Water Slides Archives - Pontoon Boats

Pontoon Boat Accessories Fun – Best Upper Decks, Slides, Platforms, and Diving Boards for 2021

February 12, 2021 by Dan 3 Comments

There are plenty of activities that you can indulge in while taking a trip on your pontoon boat. With water all around, swimming and diving are two of the most common. If you are like us, setting anchor in a cove and swimming around your pontoon boat is some of the most fun you can have on your boat! Using accessories designed specifically for these, the fun factor can be increased greatly while providing safety. These include decks, swim platforms, diving boards and even water slides. An additional upper deck allows you to increase the space on your boat as well as providing a separate area for kids and adults alike to relax or sunbathe. Quite a few companies are engaged in the manufacturing of decks, platforms and slides. Here are the best pontoon upper decks, diving boards, and slides for your enjoyment.

If you are in a rush here is a table of our top recommended fun pontoon boat accessories:

Title	Why We Like
Lillipad Diving Board	Best Overall, Most Fun	Check Price on Amazon
EEz-In Outboard Transom Platform	Most Economical	Check Price on Amazon
Pactrade Swim Platform	Highest Quality	Check Price on Amazon
RAVE Sports Pontoon Slide	Most Portable, Most Fun	Check Price on Amazon

Upper Decks

Upper decks are one of the popular pontoon boat accessories for fun. They are a versatile addition to boats that have multiple benefits. The upper deck increases the amount of area available on your pontoon by creating another floor, generally accessible by a ladder. You can invite more people to your weekend excursion and have fun. There is no need to worry about space if your friends or family drop by.

It functions as a sun deck, and you can install a pair of loungers for relaxing on your trip. Some upper decks provide you the option of installing a slide as well as side rails. If your pontoon does not come with a sunshade, then installing an upper deck may be a great option for you. It will provide protection from the sun during hot summer days and keep you cool. In case it suddenly starts raining while you are spending time on the lake, the upper deck will keep you dry as well.

You can opt for prefabricated upper decks or get a custom one. Popular upper deck sizes include 8’x8’ and 8’x16’, depending on the pontoon boat. Upper deck installation is possible on pontoons that are of a certain size. It may not be feasible to install upper decks on small-sized boats. Here are a couple of great pontoon upper decks for 2020.

1. J’s Upper Deck

J’s Upper Deck is a great choice for pontoon boat owners looking to increase the area on their boat as well as have a large diving platform. It is available in multiple pre-fabricated sizes as well as gives the option of customization as per the requirement of the boat owner. The deck floor and the framework are made from aluminum while the railings and ladder are of stainless steel. A decorative trim, corner and side rails and ladder are included in the kit. J’s 8’X8’ deck costs $2,995 while 8’6”X16’ deck is priced at $5,595. Jay’s just announced recently that have added a sturdy platform slide ladder to their lineup due to high demand! If you are interested in learning more about J’s Upper Deck please feel free to Contact Us. We have a partnership with J and can work with you on finding the exact deck you are looking for!

2. U-Fab Boats Sun Deck Kit

Another option for individuals looking for a deck is Sun Deck Kit by U-Fab Boats. The deck has a frame that is completely made of aluminum providing it strength while keeping it lightweight and making it corrosion resistant. The frame is supported by four heavy duty posts also made of aluminum. For access, a ladder with handrails is included while a 7.5” trim rail helps to keep it safe. The Sun Deck Kit comes in a standard size with a height of 84”, width of 8’ and depth of 10’. A marine grade vinyl floor covering may be chosen additionally.

Diving Boards

A diving board is one of the best pontoon boat fun accessories for swimmers. If you are taking a trip on your pontoon, it is highly likely that you will be going for a dip in the water. You can consider adding a diving board to your pontoon to enhance your experience.

There are a few different types of diving boards available for pontoon boats. The most basic ones can be attached to the swimming platform at the rear of your boat. They consist of the diving platform, which can be fitted on the boat using a few bolts and screws.

Some diving boards for boats come with a ladder and frame for increasing the diving height. They can be installed on the deck or at the rear of the boat. The frame or the ladder is attached to the pontoon using bolts, and the diving board is mounted on the frame.

Diving boards for pontoons are specially designed and engineered to optimize energy transfer. It prevents the boat from rocking when a person dives off the board. The surface of the board is made from antislip materials to minimize the chances of accidents. Still, care must be taken when using a pontoon diving board. There is a risk of injury if you slip in excitement and hit the boat instead of the water. If you are searching for the best diving board for 2020, then consider the following option from Lillipad.

