Helpful Tips for Owning a Pontoon Boat
Last week our blog featured the many advantages of owning a pontoon boat. Hopefully that was enough to convince you to come into our boat dealership in Southern Missouri to pick up one of our in-stock and on-sale pontoon boats. Today we've decided to share a few tips for owning one of these magnificent watercraft. If we didn't entice you to become a new pontoon owner last week, maybe today's information will be the extra incentive you need!
Finding the Right Fit
There are lots of different types of incredible pontoon boats at LSK Lebanon to choose from. The first thing to do when deciding which boat to buy is to think about the ways you plan to use the boat most. Pontoon boats are extremely versatile and can allow you to enjoy many activities on the water.
For instance, if you would like to take family and friends out for an exciting day of skiing, tubing, or some other type of active water sport, a powerful engine is an important feature. If instead you will mainly be using your new pontoon for fishing trips, the motor's power isn't as important but you'll want the seating layout to be easy to move around.
Luckily, if you'll be doing a little bit of all of that, all pontoon boats have plenty of room for large groups of people. They also have lots of storage space for all the gear you'll need for any activity, the towels and coolers you'll likely have with you, and the items to keep your boat running safely and smoothly.
Cruising Like a Pro
When pulling out of the dock, be aware that the wind has a lot more grab on a pontoon boat than other more streamlined watercraft. Be aware of the wind as well as your surroundings. Point the drive first, then shift. Use short applications of power, re-direct the drive, then use another.
Once you get out of the dock, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cruising speed. Apply power smoothly and slowly. All boats handle differently, but pontoons generally tend to stay flat or bank out when turning. Keep in mind that if you turn too sharply, gear, as well as passengers, could go flying across the boat. Keep it smooth, steady, and controlled.
Never allow passengers to swim around the boat when the motor is running. Even though the decks of pontoon boats are perfect for jumping off into the water, always remind swimmers to be aware of the depth so no one gets hurt in shallow areas.
Once you head back to the dock, again be aware of wind conditions that could blow you off-course. Don't shut down the powerplant the moment you enter the slip. You'll be able to realign the pontoon boat if needed if you leave the engine idling until all the lines are in place.
Trailering a Pontoon Boat
When you're ready to take your pontoon boat out of the water, you will again need to be very aware of the wind conditions. You should avoid trailering a pontoon in high winds. A dock hook (a long telescoping rod with a hook on the end) is very helpful for getting your boat in position.
Don't put the trailer too deep into the water. This will cause the boat to remain floating and the wind can knock it out of position easily. Only pull the trailer in deep enough that the top wheels are barely under. It's best to get everyone off of the boat before trying to trailer it but if that's not possible, make sure they all move to the back to keep the weight off of the front of the pontoon.
Pontoon boats are easy to drive and tons of fun on the water. They are also sturdy, fuel-efficient, and the upkeep is fairly easy. Summer's coming to an end, but there is still a lot of great lake time waiting to be had throughout the fall.
Come into our boat dealership in Lebanon, MO, this week to take advantage of the great deals we have on our in-stock pontoon boats. We can probably even get you into a pontoon boat in time to enjoy it out on the lake this Labor Day Weekend! Go ahead and visit us at LSK Lebanon and look around. It doesn't cost you anything to look and you just may end up finding the boat of your dreams!
Website:
www.LSKLebanon.com
801 N Jefferson Ave
Lebanon, MO 65536
Finding the Right Fit
There are lots of different types of incredible pontoon boats at LSK Lebanon to choose from. The first thing to do when deciding which boat to buy is to think about the ways you plan to use the boat most. Pontoon boats are extremely versatile and can allow you to enjoy many activities on the water.
For instance, if you would like to take family and friends out for an exciting day of skiing, tubing, or some other type of active water sport, a powerful engine is an important feature. If instead you will mainly be using your new pontoon for fishing trips, the motor's power isn't as important but you'll want the seating layout to be easy to move around.
Luckily, if you'll be doing a little bit of all of that, all pontoon boats have plenty of room for large groups of people. They also have lots of storage space for all the gear you'll need for any activity, the towels and coolers you'll likely have with you, and the items to keep your boat running safely and smoothly.
Cruising Like a Pro
When pulling out of the dock, be aware that the wind has a lot more grab on a pontoon boat than other more streamlined watercraft. Be aware of the wind as well as your surroundings. Point the drive first, then shift. Use short applications of power, re-direct the drive, then use another.
Once you get out of the dock, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cruising speed. Apply power smoothly and slowly. All boats handle differently, but pontoons generally tend to stay flat or bank out when turning. Keep in mind that if you turn too sharply, gear, as well as passengers, could go flying across the boat. Keep it smooth, steady, and controlled.
Never allow passengers to swim around the boat when the motor is running. Even though the decks of pontoon boats are perfect for jumping off into the water, always remind swimmers to be aware of the depth so no one gets hurt in shallow areas.
Once you head back to the dock, again be aware of wind conditions that could blow you off-course. Don't shut down the powerplant the moment you enter the slip. You'll be able to realign the pontoon boat if needed if you leave the engine idling until all the lines are in place.
Trailering a Pontoon Boat
When you're ready to take your pontoon boat out of the water, you will again need to be very aware of the wind conditions. You should avoid trailering a pontoon in high winds. A dock hook (a long telescoping rod with a hook on the end) is very helpful for getting your boat in position.
Don't put the trailer too deep into the water. This will cause the boat to remain floating and the wind can knock it out of position easily. Only pull the trailer in deep enough that the top wheels are barely under. It's best to get everyone off of the boat before trying to trailer it but if that's not possible, make sure they all move to the back to keep the weight off of the front of the pontoon.
Pontoon boats are easy to drive and tons of fun on the water. They are also sturdy, fuel-efficient, and the upkeep is fairly easy. Summer's coming to an end, but there is still a lot of great lake time waiting to be had throughout the fall.
Come into our boat dealership in Lebanon, MO, this week to take advantage of the great deals we have on our in-stock pontoon boats. We can probably even get you into a pontoon boat in time to enjoy it out on the lake this Labor Day Weekend! Go ahead and visit us at LSK Lebanon and look around. It doesn't cost you anything to look and you just may end up finding the boat of your dreams!
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www.LSKLebanon.com
801 N Jefferson Ave
Lebanon, MO 65536
(417) 588-3550
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