Pontoon boats serve as the perfect vehicle to unite families, creating cherished memories that will last for years to come.
If you're looking for ways to maximize your enjoyment during your next day on the water, here are some of our favorite ways to create enduring #ManitouMoments with your loved ones.
Formulate A Plan
Bring your family together and discuss what each member enjoys most about being on the pontoon. Then, craft a flexible plan that combines a bit of everything. Don't hesitate to make on-the-fly adjustments; some of the most memorable moments are spontaneous. Be ready to seize opportunities as they arise.
Prepare Before You Set Sail
To make the most of your time on the water and minimize stress, take care of essential preparations ahead of time.
Make sure everyone has their life jacket, along with sunscreen, plenty of beverages, and snacks. Don't forget towels, a change of dry clothes, hats, and sunglasses.
Check that your boat is well-fueled, with the key and engine safety cutoff switch readily accessible, and that your dock lines and fenders are within reach.
Variety Is Key
The best days on a pontoon boat often combine cruising the open water with leisurely hours at a sandbar, relishing all the amenities your pontoon boat offers.
Start your day with a cruise to a new location, a favorite beach, or a sandbar. Feel free to unleash the throttle occasionally for thrilling banked turns that Manitou's V-Toon® technology delivers, delighting both young and old passengers. Later, anchor, float, or nose into a beach for swimming and exploration.
Pro Tip: Bring waterproof cameras, masks, snorkels, and fins for the kids to capture the fun above and below the waves.
Waterside Dining Or Private Pontoon Picnic?
As lunchtime approaches, consider visiting a charming waterside restaurant, which can often be found on larger lakes, in towns and cities along rivers, or in coastal regions along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Alternatively, arrange a delightful picnic on your boat or by the beach. Coolers are perfect for bringing supplies on and off the boat, and removable pedestal or side-mount tables quickly create space for food and drinks.
Relaxation, Pontoon-Style
The forward couches, accommodating multiple passengers, are perfect for some stretching. Multi-position rear lounges effortlessly transform into recliners or spacious sunbeds.
Some members of your crew may prefer to sit on the swimming platform, unwind, and dip their feet in the water.
Don't forget to set the mood with your favorite tunes using the Bluetooth sound system.
Rafting Things Up
If your family enjoys socializing, consider "rafting up," where you tie your pontoon alongside a friend's pontoon in a picturesque cove or hotspot, guaranteeing a fantastic time. Sandbars are also popular gathering spots for boaters.
For more active families, watersports are an ideal choice. Teach young children to ski for the first time, cheer on teenagers as they glide across the water on an inflatable sit-in tube, or show off your own skills.
Ending The Day In Style
As evening approaches, resist the urge to rush back to the dock. Instead, end your ride with flair.
The classic pontoon boat finale is a leisurely sunset cruise. Offer some refreshments and perhaps a few hors d'oeuvres, and savor the changing colors as day transitions into night. A beachside campfire will also create lasting memories. Grab marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate, and make s'mores on the sand.
Or, transform your pontoon into an after-dark adventure to admire the stars, appreciate the brightly lit waterside homes along the shoreline, or simply reminisce about everyone's favorite moments of the day while snuggling in the evening chill as you head back to the dock.
Bonus: You Get To Do It All Again
Perhaps the best part of owning a Manitou pontoon boat? These moments occur every time you and your family venture out onto the water.
