News — summer snacks

The Fun You Can Have on a Pontoon Boat...

By: My West Shore

There’s nothing like a pontoon boat for a fun day on the water! 

A pontoon boat is one of the most versatile water crafts available to all kinds of water enthusiasts. It looks like a large platform with guardrails, canopy, seating, storage and, of course, a motor. In other words, a pontoon boat has space for people to mingle like in a living room. Except it’s on water. And it moves!

Ideas for fun on a pontoon boat

Think that pontoon boats are a retired person’s leisure craft? Think again! Pontoon boats are increasingly popular with people of all ages. Why? Because pontoon boats now come with more amenities and comfort. They’re suited for a variety of activities, making it easy to stay entertained and engaged on short and long excursions.

Here are some ideas to help make your pontoon boat adventure a success:

Make it a party 

The average pontoon boat holds about a dozen people. So, the next time you’re ready to go out on the water, why not invite some friends and have fun on a pontoon boat?

Hosting a birthday, anniversary or engagement party on a pontoon boat is easy. Even the most basic models have ample storage for food and supplies, a sound system for music, plenty of seating, and even room to dance. You can string lights and other decorations — as long as they are secure and don’t interfere with the vehicle’s operation.

If you’re invited to a party on a pontoon boat and aren’t sure what to wear or bring, the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) Discover Boating offers tips on marine manners. 

 Snorkel and swim 

Pontoon boats are perfect for popping in and out of the water. The platform at the back makes it easy to jump in the water, even for kids. And the rails along the side are convenient for holding on to the outside of the boat, if necessary. Following open water swimming safety will help to keep the day fun.

 If you’re in an area with lots of marine life, don’t miss out on seeing them “eye to eye”. Have snorkels and masks on hand for a little underwater sightseeing. 

Of course, ensure the engine of your pontoon boat is off before allowing anyone to swim, snorkel, or go in the water for any reason. 

Pontoon boat as games room 

There will be times when friends and family can’t or won’t want to be in the water. Help them stay entertained and connected by taking along board games and other diversions. Try to avoid games with paper money and other pieces that can blow away. 

Instead, take playing cards, trivia games and social games like Boggle, Cards Against Humanity and travel Scrabble for your guests to play when the mood strikes. 

Fishing 

The platform at the back of a pontoon boat is a perfect place for avid and casual fishermen to cast a line and relax. The ample storage gives you space for gear, bait and ice chests to keep your catch until dinnertime. 

Naturally, be sure all swimmers are out of the water before fishing from your pontoon boat. 

Quiet family time 

Yes, you can invite a lot of people on your pontoon boat. But you don’t have to. Sometimes it’s nice to have a quiet day or afternoon with only your partner or kids. 

Being on a pontoon boat with only a few people gives you the best of both worlds. You can be together for activities but have enough room when people need a nap or a little space from each other. 

Advantages of pontoon boats 

Not sure if a pontoon boat is the right water vehicle for you? Consider these advantages: 

Easy to use

 Learning to drive a pontoon boat is easy. The steering wheel works like it does in your car: turn clockwise to go right and counter-clockwise to go left. 

While contemporary pontoon boats can travel at a good clip, you always want to move at a slow speed when leaving the dock and navigating to open water. The same is true when you’re ready to return. 

Most pontoon boats can move a fairly high speed but are not intended for rapid acceleration. But if you are going to push down on the gas, give your passengers fair warning so they can secure loose items, including themselves! 

Pontoon boats are very stable but they aren’t exactly nimble. Avoid trying to make sharp turns. And, if you do, make sure gear and people are secure before making the turn. 

Easy to maintain 

Pontoon boats sit high on the water. This reduces the chances of denting or otherwise damaging the hull. The same is true if you need to transport it on a boat trailer. It’s good practice to raise up the outboard motor when loading the pontoon boat onto a trailer. But if you forget, it’s usually not a problem because of the high clearance. 

If the hull does get damaged, it is generally faster and less expensive to repair compared to a traditional v-shaped boat hull. 

After use, pontoon boats don’t need to be wiped down the way other gel-coated boats do. So, at the end of a fun day, you can take your pontoon boat out of the water and get on with land-based activities. 

Great for outgoings with kids — including teenagers 

The best feature of a pontoon boat might be its size. With couches, tables, the platform at the back, covered areas and uncovered areas, kids can play on their own yet stay supervised. 

