Pontoon Boats

The Best Saltwater Boats For Families

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Introduction

The Best Saltwater Boats For Families

Going on fishing trips provides a great bonding experience for families, so careful thought must be put into choosing a boat that will mirror the style and class of one’s family. When choosing the best saltwater boat for families, the buyer must match the right boat with the family’s needs to ensure that they get the best out of the boat in the long term. The functionality of boats differs, depending on if the boat is a bow rider, watersports, or saltwater boat.

A prospective buyer will also benefit from choosing a boat with dimensions appropriate for a family. For family fun, dual consoles and bow riders of all sizes will work perfectly. The decision may differ depending on the size and needs of the family.

This piece contains the necessary details about the subject. It will take a comprehensive approach to enhance better understanding.

Things To Look For In Saltwater Boats For Families

Before choosing a family boat, one must first understand what boat features their family needs. While the preference may differ from family to family, most large families will choose a similar boat. Below are a few of the qualities to look out for in a family boat.

Entertainment

Entertainment is a critical feature in any good family boat. The boat should be built with excellent speakers for music. It should also have a television in case long hours need to be spent on the water.

Swim Platform

The bigger the platform, the better. A bigger platform will allow the kids ample space for swimming.

Shade

The shade can come from a helm cover or a cabin. The family must always have a shade to hide if the sun gets too hot.

Spacious Casting Deck

If the saltwater boat functions as a fishing boat, a spacious casting deck is essential, especially for the kids. An extensive casting deck will allow the kids to cast their lines with minor complications.

Comfortable Cabin

A great cabin serves as a relaxing spot for the whole family. When the temperature rises, one’s family will benefit from having an air-conditioned cabin.

Food And Drinks Convenience

A good family boat should have options for food and drinks. A dining table, onboard grill, and microwave are some dining feature a good saltwater family boat should have.

What Boat Size Is Appropriate For A Family?

The primary use case of the boat is what determines the size. For families that want to use their boats for water sports, a 17-25ft small boat will serve well. However, for in-shore fishing-oriented families, a 15-22ft Bay boat is appropriate for the job.

Center consoles with deep V-hulls will serve families that wish to do their fishing off-shore. The dimension for an out-shore V-hull is 20-30ft.

Best Saltwater Boats For Families

The best saltwater boat for families will have features tailored for relaxation and family bonding. Features such as sound system, shade, and casting deck are significant because they go a long way in determining the pleasure obtained from the boat. The following paragraphs will discuss some top-quality saltwater boats that suit a family.

Brig Eagle 8

Brig Eagle 8 has large diameter Hypalon tubes with Matt-effect textured finishing. It has rectangular grab rails that are wrapped in stitched fabric. The Brig Eagle also comes with a cup holder recessed into the helm console. The cup holder is perfect for families who wish to have beverages onboard. 

Brig Eagle 8 comes with comfortable bench seats that face each other across a detachable table. The seats in the bow section of the boat can be transformed into a large sun pad for those who like to sunbathe. The Suzuki 300hp engine is hushed and delivers effortlessly.

PROS

  • The seats are adjustable.
  • It has multiple cup holders.
  • It can easily have 16 people on board.
  • The brig’s size has a big enough console to house a toilet.

CONS

  • The wheel and throttle are too high.

380 LXF

380 LXF is perfect for a large family. Although pricey, the boat offers features that match the price. The 380 LXF has an epoxy-infused hull that uses carbon-fibre glass to deliver fine structure.  It is an excellent choice for families who wish to fish while on their boats. The electronically controlled rocket launchers make the process of unloading rods easier.

When a button gets pushed, the mezzanine seats and footrests fold up to reveal an entertainment station. The entertainment centre has a sink, cutting board, storage, etc.

PROS

  • It has an excellent entertainment centre.
  • It has an onboard control system.
  • It comes with a flat-screen TV in the forward cabin.
  • It has well-designed rod stowage.

CONS

  • It is costly.

