Introduction
Ensuring the safety of a boat on the water is essential, including if the vessel is about to go into contaminated environments or saltwater. Pontoon floats are perfect for providing stability and ensuring the boat remains afloat. These floats are ideal for anyone building pontoon boats and swimming rafts.
A Pontoon float is an easy-to-build platform and contains materials that meet Coast Guard specifications. Apart from when damaged by natural forces or humans, it doesn’t require repair costs or much maintenance. Due to its high molecular structure, the pontoon float comes with excellent resistance to ultraviolet rays and harsh weather conditions.
This review examines the benefits and reasons why pontoon floats are necessary for safeguarding water vessels.
Why Use Pontoon Floats?
Pontoon floats have become popular among boat owners worldwide as it helps solve the problem of water and land connection. These floats use polyethylene as raw material for providing a stable performance for the vessel. Some reasons why boat owners use pontoon floats are because:
- It has a lifespan that lasts up to 30 years.
- It consists of standard materials that are environmentally friendly resistant to ultraviolet rays, chemicals, oil stains, and saltwater.
- It is easy to assemble and manoeuver.
- It is affordable and requires little maintenance.
Other benefits of using a pontoon float include:
It Provides Stability:
Pontoon floats come with an upper surface design that provides stability. It consists of a non-slip pattern and round corners designed to prevent the dangers related to wooden, iron, and general cement materials.
It Has Good Bearing Capacity:
A pontoon float comes with patterns on the top surface that has an efficient bearing capacity to withstand the dangers of slippery surfaces. When deployed, the pontoon float prevents the risks caused by rusty nails and splinters.
It is Versatile:
One of the main advantages of using a pontoon float is its versatility and compatibility. A pontoon float has built-in functions in different fields like a fish farm, overhead bridge water, and swimming pools.
It is Eco-Friendly:
A pontoon float is eco-friendly due to its built-in system that rationalizes energy resources and abides by environmental regulations. It consists of environmental-friendly materials that constantly improve natural performance.
Factors to Consider When Looking For Where to Install a Pontoon Float
Location is crucial when choosing how to install a pontoon float. The site determines whether it is an investment worth taking or possible to mount a pontoon in a particular area. It is essential to note that placing pontoon floats on the coast or open beaches is not advisable.
A port basin safeguarded by a breakwater or well-protected beaches is some of the suitable locations for placing a pontoon float. Below are some factors to consider when searching for an ideal location for pontoon floats:
The Water Depth and the Coastline:
Using sea maps that indicate water depths helps with the planning process for the pontoon float, especially if the location is by the sea. A professional that knows the correct water depth from the coastline will have a clear picture of where to keep the boat. The person will also learn the exact spot to jump into the water without worries. In addition, a sea map helps in calculating how long the pontoon float needs to be. For instance, a lower coastline requires a long pontoon float to provide maximum support to the vessel.
The Ice Conditions:
Monitoring the ice conditions in different seasons is crucial when locating the right spot for a pontoon float. Anyone planning to set up a floater needs to study the water body and become a keen observer using the following knowledge below:
- Observe weather conditions by knowing when the ice melts without influence from the wind. In addition, note what protects the water in the bays from the wind.
- Study the ice conditions visible from the rocks to know if there is a shift in the ice ridge.
- Know whether the large trees are still growing close to the shore.
The possibility of installing a pontoon float in icy conditions is low, mainly if the ice ridge occurs as it tends to destroy the float in winter seasons. It is advisable to consider removing the pontoon float in winter and re-installing it in the spring if no other location is viable. The downside to this procedure is the material costs and financial restraints.
The Water Level:
The average water level is another factor to consider when searching for s suitable spot for pontoon floats—the water levels in inland waterways and the sea change according to the winds and season. For inland waterways, the water level changes depending on snow melts and fluctuations in rainy or winter periods.
As for the sea, professionals estimate the Baltic Sea to be 1.2 meters below and 2.5 meters over the mean. Visual inspection is enough since the average water level is visible to everyone on the beach.
The Beach’s Openness to the Wind:
There is no need to worry about the wind regarding inland water bodies except when planning for a pontoon float. Checking the direction of the wind is possible using tools such as Wind Rose. The process involves clicking on the desired location and selecting the wind rose to see the winds dominating in that particular area.
Using a Wind Rose is perfect for identifying the direction of the most dangerous wind before cross-checking from the location and the map. The Wind Rose helps to check if there is something that offers protection like an island, peninsula or whether there is free rain for the winds.
The Height of the Wave:
It is essential to observe the wave height since the weather conditions on the river, lake, and sea are different. Wave heights are the most significant difference between the inland water surfaces and the open sea. In the case of inland water bodies, the forest slows down the wind, while there are no obstacles on the sea.