This is especially appreciated for kids who invite friends. They usually want some time away from the adults and room to be active. On smaller boats, everyone is always close together and required to stay seated most, if not all, of the time. 

In other words, on pontoon boats, kids can be more active and independent. This makes the outgoing more fun for them — and the adults! 

Comfort 

It’s more than the size of a pontoon boat that makes it comfortable. It’s also that it’s essentially a floating platform. Higher end pontoon boats may also have an upper deck but generally, they are one level. 

Having lots of open space makes it easy to take in views in all directions, spread out, and be active. Also, the amenities on modern pontoon boats are designed for comfort. Seating is usually upholstered. Tabletops make eating and playing games as comfortable as if you were in your own home. 

No matter your definition of comfort, lots of storage allows you to take along all the food, games, equipment and clothing you need to make your time on the pontoon boat enjoyable. 

Safety

Pontoon boats are by far the safest of multi-person water craft. In 2014, there were one-tenth the number of personal injuries involving pontoon boats, compared to open motor boats. 

The pontoons are what make this water craft stable. The safety of pontoon boats makes them a desirable option for anyone who enjoys being on the water. 

Storage

The storage on pontoon boats is outstanding. Its open design allows for a range of storage options for equipment, food and other supplies. Plus, marine craft manufacturers are continually maximizing the use of space and making improvements to match consumers’ needs. 

Things to keep in mind

There’s no doubt that it’s easy to have fun on a pontoon boat. To help keep the entire adventure safe and fun, also keep a couple of things in mind: 

Turning radius 

The size and shape of a pontoon boat gives it a wide turning radius. This means that tight turns are difficult or impossible. 

When entering shallow areas or areas with many other vessels — especially speed boats and personal watercraft like jet skis — leave yourself enough space to maneuver safely and follow general boating etiquette. 

Rough water

As mentioned, pontoon boats are very stable. However, in very choppy water and during significant storms, they can be dangerous. 

Because of its design, the front of a pontoon boat can easily enter a large wave instead of riding over it. It is also more difficult to navigate in rough water because of its size and structure. 

So, if there’s a forecast for high winds or any kind of storm, the best way to have fun on your pontoon boat is to not take it out on the water that day! 

Conclusion

The versatility, comfort, and safety of pontoon boats make it easy to have fun on the water. Whether you’re looking for the occasional excursion or a floating cottage to use every weekend, you can’t go wrong with a pontoon boat.

If you want to dig a bit deeper and find out some more information come down for a visit as we have a large selection in stock and on sale – pontoon boats in all shapes and sizes.

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!

Best Pontoon Boat Grill – Your Top Choices in 2018

The summer is my favorite time of the year. To me, there is nothing better than basking in the sun on a hot day, enjoying cold drinks and good company. But here’s the kicker: To make the day even better you must add food aspect to it. And not just any restaurant takeout food, but perfectly seasoned peace’s of steak, or fish, grilled on the best pontoon boat grill you can find.

I will settle for a lot of things, but when it comes to grills there is no settlement, I demand the best grill that I can afford.

You must be wondering why:

Well, I am not the greatest cook in the world, not even close, so having the right grill makes it important because it does the work for me. What I mean by that is that I don’t have to put as much effort into cooking in order for food to taste good.

Can it get any better than that? Of course, it can.

All you need is a boat. And not just any boat, you need a pontoon.

But aren’t we risking a fire on the boat that can bring down your investment and ruin your day beyond repair? No, not a chance. Not in this day and age.

And here is why:

Today we can actually have a fully functional grill on board of the boat. Isn’t that amazing? This has to be the best invention since Tesla defeated Edison with his AC power. Right?!

So how do you find the right boat grill for you? Here are a few things you have to think about.

Do You Know What to Look For?

Housing

The type of water you take your pontoon on will determine the type of grill you should consider getting. For salt-water, a 316-stainless-steel grill is always best. The reason being that it has a high tensile strength and is resistant towards corrosion.

This type is harder to find and pricier, but worth it.

If you are using your grill in freshwater, you can get away with using an 18-8 grade of stainless steel. This grade of stainless steel is more resistant towards corrosion, but not as strong as 316-grade.

