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!
Using pontoon boat accessories designed specifically for these, the fun factor can be increased greatly while providing safety. These include upper decks, swim platforms, diving boards and even water slides. An upper deck increases the space on your boat while providing a separate area for kids and adults to relax or sunbathe. Here are the best pontoon diving boards, swim platforms, slides and upper decks for your enjoyment.
| Image | Title | Why We Like | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Lillipad Diving Board | Best Overall |  | Check Price |
 | EEz-In Outboard Transom Platform | Most Economical |  | Check Price |
 | Pactrade Swim Platform | Highest Quality | | Check Price |
 | RAVE Sports Pontoon Slide | Most Portable | | Check Price |
Diving Boards
A diving board is one of the best pontoon boat accessories for swimmers. 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 anti-slip materials to minimize the chances of accidents. The best diving board for your pontoon boat is from Lillipad. Check out our in-depth review of the Lillipad diving board.
Lillipad Diving Board
The Lillipad diving board is a fun accessory for both kids and adults and is specially designed for installation on pontoon boats. It 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.
Swim 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.
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.
EEz-In Outboard Transom Platform with Two-Step Telescoping Ladder
The 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.
Pactrade Marine Under Mount Swim Platform with Telescopic 1-Step Ladder
Pactrade offers a swim platform that is an ideal accessory for 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 also manufacturers a 3 step platform that works with either inboard or outboard motors.
Fixed Swim Platforms
Fixed platforms are the type traditionally found on pontoons. The platform is installed at the rear of the pontoon, above the motor. 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.
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.
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 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 Swim Platforms
Submersible platforms are unique as they are installed at the front of the pontoon instead of the rear. 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.
Splash Steps – Submersible Swim Platform
The 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.
Inflatable Swim Platforms
Inflatable swim platforms can be used to extend the usable space on your pontoon boat, so that you can have the extra dose of fun with family and friends.
Island Hopper Inflatable Swim Platform
The inflatable swim platform with a dimension of 15’ X 6’ x 6” can be used as an excellent patio platform extension for your pontoon boat. With a weight capacity of 2000 lbs, it can accommodate 10 or more people. It can be your sun bathing spot or swim platform. With the durable EVA foam surface, it is soft and non slip. The platform has 11 side welded stainless steel “D” rings and 24 top and bottom welded web loops to ensure secure anchoring. The swim platform includes the pump, 6-step ladder, and a 5 year limited warranty.
Blue Water Toys Inflatable Swim Deck
If you are looking for a smaller inflatable swim platform, then look no further than this 4-person platform from Blue Water Toys. It is made from military grade material. They also have heat welded seams with extra Blue Guard Protection. Reflectors are present on four sides. With the stainless steel rings on the sides, you can easily anchor to your pontoon boat. The kit also includes two way bravo pump, patch kit, storage bag and 1 year warranty.
Slides
Everyone loves water slides, irrespective of their age. You can experience the same fun on your pontoon boats by installing a water slide. 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. 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. These slides can be stored in a compartment of the boat and are easy to use.
Here are a couple of great slides to consider.
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!
SportStuff Spillway Pontoon Slide
The SportStuff Spillway Pontoon Slide features an 8′ sliding surface is another great option for having years of fun in the water. Made from UV treated 1000 denier polyester reinforced PVC material, the seams are hot air overlap welded. With the help of the raised inflatable safety chambers on both sides, the riders are kept centered with safety. While, the four inset molded steps and two molded handles on the top makes it easy to climb onto the slide. The Hulkey Roberts valve allows easy inflation of the inflatable pontoon slide within a few minutes.
WOW Sports Pontoon Zip Slide
With the ability to turn any pontoon into a playground, you can slide into the cool water with the WOW Sports Pontoon Zip Slide. This inflatable pontoon slide is yet another affordable option with an 8′ sliding surface. You can have heavy duty fun with the zip slide as it is made with an ultra-heavy duty premium layered reinforced PVC.
The pontoon slide features inflatable deluxe safety rails. They feature moulded steps and two molded handles which makes way for easy boarding. With the adjustable straps, the slide can be fit into most pontoon boats. You need to simply inflate the pontoon slide, attach it using the adjustable straps and have the fun! The pontoon slide has a weight capacity of 200 lbs and a one year warranty.
Upper Decks
Upper decks are one of the popular pontoon boat accessories. 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 more fun.
The upper 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 pontoon boats with a 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.
J’s Upper Deck
J’s Upper Deck is a great choice for pontoon boat owners looking to increase the area on their boat and 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. Jay’s just announced recently that have added a sturdy platform slide ladder to their lineup due to high demand!
U-Fab Boats Sun Deck Kit
Another option for individuals looking for an upper deck is the 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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding diving boards, swim platforms, and slides to your pontoon boat brings an extra layer of fun and excitement to any water outing. These accessories transform your pontoon into a floating playground, perfect for creating unforgettable memories with family and friends. Whether it’s diving into the water, lounging on the platform, or sliding into the lake, these features enhance the overall boating experience. Safe, durable, and easy to install, they make your pontoon boat the ultimate destination for on-water enjoyment and relaxation. With these additions, your pontoon boat becomes the ideal setting for both adventure and leisure.