How to Judge the Quality of a Pontoon Float
Pontoon floats consist of tough high molecular polyethylene that is impact and weather resistant. It can also resist and withstand saltwater agents, oil stains, and ultraviolet rays from the sun.
A few ways to judge the quality of a pontoon float includes:
By Consulting the Manufacturer:
One way to determine the quality of a pontoon float is by consulting its manufacturer. It is easier to judge the experience and qualification of the company by the number of pontoon floats it produced in the past. In addition, a telephone inquiry can also verify the authenticity of the company’s products.
By Learning the Production Process:
Learning about the materials used in production and the standard of the pontoon float is another way of knowing its quality. There are many pontoon floats in the market whose quality doesn’t meet the required standard. These second-rate floats develop cracks when exposed to sunlight rays. In contrast, pontoon floats produced by reputable companies are resistant to ultraviolet rays.
By Visiting the Factory In-Person:
Many of the manufacturers producing pontoon floats don’t have a certified workshop. As someone looking to buy a pontoon float, it is not advisable to cut corners. Visiting the manufacturing facility in person will enable the customer to determine the actual quality of these floats.
Some of the Best Pontoon Floats
Center Boat Log Tube Float:
The Center Boat Log Tube is a pontoon float with a diameter of 21×25 that comes with a re-designed V-shaped. The front base and long bracket of the pontoon float measure up to 23.5 meters. This pontoon float features a 203mm long lifting strake on each side.
Features of the Center Boat Log Tube Float
- It comes with bracket spacing.
- It consists of aluminum material.
- It has an overall length of 21.5 meters.
- The mounting bracket comes in widths of 23 meters.
- It has a diameter of 25 meters.
Marine Log Pontoon Boat Float:
The Marine Log Pontoon Boat Float comes with a new set of log float tubes with a dimension of 23×27 meters. It has a starboard lifting strake that measures up to 203 meters. Due to the size of this pontoon float, the company won’t be able to offer shipping services. As a result, the buyer will have to arrange for personal shipping.
Features of the Marine Log Pontoon Boat Float
- It consists of aluminum components.
- It comes with both portside and starboard lifting strakes.
- It has a dimension of 22×27 meters.
- The bracket length measures up to 17.5 meters.
Boat Center 23×24 Pontoon Float Log:
The Boat Center Pontoon Float Log has a diameter of 23×24 meters. It comes with fins, lifting strakes, and a long bracket. Despite offering it at a discount, it sells in good shape though it doesn’t come with hardware and an instruction manual. One drawback of the Boat Center Pontoon Float Log is that it has no warranties.
Features of the Boat Center Pontoon Float Log
- It has a width of 24 inches.
- It consists of aluminum materials.
- It has an overall dimension of 23×24 meters.
Transom Pontoon Float Tube:
The Transom Pontoon Float Tube has a portside and starboard lifting strake that measures 223 meters. It comes with two holding areas and a ski locker located near the front of the log. One drawback of this pontoon float is its minor dents, cosmetic scratches, and bent ski locker bracket.
Features of the Transom Pontoon Float Tube
- The interior of the ski locker has a length of 83 meters.
- It comes with lifting rakes for adjusting the floating tube.
- It has double holding areas.
Pontoon Float Marine Log Tubes:
The Pontoon Float Marine Log Tube comes with a portside lifting strake that measures 228” and a starboard strake that is 228.5” long. Due to the size of the tube, the company doesn’t offer shipping services.
Features of the Pontoon Float Marine Log Tubes
- It comes with a starboard and portside lifting strakes.
- It consists of aluminum surface components.
- It has double bracket spacing.
- It comes with dual bracket lengths.
Custom Diameter Aluminum Pontoon Float Tube:
The Custom Diameter Aluminum Pontoon Float Tube measures 20 feet by 25 diameters. It consists of aluminum materials and is ideal for providing stability for pontoon boats while out on the sea.
Heavy Duty Pontoon Float Log:
The Heavy Duty Pontoon Float Log comes with dual lifting strakes and a bracket that measures 60” wide. It has three holding areas at the front of the opening and a ski locker opening at the far end of the float tube. Due to its size, the shipping service takes place via a truck line to the last residence or nearby terminal.
Features of the Heavy Duty Pontoon Float Log
- It comes with a front holding area opening.
- It has dual lifting strakes for each side of the floating tube.
- It consists of aluminum material for added durability.
- It has a ski locker opening for attaching the pontoon boat.
Conclusion
Using pontoon floats is essential for maintaining boat stability and protection in saltwater or contaminated environments. It is ideal for anyone building swimming rafts or pontoon vessels. On a final note, pontoon floats have a good bearing capacity capable of safeguarding boats and preventing the ship from sinking while on the sea.
