News — tips

Low-budget pontoons designed to maximize family fun

By Lew Freedman, Chicago Tribune

The large necklace Cathy Santogrossi wore was a miniature neon sign. Much like a flashing sign that might be seen in Las Vegas, her few-inches-long advertisement grabbed the viewer's eye with rotating letters: "Boats = Fun."

Such a description may be true of all boats--and because her family business is Fox Valley Marine in Naperville, Santogrossi would tell you that--but it's possible that no boat is more fun for more people than a pontoon.

Large, stable, slow-moving, seemingly indestructible, pontoons really do live up to the cliche of "fun for the whole family." It is a curious quirk of nature and commerce that the best time to buy a boat is when the water is frozen. The annual Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show takes place in January so it won't interfere with prime boating time and a purchase will be ready for delivery when there's actually water available.

Maybe it's because my knees are senior citizens, but I confess to a growing fascination with pontoons. Once it was easier to identify with cigarette boats (thank you, Don Johnson) and their high-speed capability. Now I'm partial to the Volkswagen of boats.

There were a variety of pontoon boats on display at the recent show at McCormick Place, but even though they barely register on the price chart next to the million-dollar yachts, they seem to be inching up in cost.

Still, when I compare the price of a pontoon with the cost of a new car, I don't feel badly about the potential investment.

"Women like the boats because they're safe and they're like a home on the water," Santogrossi said. "Women like something safe and enclosed. There is more interest. It's going up. These people just want fun on the water. They can bring Mom and Dad with."

I lump pontoons with VWs because of their general lack of glamor. But I compare them to Hummers for their sturdiness. Basic pontoon boats measure 18 feet. They grow a bit longer from there. All models are 8 1/2 feet wide. Most accommodate wheelchairs. They are high-sided and, depending on the motor (25 horsepower and up), usually travel at speeds of around 10 m.p.h., or slightly faster than Fred Flintstone can go with foot power. When the Pontoon Boat Racing Circuit is started, I want to know about it.

The price is $10,000 to $40,000. Try to buy a 2007 car for 10 grand.

It is no surprise that the young, single guy with a sports car is not the target customer for pontoons.

"The demographic for the pontoon boat is Grandpa and Grandma," said Wayne Libera, who operates Water Werks boat sellers in Country Club Hills and Naperville. "They want to take the grandkids fishing and riding. You're going out there and puttering around on the water. And young parents buy that pontoon boat for large families.

"It's real safe and an 18-footer will hold 10 people. But that's no boat you would want to put in Lake Michigan."

Libera said a solid pontoon can be found for lake and river use for $12,000. Whatever happened to the old $5,000 model?

"Five thousand dollars will buy you junk," he said.

Some pontoons come with individual fishing seats at front and back to complement couch-style seating in the middle. Others have couches all around.

Pontoons are for the low-budget buyers whose only connection to fancy yachts is admiring them in magazines. If they want to live it up, they pay extra for an on-board portable toilet, a changing enclosure or a canopy for weather protection.

Tom Tepe and his wife, Priscilla, of Oak Park are looking toward retirement next year. They were window-shopping at the show for a pontoon of about 20 feet long and a $16,000 to $22,000 hit to the pocketbook.

"He wants to fish all day," Priscilla said.

"Maybe twice a day," Tom said.

They do plan to take the grandchildren out and want four seats.

"But it would probably be the two of us most of the time," he said.

Brad Frystak of Great Lakes Yacht Sales said parents of very young children set up playpens and that pontoon boats are ideal for wheelchair boaters.

"They're floating living rooms," Frystak said.The market is seeing the first signs of the young single male pontoon buyer, he said, as long as modifications are made.

"Believe it or not," Frystak said, "they are buying these because they're becoming performance-oriented with 175-horsepower engines."

Somehow that seems like equipping a yellow school bus with a jet engine.

