How to Stabilize a Pontoon

Pontoon boats are made for navigating calm waters.

A pontoon boat is a type of flat-bottomed boat specially designed for navigating calm waters like those of a lake or river. The boat essentially rests on two cylindrical structures, called pontoons, that are filled with air and help the boat stay afloat and level. The problem with pontoon boats is that they are not easily maneuverable and can become unbalanced easily. Fortunately, stabilizing a pontoon boat is a simple task.

Instructions

1. Load the cargo so that it's well distributed throughout the boat. If it's not, redistribute weight in the boat so that there is roughly an equal amount of weight in the front as in the back and in each side.

2. Keep passengers safely inside the boat. If passengers are sitting on the side of the boat with their feet hanging off, even while the boat is not moving, the boat can become destabilized. Passengers should also remain seated during transit, as walking around the boat can result in destabilization.

3. Stay in inland waterways. Pontoon boats can't handle ocean currents and the strong breeze of the open seas, even on the calmest of days. If you find yourself in open water, immediately head back toward inland waterways.

4. Check that both pontoons are inflated evenly if your boat uses inflatable pontoons.