How to Handle Rough Waters in a Pontoon Boat
If you are the proud owner of a pontoon boat, you know pontoons are ideal for the conditions usually found in calm inland waters. But what if you encounter some unexpected chop? Inclement weather can come out of nowhere, so you should always be prepared to handle the worst-case scenario. This guide from New Jersey Outboards can help.
Are you still in the market for a pontoon boat? If so, come check out our selection here at New Jersey Outboards. We proudly feature Godfrey pontoons at our dealership in Bayville, NJ.
What Causes Rough Water?
Stormy weather is the greatest threat to boaters. High winds can churn up even the most placid water, and generate waves that can force your boat to collide with obstacles and other boats in the vicinity. Meanwhile, heavy rain will reduce visibility and make it harder to navigate back to safety. Boats become very hard to control in these conditions, and you should always avoid boating in a storm whenever possible.
Other vessels in the water can also pose a threat, especially boats that produce large wakes. Wakes can act just like waves, and cause you to lose control of your boat. You can avoid this problem by steering clear of large powerboats.
Can Pontoon Boats Handle Rough Conditions?
Seafaring vessels usually feature V-shaped hulls that can slice through waves while keeping the boat stable. By contrast, pontoon boats have flat-bottomed hulls that are designed to rest on the surface of the water. For this reason, they are not very well-suited to rough conditions.
When you encounter high waves on a pontoon boat, you and your passengers are going to get soaked, at the very best. At worst, your boat will take on enough water to sink beneath the surface. This is called “submarining” – a nightmare situation for any boater, as you can imagine!
When You Encounter Rough Water
Weather forecasts are not always accurate – and that is especially true around larger bodies of water, where weather patterns can be unpredictable. When the weather turns without warning, even the most cautious boaters can find themselves in danger. Fortunately, there are several steps that can improve your chances of staying afloat in rough conditions.
Before launching your pontoon boat, make sure to evenly distribute all the cargo and passengers on board. Optimal weight distribution will keep the boat stable. For the best results, place heavier items near the stern, so the bow rides a bit higher in the water.
When your pontoon boat is being rocked by waves, you can trim up before a wave hits to avoid taking on too much water. You can also take waves at an angle and ride them, rather than face them head-on and risk going under. Either way, try to maintain a consistent speed, as slowing down can leave you more vulnerable to being overcome by the waves.
Of course, you should head back to shore right away in these conditions – but you should not necessarily take the most direct route. Depending on the direction of the wind and the obstacles around you, you might need to plot a different course to make it back safely.
These situations can be scary, and we hope you will never encounter them on your pontoon boat – but if you do, we hope these tips come in handy! If you have any questions about pontoon boat safety, feel free to ask the qualified staff at New Jersey Outboards. We welcome customers all the way from Philadelphia, PA.