11 Essential Items to Be Prepared When Boating

By: BetterBoat

There is nothing–not one thing–worse than marking a boat day on the calendar for a month, packing the car, launching the pontoon boat in the lake, and hearing the engine sputter and stop. Nobody wants boat trouble on the lake, but boats are finicky and can have many issues. The real question is how to be ready for problems that come up like this. I have had frustrating issues  out on the boat plenty of times. Often you just have to find a way to fix problems as soon as they come up. It is difficult knowing what you need to be ready for anything, but, after a while I learned that there are a few very basic items that can prevent about 90% of the problems you’ll encounter that could derail your boating trip.  Here they are…

#1 – A Portable Utility Battery

When you are out in the middle of a lake, you don’t have a wall outlet to plug your electronics into, such as a GPS or fishfinder. So, being able to charge it anywhere – like out on a toon – is invaluable. That is why I recommend a portable power bank. The one I recommend has two USB outlets, a DC power outlet, an LED light, and it can also jump car batteries. Click Here to see what it is selling for on Amazon.

However, seeing as some toons do not have an outlet to charge your phone, you may be simply wanting to charge your phone while you are spending the day on the lake. In this case, you may not a battery so powerful or big, you can also get smaller portable chargers that just charge via USB. These are almost always just used to charge cell phones or small devices, but the small size and much cheaper price makes them very versatile and easy to keep with you. Click Here to see our recommended single USB portable charger on Amazon, or Click Here for a double USB port charger on Amazon.

#2 – An Extra Prop and Prop Wrench

You never know what could happen when you are out boating, this includes damaging a prop. It can be extremely difficult if a prop gives out mid-trip. So it could be very handy to have an extra prop stowed away for such situations. It is also helpful as you will always have your spare right with your boat. You won’t need to store it in the garage and have to find it again later. When dealing with a malfunctioning prop, you are definitely going to want to be able to be able to get something done. You may have to readjust, tighten, or remove the prop. In a crunch, you aren’t going to want to have to cancel your day due to a lack of tools. A Prop Wrench can also help you untangle grass, reeds, or other plants that tangle up on your boat.

#3 – Toiletries

It is always a good idea to be ready for personal emergencies. Guys and ladies alike. While you should always be personalizing your preparations, it is good to have items such as bandages, a good first aid kit, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and other such items.

#4 – Duct Tape or Electrical Tape

If you can’t fix something with duct tape, you aren’t using enough duct tape. Duct tape can be extremely helpful when in a pinch. Duct Tape was originally invented by Johnson & Johnson’s Permacel division during WWII. The US Military wanted a strong, WATERPROOF tape that could keep moisture out of ammunition boxes. This is exactly the kind of resource you are going to want at your disposal on a pontoon. Such a versatile and effective tool can be more helpful than most realize. If an item breaks, duct tape can usually keep it working long enough that you can have time to get it repaired. It is also helpful for repairing wear and tear on life jackets or your vinyl seats, a small rip can be disastrous if no taken care of.

#5 – Assorted Tools

Aside from a prop wrench, you may need a few more tools every now and then. Such tools might include a few screwdrivers or a wrench. While these obviously won’t fix major boat repairs, they could fix a few small tune-ups needed on board. If you find a loose screw or bolt somewhere, you will want to tighten it quickly. If it falls out, it can be a pain to find or replace.

#6 – Power Snacks

Despite assuming that you will bring snacks with you when you go boating each time, we are still human, and we still forget. Having a few granola bars or nonperishable snacks stowed away might come in handy if you don’t bring enough food or end up staying longer than you planned. Just remember that sugary snacks will give you energy for a while, but you will also have an energy crash soon after that can leave you sleepy, hungry, cranky, and unable to concentrate. Healthier snacks will give you more energy throughout the day.

#7 – Water, Water, Water

Even if you are out of the sun, dehydration can be a serious danger. Also, if you are swimming around and playing in the water, your body is exerting energy and is perspiring. You won’t feel it as easily because most water you go boating on is much colder than our body temperature. This means that while you are cooling off in the water, your body is trying to keep up the internal body temperature so that you don’t get hypothermia. Because you feel cool in the water, you are tricked into thinking that you don’t need to drink. The wind will also evaporate sweat off of your body, which also dulls your sense of water loss. In all actuality, you need water more than usual. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you are thirsty, you actually are already dehydrated. Bring water with you when you go boating. Just in case you finish of that water, keep a few gallons of fresh water on board. Try to cycle the water out for fresh water every few weeks though.

