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Tips for the Pontoon Captain | Pontoon Depot

By: Restore Pontoon

At first glance, the difference between driving a car and steering your pontoon boat may not be immediately obvious. Both have steering wheels, throttles, and an expectation that vessels will pass each other on the left side, just like on the highway. However, even though the official rules of maritime navigation are informally called the Rules of the Road, these rules make it clear that there are great differences between steering a pontoon boat and driving an automobile. A responsible pontoon captain who is attentive to safety will want to familiarize themselves with the Rules and conduct themselves accordingly on the many waterways that they’ll travel and explore in their pontoon boat.

The Rules of the Road, officially called the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, were written in 1864 during the time of the Civil War, when steamboats were gaining popularity. The Rules were updated several more times over the past century and a half. Although times have certainly changed on the waterways since the Civil War, many of the rules have not. The most current version of the Rules has 38 items that govern turns, maneuvers, and other sorts of signals required of maritime craft, including pontoon boats, operating in American waters. The primary purpose of the Rules is to help avoid collisions between maritime vessels. Every state in the union has adopted these U.S. Inland rules. In theory, anyone operating any sort of maritime vessel—from a small pontoon boat to a massive luxury cruiser—is expected to abide by the Rules. However, only a few of the Rules have direct applicability to pleasure craft such as pontoons, so here we’ll only cover the Rules that directly apply to pontoon boat operation and navigation.

The most important Rule is called the “Rule of Good Seamanship” and is at the heart of the rest of the Rules. “Good Seamanship” has never been strictly defined in the Rules, although there are seven broad generalities. The first is to obey the Rules unless extreme circumstances necessitate departure from them. Second, you should take whatever action necessary to avoid a collision. Third, if you cannot avoid a collision, you should attempt to alleviate possible damage of the collision by maneuvering to take a “glancing blow.” Fourth, you must know how to use a radiotelephone and be able to use it to communicate with other vessels. Fifth, sensibly enough, you need to keep a proper lookout at all times. Many pontoon boats offer wide, unobstructed views, but if, for whatever reason, the captain does not have a 360-degree view of the horizon, he or she must enlist a crew member as an additional set of eyes and ears to be alert to the sight or sound of other vessels. Sixth, you must insure that other crafts can see your pontoon boat by using proper lights. Seventh, your boat is equipped with a radar device; you must use it at all times. Although they are not specifically covered in the text of the Rules, court decisions over time have added additional items to the definition of “good seamanship,” such as proper training for crew and equipping of your pontoon boat with appropriate navigational charts.

However, the general and important rule of “Good Seamanship” has a caveat, called the “General Prudential Rule” which states that any of the Rules can be ignored if circumstances warrant extreme action. For example, a pontoon boat should ignore a Rule if it would cause them to collide with another craft. There may be occasions where it is impossible to obey a Rule, such as navigating near rocks or in shallow waters. Also, there are situations that are not covered by the Rules, such as when three or more craft are involved. When more than two craft are involved, none have right of way and all must yield and be sure to execute all maneuvers to avoid collision. Finally, if circumstances warrant, both vessels can agree to not follow the Rules if they have communicated and decided that this course of action is necessary, but this is extreme and has legal perils, since a miscommunication can lead to disastrous consequences. As you can see, the Rules depend on commonsense, good communication, and a general understanding of how vessels are expected to interact during maritime encounters.

The Rules articulate specific requirements for maneuvers involving the interaction between two vessels. When two craft approach each other, neither has the right of way and both are expected to pass each other on their left, or port, sides. If one vessel is coming up behind another, or overtaking it, the slower vessel has right of way. If the slower vessel does not want to be overtaken, it should sound five long whistle blasts and the faster vessel must steer clear and wait for another occasion to pass. A faster vessel must always steer clear of the slower one. If the direction of vessels involved is neither head-on, nor overtaking, they are referred to as crossing. In a crossing situation, the vessel that is approaching another on its starboard side must slow down or alter course to avoid collision, while the other vessel maintains course and speed.

