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Weird Fishing Reel Tech Update (REALLY WEIRD) | Pontoon-Depot

By: Fish Talk Magazine

Ummm... why are you putting that fishing reel into a refrigerator?

Have you ever spooled up a reel with braid, and then become flummoxed when it spun freely around the spool? Yep, it’s happened to us too. So like most folks, we figured the braid had been put on too loose. We stripped the spool, and re-spooled it under more tension. And it seemed to work fine – until it didn’t. The usual solution? Tie 10 or 20 feet of mono to the braid, and reel that onto the spool first. Well fellow anglers, we have some very interesting technical information to share with you.

This all started when FishTalk reader Walt Tomczykowski bought and spooled a pair of new reels early this past winter. Everything seemed honkey-dory, until on a chilly December afternoon Walt discovered that the drags on both reels had somehow mysteriously failed. Further investigation showed that it wasn’t a drag issue, but the braid line was spinning freely around the spool.

Most of us would have simple re-spooled with a longer mono backing. But not Walt. Oh no, he just couldn’t be satisfied. Being a reliability and quality engineer in addition to being a fish-head, Walt started thinking about the problem on a technical level that most of us strive to avoid.

“In the comfort of my kitchen everything worked fine,” Walt explains. “After a long drive to fish at a favorite fishing spot, in the 40-degree temperatures it did not. But back at home, it worked again.”

Tomczykowski began applying a barrage of tests. In one, he placed the reel into his refrigerator to simulate a chilly outdoor temperature – and that’s when the problem arose again. He taped a thermocouple (a sensor that measures temperature) to the spool, and when it hit 50 degree, the reel started to work once more. The experiment was repeated with no line and with all mono, and the reel worked perfectly fine in all temperatures from 32 degrees to room temperature. Finally, with some mono backing (enough for a couple of layers around the spool) the experiment was performed one more time and the reel works in both the cold and at room temperature, too.

“Isolating the issue to the spool and use of braid, I realized the lightweight aluminum spool was contracting with the temperature change,” Walt explains. “I didn’t think about the new slick spectra braid not contracting. I ran calculations on my spool in question, with a length of 0.625" and a radius of 0.5", determined the surface area of the spool, and applied the coefficient of thermal contraction for aluminum and a delta T of 34 F.” (Editor’s note: huh???)

“The change in area was 0.001749 inch square, or in other words approximately 1.8 mils or a couple thousandths of an inch.”

Thank you, Walt (does anyone have an Advil?) We further note that Spectra maker Jerry Brown recommends: "Spool the first full layer of Spectra onto the spool in a close side-by-side fashion under tension of six to eight pounds of pressure over the tag end,” to eliminate this issue. But Walt goes on to note, “To account for variance, or to minimize the risk of human variability or improper spooling (as noted in your staff's Five Tips for Winter Tackle Maintenance article), if the spool does not have a braid-ready rubber ring, adding tape or a layer of mono easily makes up for any shrinkage that may occur.”

Finally, Walt notes that you can test before you cast, by simply putting your new reels into the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. His wife has no comment.

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Today’s Pontoons | Boatmate is Taking Trailers to a New Level.

By: Pontoon and Deck Boat

The evolution of pontoons over the past 10 or so years is actually quite impressive when you step back and admire the tremendous growth. Today’s boats are bigger, faster and loaded with amenities most would never have thought possible on a pontoon boat. As more focus is being placed on these high-end performance pontoons, can the same be said about the trailer? Or simply put: does your trailer below keep pace with your investment above? That’s a question we feel more consumers need to be asking when buying pontoon boats built today. 

In an attempt to learn more about the advancements in pontoon trailers specifically, we reached out to Boatmate Trailers, a Tennessee-based manufacturer, who is quickly gaining in market share by offering quality trailers built to match the next generation of pontoons.

At Boatmate Trailers, their mission is to exceed customers’ expectations with innovative, quality products and exceptional service to the marine industry, and that was clear to us as we took a closer look at one of its standard trailers. 

“Boatmate has been in business 30-plus years and has evolved into pontoon trailers over the past 10 years,” says Randy O’Malia, the regional sales and marketing manager. “We’re building trailers to match the new style of today’s pontoons. A lot of people are out there looking for more and we want to give them a trailer that mimics what they buy with their pontoon itself.” 

Package Deal? 
O’Malia’s advice to those considering buying a new boat today is to pay close attention when you’re shopping for your next pontoon trailer. While some manufacturers offer packages that include trailers, savvy buyers always consider the big picture and want to make sure the trailer offered is best for their needs. 

“Our company is strong in engineering and we’re always looking ahead,” adds O’Malia. “We like our product to look good, but safety is our highest priority." 

Another factor to Boatmate’s popularity is their willingness to listen to dealers as well as to customers. When the manufacturer first started building trailers the bunks were fixed, but after consulting with dealers they decided to make them adjustable for a more custom fit for each pontoon.

