Introduction
The foremost manufacturer of pontoon diving boards is Lillipad. They have revolutionized the way people jump into the water because of their sturdy, well-designed diving boards. There is no doubt that diving boards are a valuable addition to the pontoon boat because of the increased fun, especially with friends and family. However, before investing in a diving board, it is essential to have adequate information about the installation and how much weight it can take.
A well-made diving board will offer traction materials and an adjustable stabilizer for stability. In addition, the best diving boards will be made using excellent components such as the aircraft-grade T60-61 aluminum to ensure durability and longevity. The installation process of diving boards is easy if they come with the proper mounting hardware. Diving boards are designed for adults and children up to a maximum weight of 250lbs.
This article will provide readers with the necessary information concerning pontoon diving boards.
The Best Pontoon Diving Board
Pontoon diving boards aren’t offered by a lot of brands which makes it easy for one to narrow down their options when shopping for a diving board. There’s only one manufacturer of pontoon diving boards which is Lillipad. Their diving boards are intuitive and can only be installed in two ways depending on the pontoon specifications. The following paragraphs will discuss the two ways to install a pontoon diving board.
Surface Mount
Surface Mount is the best way to install a diving board if the boat doesn’t allow one to get under the flooring without any obstruction from aluminum shields. The surface mount kit comes with the appropriate brackets for securing the diving board on the top of the deck surface. Surface mounting is quite an easy installation process.
Under The Floor Mount
The underfloor mount is typical of its name. This style of mounting a diving board means that the person would have to get under the deck. Although going under the deck is only possible if there are no blockages through brackets or drills. This mounting style is ideal for maintaining a secure ride, and it creates a better aesthetic on the pontoon’s surface. However, it is more difficult to do than the surface mount.
The Lillipad Diving Board
The Lillipad diving board is very straightforward, simple, and practical that allows folding for easy storage and movement. It has a sturdy design that can hold up to 250lbs in weight, and it makes use of secure mounting hardware, eliminating energy transfer. This implies that even if there is a lot of weight on the board, none of the energy will be transferred to the pontoon, and it will keep steady.
In addition, the board is easy to uninstall. The ease of removing the Lillipad board will come in handy when the cover of the boat is being put on, and the owner wants it to fit snuggly around the boat. When the locking mechanisms are released and the board is removed, draping on the boat cover becomes more accessible. It is important to note that the Lillipad board is a bit heavy but can fit into a boat’s under-seat storage.
Factors To Consider When Buying And Installing A Pontoon Diving Board
Before one buys a brand new diving board for their pontoons, they must consider factors that may affect the enjoyment gotten from the diving board. Understanding the details of the diving board’s installation and storage is a great way to appreciate whatever purchase the person is making. Below are some of the factors one should consider when buying a pontoon board.
Adjustment And Weight Capacity
The Lillipad has a high capacity because it can take a weight of up to 250 pounds. It also offers adjustment to improve the feel during usage. It has an adjustable pin to change the spring configuration to match the weight of people jumping off the diving board. This makes the experience dynamic but also protects the board’s hardware by adapting the flex to the weight of the user.
Installation
People need to have the perfect space dimensions before installing their pontoon diving boards. The Lillipad manufacturer instructs that their diving boards should be installed on pontoons at least 16 feet in length.
The decision to either go for a surface mount or under-floor mount plays a significant role in the installation specifics of diving boards. However, it is also essential to know if the chosen area is safe for the diving board installation. A general rule of thumb is for one to check if there is anything that protrudes from the deck’s edge.
Safety/Stability
People should also ensure that their diving boards are not posing any risk or injury to the users and passengers. After one figures out how to install the diving board, it is also essential to read the manual before beginning any installation. Some models come with a handrail that aids users in maintaining balance before jumping off the diving boards.
It is also vital for people to inspect the board they are about to buy for hardware defects. Those that may like to add more stability to their boards can use the board grip tape.
Where To Buy A Pontoon Diving Board?
People usually cannot buy pontoon diving boards from Lillipad but can get them online on stores such as Amazon.
Does Lillipad Put Too Much Stress On A Boat?
The Lillipad Diving Board uses simple physics, which is canceling the jumper’s energy by counteracting the force within the framework of the board. When the jumper jumps off the board, the boat’s passengers will only feel a little wave action. The Lillipad can be installed using small, clean mounting hardware.