#8 – A Blanket and/or An Extra Jacket

This one isn’t so much a necessity as it is convenient. If you are out fishing early, it could get brisk. You may want to toss on that extra layer to keep warm. Remember to check what the blanket is made of. Cotton will soak through quickly and will just be cold. Wool will still soak, but will keep you warm even if wet. A fleece blanket would do fine, but can get heavy when wet. If you get a lot of spray while boating, you may want to use a waterproofing spray like Scotchgard on your jacket, blanket, or even your shoes. Click Here to see what Scotchgard is going for on Amazon.

#9 – A Trash Bag

If you are eating granola bars or other packaged snacks, you don’t want to drop them on the ground in your boat. They could fly out and end up polluting the wonderful environment you are enjoying. Keep a bag on the boat to put trash in. Remember to have no trace left behind when you leave – this keeps nature clean for everyone else and for you when you go next. Trash Bags are also helpful for putting items in that you would like to keep dry. Extra changes of clothes, or an extra jacket could easily be stored in one.

#10 – A Map

No matter how much of a man you are, you may still need a map. Being able to see and know where you are at is a good way to be safe. Maps of the water you are boating on also help you know where there may be no wake zones or speed limit zones. Not to mention that looking at a map could help you know where the fish might be if you are fishing. While a paper map can always be helpful, there are many other options. You can also use other methods such as a GPS you put on your dash or even something as simple as your phone.

#11 – A Spotlight

Were you to find yourself still out on the water when it begins to get dark, you can find yourself blinded and lost. In the event that you do end up getting caught in that situation, you will want to have a good spotlight to get you back to the shore safely. While there are some spotlights you can attach to your boat, you can also get a large handheld one that can also work well.

Now obviously, there are more things that could be added to this list, based on where you live, what kind of boat you have, what you are boating for, and when you are out. You will have to modify this list. Feel free to add, remove, or change things on the list to suit what you need. If I missed something major, or if you have another helpful suggestion, comment about it. Everyone can benefit from more ideas.

How to Handle a Pontoon Boat | Pontoon-Depot

By: Lenny Rudow 

If you’re new to pontoon boats, you’ll want to know these tips.

If you’ve read our Pontoon Boat Basics article, you know that pontoons come in all shapes and sizes these days. They sport more power than ever—one of those ten winners had 600 horses on the transom—and they may be designed for anything from plain old lounging, to watersports, to fishing. But no matter what sort of pontoon you’re interested in, all share a few quirks and characteristics that set them apart from traditional V-hull boats.

How to drive a pontoon boat:

1. Leave the dock being aware and in a controlled manner.
2. Point the drive unit first, and then shift.
3. Use a short applications of power, re-direct the drive, then use another. Repeat as necessary.
4. Now in open water, make sure the engine is trimmed down to mitigate bowrise.
5. Apply power smoothly and slowly.
6. Watch for the bow to level out as the boat breaks onto plane.
7. Changing direction, always “check your six” first.
8. Try avoiding sudden turns, avoid making them too sharp or abrupt.

LEAVING THE DOCK

Let’s begin where the boating experience begins: taking the pontoon boat off the dock. This task isn’t much different from pulling any other boat out of the slip, and pontoons handle surprisingly well at slow speeds. But your usual enemy—the wind—has a lot more to grab on to, thanks to those vertical fences surrounding the deck. And at the same time, the “logs” (as each individual pontoon is sometimes called) don’t reach very far down into the water. As a result, gusts that might push other kinds of boats slightly askew can knock a pontoon boat completely off course—or back into the dock you're leaving.

