As the sun sets on beautiful calm waters, and you and your friends continue to enjoy the beautiful scenery, excitement builds up in the air. Someone suggests that you should beach the pontoon boat on the nearby sandbar, and that is when the debate starts.?
The truth is, there is no black and white answer to this question. It all depends on the situation and the boat you have.
First, let’s start with the negative side of beaching your pontoon boat. Beaching your pontoon boat can damage it in a variety of ways. For one, the sand can scrape the bottom of the boat, causing scratches, dents, or even holes. It can also cause the pontoon tubes to get filled with sand or mud, interfering with the boat’s buoyancy. What’s more, the pontoon boat can get stuck in the sand, requiring a lot of effort to get it out.
On the other hand, some pontoon boats are designed with beaching in mind. These boats have features such as reinforced hulls, sand-friendly designs, and shallow drafts that allow them to ride up on the shore without being damaged. This makes them perfect for offloading passengers or gear, especially in shallow water.
So, how do you know whether it’s safe to beach your pontoon boat? The best rule of thumb is to read your owner’s manual carefully, and if your boat has been specifically designed for beaching, then check out the manufacturer’s specifications. Also, make sure to study the shoreline and water conditions. Are there rocks, shells, or hidden obstacles that could damage the boat? Is the water level and current suitable for beaching?
Whether it is acceptable to beach a pontoon boat depends on a lot of factors: the boat’s design, manufacturer’s specifications, shoreline and water conditions, and your owner’s manual. Therefore, before beaching your pontoon boat, always study your boat’s manual, study the waters, and take extra precautions to ensure the safety of your vessel and yourself. Ultimately, it’s better to be safe than sorry!