275 Dorado

275 Dorado is a family-friendly boat, perfect for both relaxing and fishing. It has a custom fibreglass hard-top that is complete with LED forward. A side entry door gives the user a convenient way to enter and exit the cockpit. 275 Dorado also comes with a fusion Bluetooth stereo with 7.7″ speakers.

The convertible arrangement leaves numerous entertainment options for the whole family. The seat’s upholstery comes in multiple colours designed according to the buyer’s taste. The Nuv3 provides an efficient fuel system that is not only designed to save fuel but also to enhance performance.

PROS

  • The speakers are loud and clear.
  • The seats are convertible.
  • It has ample space, enough to take at least a dozen people.
  • It is well suited for any water activity.

CONS

  • The cost of maintenance is high.

235 XSF

234 XSF is a small boat; however, it has premium features and a quality build. It is built with a Nuv3 fuel-efficient technology that saves energy and fuel. It has a length of 23’8″ and a 100 fuel gallon capacity. 235 X35 can hold 11 persons onboard simultaneously. The long onboard shaft creates a level, full-access swim platform for safe access.

A 12V plug and five USB outlets ensure that most passengers can plug in their various devices. Furthermore, the boat has an igloo cooler, three cup holders, and four-rod holders.

PROS

  • The longer board creates easy access to enter the boat.
  • It has three cupholders, more than most boats in its size range.
  • It has a forward seat with detachable headrests.
  • It has a 61-gallon bulk stowage.

CONS

  • The boat is relatively small.

Scout 355 LXF

Scout 355 serves as a cruise boat and also a fishing boat. The boat comes with optimum electro-hydraulic steering that makes steering the boat very easy. Scout 355 LXF has a fusion Bluetooth stereo system with eight speakers, the sound produced by the speaker is loud and crispy clear. A fish-eye camera mounted in the bow projects images to the MFD.

Scout 355 LXF comes with adjustable seats and a sun pad. Also, a fold-away transform seat ensures that the cockpit stays open. Scout 355 LXF can hold 12 people or more simultaneously, which makes it perfect for a large family.

PROS

  • It has a large seating capacity.
  • It comes with an in-built refrigerator.
  • It has three seats at the helm.
  • It has multiple screens, which aids in keeping track of the boat’s functions.

CONS

  • It is not affordable for the average family.

Nimbus T8

Nimbus T8 is the newest model to the WTC series. The boat is specially designed for daily activities, water sports, and relaxation. It has a length of 8.15m but comes with up to 300hp hanging off the transom with twin step hulls. It is affordable for most families, costing only £87,124. The mouldings finishes are top-notch, giving the drawers and lockers an excellent look.

When the boat’s teak table is folded, it reveals a dinette with a 30-litre drawer fridge. Buyers can ask for an outside gas hob for the complete dining experience.

PROS

  • The drawers are tastefully finished.
  • It has a dining table.
  • It is a high-speed boat, clocking its speed at 48 knots.
  • The engines are very quiet.

CONS

  • It only has a two-person berth.

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Marlin

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 has critical features, such as a side door for easy access from the helm station to the starboard side deck. There is also a side access gate for safe boarding. Jeanneau Merry salon has a large opening sunroof that allows natural light into the boat. The boat’s galley offers a lot of storage compartments, and the salon table is convertible into an additional berth for guests.

The boat’s overall length is 8.83m with a hull length of 7.98m. It’s a two-cabin boat with a water capacity of 26 gallons.

PROS

  • It has a convenient outboard power.
  • It gives good access to the bow.
  • It has ample space, which is well suited for a large family.
  • The fore cabin is well equipped with windows.

CONS

  • The rod holders are too wide for standard rods.
  • The hull volume affects rides in rough weather.

Beneteau Flyer 10

Beneteau Flyer 10 is a flagship of the modern Flyer fleet. The boat comes with four-berth accommodation, a 700hp on the transom, and a length of almost 33ft. A three-person lounger and separate shower heads put this small family boat ahead of its peers. Diagonal walkway grants easy access to the six-man dining station quickly converted into a sun-pad.

Beneteau starboard galley features a sink, a two-ring gas hob, and a fridge. Unfortunately, it does not have a worktop, but the starboard galley position ensures that passengers can easily step across the table for food preparation.

PROS

  • The four-seat helm is perfect for a family drive.
  • It has a great cockpit.
  • The diagonal walkway makes entry and exits easy.
  • It has an in-built fridge.

CONS

  • It doesn’t have a worktop.

Marex 330

Marex 330 is the newest addition to the Marex Scandinavia fleet. The boat comes with twin engines and shafts, catering to different market needs. Marex 330 cruising speed ranges from 23-30 knots and clocks at 38. Spacious indoor and outdoor seats that a large family can enjoy ample seating space. The boat packs a heater for winter conditions and air-conditioning for summer.

Marex 330 has an optional solar panel on the rooftop, providing up to 900 watts of charging power.

PROS

  • It has a main bedroom in the cabin.
  • It offers long and short bathing platforms, depending on the passenger’s preference.

CONS

  • It is pretty tiny.

Sealine C330

Six years after its launch, the Sealine C330 is still a top family boat option. Sealine C330 uses an enclosed wheelhouse with an external aft in place of a deck. The power options are 330-400hp for the single-engine version and 170-220hp for the twin-engine version. It has ample space, enough to contain eight persons. Sealine C330 has a spacious master cabin and a flexible, user-friendly central deck arrangement.

The galley is designed to be brought up and positioned on the starboard side. This enables the cooking area to be larger and easily accessible. A raised seating area allied to the obstruction-free windows generates a nice view for the saloon diners.

PROS

  • It has extensive accommodation.
  • It has an excellent platform for swimming.
  • Sealine C330 comes in a very stylish design.

CONS

  • It is expensive.

Conclusion

Before one buys a family boat, it is essential to ascertain the features that will guarantee maximum pleasure at the best price. The best saltwater boats for families should have a great swimming platform, cup holders, and dining facilities. Although an average family boat is expensive, many offer the best value for money.

Top Saltwater Pontoon Boat Manufacturers for 2022

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The top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers make boats that are saltwater friendly, making them immune to the effects of using a regular boat on saltwater. A saltwater pontoon boat helps save costs on boat maintenance because it’s Aluminum/zinc anode protected or fiberglass base can’t react with saltwater, thus, having the upper hand when reviewed by other boat owners and pontoon boat manufacturers. A normal pontoon boat needs high cost maintenance (mostly every 3-6 months) making the customer clean more and spend more money when as for a saltwater pontoon boat has lower costs and expenditure.

top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers

Saltwater pontoon boats don’t only beat the odds of rusting when on bothersome saltwater but even on dry land when near the ocean, making it easy for an owner to clean it with only water and also paint it with saltwater antifouling paint (if the boat has no Aluminum base).

Some manufacturers decided to specialize specifically in saltwater pontoon boats or have chosen to put a saltwater “package” together for some of their boat models that can withstand the damage caused by saltwater a lot better than the average pontoon boat. The following list of pontoon boat manufacturers have gone the extra mile to to create these saltwater pontoon boats. It does not make these boats “immune” from saltwater – we still recommend that you cover the boat when it’s not being used to prevent saltwater reacting with the sun and give it a freshwater rinse after every outing, but choosing boat from one of the following top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers will give you the best chance to enjoy your pontoon boat for years to come.

Bennington Saltwater Pontoon Boats

top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers bennington

Bennington is one of the best brands in manufacturing saltwater pontoon boats. They have managed to stay in the pontoon business for over 20 years. Not only are their saltwater pontoon boats affordable but their boat interiors are created for comfort and have a long life span. Most of their saltwater pontoon boats have a fuel load range of 16 gallons+ and can hold the minimum weight of 370 pounds with an excellent width and length.

