How to Pack for a Pontoon Boat Trip

It's exciting to take your whole family on a pontoon boat trip, but it also takes a fair amount of work to ensure everything is packed and you’re setting yourself up for having a good time on the water. It can be a challenge keeping track of all the things you need to do before you embark on your outdoor adventure, which is why we created the following pontoon boat trip packing guide to make your process smoother.

Only the Essentials

Before you head out, you’ll want to ensure that your pontoon boat is fully stocked with everything you need. However, even the best packing tips won't be able to help you much if your vessel is packed to the brim with unnecessary items. Go through your belongings and see what items you’ll need. Clear away what you don't need, which will make packing much easier.

Food

Planning for meals might be necessary, especially if you’re planning a long trip. If you have a galley, you’re good to go, otherwise, you may need to plan in advance. One option is to get a portable grill or pack a cooler with light snacks such as sandwiches, pasta, green salads, granola bars, and cookies. You can also pack a second cooler for beverages if your group includes many people. Saltine crackers and ginger ale can help resolve seasickness, so make sure to have these on hand, too.

Clothes

Temperatures on the water tend to be several degrees cooler than they are on the shore. Even if it’s a hot day, you’ll want to pack some extra layers, especially if you’ve got children on board, since they’re more likely to catch a cold. Bring a few light sweaters or jackets and some fleece or wool blankets so that everyone can stay warm and cozy. If you think it might rain, a jacket is a good choice.

Emergency Supplies

You never know what you might encounter when you’re out on the water, which is why you’ll want to have some safety essentials on hand. Every person onboard should have a personal flotation device or a life jacket. Emergency equipment like fire extinguishers and flares or flags should also be there on your pontoon boat. Anchors are also handy since they prevent you from being pulled too far out in case your engine fails.

We hope that this pontoon boat trip packing guide has been helpful. If you’re still looking for your dream vessel, talk to the staff here at Rockingham Boat in Hampstead, NH. We’re happy to show you all the boats we carry, so you can figure out the perfect one for your needs! We welcome all our customers visiting us from Manchester and Nashua.