News — Swimming

Pontoon Boat Brands to Avoid – Read This Before You Buy

By: PontoonPedia

A question I’ve been asked a few times over the last year is if there are any pontoon boat brands to avoid. It’s understandable, as even a used pontoon boat is going to cost you a fair whack, so you don’t want to end up making a mistake.
But here’s the thing; I personally would not avoid any of the current pontoon boat brands.

Virtually anything that has been manufactured in the last couple of decades will have been engineered to the highest standards and passed the relevant safety ratings.

Where pontoon boats will truly tend to differ will be the quality of the fixtures and fittings plus how they have been constructed overall.

It’s very easy to get distracted by all the shiny functionality you see on the deck. When looking at a pontoon boat, don’t just take in the seating, carpets, accessories, tech, and gear that gets thrown in.

You need to do your own due diligence by looking under the console and deck to see what the workmanship is like.

As an example, some pontoon boats will have rails and decks that have been screwed in. Other will be bolted through. Through bolting will give you a much better boat that’s going to last a lot longer, possibly with a reduction in overall maintenance costs.

Another thing to look at is the brackets on the pontoon tubes. The M shaped brackets are much better. But don’t stop there, also look at how the welding has been done, and on used boats, look for signs of damage and patching.

These are just a couple of tips; there’s a lot more to it.

You will need to do a lot of research before deciding whether a certain pontoon boat brand and model is one that you avoid or choose to go with. That includes talking to other pontoon boat owners.

To help you with your decision-making process, I’d like to refer you to some of the more in-depth content on Pontoonopedia that I encourage you to read in full before you pull the trigger on a purchase.

Must-read buyers guide for buying a new pontoon boat
If you are looking to buy new, and don’t know what pontoon boat brands to avoid, then this buyer’s guide won’t tell you that, as all brands make great models. What it will do is give you some insight into:

• What to avoid when buying new.
• Size and capacity considerations.
• Pros and cons to buying a new pontoon versus used.
• How you know if it’s a good pontoon boat or not.
• Which factory options you should choose for you.

I suggest reading the entire buyer’s guide in full before you start your search this year.

What to look for when buying a used pontoon boat
I’ve put together a checklist of questions and things to avoid when buying in the used market. This includes aspects such as:

• What will you be using the boat for?
• How much deck space will you need?
• How to search for great deals and prices.
• What elements on the pontoon boat you need to check out.
• What state the engine is in and how many hours it’s done.
• What the fixtures and fittings are like.
• What additional features will you need.
• How to compare prices and get better price.
• Whether a manufacturer warranty is important or not.
• How to ensure you get a log of receipts and work done.
• Taking a used pontoon boat for a test drive.
• Asking for proof of ownership and the seller’s reputation.
• What you need from a survey and insurance.

To read the guide in full so you know what pontoon boats to avoid when buying used, read the full used buyer’s guide.

Some pontoon boat basics
If you’re still undecided on whether to take the plunge, you might want to get to grips with some pontoon boat basics. I have listed advice on:

• Passenger capacity.
• Launching and driving.
• Beaching and anchoring.
• Parking in slips and marinas.
• Safety basics and tips.
• Trailer and towing basics.
• Fishing set-ups and layouts.

For more detailed information on each point, go check out my pontoon boat basics 101.

Making your final selection on a pontoon boat
There’s also a lot more information you need to get to grips with on how to make your final selection. This selection guide includes advice on:

• How to choose the right pontoon boat for your needs.
• What size you need depending on your plans.
• Whether you will need a fishing set-up, or just leisure, or both.
• How much your ideal pontoon boat should cost.
• What makes a good quality pontoon boat design.
• Question to ask the boat dealers before you buy.

Selecting the right pontoon boat for a family

And finally, if you are family-focussed, and looking for something to suit your and your brood, I’ve put together a guide specifically for this market. Tips include:

• Why plenty of seating is of paramount importance.
• How a pop-up changing room will be needed.
• The protection a decent Bimini will offer.
• How storage space should be a huge consideration.
• Why vinyl flooring might be better than carpeting.
• How watersports might change which boat you buy.
• The types of inflatables you can buy.
• What safety gear you will need for your family.
• Why a boarding ladder will be essential for kids.