Safety Measures For Lillipad Diving Board
One of the great things about the Lillipad is the attention to safety measures. The diving board offers traction and rails for stability. There is a quick-release pin that is often kept with the boat keys. This means that the boat’s captain is responsible for positioning the boat on safe waters before using the diving board. To adjust the boat’s tension, one can engage the quick release pin even while the boat is in motion.
Also, most diving board manufacturers advise that the water should not be too deep. The water must be at least nine feet if people dive headfirst from the boards. Another essential safety measure is for the diving board not to be mounted too high. Although most pontoon boats are low, people should avoid trying to place the diving board on more elevated platforms.
Fortunately, Lillipads come with some of the best aluminum and urethane spring parts. The superior build quality of the Lillipad protects the hardware from rust. When the diving board begins to rust, it may eventually break under the weight of a heavy diver.
Is The Lillipad Durable?
Fortunately, Lillipads are built with longevity in mind. Only the best components are employed in building the diving board. The manufacturers used a heavy wall aircraft grade T60-61 aluminum, stainless steel, and urethane spring components to construct the diving board.
Can Anyone Use The Lillipad Diving Board?
The diving board is designed to carry the weight of both adults and children as long as the weight does not go beyond 250 pounds. The board is designed with a pin that can strengthen the spring for lighter or heavier users.
What Color Varieties Are There For The Lillipad
The Lillipad comes in marine foam platform pads, which Seadek makes. The color options are vast for those that want to match the boat’s color with that of their dive boards. People that wish for exclusive color options can get them through Lillipad marine and the brand’s authorized dealers.
Does The Black Powder-Coated Diving Board Get Hot In The Sun?
The aluminum construction used in making Lillipad causes the diving board to lack the ability to hold heat. Many floor surfaces and seats with lighter colors retain heat for a long time. This is why it is advisable to go for black diving boards in color. Manufacturers of the Lillipad also claim that if the steps are warm, the heat can be removed by water dropping from bathing suits.
How To Maintain A Diving Board
Maintenance goes hand in hand with safety. Those using wooden diving boards should always check to ensure they are not filled with splinters. People should not buy wooden diving boards as they degrade faster and becomes a safety hazard.
There are some routine checks one should do to ensure that their diving boards are still intact. People should also check and feel the board’s surface for any bulge. If there is a feeling of an uneven structure, it is essential to change the whole board.
People should also check if there is any crack. If one discovers a crack, it becomes imperative to change the diving board. An externally cracked board most likely has inward damage.
Finally, people always ensure that all the bolts and screws on any diving board they purchase are adequately tightened or replaced. Allowing a loose screw to linger may cause accidents in the future for the board’s users.
How Does The Diving Board Affect Boat Docking?
People will experience no problems docking their boats even when the diving board is installed. The quick-release pins allow the board to drop down to the side of the boat when they are not in use.
How Does The Diving Board Affect Stowing
People can easily stow their diving boards by unscrewing the bolts securing them to the boat. After one unscrews the diving board, it will then separate into three parts which are; ladder, board, and stabilizer handles. These three components can then be stowed easily.
Other Diving Boards Apart From Lillipad
Interfab Duro Beam Diving Board
Interfab Duro Beam Diving Board is very durable and has a skid-resistant surface made of acrylic. Fiberglass is used to reinforce the dual-beam laminated core. Just like the Lillipad, Interfab has a 250 pounds weight limit. It is compatible with a waterfall system that has a tip.
S.R Smith Diving Board
The S.R Smith Diving Board has maintained dominance in the diving board market for over 80 years. This diving board has a low, streamlined look which is very aesthetically pleasing. The package includes the stand and board, and both are made using powdered coat high-strength steel. The non-slip features are excellent. It also has scratch and fade-resistant abilities.
S.R Smith Cantilever Diving Board
The stands, boards, and hardware are included in the S.R Smith Cantilever package. The hardware is rust-resistant stainless steel. The powdered coating will stop the diving board from fading under the sea sun. It also has a sure-foot slip-resistant surface.
Conclusion
Pontoon diving boards are excellent additions to a pontoon boat because they improve the overall value of the boat. Although there aren’t many manufacturers for pontoon diving boards, brands such as Lillipad have been offering stainless steel, rust, and fading resistant boards for years. Lillipad diving boards can be bought using Amazon.
