What to use for pontoon boat decking?
The only product to use on pontoon decks is real marine plywood in 3/4” thickness. The stuff is also a very structural part of your boat. It’s remarkably stable and long lasting which means it’s a good value. Water in Pontoons: Water inside the pontoons can add extra weight and drag, reducing speed. Check for water and drain it if necessary. Excess Weight: Overloading your boat with people and items can lower it in the water, creating more drag and slowing you down. Keep the boat within its capacity.Handling Pontoon boats are more of a challenge than other types of boats, as it is one of the simplest vessels to drive. While steering Pontoon boats, make sure that you are taking turns slowly. If steering your boat is difficult for you and it doesn’t seem to be getting any easier, then upgradation is a must.A pontoon boat is a different breed of boat that comes with some quirks that can make it a little challenging to dock. Docking a pontoon is a lot like parallel parking a car in that, after you’ve done it a few times, you internalize the size and shape of the vehicle, even though you can’t see it.Pontoon boats have a few key characteristics that make them inherently lower maintenance than other boats on the market. They are a lot less delicate, and they are not going to rust as easily. Most pontoon boats come with an aluminum hull which is non-corrosive and not susceptible to rusting.If there is water in your pontoons: This water will weigh down the boat, decrease performance, put unnecessary strain on the engine, and increase fuel consumption.
What not to do on a pontoon boat?
DO NOT stand or sit outside of the pontoon railings: This is the MOST dangerous thing you can do on a pontoon. This also accounts for the most severe injuries and fatalities on a pontoon boat (other than drownings). Because of its profile, a pontoon is very sensitive to cross winds. Try to gauge that wind as you approach the dock—aim a little upwind to start and you’ll drift into an ideal position without a lot of steering adjustment. This becomes easier with practice and familiarity with the boat.Disadvantages of a Pontoon Boat Pontoons don’t run very fast, nor do they have a great range. It’s a great boat for a day on the water with friends and/or family, but don’t plan on venturing out very far with it. Ride safety can be a drawback for some because when the water gets rough, a pontoon doesn’t perform well.Disadvantages of a Pontoon Boat Pontoons don’t run very fast, nor do they have a great range. It’s a great boat for a day on the water with friends and/or family, but don’t plan on venturing out very far with it. Ride safety can be a drawback for some because when the water gets rough, a pontoon doesn’t perform well.The reason it’s not easy to sink a pontoon boat is due to the pontoons themselves. The metal tubes filled with air create so much buoyancy that they will not go down easily.Engine Size One deciding factor in how fast your pontoon will go is the size of the engine. Most vessels feature relatively heavy 40-horsepower engines, but if you are a thrill seeker, upgrading to a 150-horsepower engine can easily double the speed.
Which is better, a deck boat or a pontoon boat?
Generally speaking, because of the different types of hulls, deck boats are better for slicing through the water, but pontoon boats keep you steady, whether you’re in motion or not. Pontoon boats are ideal for navigating calm waters like lakes, rivers, and protected inlets. These large, buoyant boats are not made for rough seas. Heavy chop and large waves can easily cause a pontoon boat to capsize.Capsizing occurs most often with small boats like canoes and sailboats. One of the good things is that these small boats usually stay afloat, giving the boaters who are now in the water something to hold onto for support.
How seaworthy are pontoon boats?
Is It Ocean-Worthy? Taking this kind of boat into the ocean is definitely possible, with some considerations. Pontoon boats are capable of handling coastal waters and some ocean conditions, but they have limitations. You must use them responsibly and be fully aware of what they can do before taking them into the ocean. In Other Words, Yes Thanks to modern design and technology, as well as advancements in both materials and construction, the answer to the original question — can you take your pontoon boat into open waters — is a resounding yes.Can You Take A Pontoon Boat Out in the Ocean? While pontoons have long been thought of as mostly inland-water boats, today pontoon boats are increasingly found on larger lakes and rivers, navigating coastal waters, even on occasion venturing into the open ocean. Still, captains should always use discretion.Saltwater use should be confined primarily to bays and inlets. A pontoon is not made to be an ocean going craft and as such can only be used in the ocean if conditions are similar to an inland lake and only close to shore.