Read my family-friendly guide to choosing a pontoon boat if you have kids.

The last word…

So there you have it. If you’ve read through all those guides you will now be in a far better position to choosing the best boat and brand to suit your needs. As mentioned, currently I wouldn’t say there were any pontoon boat brands to avoid. It all comes down to suitability, budget, and your individual needs.

For All Your Accessories and/or Vinyl Flooring Visit Pontoon-Depot's Shop Site. 

Which Safety Precaution Should be Taken First in Stormy Weather?

By: PontoonPedia

It goes without saying that boating in stormy weather can be a frightening experience for boaters who are just starting out. That’s why it’s so important that you get this question right when taking a Boat Ed exam and quizlet. Here’s the short answer, followed by some more details on how you can boat safely.

Which safety precaution should be taken first by a boat operator when boating in stormy weather? The boat operator should first make sure that all passengers on board the boat are wearing US Coast Guard approved life jackets or PFDs (personal flotation devices) when boating in stormy weather.

That’s the short answer.

It’s your responsibility as the boat captain or operator to make sure all people on the boat have the correct PFDs on which not only fit but have been approved by the US Coast Guard. This is even more important during bad weather conditions.

But there are some exceptions to this rule.

For example, with children younger than 13 years old, they should always be wearing a US Coast Guard approved PFD at all times as soon as the boat is in motion.

For more clarity on the law around how old kids are allowed to go on boats, and what measures need to be taken, please read the following guides:

• When can a baby go on a boat in Canada?
• Can you take a baby on a boat when in Florida?

However, there is a still a caveat with children younger than 13 when on a boat. If they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin, they don’t have to be wearing a PFD when the boat is underway – unless it’s very stormy weather of course.

But, here’s the thing.

As a pontoon boat owner, I would never, ever not have my kids wearing life jackets or PFDs when our boat is moving. It doesn’t matter if we’re anchored down in a calm spot or not. They have to wear adequate protection at all times.

It’s a good rule to have yourself.

In fact, my wife and I actually put together a list of rules for safety which we made our own kids learn back to front and off by heart. You can read those kid safety rules here, and there will be some aspects in there you might not have considered before.

But what are the best types of PFDs for kids?

It will be one that fits, it fit for purpose, and is US Coast Guard approved. You can see a checklist of what to look for in the graphic I made below.

You might also have heard about kids wearing something called a puddle jumper. You can buy ones that are US Coast Guard approved, and I’ve compiled a little guide you can read through here: what to look for in a puddle jumper to make sure it’s safe and approved.

Tips for boating in stormy weather

Back to the initial question though on which safety precaution should be taken first by a boat operator when boating in stormy weather.

Stormy weather can be really frightening, even for the most experienced of boaters. You only have to read reports of how duck boats have been involved in accidents and the fatalities involved due to a lack of life jacket to see that.

Here are my top tips for boating in stormy weather once you’ve made sure that everyone has their PFDs on.

1. Check the weather reports before you set off on a boat trip.
2. Make sure you have enough fuel to cover all eventualities in stormy weather.
3. Don’t start to panic as this can lead to poor decision making.
4. Always wear a PFD or life jacket as soon as the weather starts to turn.
5. Slow down and pay careful attention to how the waves are behaving.
6. Secure down any loose items on deck and in the cabins below.
7. Approach waves and wakes at an angle, taking no risks.

The last word…

If you are new to boating or are taking an exam and test, please don’t cheat.

Whilst I’ve given you the correct answer to the question on “which safety precaution should be taken first by a boat operator when boating in stormy weather”, don’t just tick the right multiple choice response and leave it there.

Continual refreshing on boat safety is essential, even for the most experienced of boat captains and operators.

You can find a wealth of boat safety information on Pontoonopedia, so please use the search functionality for more tips on how to make fun and safe memories on the water this year.