The Rules explain specific methods for audible communication between vessels by using “whistle signals,” that are, in modern times, sounded by air or electronic horn blasts. Although many small pleasure crafts, such as pontoon boats, often fail to use whistle signals, the Rules require that all maritime vessels use audible means to indicate their maneuvers and how they will interact with other vessels. These “whistle blasts,” similar to Morse Code, are structured in series of short and long blasts. A short blast is a sound of about 1 second. One short blast means that your pontoon boat wants to pass on the port side of the other craft. Two short blasts indicate that your pontoon boat is attempting to pass another craft on its starboard side. Three short blasts means you are operating your pontoon boat with its engines in reverse. Five short blasts mean your pontoon boat is in danger or is unsure of the intentions of a different craft. A long blast lasts around 5 seconds. One long blast would be used to announce the location of your pontoon boat to other crafts, such as when leaving the dock. However, weather conditions, such as rain, fog or other adverse situations, can alter the meaning of these signals. In these situations, one long blast every two minutes is expected from your pontoon boat so that other vessels are aware of the presence of a power-driven vessel. Two long blasts communicates that your pontoon boat is adrift or otherwise not progressing. One long blast and two short blasts are required of special vessels, such as sailboats, fishing boats, and tugboats; other power-driven craft (such as pontoon boats) are expected to give right of way to these kinds of special vessels. If you anchor your pontoon boat in adverse conditions that affect visibility, you must ring a bell for five seconds every minute.

Obviously, there are no speed limit signs posted on rivers or other open waters, but the Rules do have some guidelines for proper speed on the water. They require that all vessels, including pontoon boats, maintain reasonable “safe speeds” that can insure the avoidance of collisions between craft. When there are no other vessels on the waterway, “safe speed” might be full open throttle, while “safe speed” during dense fog conditions might be slow enough so as not to produce any wake. Pontoon captains must factor in a variety of variables so as to determine the safe speed of their pontoon boat: the state of visibility, the density of other vessels around, the maneuverability of your craft, the strength of the waves or wind, the depth of the water relative to your hull, and, at night, the background lights on the shore that could obscure the lights of other vessels and your own. In short, the “safe speed” of your pontoon boat is relative to the prevailing conditions.

The Rules, while appearing complicated, are really designed for one single purpose; to avoid dangerous or deadly collisions between vessels. If you use a bit a caution, commonsense, and alertness, you’ll fulfill the spirit of the Rules and ensure fun times on your pontoon boat.

THE PONTOON LIFESTYLE | PONTOON DEPOT

WHAT IT IS

Pontoon boats have evolved beyond just a form of recreation and transportation. They have come to represent a lifestyle, one that provides relaxing days on the water, free of worry and stress.

The beauty of the pontoon lifestyle is that it can be lived anywhere. While that lifestyle may conjure up images of palm trees and the sounds of Jimmy Buffet playing on your boat’s surround sound, that slice of heaven is within the reach of every boater.

WHY IT WORKS

There is a certain sense of tranquility that comes with a trip out on the water in a pontoon boat. It can be any body of water and does not necessarily have to be an actual tropical paradise. The smooth ride will let passengers sit back, relax and enjoy the day. That kind of experience can make any body of water a welcomed sanctuary.

The setup of a pontoon boat allows guests to actually sit back and have a cocktail while enjoying some pleasant conversation. There is no need to speak over the buzzing hum of an engine and no need to worry about choppy seas. The stability of a pontoon boat can give all passengers their very own pair of sea legs.

There is always the option to throw a line in the water and catch an afternoon meal. Fishing can be done while you kick back and relax underneath the sun. Pontoon boats also offer plenty of shade, which allows passengers to stay cool on a hot summer day.

But cool is a constant theme when it comes to pontoon boats. Style combined with comfort makes for a truly unique boating experience.

There is even plenty of room on a pontoon boat to do some grilling. That kind of functionality provides everything that is needed for a day of leisure.

