Because pontoon boats are so versatile, they're very popular among families and friends. While sometimes described as a party in slow motion, we feel pontoons don’t get the credit they deserve. For example, they’re better for water skiing fun because more people can come along for the ride – a dozen or more! With the right seats installed, they make excellent fishing boats because they’re so stable, they don’t scare the fish away. They’re great for family get togethers, and kids love jumping into the water out the back. And with smaller children, pontoons are safer because there aren’t as many don’t-go-there areas where they may get hurt. Plus, high side rails make it much less likely they’ll fall out. If you own one, however, you already know these things.
Here, we’ll take a look at eight of our most popular accessories that pontoon boat owners ask us for that you may not have considered. The ones that are the best touches for raising your quality of life on the water.
Pontoon Boat Seating
Unless you store your boat in a sealed bubble, seat upholstery & padding eventually become ratty thanks to humidity, sun, and the elements. We’ve got you covered with replacement seats that provide the looks, comfort, and functionality you need – built with resistance to the elements and durability in mind.
We’ll start with the seat that sees the most use – the captain’s chair, also known as a helm seat. Should you prefer a chair that’s slightly higher, we’ve got a few helm seats with pedestals included – many of which can be fitted with foot rests. On the left side of the screen, you’ll notice check boxes that will allow you to narrow your search to focus on features such as built-in armrests and more. Newer seats are color fast and made for all types of weather, so they’ll last longer than your old ones.
If your seats are looking a little worn out or you’d like to add additional seats in different spots around the boat, we’ve got all kinds to choose from. For example, check out our sofa-style bench seats, lounge seats, corner seats, lean back recliners, and even swing back seats with a built-in cooler base. And if you fish, we’ve got casting seats and horse seats that are comfortable to sit on, yet easy to hop off of for working your line. Want to squeeze in an extra seat or two in a narrower spot? Check out our jump seats, and you'll have plenty of room for everyone when friends and family come aboard.
Don’t forget protection for your seats with seat covers that will significantly extend the life of those seats even longer. For a more detailed look at boat seating options, we invite you to read our related article On-Deck Comfort - Boat Seats, Chairs, Sofas, and Other Seating Options.
Pontoon Boat Accessories
Along with the features that come standard to pontoons like boarding ladders, drink holders, rail mount grills and more, here are some accessories that can really complete your boat.
Pontoon Cup Holders
Holding beverages can sometimes get a little cumbersome, lessening the quality of life on a pontoon boat when you’re focusing on other things – especially if snacks or food are part of the equation. For this reason, we’ve got a dedicated drink holders section. Choose surface mount holders with a flat bottom designed to sit on horizontal surfaces, bolt-on mount holders for bolting to either a wall or horizontal table top, recessed mounts that sit inside a hole cutout, stud mounts that are anchored to a base via two screw-in studs, or vacuum-mount holders that use suction cups for their attachment method.
Pontoon Boat Tables
Another great accessory that’s well worth having on a pontoon boat is a table kit, which includes a table top and mounts designed to bolt to the floor, a wall, or around a railing. Having a table on your boat is a real convenience whether you’re using it while fishing, playing cards, looking through reading material, using a laptop, or simply putting your feet on.
Pontoon Boat Bimini Tops & Gazebos for Shade
Providing shaded relief from the sun isn’t just a safe, smart thing to do for health reasons, it’s a courtesy that’s owed to any guests aboard. On a hot summer day, shaded areas can be up to 30 degrees cooler! So if your pontoon boat doesn’t have any shade, it’s easy to remedy that with our great selection of durable, yet soft and flexible, roofs.
First, we’ve got foldable bimini tops with their own skeletal framework that attach quickly and easily to side rails. We’ve also got boat “gazebos” which provide even more shade thanks to downward curvature on one or more sides. And if you’re looking for basic, flat roof-style sun protection at best value pricing, we’ve got boat shades without framework. Since all of these tops are easy to collapse and fold up, they take up very little space when not in use. On our digital shelves, you’ll find plenty of sizes and colors of each to choose from.
Pontoon Boat Covers for Storage
Keeping your pontoon boat clean with a pontoon boat cover when it’s not in use is a great idea, and it will pay for itself many times over by keeping your boat’s resale value up. Specifically, a proper-fitting cover can prevent damage from the elements that often occurs during storage such as water spots, mildew, sun weathering, and more. And if you keep your boat outside at home, a cover will protect it from tree debris, sap, bird droppings, and so much more. For more helpful information and recommendations, check out our related article Boat Covers Protect Your Vessel All Year Long.
Pontoon Boat Stereo System
Because pontoon boats are perfect for parting, dancing, singing, and watching the stars overhead, a good stereo system makes these great experiences even better. We note that choosing a corrosion-resistant marine-grade stereo system is essential. This is because salt water air, constant humidity, and direct sunlight can, and often do, put an end to traditional systems pretty quickly.
In our Marine Audio section, you’ll find marine-grade speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, marine stereos, wires, remote controls, and more that meet all standards for that designation - from best-selling brands such as Boss Audio, DS18, Dual, Furrion, Fusion, Infinity, JBL, Jenson, JVC, Kenwood, Kicker, Marine Audio, Sony and Memphis Audio.
Pontoon Boat Grills
Adding a rail-mount marine grill to your pontoon boat can turn a good boating day into a great one. With marine grilles, safety is paramount, and these grilles are designed to anchor firmly in place onto your boat’s railings. And while they’ll stay securely in place, removal is easy when they’re not needed.
For salt air corrosion-resistance, all of the marine-grade grilles we offer are crafted from stainless steel, built by proven manufacturers such as Magma, Kuuma, and Springfield Marine. And thanks to excellent build quality, you can expect a long lifespan of reliable performance.
Our marine grills are available with a choice of energy sources – charcoal, gas (propane or CNG), or electricity. With a variety of sizes available, you’ll have no problem finding one that’s just right for your needs. Choose from box and kettle styles that can be had with a secondary cooking surface, built-in thermometer, a latching lid, and more. Some even enable infrared cooking, which is faster and more energy-efficient.
Pontoon Boat Lighting
Lighting on boats is extremely important for many reasons. First, making your boat visible to others at night is essential, and it’s required by law. Secondly, lighting must show the path ahead well enough to ensure you see any potential pitfalls lurking in the water. And last, but not least, good lighting makes it easy for passengers to safely climb aboard and off without injury.
In our marine lighting section, we offer navigation lights, flood & spot lights, search lights, hull lights, underwater lights, lights for your boat’s interior, dock lights, and a host of powerful hand-held lights. All of them are powered by waterproof LEDs, many of which can illuminate in an array of colors for fun light shows onboard. Interior lights can be placed under seats for ambient floor lighting, along railings for safety, and on any steps or areas of uneven footing. For more info, we recommend a quick read of our article Marine LED Lighting, for Safety, Visibility, and Navigation.
In addition to lighting and the items listed here, we’ve got a huge selection of all kinds of parts for boats including electronics and navigation equipment, replacement parts and hardware, anchors and docking, plumbing-related items, maintenance, and fun upgrades to make the boating experience more enjoyable.
Whatever you’re looking for, we’re confident you’ll find the right products on the digital shelves of our online store. Visit us at BoatiD.com for all your needs, or contact our knowledgeable specialists on call seven days a week at 888-453-5144.