Your Comprehensive Guide for Beaching a Pontoon
Pontoon boats are fantastic family-friendly vessels and perfect for all scales of marine lifestyles. The flat deck of these boats and the robust tubes underneath them provide extra stability, making pontoons an ideal choice for anyone who wants to spend time on the water.
If you’ve recently purchased your pontoon boat and plan to embark on your debut outing soon, you’ll find this guide handy. Here are a few tips to help you beach your vessel like a pro!
Preparations Before Beaching
You’ll want to take a few necessary steps before beaching your pontoon to ensure safety and comfort.
First, establish a clear line of sight to your desired beaching location. This will help you avoid any potential obstacles. You’ll also want to inspect the beach for any hazards, such as rocks or sudden changes in terrain. Take note of water levels and tides, as they can greatly affect your attempts to beach or later depart.
Executing the Beaching Process
Now that you have ensured safety, you'll want to understand the beaching process.
It helps to approach the shoreline slowly, keeping an eye on your surroundings at all times. Once close enough, turn off the engine and allow your momentum to carry you onto the beach. You should turn off the engine before reaching shallow water to prevent damaging your propellers. If needed, use paddles for precision maneuvering.
Protecting Your Pontoon After Beaching
Once safely ashore, follow a few steps to help protect your pontoon boat and let it continue serving you for years. You’ll want a protective cover to protect your vessel from direct sunlight and check tidal conditions so you can move your boat when required.
When you're ready to leave the beach, reverse the process carefully. Use your body weight or paddles if necessary to push away from the shore, then start your engine when there's enough water depth.
We hope you find these tips handy when exploring your favorite body of water with your pontoon. If you need more ideas or are still searching for your dream pontoon, visit L&M Marine, LLC. We carry a fine selection of premium pontoon boats for sale and can suggest models for your budget and marine lifestyle. You’ll find us in Stapleton, AL, proudly serving our friends from Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL!