their pontoon boat. I am massive fan of the Garmin Striker on Amazon. It is simple to use and leads your boat straight to where the best catches are.

If you want more gift ideas for a pontoon owner who like fishing then check out this guide, and scroll down to the bottom.

Inflatable Kayak – Under $100

Your pontoon might already be equipped with inflatables such as inner tubes that you pull behind the boat, but how about an inflatable kayak that lets you explore narrow channels or just get out on the water for some free paddling fun?

The Intex Explorer Kayak (see on Amazon) is the best that money can buy at this price, is made from a durable rubber, and has two seats meaning kayaking needn’t be a solo activity.

Cooling Carry Bag – Under $110

For a reasonably low cost, yet robust cooling bag, how about the RTIC 20 Soft Pack? It holds up to 20 cans and ice, won’t leak on you, and can keep things cool for up to 5 days. Crazy huh?

You can also buy larger ones which will hold between 30 and 40 cans of drinks, but for me the RTIC 20 soft pack bag is perfect for the guy who loves to fish at the weekends with a buddy but will also be taking the family out on trips.

Fish Finder Maps – Under $150

Looking for a gift for a fisherman who already has a fish finder or depth finder on-board? If yes, then you might want to gift them some new fish finder maps so that can find the best catches no matter where on the water they are.

Make sure you buy the right ones though. For example, if he owns a Lowrance fish finder, the Navionics maps are best, and Lakemaster maps for a Hummingbird.

Inflatable 4-Person Tube – Under $350

I’ve previously written a guide to what the best 4-person tubes are, and you can take a look at that if you want further options. But for me, the best one you can buy would be the SportsStuff Bandwagon 2+2 (view on Amazon). The way that it’s designed means it seems to be far safer than anything comparable out on the water.

If you want a gift idea that can work for the whole family then look no further than this inflatable tube. It’s made from great materials that won’t tear and rip under the strain of being pulled behind a pontoon boat at speed.

Pontoon Boat Slide – Under $400

For maximum fun, invest in a pontoon boat water slide. I have reviewed and rated 3 of the best pontoon slides elsewhere on the website, so go take a look at those and see for yourself just what a great investment a slide can be. They are great fun for kids and adults alike!

Portable Cooler – Under $500

Yes, it’s expensive, and I know what you’re thinking… it’s just a cooler right? Well, yes, you are correct, but when it comes to coolers this is the best on the market for taking on your boat. It’s called the Yeti – go take a look.

Not only will it let a fisherman keep and store bait or fish correctly, but also has room for up to 50 cans of drink. Just imagine the kind of parties they could have on their pontoon boat with that!

Pontoon Diving Board – Under $1,300

This is an awesome gig, but please don’t let the price tag put you off. If you can afford it and you think it’s going to be a great accessory to enhance the fun your pontoon lover will have whilst out on the water, then for me, it’s money well spent.

The Lillipad Diving Board on Amazon is one of the most well-respected and reviewed boards that you can find online. It’s constructed from stainless steel, and can take weights of up to 250 pounds. It’s simple to store and dock, and will result in hours of fun.

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