If you own a pontoon boat, you know these vessels are perfect for calm, inland waters – but what if you encounter rough conditions? Inclement weather can occur without warning, so you should always be prepared for the worst. This guide from Clark Marine explains how to safely navigate rough waters with a pontoon boat. If you need more advice, feel free to contact us! Clark Marine is your local pontoon dealer in Manchester, ME.

Avoiding Rough Water

The dangers of inclement weather should not be underestimated, especially when it comes to boating! High winds can generate waves that lead to collisions, while heavy rain reduces visibility and makes navigation more difficult. Meanwhile, wakes from large powerboats can also act like waves and cause you to lose control of your boat.

No matter your level of boating expertise, you should avoid boating in a storm whenever possible. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast, and always be prepared to cancel your boating plans or head back to shore if a storm is predicted. You can also steer clear of large powerboats to avoid getting hit by a wake.

Pontoon Boats vs. Rough Water

Unlike seaworthy vessels with deep V-shaped hulls, pontoon boats have flat-bottomed hulls designed to rest on the surface of the water. As a result, they are not well-suited for deep water and rough conditions. Encountering high waves on a pontoon boat will likely result in getting soaked, at best! At worst, your pontoon boat may take on enough water to sink below the surface. The following tips can help you steer clear of a disaster.

Facing Rough Water

Weather forecasts are not always accurate, especially around large bodies of water. When the weather suddenly changes, even the most cautious boaters can find themselves in a dangerous situation. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of staying afloat in rough conditions. First, make sure the cargo and passengers are evenly distributed throughout the deck and storage areas. This will increase the stability of your pontoon boat.

When waves rock your pontoon boat, trim up before a wave hits to avoid taking on water. Approach waves at an angle to ride them instead of facing them head-on. Try to maintain a consistent speed, as slowing down can make you more vulnerable to the waves.

In rough conditions, you should navigate back to shore immediately – however, make sure to plot your course based on the wind direction and nearby obstacles to ensure a safe journey.

We hope you never encounter these conditions on your pontoon boat, but we want you to be prepared! If you have any questions about pontoon safety, you’re always welcome to consult the experts here at Clark Marine. We proudly serve the boating community in Manchester, ME, and our neighbors from Naples, Waterford, and Oxford.