Must-Have Accessories For Your Pontoon Boat
Something Everyone Will Enjoy
So you bought a killer pontoon boat. Congratulations! Now it’s time to move in. A pontoon boat without accessories is like a house without furniture. You can use it, but without the right accessories, you’re in for a limited experience.
If you’ve never owned a boat before, it can be tough to know where to start. We’ve got you covered with recommendations for pontoon boat accessories from the bling to the necessities.
Accessories For Fun
Let’s start with the fun ones because, why not? You’ve got a boat, it’s time to live a little.
LED Lighting
LED light tech has made it easy to add a little shine to your boat and stand out. They’re perfect for entertaining after dark. Choose from a single colour (blue and green are popular) or lights that change colours. You can pick a few simple lights for a sleek look, or make your boat sparkle like a Christmas tree.
Under seat lights are relatively inexpensive and will give your cabin a cool glow after dark. There are different lengths of lights for various seat shapes and sizes. They’re also easy to install with adhesive tape.
If you want a more dramatic effect, then go for under deck lights. These are more expensive, but just as easy to install. Just make sure to get the right length for your boat.
If you really want to go for broke, you can also get accent lights for cup holders and speakers.
Waterproof Portable Speaker
A sunny afternoon on a boat is nothing without some of your favourite tunes. A speaker can make a good day great.
There are many waterproof portable speakers on the market equipped with Bluetooth technology so you can link to you favourite streaming service or music library. This saves you the hassle of drilling into your deck to install a wired system.
IPX ratings on speakers tell you how water resistant they are. An IPX rating of 0 means it’s not water proof at all. An IPX of 7 means your speakers are waterproof when submerged up to 1 metre, and 8 is good for over 1 metre. Since you’ll be speeding across the water, it’s best to look for an IPX of 7 or 8 to be on the safe side.
Diving Board
A pontoon boat is perfect for all kinds of water sports, and a diving board can make it easy and fun to take a swim whenever you want.
Most boards are portable and you can install them either right on the deck or under the floor. The best diving boards won’t rock the boat when people jump off and work for adults and kids alike. Some boards support people up to 250 lbs.
Fish Finders
If you like fishing, a good fish finder can save you hours of waiting for a nibble on your line.
Fish finders come in single, dual or multiple frequencies. High frequencies work best in shallow water, while low frequencies are best for deep water fishing. If you always fish in the same lake, a single frequency may work best for you. If you tend to explore different lakes or the ocean, you may want to look for a finder with multiple frequencies.
There is some installation required. You’ll need to fix a transducer to the bottom of your boat, then thread a cable through the boat to the display on your deck. If you are handy and good with a drill, you can install it yourself. Otherwise, ask a professional for help.
Accessories For Functionality
It’s not all fun and games, though. You'll also need some accessories to help keep you and your boat safe.
Boat Cover
Boat covers protect the cabin against bad weather, transportation, and storage. They are essentially big, fitted tarps that fit over the entire top half of the boat.
Most of them are made of vinyl or polyester. Look for material that’s strong, waterproof, and won’t get damaged too quickly by sun and water.
Strong winds can also blow boat protectors off, or cause a boat to tip. To avoid this, look for covers that can withstand a storm.
Bimini Tops
Bimini tops mount onto the deck of the boat, and provide shade and cover from the odd shower when you’re out and about.
The best covers are durable, don’t fade in the sun, and are water resistant.
Pontoon Grill
Sure, you can pack sandwiches for your day out on the boat, but wouldn’t freshly grilled hamburgers or hot dogs be better?
Just because you’re on a boat doesn’t mean you can’t grill. There are lots of options available for propane, gas, or electric grills.
Some grills have rubber bottoms and can sit sturdily on a table (you don’t want something that’s going to fly around), or mount to the rails on the side of your boat.
Look for something that’s energy efficient and a good size for your needs. Also remember you’ll need to keep it clean. Look for models that can be taken apart and washed easily.
Gas Caddy
This is a pontoon boat accessory that may actually save you money.
A gas caddy is a portable, wheel-mounted fuel container. Having a gas caddy means you can buy fuel at a roadside gas station, instead of by the marina, where the rates are usually higher.
Having extra fuel on the boat is also a good insurance policy. With a topped-up gas caddy on board, you'll never need to worry about running out of fuel.
Takeaway
The right accessories can turn your boat from a simple vehicle into an entertainment centre that reflects your personal style. If you have any questions about pontoon boating accessories or need help installing them, get in touch! We’d love to help you out.