STARTING LIVING THE PONTOON LIFESTYLE TODAY

Boating has become a very popular pastime, but the image of speedboats and revving engines is not all that this recreational activity entails. There is a new image of boating, one that showcases a laid-back lifestyle where people can leave their troubles ashore. And at the heart of that lifestyle is a pontoon boat.

Recreational boating has changed and in a fast-paced world, the sea provides a leisurely getaway. And pontoon boats can be a vehicle that leads to that serenity. Boaters no longer have to travel to a place like Key West to enjoy that kind of atmosphere. It is right in front of them every time the set foot on a pontoon boat.

By: Pontoon Living

How to Lift Your Pontoon Boat off the Trailer Bunks

By: Auroramarine

PROCEDURE FOR TEMPORARILY RAISING PONTOON BOAT OFF TRAILER.

This is a proven method for lifting your boat off the trailer bunks for temporarily working on your pontoons. Cleaning, restoring and protecting your pontoons when your boat is still on the trailer is difficult. You can’t get to the bottom of the pontoons so they stay dirty and covered in marine growth plus the cleaners are likely to damage the carpeting and wood on the bunks and can damage the paint on the trailer. Following is a safe and easy way to lift your boat off the bunks by about 6 to 8 inches so you can protect your trailer with plastic and get to the bottom of the pontoons. If the boat were ever to slip off the blocks, it only has a few inches to fall back onto the trailer so there is no damage. Still, it’s important to work safely. 

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
1. Hydraulic Bottle Jack of a capacity that meets or exceeds the weight of your boat.
2. 9 to 12 cinder blocks or wooden blocks 8" x 8" x 16"
3. 2” x 8” planks cut to 16” length pieces. You will need a minimum 3 pieces, but more may be required. 
4. Wooden shims as required

CAUTION: This is a safe procedure when done correctly and with care. If
you do not feel confident in your abilities or equipment to handle heavy
weights, do not lift your boat in this way, get professional help


1. Place the boat and trailer on a firm, level surface [Diag.1]. 

2. Lower the tongue of the trailer to the ground to elevate the transom. [Diag.2]. You may need a friend to help keep the tongue down.

3. Block the transom using cinder or wooden blocks [Diag.3]. Make sure that there is a 2”x8”x16" wooden plank between the pontoons and the blocks to prevent damage to the boat. If the blocks and wood do not fit between the ground and the boat, you may have to use additional pieces of 2”x8”x16" wooden plank to compensate for the difference.

4. Place a hydraulic bottle jack under the tongue of the trailer and raise the front of the trailer [Diag.4]. When the jack extends as high as possible, you may have to place blocks and wooden plates under the front cross member to support the boat. Then lower the jack and use wooden plates under the jack to give you additional height. Continue jacking up the trailer. This procedure may have to be repeated several times to gain the necessary height.

5. Continue raising the front of the trailer until the boat is level or slightly bow high. Place blocks with a 2”x8”x16" wooden plank on top, under the front cross member to support the boat. [Diag.5]. Start lowering the jack until the weight of the boat is supported on the three columns of blocks and plates. Make sure that the boat is well supported on each column and is stable.

6. Lower the bottle jack. Extend the trailer jack to support the tongue and remove the bottle jack [Diag.6]. The boat should be well supported and stable on all three columns and the bunks of the trailer should be about 6 to 8 inches lower than the bottom of the boat. This will give you clearance to clean and polish the areas normally supported by the bunks. 

7. Do not remove the trailer. It will act as a safety device to catch the boat in the event that it slips off the blocks or if one of the blocks breaks or the ground becomes infirm and the blocks sink.

8. Do not proceed to work on the boat until it is well supported and stable.

9. To reseat the boat on the trailer, reverse the above procedure.

YOU JUST PURCHASED YOUR FIRST BOAT, BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

By: Harris Pontoon Boats

Now that you finally own the boat of your dreams, what happens next? Here are five things to consider about boat ownership:

1.       BOAT REGISTERING  

Well, for starters, you’re going to need to get it registered and insured. If you purchased a trailer with your boat, depending on your state, the trailer will require registration too. Some types of boats cost more to insure than others, depending on the type of craft, size, and horsepower. Where you plan to keep the boat can impact the cost of insurance as well. Sometimes it’s best to contact your insurance agent early on before you make that boat purchase for an insurance quote. Check out our article about Boating Safety, Rules and Regulations to learn more. 