3. Lillipad Diving Board

The Lillipad Diving Board is a fun accessory for both kids and adults and is specially designed for installation on boats. It can be mounted on boats over 18 feet long and can support a weight of up to 250 pounds. This board makes use of urethane springs unlike a pool board that flexes itself. Its patented framework design ensures minimal stress on boat by counteracting energy of the jumper. The board is constructed from heavy duty aluminum and stainless-steel components making it durable and long-lasting. The Lillipad Diving Board is available in underfloor and surface mounting options.

Platforms

Once you are in the water, you will need a way to get back onto the pontoon easily. A swim platform is designed for this purpose. They allow you to come out of the water and dry yourself before you step on the deck. Platforms may be made from different materials and have varying designs.

Types of Platforms

There are different types of swimming platforms, depending on their design and installation requirements.

Outboard Swim Platforms

Outboard swim platforms are quite popular on pontoons. They consist of a durable boarding platform that is accessible through a ladder. Their ladder may have one, two, or three steps, and could either be telescoped or folded back after use. A handrail may be provided on the platform to make it easier for people to get on the pontoon. Outboard swim platforms are generally installed on either side of the motor. Here are a couple of excellent outboard platforms with different designs.

4. EEz-In Outboard Transom Platform with Two-Step Telescoping Ladder

EEz-In Outboard Swim Platform Telescoping Ladder

EEz-In Outboard Transom Platform allows individuals to easily board their pontoon boat from the water. It consists of a two-step stainless-steel telescoping ladder that leads to a platform made of high-density polyethylene material for improved durability. One-inch rails reinforce the platform and providing additional support. A single handrail is attached on one side of the platform to aid a person while climbing. While not in use, the ladder can be retracted under the platform. The EEz-In Outboard Transom Platform can be mounted on either side of the pontoon boat’s motor and carries MRP of $239.99. Mounting hardware must be purchased separately.

5. Pactrade Marine Boat Universal Swim Platform Under Mount Telescopic Ladder 1 Step Inboard

Pactrade offers a swim platform for pontoon boat owners and other types of boats. Their Under Mount Swim Platform is an ideal accessory that facilitates boarding the pontoon after a swim. The platform is made of high-strength polypropylene which makes it lightweight and resistant to fading and cracking. A single step ladder is made out of a 1” stainless steel tube and has a soft vinyl step. The ladder can be folded back onto the platform when not needed. Handrails are attached to platform for support while boarding. It is easy to install and comes with required fasteners for installing it. Pactrade manufactures a one step inboard platform but also manufacturers a 3 step platform that works with either inboard or outboard motors.

Fixed Platforms

Fixed platforms are the ones traditionally found on pontoons. The platform is installed at the rear of the pontoon, above the motor. Its width is the same as that of the pontoon, while the length is around a couple of feet. A telescoping ladder may be installed under the fixed platforms for easy access. Otherwise, users can climb on the platform directly. Fixed platforms have the most surface area out of the different types. They provide adequate space for individuals to dry off before they get on the boat. We have selected some of the best manufacturers of fixed platforms for you.

6. Swim Platforms, Inc. custom swim platforms

Boat owners who like a swim platform customized to their needs can turn to Swim Platforms, Inc who construct quality platforms for boats. The material used for manufacturing the platform is fiberglass that is both lightweight and sturdy. Every model manufactured is customized to fit the pontoon boat and blend seamlessly into its design and color scheme. Additional customization options include U style and P style swim handles, gel coating and lighting installation. The platform comes with all required installation hardware which is made of stainless-steel. A price quote for the platform can be requested while enquiring for the same.

7. Contemporary Fiberglass, Original Safe Step

Contemporary Fiberglass’ Original Safe Step is another option for boat owners looking for a customized swim platform. The company fabricates the platform in a size and style that conforms to the customer’s demand. Material used in construction is marine grade plywood and fiberglass that ensures that the platform lasts long. The platform finish is nonskid, providing safety to users. Customization options include addition of colors, graphics, hand rails and three-step drop-down boarding ladder. Besides these, a boat owner may consider getting LED lighting, vent, and even accessories such as barbeques installed on the platform.

