A pontoon boat is a type of vessel that operates on a flat deck supported by the buoyancy of the pontoons attached to the underside. They offer plenty of usable rooms so are perfect for entertaining, and are also ideal for a range of activities including fishing, cruising, and water sports such as water skiing and swimming. Pontoon boats are best deployed on less choppy waters, such as calm rivers or lakes.
The Pros And Cons Of Types Of Pontoon Docking And Launching Systems
Due to their unique shape, pontoon boats also require a unique method of docking and launching. The good news is that there is a range of methods available, and in the next section, we will identify the three most important as well as review their main pros and cons.
What is a pontoon boat lift?
The first type of docking and launching method for pontoon boats we will review here is a pontoon boat lift. A pontoon boat lift is a boat lift designed specifically to fit a pontoon-style boat. What this means is that instead of only one set of bunk boards, a pontoon boat lift will have multiple sets. Most pontoon boat lifts have two sets of bunk boards for every single pontoon fixed to the underside of the boat.
Despite this major difference, a pontoon boat and a regular boat lift will work in a very similar way, with the bunk board being attached to a cradle which is lowered into the water until the boat is floating and can be released.
What are the pros and cons of boat lifts for pontoons?
The pros of a boat lift for pontoons.
First of all, boat lifts are great for convenience, as you can use them to get your boat in and out of the water quickly with minimal hassle. Secondly, a boat lift is a great investment for those concerned with properly maintaining their craft. This is because you can lift it easily from the water, providing quick access to the underside, which allows easy cleaning and repair. Lastly, a lift for a pontoon boat can be a good choice if you want to extend the longevity of your vessel. This is because it allows you to lift it clear of the water, thereby protecting it from debris, bumps from other boats, and even rough waters.
The cons of a boat lift for pontoons.
One of the biggest downsides to choosing a boat life for a pontoon vessel is the cost involved. Not only are there issues such as permits and materials to factor in, but the cost of getting professional installation.
Floating / adjustable pontoon docks
What are adjustable pontoon docks?
Adjustable floating docks, or floating docks as they are also known, are a type of launching and docking system that floats on top of the water. Working in the same way that pontoon boats do, a pontoon dock is built from lightweight materials that keep it buoyant. Unlike other types of pontoon docks, adjustable docks move up and down with the ebb and flow of the tides.
What are the pros and cons of adjustable pontoon docks?
The pros of pontoon docks.
Ideal for bodies of water where the levels fluctuate regularly, floating pontoon docks provide consistent access to your craft no matter what. Additionally, pontoon adjustable docks can be customized to your specific needs by adding cleats, railings, ladders, or even a boat lift as described above.
The cons of pontoon docks.
Pontoon docks can be susceptible to more wear and tear than other types of docking systems because they are partially submerged in water all the time. This means they can be more costly when it comes to maintenance and replacements. Similarly, unless you use another type of docking and launching system in tandem with this type of dock, your boat will remain partially submerged as well, making it more vulnerable to damage and wear.
Pontoon roller ramps
What are pontoon boat ramps?
Designed wider and flatter than traditional roller ramps, specifically to be used for pontoon boats like the ones described above, a pontoon boat ramp is an easy-to-use roller ramp system that allows you to launch and dock your boat quickly and simply. All you need to do once the roller has been assembled is to position it and then roll your boat down into the water.
Indeed, pontoon boat ramps are a popular alternative to more traditional ways of getting your boat in and out of the water, and protecting it from the elements, including boat lifts or floating pontoon docks.
What are the pros and cons of pontoon boat ramps?
Pros of pontoon boat ramps.
It's no surprise that pontoon boat roller ramps are popular because they are associated with a wide range of benefits over other types of launching and docking options. The first of these is that they make it so easy to get your boat in and out of the water, saving you not only effort but time as well.
Next, pontoon roller ramps are great because they offer all this ease at a great value price. Unlike boat lifts, pontoon roller ramps are unlikely to set you back more than the cost of your boat, but provide an experience of docking and launching that is almost as easy. Additionally, because it is easy to dry dock your boat when using pontoon roller ramps, it's far easier to make sure it's taken out of the water for repairs, and to help preserve it for the longest time possible.
Cons of pontoon boat ramps.
Just like all the other launching and docking solutions mentioned in this post, it's best to avoid using pontoon boat ramps in rough waters due to possible safety issues.