News — summer

Water Safety on the Lake | Pontoon-Depot

May is National Water Safety Month which typically applies to backyards: swimming pools, swim spas and hot tubs. But in our line of business, water safety month means being safe out on the lake. And here are some of our best tips:

Water Depth

One of the first things to remember about swimming at the lake is that the murky water keeps you from seeing how deep it really is. Oftentimes, when you stop to swim it's hard to judge the water’s depth unless you're on a beach, in which case you know that the further you get from shore the deeper the water will be.

Swimming Distance

Additionally, the glare from the sun on the water can cause you to misjudge distances and think you can easily swim from point A to point B when, in fact, it's too far. As such, it is highly recommended that you always wear a life jacket when swimming in a lake, since there are so many unpredictable factors involved.

Life Jacket Required

Speaking of life jackets, we highly recommend that while the boat is in motion everyone wear a life jacket, especially children under 12 or anyone who does not possess strong swimming skills. This is an important precaution while the boat is in motion, in case of a boating accident or someone falling overboard. And remember, boats should only be driven by licensed drivers and never be driven by someone under the influence of alcohol for optimal safety of all of those on board.

Caution of Currents

Understand that swimming in a lake is not the same as swimming in the more controlled environment of a pool. There are currents, even in a large lake. As well as waves caused by other boats passing by. For everyone’s safety, it is highly recommended that you swim only in designated swimming areas or just off of a shore, where most boats won’t be passing. And be sure to anchor the boat and turn off the motor completely before anyone exits to swim.

This summer, keep your friends and family safe by taking these precautions during lake boating excursions. And remember, every month is water safety month!

Party on the Houseboat | Pontoon-Depot

You know houseboating can fill your summer weekends with hours of fun. Fishing, swimming, maybe even tubing - it’s all a blast. But this summer, think outside the box. Try something different, and start some new traditions.

Themed Dinner Party

I mean, you’ve gotta eat, right? And your houseboat is equipped with all the space and equipment you need to serve up something amazing. So get creative, and invite all of your friends. Host a five-course gourmet meal at sunset. Throw a Mexican fiesta - margaritas included, of course. Go nautical with the decorations and serve some delicious seafood. The choice is yours. There’s just one rule: Have fun!

On-the-Water Block Party

Do your friends own boats, too? Get everyone together for a block party! On the water, have everyone motor to your favorite cove and tie up together. From there, kick back and relax just like you would at home. Plan some games - those that incorporate the water are especially fun.

For example, set up a bean-bag toss tournament with the boards on different boats. Miss the boat with your toss? You better jump in and get the bean bag!

When it’s time to eat, set up different snack stations on different boats, or you could even hold a progressive dinner party. Appetizers on one boat, main dish on the second, and dessert on another. The options are really endless.

By the way, boat block parties work at the dock, too.

Houseboat Campout

Make a memory your kids will remember the rest of their lives - take the boat out and spend a night under the stars! Be sure you have plenty of graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows for s'mores, and haul some sleeping bags and a small grill to the top deck. Find a quiet, sheltered spot and settle in for a night of old-fashioned fun!

With a little creativity, you can make this a summer to remember!

Reasons Dad Needs a Boat Upgrade | Pontoon-Depot

Dear Dad:

Remember all the times I said, “I forgot”?

I really did.

Remember all the times I said, “It was like that when I found it”?

It wasn’t.

Remember all the jars you opened, spiders you killed, things you fixed, monsters you slayed and oil changes you took care of?

Thank you.

Mom and I have talked, and we’ve decided it’s time you did something for you. No, not fishing with your buddies. I mean, that’s nice. But we were thinking about something, well, a little “more.”

Have you ever thought about upgrading the boat?

We know you love that old boat. But, can we be honest? It’s sort of seen better days. OK. There’s no sort of about. It has! So it’s time.

The carpet is, well, gross. A new vinyl floor would look great, and be a heck of a lot easier to clean. Plus, it’s slip-resistant, so you won’t take a spill.

We know you like to take the boat out for a little night fishing, from time to time, too. But it can be hard to see everything you need to, out on the water in the dark. Add some LED lights in just the right places, and you won’t have any trouble finding your tackle. Or your snacks.

One of our favorite things about the boat is the bimini top. But the straps have become really worn. Maybe some new ones?

We hate to break it to you, but those boat seats? We don’t want to sit on them anymore. You can only hide so much with a beach towel, Dad. It’s time to invest in a new set of seats. You won’t regret it.

So what do you say, Dad? Are you ready to upgrade the boat? You can still take your friends out fishing, too. Just, maybe, check with mom first.

Happy Father’s Day!

Meticulous Maintenance | Pontoon-Depot

You love your pontoon boat. You take pride in maintaining it. You do so to protect your investment, keep your family and friends safe, and to look good out on the water!

Replacing shabby old flooring and seating is a no-brainer. These prominent pieces can be the difference between cruising in comfort and style or drifting in dishonor! Still, there’s a lot more to peak pontoon performance than these most obvious objects…

Sometimes the smallest, most inexpensive component can save the day - or ruin it. Perhaps you know this all too well from past personal experience.

As you prepare your vessel for the summer boating season, be sure to look over every square inch of it. Is anything broken, missing, unsafe, or just plain ugly?

Consider the following list of inexpensive, easy upgrades/replacement parts:

• Cleats - Look for broken or missing cleats. 
• Fence Savers - Cheap, easy way to defend against damage!
• Fender Savers - Cheap, easy, and precautionary parts.
• Battery Box - Keep it clean and contained.
• Lights - Do you need replacement lights, better lights, or more lights?
• Fuel Tanks - Do you need a new, larger, or auxiliary tank?
• Fuel Line Kit - Is it time to replace or improve?
• Fuel Filter - Often overlooked… Is yours due to be replaced?
• Primer Bulb - Is yours cracked, leaking?

Don’t put to sea until your pontoon boat is pretty, polished, purring, and properly prepared!

If you need any of the above-mentioned items, navigate over to our safe, secure online shop: https://pontoon-depot.com/collections.

Pontoon-Depot is your simple, one stop shop for all of your pontoon boating needs!