A Step For Your Step 
There are several key features that allow Boatmate trailers to stand out against others, including their exclusive built-in spiral stairway. 

“We’ve noticed with other trailers you need a step ladder just to get to the trailer ladder,” says O’Malia. “We have a built-in step below the trailer frame and then the staircase wraps around for easy access. This ladder has been very well-received by our dealers and customers and we’re proud of this design as well.”

The specific trailer we inspected included standard features like alloy wheels, LED lights and polyurethane paint. The only options were the vinyl bunk covers and the boat guide. The vinyl bunks are a new dealer-inspired option, but carpet is still available as a standard feature. Another nice added touch is the large transom step that provides easy access to get on the boat, as well as other user-friendly designs. 

Providing customers with superior products for the best value will continue to be the focus at Boatmate Trailers. Before you buy your next pontoon you should take into consideration what will be cradling it as you’re cruising down the road to your favorite body of water. 

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

Joining A Marina Community | In Boating Safety, Tips and Pontoons!

By: LoweBoats.com

Boating means many things to many people. For some, it means thrill-seeking hours of wakeboarding, water skiing and tubing, or perhaps it means peaceful daybreak and twilight hours with a rod and tackle. For others, it means relaxing cruises and warm summer afternoons of dropping the hook for swimming, sunbathing and dining al fresco.

But at its heart, boating is really about community. As you share your passion for the on-water lifestyle with your family and friends, you naturally will gravitate to other families, couples or groups who share the same interests. And when you become a community, your entire on-water experience goes to the next level. It just keeps getting better and better.

Yet, how can you find those like-minded people?

It’s easy. Find a marina near you or near your favorite cruising grounds that fits your personality and lifestyle. It’s guaranteed that most of the other boaters there will be your kind of boaters. In fact, the right marina will provide countless ready-made playdates.

How do you choose the right marina? It’s simple: Do a little homework, and talk to people — marina management and slip-holders alike.

These are a few important questions to ask yourself as you start reviewing marina prospects:

• Does the marina easily accommodate boats like yours? A sailors’ marina might not be the best for a pontooner seeking other pontooners, and a marina catering to larger cruising boats might not be as appealing as one that serves vessels of all sizes, shapes and styles.
• Is the marina located in or near appropriate waters? A pontooner should dock his or her boat in a marina that offers access to relatively sheltered cruising grounds with lots of interesting nooks and crannies to explore. A coastal marina that is a gateway to big, open and frequently rough waters wouldn’t be the best place for a pontoon.
• What amenities are important to you? Are you simply looking for a place to dock your boat and hang out with other boaters, or would you like to take advantage of shower facilities, laundry, picnic areas, special events and other attractions?
• Is there a good vibe on the docks? Do people look like they’re enjoying themselves? Ask them how they like the marina and if there have been any problems or concerns.
• How do you feel when you tour the facility and talk with the management? Do you feel ill at ease, or do you feel comfortable? In the end, you want to form a relationship with the marina owners and staff. If you feel that they’re your kind of people, you’re going to be happy keeping your pontoon there.

For extroverts, some of the main delights at a marina are hanging out on the boat at the end of a fun day on the water, visiting with the boaters next door and across the way, savoring an ice-cold beverage and listening to music.

At the nearby Skipper Bud’s Quarter Deck Marina, seasonal slip-holders could enhance their experience with outdoor grills, an outdoor fireplace, a covered pavilion and a plush boaters’ lounge with all the extras. On one occasion, I spotted a crowd of boaters enjoying an impromptu suppertime picnic in the pavilion — their laughter and good cheer were infectious.

Some marinas, like the Bay Harbor Lake Marina in Bay Harbor, Michigan, offer formal events such as in-water boat shows, classic boat shows and rendezvous cruise-ins. Others, like Marina Jack’s in Sarasota, Florida,  are part of large complexes that incorporate restaurants, retail outlets and watersports equipment rentals.

The best part is that you don’t need to be on the East or West coasts or in the Great Lakes. You can be an inland-lake boater and still enjoy the very best of marina life. Just look at operations such as the Ozark Yacht Club  in Missouri, the Holiday Marina on Georgia’s Lake Lanier and even the Frisco Bay Marina  and Dillon Marina, both located at 9,000 feet in the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

Marinas have embraced the idea that they, too, need to focus on community. To that end, they have added those aforementioned amenities — things like swimming pools, picnic areas, pavilions and gazebos — that encourage gathering. And they have created a formidable list of events, from Venetian parades, Fourth of July fireworks and Halloween trick-or-treating to regattas, cruising clubs, rendezvous events and dockside barbecues.