How can you prevent this problem? Simply being aware of it is the most important thing, so you’ll be ready to counter that breeze with controlled blasts of power from the engine. And remember, "controlled" is the key word, here. Don't shift into gear then start turning the wheel, or you'll already be headed in the wrong direction. Point the drive first, and then shift. Use a short applications of power, re-direct the drive, then use another. Repeat as necessary. If you get into a fix, try operating in reverse instead of forward. Which way you turn the wheel may be a bit confusing at first, but going backwards places the boat's pivot point (the outdrive) as far up-wind as possible, minimizing the effects of the gusts. With the bow into the wind and your pivot point all the way aft, one good gust can send you reeling.

ACCELERATING

Now that you're out in open water, you're probably ready to pick up some speed. As you would with most outboard-powered boats, you’ll want to make sure the engine is trimmed down to mitigate bowrise. Apply power smoothly and slowly (and warn your guests about your next move, so you don’t catch them by surprise.

Watch for the bow to level out as the boat breaks onto plane. Once it does so, you can trim the engine up to both boost speed and attain a more comfortable and/or efficient running attitude. If you hear a howling sound from the propeller, your speed drops, or you feel the boat get “squirrelly” (the bow seems to lift out of the water, wants to wander instead of staying straight, and requires constant course correction), that means you’ve trimmed up too far and need to bring the engine back down until the boat stabilizes again.

Just how fast should you be going? Boats don’t have brakes, so always put caution before fun. On crowded waterways, more traffic equals less speed.

Even when the lake is not crowded, you still need to follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations for cruising RPM. In most cases, this will be about 75 percent of wide open throttle. So an average outboard with a maximum recommended wide open RPM of 6000 should usually be cruised in the neighborhood of 4500 RPM.

If fuel efficiency is your goal, you’ll want to back that throttle down a bit. Most efficient cruise usually comes shortly after the boat begins planning, in the 3000 to 3500 RPM range. A great example of how RPM, speed, and fuel burn relate to efficiency can be seen in our Princecraft Vectra 23 Pontoon Boat Video Boat Review. Look for the full performance data chart, which pops up on the screen about 35 seconds in. At 3000 RPM the boat breaks a plane and does 17.0 MPH, while it burns a mere 2.1 gallons per hour. That nets 8.3 miles to the gallon—more than the boat gets just prior to planing, and significantly more than it gets at faster speeds.

TURNING AND HANDLING

Now that you’re zooming across the water, you may want to change direction—either just for fun, or to follow the shoreline. Always “check your six” first. There are no lanes on the water, and you never know when another boat will be overtaking from astern, will change its course without warning, or will even turn into your path.

Every boat is different, but as a general rule of thumb pontoon boats tend to stay flat or bank out, unlike the inward bank of a V-hull. (The exception is high-performance tri-toons, which are sometimes designed with the center pontoon lower, causing the boat to bank inward.) Remember that sudden turns can send coolers, gear, or even people sliding across the deck, so try to avoid making them too sharp or abrupt. And again, warn your passengers about any intended course change that might throw them off balance.

If you make a relatively sharp turn and suddenly hear that propeller howling, or notice a dramatic loss of speed, you’ve just experienced “blowing out” the propeller. It’s gasping air instead of grabbing water, and this situation is resolved by either trimming the engine down a bit or backing off on the turn.

What about flipping or rolling the boat? Is this a danger when you go into a turn? Probably not. Most modern pontoon boats are amazingly stable and properly powered, and the chances of flipping one over are remote at best. But any boat does inherently become less stable when turning, and depending on sea conditions, speed, and weight distribution, the possibility can’t be ruled out—particularly with fast, high-powered performance pontoon boats. So if you ever go the least bit beyond your comfort level, simply reduce your speed and the tightness of the turn.

BEACHING AND SWIMMING

The rules for beaching or swimming from your pontoon boat are no different than they are for other types of boats. Always travel very slowly as you enter the shallows, and as slowly as possible if you think there’s any chance of running aground before you reach the beach. Never allow anyone to swim around the boat when the motor is running, and never jump or dive from the boat if you can’t see through the water clearly and/or haven’t verified the depth. If you set the anchor, always secure the anchor line to the bow of the boat. And when rafting up with a friend, make sure you use several fenders to prevent the boats from banging into each other and causing damage.