Submersible Platforms

Submersible platforms are unique as they are installed at the front (bow) of the pontoon instead of the rear (stern). These platforms use a hydraulic mechanism that allows you to lower them when you are going for a swim and raise it for steering the pontoon. Submersible platforms may be ideal for pontoons, wherein it is unfeasible to install a platform at the rear due to multiple motors or other reasons. Splash step is one of the most popular submersible swim platform manufacturers.

8. Splash Steps – Submersible Swim Platform

Submersible Swim Platform from Splash Steps is a unique offering for pontoon boat owners. Unlike other platforms that attach to stern side of the boat, this model is installed on bow side. There is more room on the bow side as there are no outboard motors taking up space. This makes this platform both advantageous and safer than conventional models. It makes use of hydraulics and can be raised and lowered as needed. The linkage system, for maintaining balance, keeps the platform even with the bow. It is fully cudstomizable as per the needs of the boat owner and variants are also available for tri-pontoon boats.

Slides

Everyone loves water slides, irrespective of their age. You can experience the same fun on your pontoon boats by installing a water slide on them. They keep everyone entertained, be it children or adults. There are different types of water slides available for pontoon boats. Some of them are factory-fitted while a few aftermarket ones are also available.

Factory-fitted slides are mostly provided on pontoon boats with an upper deck. The slide is accessible from the upper level of the boat. It provides a reasonable height for the slide and grants momentum to its users. Also, the additional space on the upper deck ensures adequate space for using the slide safely. It keeps the energy and excitement of children to the upper deck while adults can lounge on the main deck of the pontoon.

If you own a pontoon with a pre-fitted upper deck, then the manufacturer of the boat may provide the slide as an accessory. People who have installed an aftermarket upper deck can order a custom slide. There are a few temporary slides also available that can be assembled before use and disassembled after use. They are ideal for pontoon owners who don’t have an upper deck on their boats. These slides can be stored in a compartment of the boat and are easy to use.

When using a slide, ensure that the water is deep enough. Provide swimming safety gear for children and young adults if they are going to use the slide while keeping an eye on them.

Here are a couple of great slides that you can consider.

9. RAVE Sports Pontoon Slide

Waterslides are always fun and even more so when on a pontoon boat. RAVE Sports pontoon slide is compact and a must have accessory for taking your pontooning experience to a whole new level. This 10’ slide is small enough for installation on a pontoon boat yet big enough for enjoying. The RAVE Sports pontoon slide is inflatable so it can be transported easily and then inflates within 5 minutes with the included air pump. It has straps that can attach to nearly any pontoon boat and is made of heavy duty material to take on days of pontoon boat sliding fun!

10. Platports 3m Wavy Slide

Platports 3m Wavy Slide is a great accessory for a pontoon boat trip. It can be carried in a space as small as the backseat of a car. Its assembly is quite simple and can be done with minimal hassles. The slide and ladder steps are made from plastic and a stainless-steel frame and support bar provide strength, stabilization and rigidity. Handrails are provided ensuring safety while climbing. A water hose may be attached to convert it into a water slide. It is a fantastic to keep children busy and occupied when going on a pontoon boat expedition.

Click this link for additional information about Fun Pontoon Boat Accessories.

10 Best Party Boat Accessories

March 8, 2019 by Dan Leave a Comment

Boats are not just meant for cruising and fishing. Many people prefer to host parties and get-togethers on their boats. Organizing a party on the water has its own charm and appeal. There are many party boat accessories that can enhance the fun of your parties. Some of them enhance the ambiance while others add to the convenience of partying while on a boat in the middle of a lake or ocean. Here are the ten best party boat accessories that allow you to entertain guests on your boat.

Cuisinart Grill Modified with Arnall’s Grill Bracket

A grill is an essential item when it comes to the ten best party boat accessories. It allows the host to serve hot food to the guests who are going to attend their party. Cuisinart’s BBQ Grill is a great option for boat owners. It comes with an Arnall’s grill bracket that will attach to most pontoon boat rails. The grill has 145 sq.in. of cooking area with a porcelain-enameled grate and a 5,500 BTU burner. A mount is provided for installing a propane tank which will act as a fuel for the grill. You can cook food for 8-10 people easily at a time.

Rosso Water Floating Fortress

A floating water pad is often an overlooked item on the list of the ten best party boat accessories. It gives you extra space to party on water or just relax. The Rosso Water Floating Fortress is one of the bestselling floating water pads. It measures 18-feet by 6-feet and can support six to eight people easily. The Floating Fortress is made from 2-ply closed cell 1-3/8” polyethylene foam that is non-absorbent, tear resistant and doesn’t fade in the sun. It is easy to unroll and roll and comes with velcro storage straps and a bungee tether.

