News — summer

#PontoonPets Make Summer Fun | Pontoon-Depot

(top pic) Here’s Major, enjoying a day on the water.

Our pets are members of the family. Where we go, we want them to go - especially when we’re enjoying a day on the water in the pontoon. Take your pets with you this summer, post your photos online and tag them with #PontoonPets - or post your favorite shots from years past. Either way, we can’t wait to see them!

Check out some of these photos we’ve already received!

 And here’s Percy, navigating.

 This was Baby’s first ride on a pontoon! Isn’t Big Bear Lake California beautiful?

 This is Delilah, enjoying her ride around the water.

While you’re out on the water and capturing some great #PontoonPets pics, be sure to keep your pet safe. After all, boating with a pet isn’t much different than boating with a small child. You’ll want to take extra steps to make sure they’re secure and not becoming dehydrated or seasick.

Consider purchasing a life jacket for your pet. Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs like water - and even individual dogs of water-loving breeds may not enjoy swimming, or take to it quickly. A life jacket will help your dog relax, and give you peace of mind.

Be sure to bring plenty of water for your pet - and a bowl for him or her to drink from. It can be hot out there on the water, and your pet will need plenty to drink. But remember - what goes in must come out. Your pet will need opportunities to relieve himself, too.

Did you know your pet can get sunburned? It’s true! A minimum SPF 15 sunscreen applied to sensitive areas like your dog’s belly, nose and the interior of the ears can offer protection. Just make sure he or she doesn’t lick it off. And if your pontoon has a bimini top, be sure to raise it so your dog has a shady area to rest in.

Finally, bring along some of your dog’s favorite treats, and maybe a favorite blanket or other comfort item. This will help your dog have a great day out on the water. Because let’s face it - if your pet’s happy, you’re happy. So have fun out there and remember - tag us in those great photos with #PontoonPets!

Boating - It’s Good for Your Soul | Pontoon-Depot

You already know you love spending time on the water. Whether you like it calm and peaceful or thrilling and exciting, the joy you, your family and your friends get from boating is undeniable. But if you’re looking for even more reasons to take the boat out - or maybe you need to convince someone else about the benefits of life on the water - read on!

1. It’s a chance to unplug. These days, we’re always connected - social media, text messages, online videos and more. Day to day, we don’t realize how much this contributes to our stress and anxiety. But when you’re on a boat ride it’s a great excuse to disconnect from technology - and reconnect with the world around you.

2. It’s a bonding experience. If you’re lucky, you have amazing memories from your childhood of boating with your family. Boating now - fishing, cruising, skiing, swimming - is a great way to build those same memories with your own family and friends.

3. It’s a great way to learn new things. Explore new experiences - try a watersport you’ve never tried. Kneeboarding, tubing and skiing are fun! Try a new type of fishing. Spend a night out on the water. With boating, the possibilities are endless.

4. It’s healthy! Being in the sun is actually good for you. Yes, you still need to use sunscreen. But some sun exposure allows your body to soak up healthy vitamin D that you need. Plus, being around water is relaxing and can help lower anxiety - studies have proven it!

5. It’s a social activity. Boaters are a community. If you have a boat, you probably have friends who have boats, too. It’s not uncommon for everyone to go out together to fish, ski, or find a quiet cove to hang out and swim. Plus, boaters help each other, and share tips and tricks. If you like people, boating is for you.

Play it safe when boating at night | Pontoon-Depot

An evening cruise to watch the sunset or do a little stargazing can be an unforgettable experience. But navigating home can be challenging. Everything looks different in the dark, and it can be easy to lose your way or hit an obstacle you just can’t see.

To make it home safely, follow these guidelines:

Slow Down

Before you head out, find out what the nighttime speed limit is in your area. Once you’re underway, if you feel you need to go slower than the limit, that’s certainly OK. Going slower at night just makes sense. After all, you can’t easily see the landmarks you need to navigate, and underwater or floating debris can be next to invisible. Safety first!

Learn the Language of the Lights

If you don’t know what the combinations of red, green and white lights mean, you shouldn’t be driving a boat at night. These lights help you know if a boat is coming toward you, moving away, or crossing your course - and which direction it’s going. Access your state or US Coast Guard resources to learn more, but a good rule of thumb is that if you see a red light, stop. That boat has the right-of-way.

Avoid Distractions

It’s easy for your pontoon to be a party on the water. And most of the time, that’s OK. But when you’re piloting your boat at night, it’s important you’re able to concentrate. So make sure any lights on the boat (NOT your navigation lights) are dimmed, look over the windshield so you can reduce glare, and turn down the stereo.

Consider Using a Compass or a GPS

Your first trip on a waterway should never be at night. If you’re at a new place, go out during the day first and take a compass with you. Make note of the direction you travel. Or, go high-tech and use a GPS system to drop a pin at your dock or boat launch. That will make it much easier to find your way back after dark, when everything looks the same.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy fun on the water any time of day.

Summer Boating Snacks | Pontoon-Depot

There’s something about being on the lake all day in a boat that’s relaxing, fun… and makes you famished! Everyone loves to snack on lake day. Skip the traditional bag of chips and bring some awesome summer snacks on your next boating excursion that will not only satisfy your hunger, but your palette too!

Fiesta Pinwheels – This easy wrap may need to stay in the cooler, but it’s well worth it and that’s easily done in a plastic container. You may want to double the recipe because these bite-sized snacks will go fast! Also try these Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pinwheels or your own twist on the idea.

Mini Snack Buffet – No recipe needed for this one, just compile a bunch of your healthy favorites to keep everyone satisfied! How about some grapes, berries, cheese cubes, mini sweet peppers, nuts and olives for starters!

Speaking of Grapes – Freeze them ahead of time for a cool, refreshing and healthy morning snack! Even if they thaw a little, they still taste great!

Chopped Salad in a Cup – Chop your favorite salad ingredients in a plastic cup with a lid ahead of time and bring prepackaged dressing (bottle or bag). When you’re ready to eat, just pour the dressing on, replace the lid and shake to stir and enjoy!

Fresh Kabobs – The antipasto skewers pictured have pepperoni, salami, olives, artichokes, tomatoes and cheese, but you could do anything you like or a variety of flavors (such as fruit!).

You’ll also find some great snack ideas here and even more snacks here. Be sure to bring something refreshing to drink too. And remember, spills are easy to clean on MariDeck Flooring, offered by Pontoon Depot! Whether you’re looking for quick and easy or healthy and fun, you’ve got unlimited options. Enjoy your boating day!