Essential Safety Tips for Beaching Your Pontoon Boat

Docking a pontoon boat on a sandy beach can present an array of challenges to the unaccustomed. Thankfully, help’s right here. Rockingham Boat is your local boat dealership in Hampstead, NH, and we know a thing or two about operating pontoon boats. Our experts have rounded up a few tips to help you beach your pontoon safely, so let’s get started!

Approach the Beach Slowly

You’ll want to reduce your boat speed gradually and approach the beach slowly. Monitor the depth of the water as it can change quickly, potentially leading to grounding. You can master this skill by practicing a few times, and very soon, you’ll be able to beach your vessel like a pro.

Keep an Eye Out for Hazards

Whether a beginner or a seasoned boater, you’ll want to be extra careful when approaching a beach with your pontoon boat. Watch out for potential hazards like rocks, debris, and fast-moving currents, and make sure you're not endangering any marine wildlife or violating any waterfront regulations in the process.

Nose-In and Kill the Motor

Once you are close enough to the beach, you’ll want to align your pontoon with the beach and gently push forward until the nose touches the sand. At this point, kill your motor completely to prevent any damage from the sand or allow water to enter the machine.

Secure Your Pontoon

Once you’ve arrived at the beach, you’ll want to secure your pontoon boat to hold it in place while you and your family explore the location. You’ll want to use your anchor and ropes for this.

Check Before Leaving

Before leaving, always check your surroundings and make sure it's safe to disembark.

We hope you find these tips handy when beaching your pontoon. If you need more advice or are still searching for your dream pontoon vessel, contact Rockingham Boat. We are in Hampstead, NH, and are happy to welcome those from Manchester and Nashua!