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TOP 5 BEST KENTUCKY LAKES FOR PONTOON BOATING

TOP 5 BEST KENTUCKY LAKES FOR PONTOON BOATING

By: Bennington Marine

There are few things better to do in the great state of Kentucky than head out on the water for a day of fun and relaxation. Looking for the best place to launch your Bennington pontoon boat? Check out our short list of the top lakes for Kentucky boating enthusiasts below!

Top 5 Lakes in Kentucky for Pontoon Boating

Lake Barkley

Created upon the completion of the Barkley Dam, this beautiful lake features more than 100 miles of shoreline. Nestled in a 17,000-acre park that features boating, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, golf and hiking – this is the ultimate destination for a weekend getaway.

Kentucky Lake

One of the largest lakes in the state, Kentucky Lake sits right along the Tennessee River and offers boaters more than 160,700 acres of freshwater to explore. Known for its superb fishing, you’ll find yellow perch, buffalo carp and white bass in these waters.

Buckhorn Lake

If you’re looking for a secluded and magical place to spend a few days out on your Bennington pontoon boat, then this is the spot for you. Tucked back among the Appalachians, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park has activities for the whole family to enjoy including mini golf, swimming, fishing, and hiking.

Lake Cumberland

This is Kentucky’s largest lake by volume, stretching across 6 counties in total and offering boaters a secluded paradise to explore. Locals visit Lake Cumberland to relax and enjoy everything from kayaking, rafting, swimming, waterboarding, fishing, water skiing and more.

Laurel River Lake

If fantastic natural sights are something you enjoy, then it’s time to make a trip out to Laurel River Lake. Located within the stunning Daniel Boone National Forest, this 5,700-acre lake is a popular destination for boating, scuba diving and swimming. If fishing is your goal for the day, you're sure to find everything from rainbow trout to black bass, catfish and crappie in the waters of the Laurel River Lake.

Explore the Best Waters Kentucky Has to Offer

Ready to get out and discover Kentucky’s best boating spots? With so many stunning natural waters to offer, it’s no wonder boating enthusiasts from around the country love to visit the great state of Kentucky. Before you plan your next big trip, be sure to check out the latest selection of high-performance Bennington Pontoon boats and find your local dealer today.

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

How Water License Laws Differ from The Road!

How Water License Laws Differ from The Road!

By: Amy Cabanas, Pontoon-Depot

 ....and how not to get into trouble this season.

Starting off the new year right is always a good thing. Although I must say I’m not much for New Year’s resolutions. However, I am a HUGE proponent of abiding by all laws and not putting you or anyone else in any danger on the water. Safety first!

Who knew! You actually have to take a class in all states and get certified to operate any boating vessel. Another surprising, yet understandable law, is that you must be at least 12 years old to operate a motorized vessel powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more. Moreover, you must be at least 16 years old to independently operate a personal watercraft, which isn’t too different from the road. I know in most states to get your drivers license for a car is 16 years old.

As for Game and Fish commission requirements, there are no minimum age requirements to take the online course. Also, you do not have to be a resident of the state you take it in, which is extremely convenient for all of you lucky enough to get some early vacation time.

This is not A Boating Safety License!!

Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license. What you really need is a Boating Safety Education Certificate from your state. You can get the state Boating Safety Education Certificate by taking a boat safety course at Boat-Ed.com. Find out if you need the certification. If you do, make sure you always carry it with you and if you lose it, get it replaced asap. These are a few things that can turn your day from fun on the water with your friends to a headache no one wants to deal with.

Kalkomey is the official provider of recreational safety education materials for all 50 states. They provide online boating and hunting, as well as, all other recreational safety education. Their email for more information is info@kalkomey.com

If you are worried about passing this test, as I am sure we all remember the nerves we had when getting ready for our drivers written test, have no fear. There is a study guide on the same site, Boat-Ed.com. Check it out for all your questions and/or concerns.

As I always say, better safe than sorry. Lets all start out the season on the right path. Happy Boating!