Northstar Products Privacy Station

Hosting a party on a boat means people will require a place to change into their swimwear. The Northstar Products Privacy Station is one of the best party boat accessories to have. It can be attached to the underside of a bimini. It features velcro straps that go around the frame of the bimini and make it easy to install and remove. The station is 72” tall and has a width of 30” and a depth of 27” making it roomy and comfortable. A heavy-duty zipper with double pull makes it convenient to use.

OPT7 Aura LED Boat Interior Glow Lighting Kit

The first thing you need to do for getting a party going is to set the mood and the OPT7 Aura LED boat kit is the best party boat accessory for the same. It is an LED lighting kit that allows you to set and control the deck lighting of your pontoon boat. There are four 24” LED strips provided, each having 36 SmartColor LEDs for lighting up the deck or interior. An included remote allows you to adjust color and effects. They can be synced to the bass of your music for further enhancing the ambience. The Aura LED kit can be powered by a 12V charger outlet.

Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Portable Cooler

If you are looking for the ten best party boat accessories, then a cooler is an essential requirement for keeping your beverages cold and refreshing. The Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series marine portable cooler is a great choice. It is large-sized cooler with a capacity of 120-quarts allowing it to hold up to 204 cans. The cooler has insulated walls and lid for retaining ice for six days in temperatures of up to 90°F. It has threaded drains for removing excess water without tilting the cooler. Its UVGuard sun protection will shield the cooler from fading over the years.

Plano Extra Large Dry Storage Box with Tray

Hosting a party on a boat means getting splashed with water and risking damage to your important items. It makes a dry box a necessity when it comes to the ten best party boat accessories. The Plano extra-large dry storage box with tray is a popular choice of boat owners. It has an O-ring seal to protect your important items and gadgets from the water. A tray is provided for holding small items while bigger items can be stored in the box below the tray. There are locks on each side for securing the box and a large handle on top for carrying it.

AOMAIS GO Bluetooth Waterproof Portable Speaker

A party doesn’t qualify as one until there is some music to groove to. If your boat doesn’t have an audio system, then consider investing in a waterproof portable speaker. The AOMAIS Go is a great option for buyers. It has IPX7 waterproof rating allowing it to withstand immersion for thirty minutes. The device features two 15-watt full range drivers in addition to a pair of passive radiators. It can be connected to devices by using Bluetooth or 3.5mm audio jack. The 8800mAh power bank provides a runtime of up to thirty hours. You can even combine a pair of these portable speakers for a large party.

RAVE Sports 00001 Slide

A boat slide will always be fun for kids and adults alike and is a great addition to the ten best party boat accessories. The RAVE Sports 00001 Slide is one of the most popular options that comes backed by good reviews. It is an inflatable slide that can add to the fun factor at your boat party. You can inflate the slide using a high-pressure 12V inflator that comes along with the package. The slide has four steps for climbing and two vinyl handles for assistance while sliding down. It occupies minimum space when deflated.

Lillipad Diving Board

A diving board is another fun-enhancing item on the list of ten best party boat accessories. It allows people to show off their diving skills and splash water on their companions. The Lillipad diving board is a premium choice for boat owners. It has a weight capacity of up to 250lbs and can be used by kids and adults. The energy cancelling design of the board ensures that the boat won’t rock when a person dives. Its heavy-wall aluminum construction makes it sturdy. It can be stored when not required and will fit most seat compartments.

Docktail Boat Bar

Hosting a party means you will need a place to store bottles of beverages and drinks. The Docktail Boat Bar is one of the best party boat accessories for such purposes. It can be mounted on any rod holder or rail of a boat. The bar has slots for storing six bottles – a pair for 1.75-liter ones, another pair for 2-liter ones and two more slots for 1-liter bottles. Besides these, there are three more slots for accessory bottles and cups and a cutting board slot. The Docktail Boat Bar makes it easy to serve drinks at a boat party.

Click this link for additional information about Fun Pontoon Boat Accessories.