Bennington carries a “saltwater series” – that are made specifically to go into saltwater and withstand saltwater over time. Their standard series saltwater boats can come in the the 20 SLX, 21 SLX, 22 SLX, and SX23 as well as nearly any of their upper end “Q” series. The modifications made to the boat include including a zinc-anode at the pontoon and aluminum ladder

Berkshire Saltwater Pontoon Boats

top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers berkshire

Berkshire is an another saltwater pontoon boat manufacturer that has managed to stay in the competitive industry by making their pontoon boats more affordable and more family friendly with enough room to accommodate many at once. Berkshire sells “saltwater edition” pontoon boats for all of their models that includes cathodic protection for the boat and allows you to enjoy the saltwater for years in your pontoon!

Fiesta Marine Products Pontoons

top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers fiesta marine

Fiesta Marine Products is a saltwater pontoon boat manufacturer that specifically focuses on manufacturing saltwater pontoons or Saltwater friendly boats. They’re not as big as most of the other pontoon boat manufacturers but they’re known to satisfy their customers needs and services, making them an already excellent growing manufacturer.

BeachCat Pontoons

top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers beachcat pontoons

BeachCat bring both luxury and great performance with their saltwater pontoon boats, they have a different range of saltwater pontoon boats, starting from size and ending on performance. They are on the higher end of the price range but you pay for what you get – they are a very high quality boat and they are made to be on the ocean.

Cypress Cay Saltwater Pontoon Boats

top saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers cypress cay

Cypress Cay is not known as a saltwater pontoon boat manufacturer but their driver and family friendly features and designs have help them stay on the market for a longer time than most pontoon boat manufacturers. They have saltwater packages for their boat series and it helps them keep up against anything that saltwater can throw at it.

How Does Saltwater Affect Pontoon Boats?

The marine materials which are used in the construction of pontoon boats are aluminum, stainless steel, etc. Now, it is common scientific knowledge how a metal in an electrically conductive solution (salt water in our case) when coming in contact with a dissimilar metal in that same solution, will tend to lose atoms. This losing of atoms means in scientific terms that the metal is corroding. The marine metals when not in contact with other metals will corrode away at a reasonably slow rate and there is not much of a danger. However in the presence of other metals in the saltwater, galvanic corrosion can happen when you take out your pontoon boat into the ocean.

What Makes a Pontoon Boat Good for Saltwater?

“Saltwater pontoon boats” were introduced with the thought of overcoming the phenomenon of galvanic corrosion. Let us see what all makes these saltwater pontoon boats work well in saltwater.

The tubes will be coated with anti-fouling bottom paint.

Aluminum and other marine materials can work well when not in contact with other metals. However, with due consideration to safety, the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) recommends the aluminum vessels to have a protective paint coating which can act as a barrier between the aluminum and the water.

Also, sacrificial zinc anodes can be used to save aluminum products. Let us see how the procedure goes. The zinc anode is electrically connected to the part (either by direct contact or by wire) and so now the aluminum gets stuffed with excess electrons. As a result, when it gets hit by galvanic corrosion, it actually loses those electrons rather than the aluminum giving up its own electrons. That is, zinc erodes in the process, thereby saving the aluminum. Hence the name sacrificial zinc anodes.

Solid keel and lifting strakes are used along with sacrificial anodes which can prevent saltwater and marine life from settling into the boat structures and thereby corrosive buildup. Additionally, hull protection products like metal jackets will act as an extra barrier between the active metal and saltwater. If you are somebody interested in taking your pontoon boat to the ocean, you can make the choice before you buy a pontoon boat so that you could look for brands which offer salt water safe exposed metal components and invest in the same.

The outboard engines of such saltwater pontoon boats will also be capable of withstanding the rigors of saltwater use.

Pontoon Boat Manufacturers Offering Saltwater Packages

Some manufacturers even include saltwater packages for customization so as to provide the added protection. The packages may include sacrificial anodes capable of protecting the hull against corrosion, sealing the keel and hull openings against interference from saltwater. Upgraded stainless steel and other materials, which act well in saltwater can also be part of the package. This ensures that extra protection is offered to your pontoon boat if you intend to take it into the ocean.