What is most important is that no matter the type of grill, make sure it has a double liner. A double liner will protect the metal from getting discolored and guards against gas leaks. Also, a double-liner keeps the outside cool.

This is important to me because I don’t want my daughter burning her fingers, oh no.

Shape and Size

Recently, many boaters have started switching to a square and rectangular-shaped grills. This is because they offer more cooking space. I think that kettle shapes or dome shapes reflect wind easier and keep the heat reflection different.

It all depends on your personal choice.

When considering size, rectangular grills tend to be bigger. It is important you think about your needs as well as the size of your pontoon. You do not want to get a grill small enough that you cannot cook for the whole family or, a grill big enough that you do not have enough space.

Fuel Choice and Features

One aspect that is all up to personal preference is your fuel choice.

Some people enjoy the smoky flavor of charcoal and some people like the ease of use of propane. It all depends on what you want. Keep in mind, that charcoal grills are a little cheaper. But, you will be spending some money on charcoal on top of this.

Another matter of personal choice is the type of mount. Do you want a free-standing grill or a grill that requires mounting to a railing? Keep in consideration that not all freestanding grills can be used on a grill and not all mounting hardware can be mounted to the rail.

Another aspect that can make cooking on your boat a much easier process is having a push button ignition. It makes it easier and safer to operate.

Warranty

You should always pay attention to warranty, no matter what you are buying. Buying a grill for your pontoon is not an exception.

The warranty gives you peace of mind and guarantees that money spent will not be wasted.

Now that we know a little more about this subject, let’s discuss another very important aspect.

Safety!!

Some Safety Tips

• Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations, you are not grilling on land. Any mistake can be disastrous.
• Don’t be a rebel, rules are everywhere. If you are grilling at Marina, check to see if it’s allowed.
• Never grill with the boat in motion. A wave might knock your food off, or worse, a spark.
• Always inspect it before and after use. Be particularly careful with propane grills as those can sometimes leak. If you think there might be a leak, don’t use it. Fix it yourself or bring an expert to do it for you.
• Don’t leave your grill unattended.
• Watch for embers, stop them from falling out.
• Don’t add lighter fluid while the grill is in use.
• Avoid grilling around flammable materials.
• Have a fire extinguisher ready close by.
• Don’t forget to turn it off once done the cooking.
• Let it cool off, don’t store it away while still hot.
• Clean your grill after use, it’s easier to clean now than next.

For most people, these are common sense things that are easy to follow, but sometimes we go against our best judgment. There are of course many reasons for that, one being alcohol, but try to be as diligent as you can.

Don’t ruin everyone’s day because of recklessness, and don’t let anyone else ruin your because of the same reason.

Additional Common Sense Tips

• Coat the grates with oil before using to prevent food from sticking to it.
• Control grill temperature so you don’t burn your food.
• Use a meat thermometer if you have to.
• use different tongs for raw and cooked food. I learned this in the restaurant business.
• Don’t rush to cook the hood, give it time to cook properly.
• Allow your meat to get sear marks before turning it over.
• If you can, avoid lighter fluid with a charcoal to get the best flavor.

Ok now, let’s move on to the meat of the article.

Best Pontoon Boat Charcoal Grills

The best barbeques are made with charcoal, period. I don’t care how well you can grill, there is nothing that compares to the smoky taste that charcoal can give you.

However, all this great smoky taste comes with the price. It takes a long time to prepare something with charcoal.

• First, you have to light up the charcoal. I don’t like to use lighter fluid so the lighting time is a little longer.
• Then you have to wait for the grill to warm up.
• Lastly, you have to let the fire down a little because you don’t want to grill on high flames, it ruins the meat.

It is time-consuming, but I love it.

Now, here are the best charcoal BBQs on my list.

Magma Products Marine Kettle Charcoal

Magma is known for excellent grills and Marine Kettle Charcoal (Amazon Price) is no exception.

For starters, this is a good looking grill, especially when mounted on your boat. I love the mirror polished stainless steel construction look, it’s brilliant.

With the assistance of a mounting set, you can easily mount this grill anywhere on your pontoon.

This grill also comes in different sizes, depending on your needs.

• 13 Inches – 133 square inches of grilling space.
• 15 Inches – 155 square inches.
• 17 Inches – 177 square Inches.

I always go for the biggest one, you never know how much space you will need, but you know best what works for you.