10 Best Fun Pontoon Boat Accessories

March 3, 2019 by Dan Leave a Comment

Pontoon boats are not just meant for riding or fishing. They allow you to engage in a wide variety of fun-filled activities. There are many fun pontoon boat accessories that enhance your enjoyment on a pontoon ride. These accessories are great for individuals who often entertain people on their pontoon boats or take their kids along. Listed below are the ten best fun pontoon boat accessories that allow you to spend fun-filled days on the water.

SportsStuff Big Mable Towable Tube

A towable tube is one of the ten best fun pontoon boat accessories to have. SportsStuff Big Mable towable tube is a popular choice for boat owners. It is an inflatable tube that has two tow points, one at the front and the other at the back. They are aluminum Quick Connect tow points and feature a speed safety valve. The tube can carry two persons with a maximum weight capacity of 340lbs. It has a backrest and air cushioned side walls for enhancing comfort. There are multiple grab handles with knuckle guards provided along with EVA foam padding in different locations.

RAVE Sports 00001 Pontoon Slide

If you take kids along with you on pontoon rides or like to have fun in the water, then a pontoon slide is the best fun pontoon boat accessory for you. The RAVE Sports 00001 pontoon slide is a well-recommended product. It is an inflatable slide that is easy to use and compact enough to store. It can be rolled for storing and takes no more space than a sleeping bag. The slide features four molded steps for easy climbing and two molded vinyl handles for sliding down. A 12V high-pressure inflator/deflator is included in the package.

Intex Pool Volleyball Game

Are you looking for various fun ways you can spend time while on a pontoon ride? Then the Intex Pool volleyball game set will be the best fun pontoon boat accessory for you. It allows you and your friends to engage in a game of volleyball. The kit includes an inflatable volleyball and pole bases with netting. You can also add anchor weights for keeping it still. The netting base is made from 10-gauge vinyl while the ball is made from 7-gauge vinyl. A repair kit is also included in the packet in case any inflatable item in the kit gets damaged.

Lillipad Diving Board

There is no fun like diving into the water from a boat and a diving board can enhance the fun further. Lillipad’s diving board is an excellent choice for buyers considering the ten best fun pontoon boat accessories. It is a great item for adults and kids alike and has a weight capacity of 250lbs. It is made from heavy wall aluminum with stainless steel fittings. The board has an energy canceling design that prevents the boat from rocking when people dive. It can be stored when not in use. The Lillipad diving board is available in surface mounting and underfloor mounting options.

Airhead EZ Ski

Do you have a couple of kids who want to ski behind a boat but are not yet trained? Then the Airhead EZ Ski is the best fun pontoon boat accessory for young wannabe skiers. It is an inflatable ski trainer that is designed to teach young children. It comes with integrated wooden water ski trainers as well as ski bindings that make skiing easy for young kids. The ski is designed for a single rider and has a weight capacity of up to 70lbs. An inflatable seat is incorporated into the ski for young riders until they are confident of standing up.

Subwing Towable Watersports Board

The Subwing towable watersports board is a great item for thrill seekers when it comes to the ten best fun pontoon boat accessories. The board allows you to ride on the water surface or glide underwater and even perform acrobatics. It is simple to learn and requires minimum effort to ride making it suitable for both kids and adults. The rider hangs on its wings using both hands and tilts them depending on the direction he or she wants to go in. It is designed for towing at low speeds making it safe but without compromising on the fun.

Sportstuff 53-2030 Booster Ball

The Sportstuff Booster Ball is another fun pontoon boat accessory. It is not an independent towable but is designed to be used with other towable items such as tubes for enhancing their performance. It is a tow rope that comes with an inflatable buoy in the middle. The buoy keeps the tow rope out of water for increasing the towing performance. It eliminates sprays and splashes that are caused by a submerged rope. The Booster Ball also prevents the towable items from submarining while lowering the stress and drag on them, increasing their life span in the process. It can be used with one to four rider towable items.

Hyperlite Wakeboard Package 2018 Vapor with Destroyer Wakeboard Bindings

The Hyperlite Wakeboard Package is one of the ten best fun pontoon boat accessories for adrenaline junkies. It gives them a chance to show off their wakeboarding skills and satisfy their need for thrills. The wakeboard has been designed to maximize stability while ensuring excellent lift off the wake. It has a three-stage rocker and four removable fins for maximum speed and exceptional control. The package also includes Destroyer bindings that will fit foot sizes ranging from 7 to 13. They have a thin yet strong base plate that reduces weight while improving maneuverability. EVA cushioning is provided for heel and toe to enhance comfort.