Almost all the top pontoon boat manufacturers offer saltwater packages. There is Bennington, Manitou, Godfrey, Barletta, Premier, etc. The Bennington Saltwater package includes saltwater anodes and performance foils or sealed lifting strakes. The Manitou saltwater package also comes with water separating fuel filter regulating the fuel quality in regions with high temperature and high humidity. The Barletta saltwater package is known as the Coastal Edition. They also coat metal jackets (engineered using nanotechnology) to the pontoon.

Saltwater pontoon boats are excellent all season round and have helped customers save money, time and have more fun at engaging in all water sports. With the listed best saltwater pontoon boat manufacturers, one won’t go wrong with their choices.

Ocean Pontoon Boats

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Pontoon boats are mostly used in lakes and rivers, but does that mean they cannot be used in oceans. Absolutely no! With advancements in pontoon boat models, it is not a big deal. They have the versatility to cope up with the ocean saltwater. There are many pontoon boats that are branded as saltwater pontoon boats that can perform well in oceans. You can also use other pontoon boats. However, before you set out on the sail, you need to be aware of several facts. This can keep your pontoon boat safe in the ocean waves. It all depends on the construction, quality, performance and the size of the pontoon boat which takes a toll on its suitability in ocean waters.  With right information you can set out on the ocean waters with your pontoon boat. Extra precaution is always good when it comes to ocean travel. Proper planning can help you out when you are in the ocean. This article will help by giving the information you need to know before take your pontoon boat into the deep blue sea. We also have some suggestions for the saltwater pontoon boats in case you make up your mind to buy one.

Myths Associated with Pontoon Boats

Most people living around the coastal areas hesitate when it comes to owning a pontoon boat. They have their second thoughts mainly because they would think of the troubles that saltwater can bring n the metal constructions. Now fiberglass boats which have resistance to saltwater have kind of overshadowed the scope of pontoon boats in the area. Another doubt which can prevent them to be a choice for ocean riding is that whether they can handle the huge ocean waves. However, with the advancement in technology, the latest pontoon boats can surpass all these misconception. They can be sailed in ocean, but keep in mind that this option is not meant for someone planning for exclusively sailing in the ocean. If you set out on the sail with pontoon boats you need to take care about a few factors. Proper maintenance before and after use of the pontoon boat in saltwater is also a must.

Pontoon Boat materials Vs Saltwater

The most common types of pontoon boats are of Aluminum, Fiberglass and Steel. Now fiberglass performs well without any rust, it is lightweight and durable. So they can indeed be used in ocean water without trouble. However, they are expensive and if by chance any need of maintenance occurs, that too will be costly. Steel is corrosive element and will rust over time when exposed to moisture and air. This is true with any steel structure and holds true in saltwater conditions too. Aluminum pontoon boats are the most common pontoon boats. Being non corrosive, they will not rust when exposed to moisture or air. However there can be galvanic corrosion with marine metals like aluminum, bronze and stainless steel.

What is galvanic corrosion?

Back in science class we have studied that when one metal in an electrically conductive solution (salt water in our case) and comes in contact with a dissimilar metal in that same solution, it will lose atoms. Losing atoms means that the metal is corroding. However, when not in contact with any other metal, these marine metals will corrode away at a reasonably slow rate and there is no danger there. Galvanic corrosion can happen when you take out your pontoon boat into the ocean. However, there are ways by which we can tackle the situation to a certain extend. These are the methods used when any marine metals are exposed to saltwater.

Before going out on the ocean, extra care should be taken to protect the pontoon boat. This may include coating the tubes with anti-fouling bottom paint. You must also rinse the hull thoroughly in fresh water after it has been exposed to salt water. Some other methods used in common is explained below.

How to avoid galvanic corrosions?

As said earlier, aluminum can do quite well when not in contact with some other metal,  however, keeping safety in mind, the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) recommends the aluminum vessels to have a protective paint coating which can act as a barrier between the aluminum and the water.