Tip: Whenever you enter shallow waters, trim the engine up to reduce draft—but don't go all the way up. If you tilt it as far up as you can and then run aground, you’re stuck. Instead, trim it up until the prop begins gasping air, then drop it back down at least two inches. If you do run aground, you can tilt the motor up an inch or two and hopefully be able to back off.

DOCKING

Ready to head back to the marina? For docking maneuvers, again you’ll want to handle a pontoon boat just as you would a V-hull, while being extra wary of wind effect. To get some pointers on the basics of side-to boat docking, watch our How to Dock a Powerboat video. And remember: don’t shut down the powerplant as soon as your boat enters the slip. If you leave the engine idling until all the lines are in place, you’ll be able to realign the boat if it gets blown off kilter.

Now, do you feel ready to hit the lake on your new pontoon boat? Great! And the next time you're stuck inside on a cold, rainy day, don't forget to check out the boats.com How To section. We've got lots more tips, tricks, and tactics that will help you become a better boater.

Gearing Up for the Fourth | Pontoon-Depot

By: PDMagazine

8 Safety Tips for Boating’s Busiest Time of The Year

The nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group for recreational boaters, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), says July Fourth is shaping up to be the busiest time of the year on the water for the nation’s recreational boaters, with boating traffic potentially surpassing last year’s levels. This also means boaters will face additional safety concerns with waterway congestion and nighttime operation.

In a recent survey of more than a half million BoatUS members, 88 percent of respondents say they are “very-to-extremely likely” to go boating during the 2018 July Fourth holiday period (June 30 through July 9). That compares to 73 percent who went boating over the similar period last year.

The BoatUS member survey also shows that about one in three (36 percent) of respondents are “very-to-extremely likely” to operate a boat at night to view a July Fourth fireworks display from the water. Three percent said that fireworks displays are the only reason they will venture out after dark all year long.

“With nearly 12 million registered boats on the water, boaters will need to take special safety precautions during the holiday period,” said BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water President Chris Edmonston. The Foundation is the nonprofit safety arm of BoatUS. “The mayhem of fireworks shows, overburdened launch ramps, crowded waterways and long days spent under the stressors of wind, waves and sun will require everyone to up their safety game and be courteous to fellow boaters.”

The BoatUS Foundation has these eight holiday boating tips:

1. Wait to celebrate with alcohol. It could be a long day on the water, but waiting until after you’ve returned to homeport for the night before celebrating with alcohol is a wise move. Added to the effects of sun, wind and waves, alcohol lowers situational awareness and increases reaction times.
2. The more lookouts at night, the better. Having extra sets of eyes – family members or guests – can help prevent accidents.
3. Go slow after the fireworks. After viewing fireworks from the water and pulling up anchor, you may have the urge to rush home. Don’t. Slow down. Be cautious, and the odds for a safe return increase.
4. Get kids’ life jackets for free. Everyone has extra guests this time of year, but they don’t always have properly-sized life jackets for everyone on board. The BoatUS Foundation’s free Kids Life Jacket Loaner program gives boaters a chance to borrow child-size life jackets for the day, afternoon, or weekend.
5. Don’t overload the boat. Everyone should have a seat inside the boat, and be careful about adding extra coolers and gear. It’s also a bad idea to allow to passengers to ride on the top of a boat with an enclosed bow while underway.
6. Be a safe paddler. Kayak, canoe or stand-up paddlers should understand all of the nautical rules of the road, practice defensive paddling and assume no one can see you. At night, paddlers are required to show a white light – colored glow sticks around the paddler’s neck don’t cut it. Avoid crowded anchorages and congested ramp areas.
7. Never swim near a dock with electricity or in a marina or yacht club.
8. Avoid the two biggest hassles. The nationwide TowBoatUS on-water towing fleet traditionally reports hundreds of battery jumps and anchor-line disentanglements over the holiday. To avoid having to contact BoatUS 24-hour dispatch (BoatUS.com/app) monitor your battery drain, go slow while hauling anchor line, and be super vigilant so you don’t run over someone else’s anchor line after the show ends.