There is absolutely nothing worse than being out on the water and realizing that you have forgotten that one crucial item. Having a checklist of essential gear can prevent this or at least ensure it won’t happen very often. Use this guide to make sure you have all the essential gear you need to have a perfect day on your pontoon.
Safety Gear
Safety equipment is a must for any boat, which is why you should always have the following on board.
Life Jackets
Having a life jacket on board for every passenger can be life-saving. Ensure that every person has a life jacket that fits well, including children. Most states require that you also carry a throwable flotation device. On-water safety should always be a priority.
First-Aid
Your pontoon should always have a well-stocked first-aid kit on board. It should contain antiseptic, bandages, gauze, seasickness medicine, scissors, tweezers, and adhesive bandages. If you are fishing, consider including metal pliers that can cut through fish hooks, just in case.
Fire Extinguisher
Pontoon boats less than 26 feet are required by maritime law to carry at least one marine fire extinguisher. Boat fires can be fast-moving, and you are often far from shore, and other boats. This makes a fire extinguisher an absolute necessity.
Safety Horn
A signalling device is a necessity to contact other boaters in an emergency. A safety horn is an air horn that is audible for at least half a mile. These can be useful in heavy fog as well as other emergencies. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the different blasts, and keep a guide on board for how to communicate effectively.
Fishing
Taking your friends or family on a fishing trip can be a fun adventure, but it does require specific gear.
Rods
Make sure that you have the right amount of fishing rods for your passengers. Or, at least enough for each rod holder on board. Different ages can require different rod sizes so keep this in mind when planning your day out.
Fish Finder
Having a way to locate the fish is a surefire way to have a successful day on the water. Fish finders use sound waves to detect objects underwater, allowing you to quickly locate the fish, and see how large the school is. This takes the guesswork out of it, and can be extremely helpful in new areas.
Cold Storage
Make sure that you have space on board for your cold storage, or portable live catch tank. This ensures you have somewhere to put your well deserved catch.
Entertainment
For those who like to cruise around, below are a few gear items that make the day more enjoyable.
Audio
Having a good stereo system can boost any mood, especially while out on the water. Consider investing in a good quality, waterproof sound system with bluetooth connectivity. Bluetooth allows for a direct connection to your device, making it easy to play music wherever you are.
Coolers
Having food and beverages on board makes the day more enjoyable. Remember to pack coolers with plenty of ice to keep drinks cold, and consider a separate cooler for snacks and meals. Staying hydrated while on the water is important, and the combination of sun and water can quickly dehydrate you and your passengers.
Sports Gear
While a pontoon isn’t as powerful as other boats, it is still capable of towing water skis, wakeboards, and tubes. Make sure to pack a portable pump and tow rope for any sports gear you bring along.
Having these items on board can make your onboard adventure memorable and enjoyable for everyone. Remember to always have your safety equipment on board, and consider storing some sports gear and fishing equipment on board at all times, just in case. After all, you never know where the day will take you!
Find Your Perfect Pontoon Today
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