2.       ELEMENTS OF TRAILERING YOUR PONTOON

There are several things to keep in mind if you plan to trailer your boat besides whether you have a vehicle capable of the task. Also, have you considered where you are going to store your trailer while the boat is in the water for extended periods of time? Perhaps you will need to pay someone to store it for the summer boating season. Maybe you’re going to trailer your new boat every time you want to go out and use it. If so, not all boat launches are free to the public. Many lakes have private launches where you either must pay an in/out fee or purchase a season pass. Additionally, if you are trailering your boat every time, you’ll need to consider the cost of trailer maintenance like new tires. We must all do our part to help prevent the spread of invasive species (Click Here to Learn More). 

3.       ON-WATER MOORING YOUR NEW PONTOON

Should you find trailering your boat every time to the water isn’t for you, there are other options. If you don’t have your own dock, keeping your boat in a slip may be an option, but that’s going to be an additional fee. Did you know certain marinas have various choices for boat slips? Some marinas offer covered slips, which will extend the life of your mooring cover, but they charge a premium compared to open slips. Other marinas even offer hoists or boat lifts that will help keep your boat from becoming grimy from sitting in the marina. There are also marinas and harbors that lease or sell slips, like real estate. Did we mention spiders love to hang out around the boat slips? You’ll want to invest in some good spider spray or you’ll constantly be cleaning up their mess. Ask other boaters on the lake about how they keep their boat and which marinas they recommend. You’ll find a lot of friendly people out on the water with plenty of information to share.

4.       CONSCIENTIOUS BOATING

Be sure to familiarize yourself with your state’s boating laws. It may even be a good idea to take an online boating safety refresher course (https://www.boatus.org/courses/). Your state’s Department of Natural Resources (http://www.americasboatingcourse.com/lawsbystate.cfm)  or the USCG (http://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/state-boating-laws.php) website are good sources to start researching. You’ll probably find yourself in need of some new gear for your boat. Most states require life jackets, a throwable device, an anchor, a fire extinguisher and a skier flag in addition to other safety equipment. Your local marina can usually assist you with selecting the proper safety equipment, but there are many online retailers that can help as well. You’ll probably find some cool new water toys that you “have to have” while you’re at it and that’s okay.

5.       MAINTAINING & SUSTAINING YOUR NEW PONTOON BOAT

Now that you’ve had a chance to enjoy your new boat, it’s time to start thinking about maintenance and off-season storage. Always consult your boat and engine owner’s manuals for service interval recommendations. It’s best to leave the maintenance and service to the technicians at the dealership while your boat is under a factory warranty. Also, there are certain procedures that must be followed before putting your boat into storage for the off-season. “Oh wait! Where am I storing this thing for the winter?” Well, there are several options to consider depending on your budget and type of boat. Firstly, let the marina take care of the service and the storage each year and you won’t need to own a trailer. They may offer indoor/climate controlled or outdoor storage options. Sometimes you can negotiate this ahead of time when purchasing the boat. Secondly, if you have a trailer, you can pay someone to store it in their pole barn or have it shrink-wrapped and stored on their lot--check Craigslist. Thirdly, maybe you have plenty of space, but no trailer. Sometimes you can rent a trailer and set the boat down on your lot. There are plenty of mobile shrink-wrap service providers out there. You’re probably noticing a trend that there are a lot of options for Winter storage. Ask your dealer or your new boating friends for suggestions if you can’t decide.

You’ll find that there are many more things to be considered and purchased after buying a boat, but that’s partly what’s fun about owning a boat. You’re in an elite group now and you’ll make new friends who will be more than willing to share their information and tips with you along the way. Remember, boating is fun!