The Pontoon boat is known to rely on floats for buoyancy, and it possesses extra floatation, enabling stability amid rougher waters. Hence, anchoring a pontoon could prove very difficult for professionals and even more for amateurs.
If a pontoon is not anchored correctly, it will keep floating freely on the water and eventually float away. And although the extra space in a pontoon has its benefits, it tends to make the boat more difficult to anchor.
An anchor is a valuable tool that every boat owner should have, and it exists in different shapes and sizes. The size of the anchor to be used depends on the size of the pontoon boat.
When anchoring a pontoon, several factors need to be considered to minimize risks and maximize a fun boating experience. Hence, this article guides you on how to anchor a pontoon boat, the things to consider when acquiring an anchor, and how to care for an anchor.
Anchoring a Pontoon Boat
What Is a Pontoon Boat?
As they are sometimes referred to, pontoon boats, or tube boats, are flatboats that rely on floats for buoyancy.
It originated from Minnesota, a small town covered with over 10,000sq lakes.
Ambrose Weeves invented the pontoon boat in 1951, and it is designed to have large spaces and capacity.
It is used for pleasure on lakes, rivers, and Oceans and is also used for water sports.
What Is An Anchor?
Anchors are heavy objects attached to a cable or chain used to secure or moor a ship to the sea bottom. The use of an anchor is dependent on certain conditions. Hence, the variation in design and size of anchors. These conditions include:
- Weight and Size of the boat
- The average depth of the lake or river.
- Wind strength
- Condition of the river/lake basin
Types of Anchors for Pontoon Boats
Different types of anchors can be used for pontoon boats. They include:
1. Box Anchors: This is considered the all-around pontoon boat anchor, best suited for rivers and lakes.
Its weight allows it to sink deep into muddy bottoms, but its depth depends on the sediment density of the river basin. It can also hold onto rocks, thereby giving your pontoon more stability.
2. Plow Anchors: Also called digger anchors, this anchor is best suited for surfaces with mud, vegetation, and sand. They possess perpendicular flukes that enable them to dig the river basin to get a firm grip.
3. Fluke Anchors: This anchor digs into the river basin to get a hold of gravel and sand. When acquiring this anchor, it is essential to consider the size. Light-sized anchors are better suited for muddy basins, while heavy anchors serve well in sandy basins. Handling this anchor requires extreme care to avoid damage to the pontoon.
4. Grapnel Anchors: This anchor is suited for rocky basins because it possesses four arms enabling it to grip the different parts of the rocks. The amount of this anchor to be used is dependent on the wind current, and it is very compact and easy to store.
How To Safely Anchor A Pontoon Boat
These are the simplest and easiest steps to anchor a pontoon boat safely:
- Pick a spot that is clear of other boats and obstructions.
- Position the boat to face the wind or river current.
- Determine the nature of the river basin to ensure the use of the right anchor.
- Check if there are any objects underwater that can disturb your anchor.
- Estimate the length of line needed for your anchor to get a firm grip.
- Position your boat to be a little bit ahead of where you wish to drop the anchor and stop.
- Ensure that the anchor ropes or chains are in good condition.
- Slowly lower the anchor through the bow into the river.
- Gently drift the boat backward to help drive the anchor into the river basin while applying a little tension on the ropes.
- Check if the anchor is well dug in by applying tension to the rope or chain.
Bottom Line
Mooring a Pontoon Boat requires skill and detailed knowledge on securing this fishing vessel because of its high probability of drifting away if not properly anchored.
Acquiring an anchor demands that the anchor’s weight is appropriate for the size and weight of the boat, and the anchor should be made of good quality materials.
Having more than one anchor on a pontoon boat is very helpful in securing the boats in turbulent waters.
Finally, although pontoon boats are light and shallow water vessels designed for fair weather, ensuring that your boat is well equipped is key for safe fishing or boat trip.