The stainless-steel design also makes it easy to clean. The plastic handle allows you to easily lift the top part of the grill.

As stated with many other grills, it does not come with mounting brackets.

However, this is one of the most attractive and efficient grills out there!

Marine Kettle Pros & Cons

Kuuma 58110 Stow N’ Go 160

Another appealing pontoon grill is the Kuuma Stow and Go (Amazon Price). This grill is pleasing to the eye and can be mistaken for a household BBQ. It is constructed of 100% stainless steel and it is designed to use refillable gas tanks or disposable bottles.

This model does not require any assembly and is reasonably priced for the space that you get. With 160 square inches, you can easily cook meals for the whole family. It has a thermometer and igniter as well.

The biggest benefit is that it has a removable grease tray. With this, you can easily clean the grill and store it away.

Kuuma 58110 160 Pros & Cons

When it comes to the Kuuma, the best part is the company offers this grill in both gas and charcoal. This allows you the freedom to choose!

Magma Products A10-703C Cabo Adventurer Marine Series Charcoal

Another Magma has made the list, and it’s not the last one. Mirror polished stainless steel not only looks good but it’s built for maximum corrosion resistance in the harshest marine environments.

It features 9” x 18” or 162 sq. in. grilling surface. An oversized lockable lid with draw tight latch comes with two variable temperature control draft door assemblies. It also comes with durable heat resistant all-weather plastic handle with air cooled support. 

A lower grille can easily be removed for cleaning while it’s angled side walls keep briquettes in place.

Despite its good size, A10-703C Cabo Adventurer (Amazon Price) is surprisingly portable.

Cabo Adventurer Marine Pros & Cons

Best Pontoon Boat Grills That Run On Gas

Magma Products A10-918-2GS Newport 2 Infra Gas

A10-918-2GS Newport 2 infra gas (Amazon Price) is the best of it’s kind. It is portable, durable, allows you to hook up a gas tank easily, and has 162 sq. in. of grilling space.

What is even more impressive is the dynamic combustion system that will keep your grill lit during a very windy day. I have heard of people saying the grill stays lit even during 15-20 knot winds. That is absolutely impressive.

With enough grilling space, you can use this it on a stable surface. It has foldable legs to keep it steady.

One unique feature of this grill is that it has a window thru which you can see the inside. You can also warm it up beforehand to your ideal temperature, depending on what you are cooking thanks to the hermetically-sealed temperature gauge.

Newport 2 Infra Gas Pros & Cons

Magma A10-801 TrailMate Conniosseur Series Gas

The Magma A10-801 (Amazon Price) is smaller than the one above at only 108 square inches of cooking space. However, it also is a bit less expensive while offering many great features.

It comes with an attractive stainless-steel design and the ability to free stand. Also, the gas can be mounted to the side as a portable propane tank.

TrailMate Conniosseur Series Gas Pros & Cons

Magma Products A10-1225LS Monterey Infra-Red Gourmet Series Gas

Superior corrosion resistance and lasting beauty come from 100% 18-9 mirror polished marine grade Stainless Steel.

The Magma A10-1225LS Monterey Infra-Red Propane (Amazon Price) comes with new Infra-Red technology and incorporates an Anti-Flare screen system. This system creates intense evenly distributed heat which emulsifies food drippings and gives your food a great smokey flavor.

Additional features include secondary cooking area and sealed stainless steel thermometer. Also reliable piezo igniter, full-length handle, perfectly balanced lockable lid, and swiveling control/valve regulator for quick, safe fuel canister exchanges.

Magma Products Monterey Pros & Cons

How Do You Pick The Best Pontoon Boat Grill For Your Needs

There are a few factors you should be looking at:

BBQ on a Budget

Remember that you will use this grill only a few times during the summer, don’t be like me and overspend. Just because it looks good and has all these cool features it does not mean that it’s better than others. The bottom line is, a grill is a piece of metal used to make food.

Boat Grill Usability

How are you going to use the grill? Do you enjoy cooking or do you grill just to eat? If you enjoy grilling go with the charcoal, otherwise go with the quicker cleaner gas or electric options. Gas is probably better in case you do not have electric power on you on your boat, you don’t need to drag power generator around.

Portability

Are you keeping your grill on the boat or are you taking it home? If you are keeping your grill on the boat the size is not that big of a deal, but if you don’t you should go with something small. Even a medium size grill will be a pain to transport.

What Do I Think Is The Best Grill

As I said at the beginning of this article I’m a foodie and BBQ is my favorite. I really love that smokey flavor of well-grilled steak or freshly caught fish.

Naturally, the choice should be a charcoal. Most likely Marine Kettle Charcoal Grill because of the large size and good looks. However, there is a difference between a boat and a backyard.

Yes, I have enough time to prep the grill and make food but do I really want to do that on the boat? Do I really want to clean the grill after the food is ready or do I want to enjoy the time with your loved ones? And is charcoal safe?

When I put all that on the paper I had to say no to charcoal. It was too much work and not safe enough for me.

So I decided that the best pontoon boat grill for us is A10-1225LS Monterey infra-red gourmet gas grill.

Yes, it’s very pricey. And yes it’s gas, but it does give a smokey flavor to food. And I simply love that.

I love the fact that it’s large, easy to clean and can take larger propane bottle. And on top of all that it has a secondary cooking area. How awesome is that?

You might not agree with my choice and that is ok, we all have different preferences. Ultimately grill is not what makes you happy, it’s family and friends that gather around that grill.

Now that you know what the best pontoon boat grill is maybe it’s time to learn how to beach pontoon if you already don’t know that.

I want to hear what you guys think about these BBQs. If you have bought a pontoon boat grill, which one did you get and what do you think of my choice?

By: Goran

15 Ideas to Make Boating More Fun for Kids

So, you want to bring kids out on the water.

And you want to make sure they have a great experience—one that will last a lifetime.

That’s a tall order. A fun day of boating can turn sour if you’re not prepared to feed, entertain and care for the littlest people board your pontoon.

If you’re bringing kids on board, then here are the fun, favorite items that I’d recommend you bring along with you.

1. Bring Playdough

Our our pontoon boat we have a small table by one of the L loungers under the shade of the bimini.  It’s a perfect spot for little kids to play with toys or playdough while the adults have their fun.  Having a little jar of playdough in your boat can save a parent who will otherwise spend the day trying to console their bored baby/young child who isn’t interested in getting in the water.

2. Get a Big Tube

Kids love tubes.  That’s no secret, but what I’ve found is that kids are a lot more excited about getting out on the tube if you have a big tube that can accommodate 4 or 5 kids.  The tubes that only hold one or two are usually a bit scarier to little kids who have to go alone. 

3. Stock Up with These Fun Snack Ideas

You gotta have your boat loaded with snacks for the kids to enjoy the trip.  It’s even better if you have some snacks that the kids don’t usually eat.  Here are a few ideas that work well in the boat because they won’t get the boat messy while they eat, and they stay good in the heat of the sun.

• Homemade granola bars with their favorite fixings (nuts, raisins, craisins, M&Ms, etc)
• Pretzels and mini marshmallows in a ziploc bag
• Sweet Potato French Fries in a bag (Sweet potato french fries that are baked are delicious, healthy, and easy for kids to grab)
• Dried fruit
• Bread balls (my kids won’t eat bread unless I tear it into pieces and smash it into little balls.  Suddenly they love it!)

4. Movie Time!

If your boat has a power supply or cigarette lighter that you can use an adapter on, one way to REALLY convince them they like boating is to watch a big movie on the boat with a projector.  Hang a white sheet down from the bimini and set the projector at the bow.  It’s the perfect way to end a day on the water.

5. Order Pizza to the Dock

My five year-old goes WILD when we do this!  Just call your local pizza place and give them directions to the dock.  Pick up some pizzas and shove off again for more boating.  The kids laugh and laugh when you call and order.

6. Get a Slide

Pontoon boats are perfect for fun accessories like a slide.  They can be a bit pricey but for kids it’s tough to beat.  Older kids may love wakeboarding and playing on the tube, but younger kids can be intimidated by the tube and prefer something right on the boat.  The Rave Pontoon boat slide looks awesome!

7. Invite Their Friends

Kids suddenly get a lot braver when they feel like they are in charge.  Have each of your kids bring two friends on the boat for a day and suddenly they’ll be very popular, and your kids will love going on the boat because they’ll have other people they can tell the rules to and show how things go.

