If you’re looking to hit the lakes, rivers, or even oceans inside your inflatable pontoon boat, there’s quite a bit of gear that can improve your experience. Not to mention, figuring out all the things you may need is a tricky process.
There are some items that every inflatable pontoon owner should get for their boat. Both practical items and fun accessories can be an improvement to your control over rough waters, places you can go, and to stay safe on your inflatable pontoon boat.
Here are 15 inflatable pontoon boat accessories you’ll want to bring along no matter where the waters and adventures take you!
1. Air Valve Adapter
This one’s a great addition to your gear. This makes inflating and deflating your pontoon tubes much easier. The adapter attaches right to your air compressor or electric pump to make it work for inflating your boat. You can also use it with a manual pump if that’s all you have available.
2. Dry Bag
Dry bags are one of the best things to bring along on your boat for waterproof storage. These roll top sacks prevent water from getting in and keep your gear dry for being on the water. My favorite items to put in a dry bag include extra clothes, keys, cell phone, wallet, bandages, water, and sunscreen. They’re not meant to be submerged but work great for the typical rain and splashes you’d experience on an inflatable pontoon.
3. Inflatable Boat Repair Kit
Anytime you’re going to be around water and rocks, you’ll want all the emergency gear you can get. You don’t want to poke a hole and be stuck without a way to patch it! This inflatable repair kit provides plenty of material for covering and patching your boat safely. It’s functional and excellent for when you need to use it in a sticky situation.
4. Utility Anchor
This utility anchor works in both muddy and sandy bottoms to keep your boat secure. Made from galvanized steel, it’s a great anchor for small boats and inflatables. This is a good accessory for those who plan to go fishing, take photos, or want to eat food without drifting around.
5. Anchor Side Deck Mount
In combination with a proper anchor, this side deck mount may be perfect for you. On an inflatable pontoon, you already have limited room to place things. This is an excellent way to give your anchor a dedicated spot. It also bolts onto the base of your boat, so you don’t have to worry about it falling out or floating away.
6. PFD Life Vest
When going out on your boat, you’ll want to wear a PFD to stay safe on the water. This will keep your body afloat in case you capsize, whether you’re conscious or unconscious. These vests are specifically designed with paddling in mind to leave extra room for your arms to move around. They also have a wide range of color options to match your personal style.
7. Vinyl and PVC UV Protectant Spray
If you want to keep your pontoon tubes in good shape, it’s a good idea to use a protectant spray. This one is from 303 is rated for PVC and vinyl materials to provide UV protection in the sun. All you need to do is spray this a couple of times per year to help prevent premature cracking and aging of your boat.
8. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit can be that extra layer of preparation for if you need to treat minor injuries or abrasions. With lots of time spent outside on the boat, it’s smart to carry along with these supplies in case of an emergency. This kit includes a waterproof case to keep it dry from splashes, rain, and outdoor exposure.
9. Waterproof Phone Lanyard
It’s unlimited the number of phones that have been lost out on the water. Dropping a phone in the water, splashes, and rain, are all ways even a little bit of water can get to your phone and cause damage. Using a clear waterproof phone pouch is a must-have accessory when you’re out on your boat.
10. Boat Oars
Any good boater needs a solid pair of oars to go with their inflatable pontoon. These oars snap together for easier storage when not in use. Even if you plan on using a motor to power your boat, it’s a good idea to have a pair of backup oars on board in case of motor failure.
11. Electric Air Pump
If you want to use something easier than the typically included foot pump, an electric air pump is great. This makes filling up your pontoon tubes much faster doing it than the manual way. It’s small, portable, and easy to use for inflatable boats and anything else inflatable for home or camping use. However, you do need an outlet nearby so don’t forget to fill up the air before you’re at the water’s edge!
12. Boat Umbrella
To keep your body protected from the sun out on the water, it’s a good idea to attach a boat umbrella sunshade. These will help you see better when you’re paddling and increase your overall visibility of the area around you. Not to mention it’s rated for SPF 50+ as another way to protect yourself from the sun. However, the downside is that it can add a bit of drag and wind resistance.
13. Trolling Motor
Most inflatable pontoon boats will give you the option to paddle with oars or attach a motor. Using a trolling motor will make your life much easier when getting around on the water. The ones made by Minn Kota are reliable and work great for a variety of small boats.
14. Trolling Motor Power Center
To use your trolling motor on your boat you’ll need a portable battery box on board. With easy to access battery terminals, you can connect your motor cables right to the battery without opening the box to get it wet. It also features a built-in battery meter to monitor your power levels. The Minn Kota power center is designed to fit on most inflatable boats and is a great choice.
15. Fishing Rod Holder
A solid fishing rod holder is a great inflatable pontoon essential to include in your accessory list for fishing. If you want to improve the grip on your rod, keep your hands free from the sun, and secure fish, this will do just that. It attaches to the side of your boat without hindering your ability to tie knots or handle other gear.
Conclusion
These inflatable pontoon essentials and must-have accessories for your inflatable pontoon boat have been sourced from a variety of boaters to create the ultimate compiled list.
This way, you get a diversified viewpoint of what you may need for your boat. There are many different ways to get prepared for boating and how you plan to use it. We hope this list helps you with your adventures and journeys on the open water!