Leader Accessories Kneeboard

The Leader Accessories Kneeboard is a great alternate option to wakeboards for people looking for the best fun pontoon boat accessories. It allows them to knee surf behind their pontoon boats. The EVA foam padding enhances the comfort of the riders enabling them to have fun without getting tired. A 3” padded strap enhances the stability of the rider and can be adjusted. Even beginners will find it easy to ride this kneeboard as it comes with an integrated hook for assisted takeoff. Its beveled edges allow faster cuts and a low riding profile enhances stability.

Airhead AHWR-1, 2AHS-1100 or 1200 Wakeboard Rope

If you have purchased a wakeboard or kneeboard, you will also require a wakeboard rope for the same. The Airhead wakeboard rope is a great option for individuals that comes highly recommended by its owners. It is made from low-stretch 16-strand, 30 filament rope. The 15” handle is made from double-density EVA and has an aluminum core. It has four sections with take-off loops to suit a wide range of riding styles. There are 4” finger protectors provided for safety along with foam floats. A rope keeper is also provided for storing the rope when not in use.

Denver Boat Show Highlights

January 20, 2018 by Dan Leave a Comment

Denver is not known as a “top ten” boat show destination by any means, but considering we have (2) young kids at the house and I live 20 minutes from the Colorado Convention Center I figured I had better take advantage of the situation and check out all of the new boats for this year! Here are a few highlights from the Denver Boat Show! Please note this website is www.pontoonboats.org so I concentrated on pontoon boats while visiting the show even though there were quite a bit of wakeboarding boats and others!

Pontoon Boat Manufacturers and Dealers at the Denver Boat Show:

Trifecta – Horizon Motorsports (Sterling, CO)

Avalon & Tahoe Mfg., Inc. – Sterling Marine Center (Longmont, CO)

Bennington – Colorado Boat Center (Johnstown, CO)

Lowe Boats – Valentine’s Marine (Sheridan, CO)

Landau – Rocky Mountain Boat Company (Pueblo West, CO)

Escape by Larson – Rocky Mountain Boat Company (Pueblo West, CO)

Sylvan – Crowley Marine (Denver, CO)

Crest – Island Lake Marine & Sports (Fort Collins, CO)

Sweetwater Pontoons – Island Lake Marine & Sports (Fort Collins, CO)

It was great to see so many different manufacturers represented and local dealerships in for the show. Greater Denver only has a few marine dealerships in town but the folks north and south of us have some great boating locations so it was refreshing to see them come into town and show us what they offer!

This was my first boat show ever so I didn’t know what to expect! The last time I was at the convention center for an event was the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) so I was expecting to see “acres” of boats similar to the “acres” of beers at the GABF but I was definitely not disappointed in being able to see so many manufacturers up close. Here are the highlights of what I came away with in no particular order!

Pontoon Boats with Upper Decks!

The two boats that caught my (and my daughter’s) eyes right off the bat were the two pontoon boats with upper decks on them! We first came across the 250 Atlantis Cruise. Looked like it had a sweet lighting package, and dual Suzuki 150 outboards. Sweet Ride!

The second one was a Sweetwater SWPE 235 SDP with a single Mercury 150 outboard. These boats definitely got the attention of all of the young families at the show (including mine) and there was always a line of people waiting for it!

The “If Money Were No Object” Boats

When I came across the Sweetwater SW 2286 WB I couldn’t help but take a few photos of it right away. This boat just oozes “cool”. It had a sweet bar, a cool LED lighting scheme, a sink, and a nice barbecue grill to top it off. I know that I am a sucker for “gadgets” on a pontoon boat but I could definitely see our family cooking up a nice barbeque lunch on this bad boy! List price for this particular model was around $53,000!

When you think about a pontoon boat you think big, roomy, comfortable, and relaxing. The Sylvan S3 Port is a behemoth of a boat and it really looked like a boat you could “chill” in. With it’s long length it appeared to be two living rooms situated lengthwise back-to-back. I didn’t hurt that it had a legitimate bathroom in the back as well as a double bimini. List price on this model is about $70,000.

The Trifecta 25 Sport C9 3.0+ looked like the “cool” boat of the show. I could totally picture it on the ocean, and with the double Mercury 300 hp engines you KNOW it’s going to be fast! Color scheme was super sporty, LED lighting scheme was just as cool as the color scheme, and the tritoon was the finishing touch! This one was “definitely” the “money is no object category at a list price of $151,500!

