05
Nov
Yes we know we are comparing pontoon boats and deck boats again but hear us out. Can Pontoons be used in the Ocean.
We often say that on calm days you can be safe within a couple of miles of shore.
Can pontoon boats go in the ocean. The good news is yes pontoon boats can be used in the ocean but with some caveats. Since pontoon boats are really designed for use on inland lakes and rivers they werent designed with big seas in mind. Pontoon boats come in all shapes and sizes and the smaller ones arent supposed to go on the ocean because theyre not sturdy enough.
Nevertheless a bigger pontoon boat isnt necessarily ready to navigate the rough waters of the ocean as it should be safe and well-constructed. Pontoon boats are ideal for inland lakes and rivers but that doesnt mean theyre not fit for ocean waters. In fact theyre often used on the ocean though generally close to shore and in inter-coastal areas such as bays and inlets.
A pontoons seaworthiness and safety on the ocean depends on the boats size performance and construction. Can You Use a Pontoon Boat in the Ocean. Technically you can even if its not designed for salt water use.
Pontoon boats in general are designed for use in calm inland water conditions. However you should be able to use it safely in coastal waters like bays and inlets or anywhere near the shore. Can Pontoons Go in the Open Ocean.
Now if you live on the coast you may wonder if you can take a pontoon or tritoon in the open ocean. The simple answer is yes. You will want to consider the weather and water conditions for the entire time youll be on the water.
Taking the pontoon out 1 2 maybe even 3 miles on a clear calm day is perfectly safe. Yes you can ride your pontoon boat in saltwater bodies but its not recommended you take it in the ocean. Living in New Smyrna Beach were quite familiar with the dilemma of wanting to use your pontoon in the ocean.
In this article well elaborate on why thats not the best idea as well as where you can take your boat. You will just need to take extra precautions when you take your pontoon boat into the ocean. Pontoon boats are not designed to ride ocean swell.
They are calm water boats that perform best when used on inland water bodies like lakes. To use a pontoon boat in. Pontoon boats are not recommended for the open ocean.
You do not want to be on a pontoon boat in the ocean when a bad storm hits. Check the forecast ahead of time. If there is any chance of a storm do not risk it.
Flat Means Less Protection. The fence of the pontoon can act as a sail in strong winds which can make the boat go out of control making it harder for the passengers to anchor the pontoon. It is better to enjoy the day in shallows rather than going into the ocean where no prediction can be made of what kind of weather conditions you will be facing.
Realistically these boats are not made for offshore you might be considering a trip down the coast or a day off the beach with it and even that is going to take some planning. Pontoon boats for saltwater fishing purposes can be used in estuaries where there you are protected from the brunt of the waves but even the most sturdy of pontoon boats is going to struggle and let in water in medium to large seas. Pontoon boats are ideal for inland lakes and rivers but that doesnt mean theyre not fit for ocean waters.
In fact theyre often used on the ocean though generally close to shore and in inter-coastal areas such as bays and inlets. We often say that on calm days you can be safe within a couple of miles of shore. While a pontoons large deck is great for recreational activities and get-togethers it offers more risk in the ocean.
Several pontoon features increase the risk of capsizing and flipping the boat. Smaller pontoons with a higher capsizing risk should take extra caution. With spacious pontoon decks its easy to have an uneven weight distribution.
Small Waves Good. Large Waves Not So Much In mild sea states with waves of 2 feet or less pontoon boats are more stable than most V-hulls. Their wide stance easily straddles small waves and chop so the boat doesnt rock nearly as much.
This is especially apparent during slow-speed operations like trolling and at anchor. However although it is possible to sail pontoon boats in the ocean they may not be the best choice for someone who is planning to exclusively sail in the sea rather than on lakes or rivers. This is because while sturdier pontoons can handle the ocean.
If youre specifically looking for a boat designed for ocean sailing you may want to opt for something other than a pontoonAccording to Discover Boating the specific best choice for you will depend highly on your goals for example people planning to go saltwater fishing would be wise to choose a walkaround a sportfishing yacht or a center console. Can Pontoons be used in the Ocean. If you live anywhere near a coastal area youve definitely wondered if you can take your pontoon boat for a cruise out in the ocean.
And the short answer is yes you can take the average pontoon out in the open but probably not more than a couple miles from the shore. Yes we know we are comparing pontoon boats and deck boats again but hear us out. Normally people think that deck boats cannot go in the ocean if a boat built very similarly to them cannot as well.
You are probably thinking Okay that is the short and simple answer but. Pontoon boats do well in protected or closed shore waters. These bodies of water are generally calmer than the open ocean and have less animals and weather changes than the ocean as well.
Youll also want to make sure that the weather is nice on the day you plan to go out. While pontoon boats are generally safe water vessels if you are planning to take them in the ocean they do best close to shore or in the quitter recessed coastal areas like bays and inlets. The ocean can create some big waves more than a pontoon can handle.
Ocean going pontoon boats like a catamaran. The 3 basic types of pontoon boat. Larger recreational pontoon boats are excellent shallow watercraft.
They have an open plan deck that can be upholstered or equipped in a variety of ways depending on the requirements of the owner that make them great for socializing on the water. Yes you can take your boat out in the ocean. You can put a boat in any body of water as long as you dont overwhelm the capicity of its design.
If that wasnt so how would little wooden lifeboats have stayed afloat for months on end out in the middle of the ocean. First and foremost any boat that goes through an inlet and into the ocean must be large enough and seaworthy enough to safely handle the conditions. Just exactly what this means is a judgement call because boating in the ocean can vary dramatically depending on the location and the weather.
The Best Ocean Going Catamaran Pontoon Boat Houseboat all in one. The Ultimate Powered Ocean Catamaran Make the Ocean your playground. How do you combine the comfort of a houseboat with the stability and structural integrity of a Catamaran.
With Honu Comfort Catamarans of course.