Going on a pontoon boat is a fun adventure, but have you ever contemplated taking your boat to the ocean? The idea sounds tempting as enjoying a party on your pontoon boat can be amusing but is it the right thing to do?
Although pontoon boats are designed for exploring lakes and rivers, some boaters think about pushing the boat a little further. So, can pontoon boats go in the ocean? Let’s discuss this in this article.
Can Pontoon Boats Go in the Ocean?
While pontoon boats aren’t designed to travel in the ocean, it’s not impossible to take yours on this adventure. However, there are a lot of factors that you need to consider before navigating the waves.
Boat Construction
Pontoon boats come in all shapes and sizes, and the smaller ones aren’t supposed to go on the ocean because they’re not sturdy enough. Nevertheless, a bigger pontoon boat isn’t necessarily ready to navigate the rough waters of the ocean, as it should be safe and well-constructed.
Smaller boats are more prone to flipping and shouldn’t be taken on the ocean. Bigger boats are generally more stable and will have more deck space for passengers and all the activities that they can do on the boat.
A better option would be to opt for a triton that has three tubes for more stability. However, if the weather is good and the ocean is calm, you can definitely take your pontoon boat into the ocean.
Front End Design
The flat front end of the pontoon isn’t designed to withstand rough waters. It will smoothly glide on a river or a lake but will get flooded with water in the rough sea.
The other thing that you need to think about is the front deck railing. This won’t withstand strong waves and can easily break to hurt the passengers on the boat or even other boaters.
Maximum Boat Speeds
A pontoon boat has a motor that can drive the watercraft between 20 and 35 miles per hour. However, there are larger boats with stronger motors that can travel faster.
Having low speed while navigating the rough waters can be a safer option, especially when the waves are high and there’s a loss of visibility. There are other factors that can affect the speed, like the equipment you’re carrying and the number of passengers.
Weight Distribution
You should also think about everything you’re carrying on the deck and how it affects the balance of your pontoon boat. A smaller boat with a smaller deck has a higher risk of capsizing, so you should think carefully before taking it to the ocean.
Uneven weight distribution can be a serious issue even for a bigger boat, even if you’re navigating a lake. This includes towing bars and extra cargo that make your boat unstable, especially in high winds. Moreover, this extra cargo can be easily blown away in the water if it’s not properly secured.
Unless you have a double-decker pontoon boat, there will be a lot of restrictions concerning the number of passengers on your pontoon boat and the space you have to host a boat party.
Getting Ready for Different Weather Conditions
Before getting into the ocean, you need to think about the weather conditions. If a storm is coming, then it’s recommended to avoid getting into the water. There are lots of smart devices and applications that you can use to check for storms and rain before getting into the ocean.
Check the height of the waves where you’re planning to navigate. If the waves are high, you should think carefully about taking any watercraft into the sea. Since your main purpose is to have fun, the high waters can make your trip end fast.
The fog will affect the visibility, and accordingly, your ability to control the boat. When this happens, the risk of collision increases.
Dealing with lightning is another factor that you need to think about. Unless your pontoon boat has space for shelter, you shouldn’t think about taking it to the ocean.
Tips for Pontoon Boat Safety
Whether you’re navigating the ocean or a lake, there are several safety tips that you need to follow.
- Don’t take your boat to the water unless you have a GPS device. Make sure that your radio is functioning and that you’re able to call for help when needed.
- Inspect your pontoon boat before taking it to the water. Make sure that all the fittings are properly installed and that all the drain plugs, pipes, and valves are working the way they should.
- Study the boating laws in your state. This will protect you from being fined.
- Be aware of other boats and watercraft, especially the bigger ones. They create bigger waves and might accidentally hit your boat if you’re not careful.
- Before adding any accessories to your pontoon, check with the manufacturer.
- In case you accidentally encounter a storm, act calm. In most cases, this storm will pass fast, and you’ll be able to navigate the boat to safety.
- Slow down as this will give you more control over the pontoon boat even if the waves become too high.
- Don’t hit the waves head-on and try to approach them at an angle.
- Make sure that your pontoon boat is dry all the time. A wet deck can attract lightning and will add unnecessary weight to your boat.
- Turn on the lights while driving your boat. This will grant you more visibility and will also notify other boaters of your presence to decrease the risk of collision.
- When the water becomes rough, ask passengers to put on their life jackets.
- In the case of lighting, stay away from any metal objects.
Wrap Up
A pontoon boat is a fantastic watercraft that you can enjoy in multiple situations. While it’s not necessarily designed to be used in the ocean, you can still take your pontoon boat to the ocean. It’s best to avoid navigating the rough waters, especially in bad weather.