Pontoons are a popular choice for boating enthusiasts due to their stability, spaciousness, and versatility. But one key aspect of owning a pontoon that often gets overlooked is the correct procedure for beaching. This blog post aims to guide you through the essential steps to follow when beaching a pontoon.

Preparatory Steps 

Preparation is key in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free beaching process. Before hitting the water, ensure your pontoon is equipped with all necessary safety gear. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the local marine rules and studying the area's charts will help you understand the waterway layout and determine suitable beaching spots.

Approach Technique

This step involves navigating your pontoon towards the beach. Start by reducing your speed as you approach shallow waters, ensuring you avoid underwater obstacles or swimmers. Once close, shift your engine to idle and drift towards the shore while closely monitoring your depth finder.

Safely Landing on Shore

When your pontoon is near enough to shore, kill the engine, trim up your motor, and gently allow your boat to glide onto the sand. Make sure no parts of your boat are scraping the bottom to prevent damage.

Secure Your Pontoon

After successfully landing your pontoon, take steps to secure it. You can use anchors or ropes attached to ground fixtures for this purpose. Precautions should be taken against potential tide changes that might impact your boat’s position.

Departure Procedure

Departing from the shore involves reversing many steps taken during the arrival procedure. Untie or unhook any securing lines or anchors, push off from shore if needed, start your engine, trim down your motor, then gradually accelerate away from shore ensuring a clean, safe departure.

We hope this guide helps you to safely beach your pontoon and enhance your boating experience.

Looking to invest in a quality pontoon or need services for your existing one? Visit us at Clark Marine Sales in Franklin, Tennessee. With our top-notch products, reliable services, and experienced staff, we cater to all your boating needs. We're proud to serve the boating community in Franklin, as well as those in Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. We look forward to seeing you soon.