Sacrificial zinc anodes can be used to save aluminum products. Let us see how. When the zinc anode is electrically connected to the part (either by direct contact or by wire), the aluminum gets stuffed with excess electrons. So it actually loses those electrons rather than the aluminum giving up its own electrons. In the process zinc erodes and save the aluminum.

How many anodes and what size?

There is no formula to answer the same. It is actually a trial and error method. Let us see the ABYC procedure regarding the same.

  • You need to inspect the anodes occasionally, say every month
  • It is recommended to go with many small ones rather than a few large ones.
  • Now the indication that you have the right number of anodes is that the anode should be about halfway gone by the end of the season, and then replaced each spring.
  • If the anodes are not wearing away, then there can be several implications of the same. One is that the anode you included can be too large or it is not making good contact with the aluminum. The latter is true in most cases than the anode being too large. So zinc anodes should have cast-in plates and fasteners so as to maintain good electrical connection throughout their lives, and they should meet military spec Mil-A-18001J (or higher last letter).

Other ways to prevent galvanic corrosion

Solid keel and lifting strakes can be used along with sacrificial anodes which can prevent saltwater and marine life from settling into the boat structures and thereby corrosive buildup. Additionally, you can also use hull protection products like metal jackets which act as an extra barrier between the active metal and saltwater. If you are somebody interested in taking your pontoon boat to the ocean, you can make the choice before you buy a pontoon boat so that you could look for brands which offer salt water safe exposed metal components and invest in the same. Some manufacturers even include saltwater packages for customization so as to provide the added protection. Some of the saltwater pontoon boats are listed below:

Beachcat Saltwater Pontoon Boats

Beachcat Saltwater Pontoon Boats manufactures top-line Saltwater Pontoon Boats which are engineered to withstand the harsh saltwater conditions. They can stand up against the saltwater and offer you unparalleled comfort and luxury. Each Beachcat boat is built around the No Wood No Rot system. The material used in the construction of pontoon boats is 100% all composite materials and fiberglass. This improves the durability and the longevity of the saltwater pontoons. There are 20’, 23’ and 26’ models in the range.

Beachcat Saltwater Pontoon Boats

Fiesta Saltwater Pontoon Boats

Fiesta Marine Products is a renowned pontoon boat builder in the USA.  They have been in the industry since 1978. They offer saltwater pontoon boats with a total package of Quality, Styling, Performance, and Value. The Fiesta fiberglass saltwater pontoon boats with metal protectors are incorporated with safety and durability. They have a wide range of models to choose from. There are many options of 18’, 20’, 22’, 24’ and 26’ saltwater pontoon boats.

Fiesta Saltwater Pontoon Boats

Godfrey Pontoon Boats with Saltwater Package

Godfrey offers various pontoon boat models to suit your various needs. There are performance-first-based models, sporty models, ultra-luxury models and many more to choose from. If you are someone planning to take the pontoon boat on an ocean ride, then they have the Saltwater customization package for providing the added protection.

What about Aluminum fuel tanks?

Now suppose the pontoon boat do not have an Aluminum body, but what if you have Aluminum fuel tanks. Brass is the most common fitting used in fuel systems. If this comes in contact with aluminum that too in saltwater medium, again you have galvanic corrosion. Stainless steel washers or adapters can be used to isolate the brass fittings from the tank. Also ensure that the tank support system is not moisture absorbent. Suitable materials for these support systems like carpeting are stiff neoprene, Teflon or any high-density plastic.

Before you decide to take your pontoon boat out into saline water, be aware of the terms of the pontoon boat manufacturer’s warranty. In some cases, they may not cover your boat for corrosion due to salt water.

Pontoon Boats Vs Big Waters

Today’s high performance pontoon boats stand a good chance against big waters and large waves. However, you should be aware about certain things before you set out on your pontoon boat. 

