Tips for Driving a Pontoon Boat
A pontoon offers an entirely different experience on the water than a monohull boat. These boats are stable and great for a day spent lounging with family and friends. These same benefits also mean the boat requires extra care while handling to get the most from their performance. As the captain, you’ll need to take extra care when planning for visibility. To learn more about how to get the most from your pontoon boat, ask our team at Fish and Ski Marine any questions you may have. You are welcome to visit one of our locations in Sanger or New Braunfels, Texas, serving Dallas and San Antonio.
Can You Elevate The Helm On Your Pontoon?
Between the height of your boat’s gate and the furniture on board, a pontoon captain must always be aware of their blind spots. One way to improve this situation is with an elevated helm. These helms will be four to six inches higher. This a standard feature on deluxe models. When you’re browsing for Harris® Pontoon boats for sale, consider whether this feature is important to your needs.
You may also be able to find a boat with a tilted steering wheel. This allows the captain to stand tall while maneuvering the boat.
Watch Out For Your Guests
As the captain, part of your job is making sure your guests follow safe sailing guidelines on your boat. Before you get going, make sure to tell your guests that while the boat is in motion, they will always need to be inside of the gate. Many pontoons will have furniture outside of the gate meant to be used while fishing. This is only for when you are no longer in motion.
Make sure to check that everyone is inside the gate before you start the motor.
Always Check Behind You Before Starting the Boat
A pontoon has less visibility behind them than many other types of vessels. The furniture and fencing make this more difficult. Before you start the motor, it is essential that you always check behind the boat for swimmers. You may use a spotter to handle this job. This is to avoid anyone getting hit with a propeller.
Use a Lookout On the Port When You Can
The left side of the boat is the worst blind spot. If anyone else is on board with you, it’s always best to ask them to serve as a spotter on your port side while docking.
Make These Safe Boating Habits Routine
With regular time on the water, you’ll soon find yourself falling into habits as you handle your pontoon. By utilizing the above tips during your first outing, you’ll be sure to build good boating habits that will keep you, your family, and your pontoon safe.
When you’re ready to find Harris Pontoon boats for sale, be sure to browse our website. Our team at Fish and Ski Marine will be happy to help you find the right vessel for your needs. You’re also welcome to visit our locations in Sanger and New Braunfels, serving Dallas and San Antonio, Texas.