There is a wide range of pontoon boat accessories available on the market. There are a few essential items that all pontoon boat owners must invest in. Some of them enhance passenger safety while others are useful in emergency situations. Here are the best “must have” pontoon boat accessories that every owner should consider buying.
Reasons For “Must Have” Pontoon Boat Accessories
Safety
Safety accessories are the foundation of a safe and enjoyable pontoon boating experience. Key items include life jackets for every passenger, a well-stocked, first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher to meet legal requirements.
Communication
Communication tools are vital for staying connected and ensuring safety on the water. A VHF marine radio provides reliable communication with other boaters and emergency services, even in areas with no cell signal. Pairing this with a waterproof phone case or dry bag ensures you’re always prepared to send or receive help when needed.
Navigation
Navigation tools are essential for safe and efficient pontoon boating. A GPS or chartplotter helps you stay on course, while a compass provides a reliable backup for navigation in case of electronic failure.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness is crucial for handling unexpected situations on the water. Essential items include an anchor and rope to secure your boat and a back-up paddle or oar. Having extra ropes and fenders ensures you’re ready for any situation that arises.
Comfort and Convenience
Comfort and convenience accessories like portable toilets, a changing room, and a trash can can make your pontoon boat outings far more enjoyable. A portable toilet provides a private and hygienic solution for longer trips, while a pop-up changing room offers privacy for changing clothes or using the toilet. Adding a trash can keeps your boat organized and ensures you leave the water clean and litter-free, enhancing the overall experience for everyone on board.
Best “Must Have” Pontoon Boat Accessories
Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Vest
While most pontoon boat passengers know how to swim, it’s still wise to have life jackets available. Depending on the state, it may be mandatory by law to wear a life jacket while boating. The Stearns Adult Classic Series life vest is a well-reviewed option when it comes to the best “must have” boat accessories. It is made from durable nylon and polyester foam and will last many years. The vest is comfortable to wear and has three buckles for securing it in place. The Classic Series life vest is approved by the US Coast Guard.
First Alert Marine Fire Extinguisher
A marine fire extinguisher is another safety item when it comes to the best “must have” boat accessories. It’s handy to have in case of emergencies such as an electrical short-circuit or gasoline fires. The First Alert marine fire extinguisher is specifically designed for boats. It has a commercial grade valve and trigger and can be recharged after use. A metal pull pin with safety seal prevents tampering or accidental discharge. The extinguisher is approved by the US Coast Guard and comes with a certified mounting bracket and strap.
Be Smart 100 Piece First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a necessary safety item on the list of best “must have” boat accessories. While important for adults, this first aid kit is essential for individuals who take their kids along on pontoon boat trips. The Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece first aid kit is a great choice for most people. It contains a wide variety of items including antiseptic wipes, ointments, adhesive bandages and a cold compress for treating injuries. The kit comes in a compact plastic case that is impact resistant and easy to carry while traveling and it occupies minimum space.
Standard Horizon Floating Handheld Marine Radio
A VHF marine radio is a must have boat accessory for people who traverse large bodies of water. It allows you to get information regarding the position of different vessels and upcoming weather conditions. It also sends out distress signals or calls for help during emergencies. The Standard Horizon VHF marine radio will suit the needs of most pontoon boat owners. It has a 1.75” LCD for providing information. The radio supports a wide range of scanning functions including priority scan and dual/tri watch mode. It is powered by a rechargeable 1650 mAh 3.7V Li-ion battery.
Outdoor Products Waterproof Dry Sack
Boat owners must invest in a dry bag to protect their important items such as documents and cell phones from the water. Your cell phone may become the only communication device in an emergency. The Outdoor Products Waterproof Dry Sack is a great option for people wanting to keep their valuables dry and protected. It is made from rugged and durable 500-denier PVC. It has a roll-down top and a splash-proof outer zip pocket for smaller items. A reflective trim makes it easy to spot in the dark. The bag is available in 10-liter and 20-liter sizes as well as a wide variety of colors. It comes with a sling shoulder strap for easy carrying.
Garmin Striker 4 GPS
Individuals who like to explore new waters must include a GPS in their “must have” pontoon boat accessories list. A GPS helps when venturing into unknown water bodies and assist in navigation, especially at night. The Garmin Striker 4 is an affordable and feature-packed option. The Striker 4 allows you to set up a waypoint map with locations for easier navigation. It also acts as a fish finder and comes with a CHIRP sonar transducer that can also show data in flasher format. It has a 3.5” screen with dedicated buttons making it easy to use.
Ritchie Navigation Explorer Compass
While GPS-based navigation can be a boon to have, there may be days when a person might be forced to navigate old-school style. The GPS may malfunction, or its batteries may die. A navigation compass can be a handy boat accessory to have at such a time. The Ritchie F-50 navigation explorer compass is a great option for pontoon boat owners. It has a large 2-3/4” dial with green illumination for night time use. The F-50 explorer compass has a scientifically matched sapphire jewel along with a hardened steel pivot dial movement. It comes with built-in compensators for maximum accuracy.
