Pontoon Safety

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Pontoon Boat Safety



When it comes to pontoon boats safety, You can't find a safer form of travel on water in a pleasure craft.


Our Families are the most important cargo... Let's not forget what it takes to make sure that our trips are enjoyable and everyone is safe.


Pontoon boats are a safe and fun platform for getting out on the water. Taking just a few extra precautions while operating one will make their use a better experience.


Pontoon boats are popularly known as party boats because people can have fun in them while they navigate across the waters. They can accommodate up to 15 or more people at the same time, which makes them ideal for partying. The popularity of a pontoon boat is evident at beaches, lakes, and other bodies of water.


The wide deck of pontoon boats makes them perfect for having some fun while on the water. Many owners of pontoon boats prefer them over other types of boats because they not only serve as their party boats, but they can also use them when they want to go fishing with their friends. Their spacious area along with their comfortable seats makes them perfect for exploring the lake or body of water they are in.


Pontoon based boats are popular with many boaters because their spacious platforms offer room to relax and move about on a stable deck. Pontoon boats offer ample room for couches, coolers and lots of recreational equipment. As with any boat, pontoon craft still demand the respect of their operators to ensure a safe trip.


The basic point into having a pontoon boat is fun and adventure. This makes it important to encourage safety with all your passengers because you would not want to stop your party just because of the clumsiness of others. Taking interest in safety will allow you, your passengers, and other boats around you to be on the safer side as accidents in such places can be both dangerous and fatal.


There are many safety precautions that you may need to be aware of and safety equipments that you must have in your boat at all times. One of the most important safety equipment that is a must for every boat would be the personal floatation device or life jackets. They are very helpful for passenger who does not know how to swim that accidentally goes overboard.


One safety precaution you should always maintain and have in mind is the capacity of you boat. You should never have more people on your boat other than the stated capacity. Overloading your boat with people or equipment would be very risky as you are compromising the safety and lives of your passengers.


When it comes to fun and boating, it is always important to remember that safety is of the utmost priority as any mishap that happens while you are partying would lead to the immediate halt of your celebration. Have fun but be safe while you are at it.


Drifting in a pontoon boat can be an enjoyable experience; follow these common sense rules & these simple reminders will go a long way in keeping you out of trouble on the river, which can be a lot different from floating on stillwater lakes.
As waves build, pontoon boats tend to plow into the wave and this can cause a great deal of water to cross over the deck. Depending on the severity of the event, passengers and unsecured gear can be washed overboard.
Pontoon boats are a challenge to operate in following seas.
Pontoon boats by their design do not bank into turns. The centrifugal force that holds a passenger into their seat during a turn in a conventional craft is absent and standing passengers can easily fall.
Large wakes caused by other boats can practically stop a pontoon boat that approaches them incorrectly.
Pontoon boats with their large flat deck, onboard furnishings and bimini tops present a large sail area for the wind to catch. Operators can immediately feel the effects of local wind gusts.


Pontoon Boat Handling Tips In addition to standard industry safety recommendations that include taking operator safety training, carrying proper emergency equipment, wearing a life jacket and performing adequate vessel maintenance, there are few further things a boater can do to be extra safe with a pontoon boat.


If rough weather is unavoidable, trim weight aft on the boat and slow down.
Be sure that passengers remain seated while underway to avoid their being thrown overboard during a turn or after encountering an unexpected wave.
Use smooth and steady control inputs. Avoid sharply turning the wheel or making rapid changes in power settings. This advice applies to all other powerboats.
Maintain a weather eye. Monitor local marine forecasts and take time to learn about unique local wind and wave conditions.
Learn to read the conditions. The real secret to successful pontoon boating is to let the natural flow of the water or the wind do the work. Use it to your advantage!
Safety is always a concern. A personal life vest is mandatory on most waters. Life Jackets should always be worn in rough/unknown water or windy conditions. 
I always tie a loose 10ft. line between the front and rear pontoon rings which can be used to tie down when docking the boat or otherwise can be grabbed easily if needed in an emergency.
Anchors are another issue. They should always be used when the boat is beached. Scope out at least 8ft. of rope regardless of water depth. Anchors can be used anywhere. Always deploy the anchor when the boat is facing into the wind; if the boat is angled, a pontoon can dig in. Take care when anchoring close to the channel, Do not anchor in the channel.
Exercise care while operating a pontoon boat and enjoy the many benefits they can provide for recreational boating.


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