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Entertaining On Your Pontoon Boat

May. 18 2022 Lifestyle By Dunfords of Havelock

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Tips For Throwing A Boat Party

When considering converting your pontoon into a luxurious home-away-from-home, entertaining on your pontoon boat is an essential aspect to consider.

Whether you're just hosting family or a crowd, you'll want to make sure you've planned out how the people will move around, how to accommodate large groups, and how to ensure you're offering the best experience.

In this article, we're going to discuss a few things you can do to personalize your pontoon to allow you to host the best getaways possible. So read on!

How to Organize a Party on a Pontoon Boat  

The sun's hitting the sea; the smell of salt, sunscreen, and grilled seafood's in the air. Summer is here! And this means it's time to start entertaining on your pontoon boat.

The first step for how to throw a party on your pontoon boat involves planning the festivities. This will need to be done a couple of weeks in advance at the least to inform your guests and give you ample time to prepare games, invites, and more.

Get Creative With the Invitations  

Invitations are the start of your party! They stir up initial excitement for your event. Design them around a theme and include some of the information below:

  • Date, time and meeting location
  • Dress code and footwear
  • Menu

Careful With Who You're inviting  

Pontoon boats do have limited capacities. Make sure to match your guest list with the occupancy limit of your boat.

Contingency Plan  

The main caveat with any outdoor party is the weather. You can't control it, and sometimes you can't predict it. Have a rain date or backup plan and make your guests aware of it.

The Decorations  

Creating a theme when entertaining on your pontoon boat can make things more exciting. The decor you choose can pay homage to a special celebration or just create a welcoming ambience for your guests. Even just a few streamers and festive signage can make a difference.

Below we have a few pontoon boat decoration themes and occasions:

  • Luau
  • Fiesta
  • Graduation
  • Engagement
  • Bachelorette/Bachelor bash
  • Mamma Mia
  • Lemon theme
  • Honeymoon

The reasons to celebrate are endless. Come up with a theme that suits your guest list, or stick to something summery like lemons.

The Food  

You don't want to be out at sea and get hungry without food. That's an equation for seasickness and hangry guests. Food is a vital component of any party.

You can design a menu based on the theme you select for your pontoon boat party. For example, if your theme is lemons, you can bring homemade lemonade, lemon scones, lemon curd, and other lemony foods to stay on theme. A theme like a fiesta would entail some great Mexican food.

You want to be practical when considering what food to bring too. Finger foods are the easiest to serve and eat on a pontoon boat. A cheese board is an elegant yet easy option to satisfy guests. It allows guests to sample many different foods at once.

Sandwiches are also easy since they don't require any utensils. For safety reasons, stick to food that doesn't spoil quickly. Also, if your boat does not have a kitchen, choose foods that don't require additional prepping, like heating, chopping, or mixing.

Transport your party food in disposable dinnerware. It will make cleanup a breeze. For safety, you also want to avoid as much glass or delicate ceramics on the boat.

Eating out at sea is a majestic experience. Your party will be a hit as guests mingle and connect over flavours.

The Music  

Every party needs some form of entertainment. Most pontoon boats have a USB port, radio, or Bluetooth speakers.

Create a group chat about a week before your pontoon boat party to make things more engaging. Ask all of your guests to send you their selections and curate your very own playlist. You can also play sounds that match the theme of your party.

Games  

Card games are a fun boat activity because they don't rely on technology, which sometimes can be testy out at sea. Grab your favourite card or board game to play with your guests.

Another option is to take a projector on the boat and entertain with a film or show. This will work best at night.

What to Always Have on a Boat   

There are certain essentials you can't be without at sea. Make sure to read the recommendations below and save our entire pontoon boat party checklist at the end of the article.

First Aid Kit  

Emergencies happen. Most boats come with designated first aid kits. If you don't have one, buy one and don't depart without it.

Basic Tools  

Nothing busts a party more than a boat defect or motor wear and tear. Most issues can be fixed with some essential tools. Make sure to have your boating tool kit for basic pontoon boat maintenance on board.

What NOT to Take on a boat  

Boating requires special rules for the safety and comfort of your guests. Certain things should never be on a boat as they can be unsafe.

Shoes With Marking Soles  

To keep your pontoon party boat in pristine condition, ensure your shoe soles do not mark. Any dark-coloured rubber soles should be avoided. Make sure to inform your guests about the shoe rules and any other party dress code recommendations in their invitation.

Spray Sunscreen  

These cans are flammable! Bring only cream or oil sunscreen that is not in a spray can.

Cigarettes  

Smoking can cause the boat to go up in flames. And it is disturbing to other guests and sealife to inhale toxic second-hand smoke.

Perfumes  

Perfumes, too, are flammable due to their high alcohol content. If you must wear perfume, wear it before coming on the boat and do not bring the bottle or rollerball with you.

Glass or Plastic  

Shattered glass or hard plastic can pose a serious hazard for guests. you don't want anyone getting cut or stepping on broken glass.

The Joy of Entertaining on Your Pontoon Boat  

Entertaining on your pontoon boat will become your new favourite warm-weather activity. One of the benefits of pontoon boat parties is the private intimate experience. Use the checklist below to prepare for your next pontoon boat party:

  • Send invitations
  • Have a contingency plan
  • Decide theme and decor
  • Know boating 101

What to bring on the boat:

  • Food
  • Water
  • Blankets in case it gets chilly
  • Entertainment
  • First aid kit
  • Basic tools and fuel


This guide provides everything you need to throw the best pontoon boat party! Also, don't forget your boat! Make sure to check out our selection of pontoon boats.