If you don’t currently belong to a marina community, what are you waiting for? Jump online and do a search for marinas in your chosen boating area. You might also want to do a more general search for exciting events and activities in that region… for example, in the Lake of the Ozarks, you won’t want to miss www.funlakelife.com and www.lakeozarknow.com.

Don’t be shy – your new and improved boating lifestyle is out there, waiting for you!

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

The Pontoon Boat Bar: How to Make Your Boat Party Dreams Come True!

By: BetterBoat

Who doesn’t love being the life of the party?

Well, when you’re hosting a party on your pontoon, the ‘toon itself might steal the stage.

Especially if it’s a got a built-in wet bar.

Sure, you can install one later, but if you’re considering a new pontoon purchase, you might as well look for a ‘toon with this popular feature included.

It seems like an added luxury that you don’t really need, but entertaining friends and family are what days on the water are all about. And what better space to gather around than a built-in wet bar on your pontoon deck?

Whether you’d prefer to perch on a stool or lean back on a bench, pontoon boat bars can create a social atmosphere for cocktail-mixing adults, as well as contained areas for children to eat.

The Pontoon Boat Bar: How to Make Your Boat Party Dreams Come True

There are several varieties of pontoon bar types available.

I mean, if you’ve ever attended a boat show, you’ll notice the sheer variety in pontoon boat bar styles.

Some have a simple galley where you can store a few liters, whereas others might be full-blown, high-top counters with sinks and stools.

Add-on Bars

Okay, let’s say you already own your own pontoon and are looking to upgrade it a bit with a new bar.

Luckily, there are always attachable Docktail bars and accessories if you just need something smaller-scale or temporary.

For example, they’ve got a handy utility table (check price on Amazon) if you need to add counter space.

And, from Boat Outfitters, here’s another add-on bar option (check price on Amazon) that can be installed right on your boat’s deck.

Then, you can look for the additional appliances that complete the whole pontoon boat bar, like a mini-fridge and portable ice maker.

If you’re looking to buy a new (or just new-to-you) boat, then you can seek out a model with all of the good integrated.

We’ll help you with that now. Before giving you a list of boat models that carry bars, here’s a list of common styles you might come across while you’re checking out the market.

Bar Tops

You can find a variety of boats with basic, bar-height seating arrangements without putting out much for optional upgrades.

A lot of boats will have this as part of the entire package, just without the sink.

I find bar tops are useful for everyone, even if you’re more of a quiet boater and not an entertainer. They give you a nice place to sit and eat lunch. Don’t need all the appliances of a home kitchen and only want to pack a cooler? Not problem.

Built-in Wet Bars

A wet bar is a bar with a sink (at least). You may also come across wet bars with fridges and occasionally grills. Of course, a grill is easy enough to add yourself.

On some pontoons, you may find both a built-in wet bar on one side and a galley on the other. This combination can be quite nice, as it provides maximum counter space and cabinet storage space.

With a setup like this, you don’t have to get creative with your boat storage ideas.

Galleys

Galley kitchens inside our homes are designed as maybe one or two walls where all the cabinets and appliances are hooked up.

Since a pontoon has minimal space for these kitchen accessories, you’ll typically see galleys lined up along either the port or starboard railing.

You can find pontoon bar galleys with many amenities including mounted stoves. On the other hand, you can also find them very minimal with only counter space and a bit of cabinetry to store items. In the latter case, the galley is paired with another standing bar feature.

One thing to mention: Keep in mind that none of these bar tops are adequate for preparing fish. If that’s something anglers are looking for, many pontoon manufacturers carry pontoon models offering an optional fish station.

6 Pontoon Boats with Enviable Bars for Entertaining

Whether it’s cocktails or appetizers you’re after, here are a few boat models with bars in the layout.

To find out what type of pontoon bar is suitable for you and your family, think about how you entertain in your own home.

Do you typically sit gathered around a table? Or are you too active and prefer to stand to eat and run?

1. Bennington

• Bar Type: Portside Bar (Optional Starboard Galley)

• Seating: Standard Height Chairs

Bennington’s G22 Bar and Galley Pontoon Boats have very nice touches like under lighting at the bar and cup holders for those moonlight cruises. Although you won’t find the sink at the galley side, you’ll find it in front of the bar.

The bar does not have stools, per se. Instead, it has reclining swivel chairs, which to me is much more luxurious.

The starboard galley is optional. With the sink in front of the bar, if you feel you need the counter space and storage beneath to hide away all the plastic tumblers and plates your heart desires, I’d suggest adding the galley. Again, Bennington adds nice touches like stainless railings.

2. Veranda

• Bar Type: Bar Top
• Seating: 2 Club Chairs

Also called the Vertex Bar Series, standard features of this series include lighted drink holder, a tilt-out trash can and a fiberglass bar with deluxe seating.

