Inflatable pontoon boats have become increasingly popular over the past few years. They’re incredibly versatile and don’t require much maintenance. Compared to a traditional boat, an inflatable dinghy is an inexpensive and fun investment.
However, there remains the concern of, “Are inflatable pontoon boats safe? Are there possible safety risks that come with this unconventional raft”
Let’s answer those burning questions!
Are Inflatable Pontoon Boats Safe?
At first glance, an inflatable pontoon boat may seem unsafe. For starters, it’s full of air, which makes the raft susceptible to danger in the case of a tear. Additionally, it’s made out of PVS material that can be easily damaged if not properly stored and taken care of.
Not just that, but an inflatable dinghy is pretty lightweight. As a result, it’s not recommended that you take it out at sea or in open waters. In fact, the only good time to take out your inflatable pontoon boat is when the water is calm and the weather is sunny.
That’s because clear skies are an important element to factor in too. Because of their structure, inflatable boats are more at risk of flipping over than traditional ones. In other words, strong winds, storms, and big waves all pose potential dangers.
Watch out as well for rocks and above-water obstacles that are likely to puncture a hole in your inflatable boat. By planning your course ahead of time and checking the weather conditions on that day, you are reducing the chances of the raft capsizing.
How to Stay Safe on an Inflatable Pontoon Boat
Bearing the above facts in mind, you’ll need to take note of the following safety tips as well.
Below, we go through the main precautions you can take to keep you and your passengers safe on an inflatable pontoon boat.
Learn Your Boat’s Limits
Handling an inflatable boat can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing or how to best operate the raft.
For instance, most inflatable rafts have a limit on how deep or shallow the water should be. Knowing the water’s depth beforehand ensures that the boat stays afloat longer.
As an added measure you should also learn how far out your inflatable pontoon can go. This factor mainly depends on how durable the dinghy is and on surrounding weather conditions. That’s primarily because the further you travel, the more hazardous the water gets.
Thoroughly Prepare for Emergencies
Going out boating while being prepared for every possible scenario greatly reduces the odds of you getting stuck in a sinking dinghy. It’ll also keep both you and the raft safe.
For starters, you need to pack a PFD life vest and have it on you at all times. Store away an extra pair just in case of emergencies too. Additionally, take with you a first aid kit containing medical essentials, including waterproof bandaids and matches.
In cases of air leaks or physical damage to the boat, you should have a repair kit or a hand pump on deck. Either tool gives you the chance to quickly seal small tears and keep your raft afloat. Have a pair of oars handy too. If the motor ever fails, you’ll need them.
Factor in Weight Limitations
A typical inflatable pontoon boat will carry no more than two average-sized adults. However, not every model is designed for this. That’s why it’s pretty important to check your dinghy’s manual to know its weight limits and pack accordingly.
Make a list of only the necessary gear, tools, and kits that you’ll need onboard. Distribute the weight so that no side is heavier than the other. If you’re going on a fishing trip, factor in the weight of the fish as well.
The golden rule is to never go above the limit or push it too close. Mid-range is where you want to be so that your pontoon boat stays above water and not too dangerously below its surface.
Watch Out for the Weather
It’s worth mentioning again that checking out the weather forecast beforehand will do wonders for your trip.
Remember, an inflatable boat weighs next to nothing and is extremely buoyant. Both these features make the vehicle pretty easy to tip over.
Make sure that the sky is clear and that no storms or strong winds will be disturbing your dinghy. Avoid ocean waters as they’re unpredictable, or at least stay within sight of the shore. In case your boat capsizes, you’ll need to swim to safety.
What Makes an Inflatable Pontoon Boat Sink?
If you take note of the aforementioned safety tips, you hopefully won’t find yourself at risk of capsizing.
With that said, in this section, we explain what factors make a pontoon boat sink in the first place. This way, you can learn to better avoid them.
Overloading
It’s easy to go beyond the weight limit considering how spacious most dinghies may appear.
That’s why a good rule of thumb would be to have the water line reach just the middle of your inflatable pontoon boat. The higher it is, the more you’ll be risking a capsize.
Using the Wrong Motor
The horsepower of your inflatable raft determines whether or not the front of the boat will sufficiently stay afloat.
The motor’s HP should fall between the minimum and maximum power levels of your pontoon boat. When it doesn’t, you’ll start to plow through the water instead of sailing above it.
Structural Issues
Pontoons are what keep the boat afloat and these tubes fill up with water over time. As a result, they’ll eventually cause your raft to sit lower in the water.
In other words, you risk sinking. To avoid this from happening, regularly drain the pontoons by unscrewing the plugs and letting the water out.
Summary
So, are inflatable pontoon boats safe? Generally speaking, any water vessel can be dangerous if not operated well. You need to take note of how to properly stay safe on your inflatable dinghy too. With the correct measures, you and your raft will be pretty safe on the water.
Enjoy your boat ride!