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

ELUX Marine Announces Fiberglass Electric Pontoon

ELUX Marine Announces Fiberglass Electric Pontoon

By: ELUX MARINE

ELUX Marine was started by medical device entrepreneur Howard Root and boat craftsman Bart Jones to bring a new concept to boating – one that’s fresh, quiet, trouble-free, electric.

The result of their collaboration is now available in the ELUX electric luxury pontoon – a 24-foot fiberglass pontoon powered by a 72-volt, 420-amp lithium battery pack propelling a direct drive inboard electric motor at speeds up to 14 mph. At cruising speed, the ELUX electric pontoon motors for over 10 hours on a single charge and recharges by plugging into a standard electrical outlet.

Initial limited 2019 production of the ELUX pontoon will be available for sale and delivery in May.

“We started ELUX Marine to redefine the pontoon experience by using the clean power of electricity to lead the next generation of enjoyment on the water,” said Howard Root, Chief Executive Officer of ELUX Marine. “Our ELUX electric luxury fiberglass pontoon combines the simplicity of an electric motor with the luxury of a fiberglass design to deliver the most pleasurable and trouble-free pontoon boating experience available.”

“When I started my design work five years ago, I asked myself a simple question: What if a pontoon didn’t look like a pontoon? Starting with a blank sheet of paper, I sought to create a pontoon that was tailored for lake cruising but was also sleek and stylish. The first step was to integrate the pontoons into the hull and the final result is the ELUX pontoon – a boat that meets the pontoon cruising needs for Minnesota lakes with a design that uses clean, simple lines to make a bold statement,” ELUX Marine Chief Design Officer Bart Jones said.

Beyond the benefits of electric power, the standard features of the ELUX include:

  • Integrated passenger seating for 12, with flip-up storage and multiple USB chargers;
  • Slide-out cabinets for full-sized cooler, trash and recycling storage;
  • Unobstructed 2-foot swim platform with under-mount telescoping ladder;
  • GPS with Simrad GO9 XSE 9-inch display and TotalScan transducer sonar;
  • Premium Infinity stereo by Harmon Kardan with eight speakers, subwoofer and Bluetooth;
  • LED bow and stern lighting;
  • Handheld electric portable vacuum;
  • Removable custom shade sail for protection from the sun and rain;
  • Removable transom gate and full-sized table;
  • Pull-up cleats and quick release customized flat boat fenders.

 The new ELUX electric luxury fiberglass pontoon will be on display in the ELUX Marine Booth at the Minneapolis Boat Show, to be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

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

BEST TIME TO COMPLETE BOAT MAINTENANCE

BEST TIME TO COMPLETE BOAT MAINTENANCE

Written by: Skellner

Pic by: Lowe Boats

As the weather cools and you begin donning jackets and hats, don’t forget about your boat. Winter is the perfect time to complete annual maintenance on your boat. Here are four reasons why:

  1. You’re already not using it
    In North Idaho, it can be downright miserable to be out on the water in the winter. With winds, snow and a lack of sun, it’s much more fun to indoors! So since you’re not planning on using your boat anyway, winter is a great time to have routine marine maintenance done!
  2. It’s in storage
    If you’re storing your boat in Hagadone Marine’s indoor storage facility (LINK:https://www.hagadonemarine.com/storage/ ), it’s easy for our staff to complete routine maintenance, all while ensuring the safety of your craft. And if you’re storing your boat with us, we’ll even pick it up in the fall and drop it off in the spring.
  3. Be ready when the sun comes out
    Don’t wait in lines or take extra time to change fluids, run a fuel check or look over pumps and gauges. Instead, get this kind of annual maintenance during the winter. You won’t be vying for limited spots at your service provider — you can bet at the first sign of sun, people will flock to service providers like Hagadone Marine to get their boat services. Instead, be ready on your own schedule. You never know when the first nice day will be!
  4. Don’t neglect your investment
    Don’t forget that your boat is a big investment. You probably spent a lot of time and energy to find the right boat — don’t let that all go to waste by not maintaining it! Winter is an easy time to get this done in North Idaho, and it’s a simple way tin ensure your boat stays in ship shape for as long as possible. This helps maintain the resale value as well!

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