Pontoon Boat Safety Tips

Pontoon boats are among the most stable and comfortable boats on the market. But just like any boat, there are always risks involved out on the water. Luckily, there are easy safety protocols you can follow to protect your passengers and your boat:

Pack and Test Safety Equipment

Before you set sail on a pontoon boat, it's important to do a quick check over your safety equipment. By law, there must be one properly sized life jacket for every passenger on the boat. It's also a good idea to have a life ring, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher. Make sure that your PFDs and life rings meet U.S. Coast Guard safety standards. In case you break down or run into trouble, stock the boat with flares, an air horn, and a radio. Keep in mind that safety supplies have expiration dates, so it's a good idea to test each item at the start of each season. 

Follow Capacity Limits and Weight Distribution Recommendations

Every pontoon boat is designed to hold a specific number of people. Since the deck is so roomy, it can be tempting to exceed that limit. Avoid that temptation at all costs. An overloaded pontoon boat sits lower in the water, so it can't travel efficiently through the water. Distribute weight evenly across the deck; if the front end is too heavy, it can dip under the water when you increase speed.

Comply With Boating Safety Laws

Any time you're on the water, you're required to follow both state and federal boating laws. The sheer number of laws and regulations can be overwhelming, and they're different from state to state. Some universal federal laws require you to have navigation lights, a sound-producing device, and a marine sanitation device on the head. If you're new, a boating safety class provides a comprehensive introduction to legal requirements.

Boating is a fun activity to enjoy with friends and family. Make sure you have all safety precautions on board before you set off from the dock. And, when you’re ready to purchase a pontoon boat, make sure you visit the team at Shoreline Boat Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin. We proudly serve those in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, Ripon, and surrounding areas.