It only consists of a bar top, not the whole shebang wet bar or even a galley area. But if you never intend to mix cocktails and need a prep station for snacks, this might be just all that you need.

Keeping it simple by preparing lunch ahead of time is how most ‘tooners think. And the more counters you have, the more you’ll need to clean up at the end of the day. For some of us, this is plenty of space for entertaining.

Veranda 2016 Relax Bar Series

• Bar Type: Bar Top

• Seating: 2 Swivel Seats

Veranda’s Relax Series Bar differs from the Vertex Bar in one major way. It has a non-skid vinyl bar top instead of fiberglass. But that’s just the bar feature.

The Veranda Relax Series is an entirely different model entirely. Their floor plans are very similar, but the Relax series has more optional upgrades.

3. Sylvan Mandalay 8525 Bar

• Bar Type: Aft Bar and Port Galley
• Seating: 2 Stools

Sylvan’s bar is located in the aft, which is a bit unusual placement by pontoon bar standards.

The most impressive part, in my opinion, is the pop-up glass and plate holder, located on the back of the bar’s top. It was a smartly-planned use of what could have been wasted space behind the bar.

Other features include a faux granite countertop, a sink (which I find to be larger than average for these bars) and a pull-out drawer where a cooler is stored beneath.

The portside galley adds a bit more counter space for preparing drinks. With this galley, you have the option of adding a small fridge. In addition to the bar, located on the starboard side are two bucket seats with a built-in insulated cooler between them.

4. Godfrey SanSpan 2500 WetBar

• Bar Type: Wet Bar
• Seating: 2 Barstools

If you love to entertain guests and prepare fresh meals right from your pontoon, this bar area feels more like your own personal kitchen space.

Visually separated by the bar and optional flooring change, if you’re looking for a lot of counter space to spread out for a burger-building station—this is your pontoon!

Aside from the overall space, it has most bells and whistles other pontoon bars incorporate like cup holder lighting and stainless steel rails (to keep that drink from sliding off).

5. Avalon Pontoons 2018 Ambassador Entertainer

• Bar Type: Wet Bar and Port and Starboard Galley
• Seating: Booth Benches

Avalon’s Ambassador Entertainer Bar will make your jaw drop. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing but nothing was spared in this fully-equipped galley and wet bar combo.

Corian-like counter surface with an electric refrigerator, a built-in sink with stainless faucet. There are even hidden cold-storage compartments. Avalon really utilized every square inch of volume in this bar. Not much empty space to speak of.

You can cook your meals at the aft prep center and take your plate to an illuminated bistro table. On the bistro table is a curved stainless double wine bottle holder, but the coolest thing—a hidden wine rack beneath them that raises with only the push of a button.

6. Manitou SES Series

SES Bar

•  Bar Type: Bar Top
• Seating: 4 Bar Stools

Manitou’s SES Bar has no galley sink or extra counter space. It only comes with the bar top and four adjustable height bar stools.

The main difference the SES Bar has from the Entertainer is a lounge bench placed starboard where the galley or wet bar would normally go. If you plan to store your food and drinks in a personal cooler, no big deal. But something to consider.

SES Galley

• Bar Type: Galley

• Seating: Booth Benches

This galley is pretty decked out. A built-in grill for flipping burgers, a refrigerator to keep your drinks cool and a sink to wash up.

The only difference the SES Galley has—compared to the SES Entertainer and SES Bar—is bench seating.

Without a bar top, it will feel like the equivalent of taking your drinks into the living room, except there’s not even a cocktail table. If you feel the need for some sort of flat surface to eat on, this may not be the bar boat for you.

However, I do like the open space it provides without the table. And bench seating is more family friendly, allowing children to cozy up without having to be lifted up to a bar stool. If you allow pets on seats, they can jump up freely too.

SES Entertainer

• Bar Type: Bar Top and Galley

• Seating: 2 Bar Stools and 1 Bench Lounger

The Entertainer is the most bar space you can get from Manitou Pontoons. Like the SES Bar and SES Galley, it has both a bar table and extra counter space.

The SES Bar’s lounger is replaced with the wet bar including a sink, mountable grill and refrigerator below.

The seating consists of a pair of height-adjustable stools on one side of the bar top, and a bench on the other. One nice feature I absolutely love it is that the bench converts into a sun lounger.

This list is by no means the entire world of pontoon boat bars on the market. And of course, there are more pontoon models designed every year.

If you don’t see exactly what you like, talk to your favorite manufacturer about having it custom made. It’s important to find a pontoon fitting your particular needs.

Once you’re set up, entertaining on the lake can be a lot of fun.

Of course, with a bar on board, just remember that it’s important to drink responsibly (yes, even if you’re not the captain).

Heavy drinking to the point of getting plastered can result in falling overboard and creating an emergency situation. Being alert when on the water can mean life or death.

Have fun entertaining, but be safe on the water!

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