Fluke Pontoon Anchor
A pontoon boat fluke anchor is perfect for individuals who are looking for a lightweight anchor that does not compromise on holding power. It has fluke arms that dig into the floor of the water body and prevent the pontoon boat from drifting. Seachoice, Danforth and Fortress Marine are three manufacturers of fluke anchors.
Also, fluke anchors are easy to retrieve and store, thanks to their light weight. They are a great choice for most bottoms. They can dig into hard sand, gravel and soft bottoms, clay and mud bottoms, but they are not a good choice for rocky or grassy bottoms.
For more in-depth information check out our buying guide for pontoon boat anchors.
Attwood Emergency Telescoping Paddle
People who own boats with electric or gas motors should also consider buying a paddle. A paddle can be used for rowing the pontoon boat in case it runs out of gas or electric charge for its motor. The emergency telescoping paddle from Attwood is a suitable option for such situations. It is a collapsible paddle having a length of 42” when extended and 20-3/4” when retracted. The paddle has an aluminum shaft and a sturdy plastic blade. It weighs only one pound, and its retraction capability makes it easy to store.
Pontoon Boat Fenders
Boat fenders help protect your pontoon boat during the docking process by providing an extra layer of cushioning between your pontoon boat and the dock. They can also help when harsh weather and strong winds move your pontoon boat around. They come in round, cylindrical and other specialty shapes. Polyform G Series boat fenders come pre inflated and are easy to use. They come in several color options and sizes. The G2 and G3 Series protect pontoon boats 20’+ long.
Pontoon Boat Dock Lines
A dock line helps bring your pontoon boat into the dock. It helps absorb some of the shocks during pontoon boat docking. Botepon bungee boat dock lines are available in two sizes: 4′ (stretches to 5.5′) and 5′ (stretches to 7′). The bungee dock lines have tensile strengths of 2150 lbs. to 4000 lbs., and they can absorb shock to boats, docks, cleats and other hardware. In emergency situations or harsh weather conditions, the absorbing nature of these dock lines is quite beneficial and significantly out performs traditional ropes.
GigaTent Portable Changing Room
The Gigatent portable pop up changing room has a dimension of 40” W x 72” H x 40” D. With this innovative pop up tent, you can change clothes, hide your portable toilet or use it as a shelter during soft rains. This is a must have accessory for your pontoon boat adventures. The GigaTent is made from high quality, heavy duty polyester Taffeta 190 with a water resistant coating. The pop up changing room is designed to withstand the outside elements and make way for multiple uses. With the four tie downs and corresponding loops, it can be positively secured in place. With the included carry bag and lightweight design, it is easy to transport.
SereneLift Portable Toilet
When nature calls and creates an emergency situation, the SereneLife portable toilet combined with the previously presented changing room is the perfect remedy.
This portable toilet provides a convenient and sanitary on-the-go solution for pontoon boating. It has a holding tank capacity of 5 gallons, a fresh tank capacity of 12 gallons, and supports up to 330 lbs. Constructed from high-density polyethylene, this durable and long-lasting toilet has a double-sealed drain valve to prevent leaks and odors. The air release vent button and water-saving water outlet support 100-120 full-bowl flushes.
Mangrove Portable Boat Trash Can
Maintaining waste is very crucial in keeping the pontoon boat clean. The Mangrove portable boat trash can serves as a perfect solution to contain all pontoon boat waste.
Constructed with 100% waterproof material on the interior, this trash bag is versatile enough to use with or without trash bags. The rugged Oxford 900D fabric on the exterior helps to withstand all types of boating conditions. The advanced odor-free inner rubber technology by Mangrove controls unpleasant smells and maintains a fresh environment on your pontoon boat.
Equipped with an adjustable straps, this trash can securely attaches to your pontoon boat. The anti-corrosion 5000 series aluminum clips enhance durability and reliability. Additionally, it includes one extra large pocket for storing extra trash bags, so you always have spares on hand. Feel free to use the trash can to store other equipment such as an extra anchor rope, chain, dock lines, wet cloths, dry towels, etc.
Conclusion
In conclusion, outfitting your pontoon boat with the right accessories is essential for safety, convenience, and enjoyment on the water. From must-have safety gear like life jackets and communication devices to navigation tools, emergency equipment, and comfort-enhancing additions, these accessories ensure a worry-free and enjoyable boating experience. Whether you’re cruising, fishing, or hosting friends and family, preparedness allows you to focus on creating unforgettable memories. Investing in these must-have items not only enhances your boat’s functionality but also keeps you and your passengers safe and ready for any adventure.