The “Best Pontoon Boat for the Money” Boats

Bennington 20SSRX – Bennington makes a helluva boat. When I got to their section I asked for their “most economical” boat and this is what they showed me! Upholstery looks very nice, layout looked nice, and the styling of all of the Bennington’s is awesome. This boat was no exception! It took a little bit of time for me to get my daughter from the steering wheel of this one! I know which one she liked the most! List price for the Bennington 20SSR is approximately $37,000.

Lowe SS 210 – I think Lowe makes a quality boat. It may be because their pontoon boats were sitting next to all of their fishing boats, or that I know Lowe as a fishing boat manufacturer, but I got the feeling that this boat had a little less features than some of the others I had looked at this day, and finishes were a little lower standard. Boat looked great though, and the list price was reasonable at around $30,000.

Sylvan 820 Cruise – I didn’t have Sylvan pontoon boats on my radar before the Denver boat show but I certainly do now! I really liked the look of these boats and after walking past the Sylvan S3 I was definitely interested in taking a look at their smaller versions. I came across the Sylvan 820 Cruise and DEFINITELY liked what I saw! Flooring was great, the seats were very plush, and I loved the styling and the color of the boat. The list price was really reasonable too at around $33,000. If I ever got the chance to pick up my own pontoon boat this one would be at the top of my list!

That’s my quick, non-expert review of some of the pontoon boats that caught my eye at the Denver boat show! It was definitely a great time hanging with my daughter and dreaming of warmer weather and calm water in the middle of the winter. It was great to be able to compare a bunch of different pontoon boat manufacturers at one time and at one place. I am definitely going to try and make it a habit to go to the show every year! Please feel free to comment let me know if you agree with my thoughts or if I missed something that I should have seen there!

Pontoon Boat Accessories – Fun Toys

May 28, 2017 by Dan Leave a Comment

Pontoon boats are the ideal companions for fun times on the water. The boats allow individuals to engage in fishing, cruising, sunbathing and going for a swim. Besides these, there are plenty of pontoon boat toys that enable for more adventurous and thrilling experiences. Be it a family cruise with plenty of kids aboard or adults getting together for a weekend getaway, there are different types of toys available for different age groups that are suited to their tastes and preferred activities.

Diving Boards

Pontoon boats can be fitted with diving boards for merrymaking and jumping about into the water. Though some of the boats do have swim decks, a diving boards adds to and amplifies the fun. It is a great pontoon boat toy for both kids and adults alike and provides the perfect opportunity for some friendly competition. The boards may either be normal planks or might have springs for assisting the jump. Before diving, the depth of the water must be judged and shallow waters should be avoided.

Water Slides

No matter the age of a person, water slides will never go out of fashion. Slides are available in different designs, materials and sizes. Some of the boats might have preinstalled slides that may be mounted on the upper deck of the pontoon boat. There are also inflatable slides available that are not permanently attached to the boat and are easy to use and store. These pontoon boat toys are both entertaining and fun to have and are loved by kids as well as adults. For a family going on a vacation or a group of individuals looking to party on the boat, water slides are a nifty edition.

Tubes

While water skis and wakeboards are for adults and experts, the tubes offer a thrilling ride on the water for kids and the uninitiated of watersports. The tubes can be towed behind a pontoon boat and carry riders at good speed across the water. These pontoon boat toys do not require special skills and the rider is just required to hold on. Tubes are available in different designs and sizes. Some tubes only accommodate one or two persons while others can hold a bunch of excited kids easily. Tubes may be ridden in sitting position or while lying on back or stomach. Tubing is a great addition for both parties and family outings.

Water Skis

With most of the pontoon boats of today having good performing outboard motors and agile handling, skiing is another activity that can be engaged in. This makes water skis one of the must have pontoon boat toys for indulging in an exhilarating adventure on the water. The boats are fitted with ski tow bars that allows a person to ski. Adding the option of skiing can make a leisurely cruise and a party more exciting and fun. For a skiing experience, the outboard should have a power of at least 90HP.

Kneeboards and Wakeboards

Modern day pontoon boats have the option of being fitted with sport arch and towers that allow the people to indulge in adventurous water sports and activities. Wakeboarding can be enjoyed by those experienced in these sports when going on a cruise in a pontoon boats. Kneeboards and wakeboards can be other pontoon boat toys that can be stored on the boat for giving more bold options to the people on board.

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