Pontoons can be a great choice for use in inter-coastal areas, bays, rivers, and so on.  Why, because the sturdier pontoons can handle the ocean, however, they may have a hard time against rough weather. So their use is usually limited to areas closer to shore. It is better if you do not go beyond 30-40 miles offshore and not further out to the sea.  Make sure that you can see the shore. Also be sure that the waves are no larger than 4 feet.  Setting out further into the deep blue sea and also waves larger than 4 feet can get you into trouble.

How to tackle big and rough ocean waters?

If you indeed plan to set out into the big waters beyond offshore, you can consider using a larger engine. Larger engine with higher horse power can allow you to handle the pontoon boat relatively well in ocean waters. Also, you can add a third toon to your pontoon boat. This can give more stability to the pontoon boat and will also help in creating a smoother ride.

Pontoon boats are built for fun and leisure activities and not for taking up the rough waters. They have flat deck which is great for the purpose for which it is built. But when it comes to rough, choppy waters and high waves the flat deck is not so suitable. The pontoon boats are built to glide on the water and not to cut into the waves.  When waters get rough and waves become high the water can flow onto the deck. If this happens over and over, it can cause trouble. Get proper instructions beforehand. Avoid hitting the waves head on. It is better to ride into the waves by steering the pontoon boat at an angle. This makes way for the toons to ride smoothly over the crest points (maximum displacement point in the wave) with ease. Also be careful of the commercial freighters and other larger boats which can create larger wakes as they pass by.

How to Handle Rough Weather and Choppy Waters?

Rough weather and choppy water is not something under our control. Storms and lightning can all happen due to the unpredictable nature of Mother Nature. Avoiding them is the best way.  Keep a check on the weather updates daily and hourly. With advancements in weather technology, there are many apps available that can help you in this. The best choice would be the National Weather Service Marine Forecast which is trustworthy.

However, if you get caught up in the bad weather, here are some things you should remember for your safety.

Storm and visibility issues

In such cases, if you loss visibility, do not panic. Put on your life jackets, turn on the lights and slow down to a safe speed. Avoid other boats. You can alert other boaters by sounding alarms. Also try avoiding shorelines and shallow areas.

Lightning

Sometimes, you may have to deal with lightning, so keep the following things in mind. In such cases, you may seek shelter if your pontoon boat has any cabin or enclosure. Be patient. Get dry if you are wet and avoid metal objects as much as possible. Avoid electromagnetic devices like mikes and radio.

Saltwater Friendly Pontoon Boats

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Like any customer who wants to purchase an enormous but great quality product, he/she must look at a product’s component. the same goes for saltwater water pontoon boats, one has to look at the components used to construct the boat. That way, a customer will know the boat’s strengths and weaknesses. There are different ways for one to know the best pontoon boats for saltwater,

First, one must look at saltwater resistant parts or solutions, that way, it’ll assist a customer to know more about pontoon boats quality, preparing them for future complications or challenges. Saltwater pontoon boats aren’t 100% immune to seawaters, materials are added to keep the saltwater at bay, not completely affecting the boat to a certain degree.

The basics to having the best Pontoon boat for saltwater is by first seeing that the boat has a bolted base and not screwed, the bolts are to be stainless steel which reacts very slow to saltwater and the toons must be at least 25”. An engine is an important aspect of saltwater friendly pontoon boats purchasing, it must be easy to maintain but have at least 60-90 Horsepower. The most important part of saltwater friendly pontoon boats is material, Fiberglass pontoon boats are known to be watertight and long lasting when compared to ordinary pontoon boats. To make sure no further damage is caused by the seawater as the boat is being frequently used, other pontoon boat manufacturers add Aluminum on the pontoon making it at least 20% thicker, so the thicker the aluminum, the better the boat. It’s still important for a boat owner to also have Aluminum skinned decks because it avoids water from splashing on the wooden decks which can cause quick decaying. Vinyl flooring instead of the carpet is recommended, that way a carpet won’t store saltwater which could likely contribute to the boat losing it’s value and cleaning it with freshwater makes it easier to maintain.

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