For All Your Accessories and/or Vinyl Flooring Visit Pontoon- Depot's Shop Site. 

Island Hopper® Island Buddy Inflatable Water Platform & Dock!!

By: Island Hopper®

Island Buddy Inflatable Water Platform & Dock

The Island Buddy Water Swim Platform is a super buoyant, ridged, inflatable water platform. This swimming platform can be used in conjunction with your boat and inflated in minutes to make a patio area for sunbathing, swim play, wakeboard and tube launching, or any number of water activities.

The Island Buddy is the perfect portable size at 8’ x 6’ to be used by 4 to 6 people. Substantially holding over 1000 pounds without worry! Each platform has 11 side welded stainless steel d-rings to tie off and anchor securely. You can also fit multiple units together to make an extended platform in any number of configurations. On top are 8 web-loops for tying down your ice chests, lounge chairs, paddle boards, and water toys. Also available and sold separately is Island Hopper’s exclusive inflatable pillow.

Made from commercially rated 1500 denier drop stitch material and built with heat welded seams to top boating industry standards. Island Hopper offers our customers a commercial industry best 5 year “No Blow Out” limited warranty.

Perfect for boat side water play, lounging in chairs, or on beach towels. Can be paddled into place, similarly to a stand-up paddle board and set with an anchor. Used for sunbathing, swim play, wakeboard and tube launching, and boat docking. Comfortably holds 4 to 6 people and over 1000 lbs. of weight.

• Extremely rigid and buoyant commercial drop stitch construction with HEAT WELDED seams. Inflates in minutes on your boat, weighs only 30 lbs. and stows in a small 36” area. Easily secures to the side of any boat and can be stored on a bimini top, once inflated.
• Connect multiple units to make an extended platform configuration. Features 11 side welded stainless d-rings, 6 carry handles, and 8 top welded web-loops for secure anchoring and holding accessor.
• INCLUDES: Island Buddy Swim Dock, double action hand pump, stow straps, instruction manual, and repair patches. Optional accessories sold separately: Inflatable Pillow, soft entry ladder, and 15 PSI auto-set inflator.
• Built to last! Industry best 5 year “No Seam Blowout” limited warranty. 30-day money back satisfaction guarantee.

Island Hopper Island Buddy Video 

For All Your Accessories and/or Vinyl Flooring Visit Pontoon- Depot's Shop Site. 

World of Watersports - Shop - Towable Tubes Big Bubba HI-VIS 2P

By: Wowwatersports.com

The Bubba couch style towables are some of the most popular tubes on the market.  They make for a perfect starter tube for the family just getting into towables but also they are a tube that just about anybody can have fun on.  The Bubbas come with a flat base for a smooth ride over the water and minimal drag on the boat.  The SECURE DECK SEATING on the Bubbas come with a super high backrest with sidewalls which is great for keeping young kids safe and for giving them a secure feeling if they are just getting started on towables.  But don’t get us wrong, these aren’t just for little kids.  The high backrest just means it’s more difficult to fly off on the more wild rides.  The smooth, flat base will get this baby going fast on the water if that’s what you’re in to.  The Bubbas also come with front and back tow points so you can ride sitting, laying down, or kneeling chariot style.  And after your ride is over the Bubbas make a perfect floating couch on the water.  Great for relaxing with your friends at your favorite body of water.

•  1-2 Rider Towable 340lbs or 154kg maximum capacity
• SECURE DECK SEATING comes with extra high backrest and sidewalls. Great for helping young kids feel secure on the water
• The extra high backrest keeps the ride going on the extra fast and bouncy rides
• Reinforced front and back tow points with 1 EZ tow connector on front tow point for fast connection
• Ride sitting, laying down, or kneeling chariot style
• EVA foam seat and knee pads
• 8 double webbing foam handles & 4 flat handles
• Great floating couch for relaxing after your ride
• Heavy-duty PVC bladder and nylon cover
• Speed valve for fast inflation and deflation
• Zippered valve cover
• Backed by 1 year warranty
• Deflated dimensions: 66 in x 60 in x 42 in