8. A Long Downed Skier Flag

My 3 year old loves going on the boat even though he rarely dares to get in the cold water.  That doesn’t stop him from having fun, though.  He is the “downed skier sheriff” and is responsible for waving the orange flag wildly the instant someone hits the water.

If you get a longer downed skier flag, the kids have a lot more fun with it and won’t mind a few hours in the boat.

You can put your other kids on “biff cam” duty, to video record everyone being towed behind and get good video of them falling, biffing, and otherwise splashing.

9. Bring a Rod

Kids love fishing, and it’s a fun activity to break up the day.  Start or end the day fishing when the fishing is good and you’ll usually hook your kids into boating.

One thing I like to do is to watch the fishing boats during the day and see where they are.  Then, when it’s sunset time and perfect for fishing, head over to those hot spots and catch a few.  This way you don’t have to spend the whole day trying to locate the fish, but can still get the kids interest in fishing because the fishing’s hot!

10. Get them a Wet Suit

One of the major things that turns my kids away from boating is when the water is cold in the Idaho lakes.  Get your kids a nice wet suit so they can enjoy the trip.  Remember that kids get cold very easily, so be sure to keep them warm!

11. Head to the Beach for a Picnic

If you haven’t noticed a trend yet, this list is really about finding ways to break up the day.  If you just get on the boat and ski all day long, it means a lot of boredom for the kids.  Spend some time planning different activities you’ll be doing at different times of the day so that there is always something for the kids to be looking forward to.

At lunch time, I think it’s nice to get off the boat for the while.  The kids can run around at the park or marina for a while and you can take a break from rocking up and down, go to the bathroom, and get anything else you need from the car.

12. Explain the Rules FIRST!

One mistake I made when we starting bringing the kids out on the boat was that I didn’t sit them down and explain the safety rules at the beginning.  The reason this was a mistake is that I spent the first entire trip telling the kids what they were not allowed to do–not very fun for them!

I took the kids out to the boat while it was still trailered on the side of the house and we all climbed up to the boat.  I then explained they needed to wear a life jacket from the second they get onto the dock until we’re back in the car–even when we’re just walking around the beach.  I showed them danger zones on the boat like the bow, how they need to sit down while we’re moving but can run around while we’re stopped.  When they can get in the water, and if they take off their shoes when they get in the boat then it’s okay with me if they climb all over the furniture.

Once the kids had the rules explained all at once when I had time to sit down and explain everything, they became very good at following the rules and I never have to say “no” on the boat because they already know what they can and can’t do.  Much more fun.

13. Teach the Kids to Drive

I’ll admit–this one is sketchy.  In my state, there is no law about age to drive a boat and I talked to the sheriff specifically and asked if it’s okay if the kids drive when they’re sitting on my lap.

My pontoon boat is powered with a 115hp engine which is no toy, but can take a full hard turn of the wheel even at top speed and we aren’t anywhere near tipping.  What I do is let the kids sit on my lap and they can control the steering wheel and I control the throttle.  I am in charge of lookout and can grab the wheel at any instant if there is danger, another boat in the vicinity, etc.  I also never go above 15 miles per hour.

The kids love it, and with the restrictions I put on it, I don’t see any danger at all since I’m able to take over at any second.

14.  Peppermint to the Rescue

Some kids get motion sickness on the boat when there’s a good chop on the water.  Bring a peppermint stick for seasickness and it can rescue an otherwise unpleasant trip.  Dramamine and other drugs are not okay for kids, so this is a great alternative.

I really don’t put much faith behind the homeopathic/home remedy stuff.  I really don’t.  But peppermint works!  I was very skeptical but it did wonders for my wife when she used it for car sickness and the Amazon reviews are nearly all positive. 

Get a Quease Ease and just stick it in the glove box of your boat.  When you or someone you invite on your boat starts to feel nauseous, you’ll be very glad you gave it a try.  The stuff works!

15. Deputize a DJ

Need another “job” on the boat to keep the kids entertained?  One of my boys loves being the DJ.  We have a Bluetooth stereo in the boat (you can put one in for just $100, by the way) so you can play the music remotely from a phone.  I hand my phone to my son and he controls the volume and the song.  When there isn’t one he likes, he is in charge and nobody is allowed to stop him from changing the song.  It’s a small thing, but he loves it.

by Jim Harmer