15 Cool Pontoon Boat Accessories You Have to Buy

cool pontoon boat accessories

Pontoon boats are the ultimate party on the water. With so much room for entertaining and the ability to play water sports, your options for fun are nearly endless.

But not all pontoon boats are the same. Some are more equipt for comfort, while others are designed to be used for activities like tubing, fishing, or hosting parties.

Your pontoon boat lends itself to a variety of configurations and with the right purchases, you’ll be headed out on the water in no time.

Check out our list of cool pontoon boat accessories to get started!

1. A Great Anchor

Pontoon boats are light and drift a lot in the wind making it paramount that you invest in a quality anchor. Although your watercraft may have come with an anchor, it may not fit your needs.

Depending on what the bottom is like where you like to boat, there are three major options for pontoon anchors.

A Fluke Anchor

This style of an anchor is great for salt-water pontoons because it works well when there is sand or gravel on the bottom. The arms of the anchor will dig and grab a hold allowing your boat to stay in place with a very lightweight anchor.

In fact, a fifteen-pound fluke anchor can hold a twenty-four-foot boat in rough conditions.

Box Anchor

If you use your pontoon in a river or lake with a muddy bottom, you should try a box anchor. It also works well with light vegetation.

If you use a box anchor, use a generous amount of line. The general rule is to have five times the amount of line as the depth you are.

Grapnel Style Anchor

A grapnel style anchor works great on a rocky bottom. In fact, you probably shouldn’t use anything else. This is an inexpensive anchor-style and they also fold-up making them easy to store.

Check out a selection of the best anchors, click here.

2. Light Your Under-Deck

If you love taking your pontoon out at night, then you should definitely consider under-deck lighting. These strips of lights sold in a variety of colors cast a nice glow over the water.

LED lights can be a great way to spice up a party, but they are also functional and help you be seen by other watercraft in the dark. If you’ve ever been out on the water at night when it was pitch black and almost been hit, then you know the importance of maximizing your boat’s visibility.

3. A Great Grill

After a morning of fun on the water, your family and friends will be ready for lunch. And what better way to satisfy them with a deliciously grilled feast?

You may have thought grilling on a boat would be impossible, but today, models are made that attach easily to the side of your boat. They heat evenly and even stay lit while you’re moving.

Grills are especially great for company outings. Get your team together and bond on the water.

4. A Waterslide

Waterslides are fun no matter how old you are. Try purchasing an inflatable one for the ultimate comfort and enjoyment.

You’ll be especially glad you have it after hours of towing the kids behind you on a tube. It’s a great way to keep them entertained so you can anchor and relax in peace.

Inflatable waterslides can easily be deflated and stored in the pontoons of your boat so that you won’t have to deal with its bulk on board. Simply buy an air pump that plugs into your boat battery, plug it in, and you’ll be up and running in not time.

5. A Fire Pit

When summer begins to turn to fall, you may find yourself getting chilly at night on your pontoon. You may have thought blankets and jackets were the only way to warm up. But, did you know that many pontoon boats can be outfitted with a fire pit on board?

While you may not be able to enjoy the wood and smoke of a traditional fire, the sparkling glass fire beads that go inside modern pits cast a beautiful flow. Plus, with this style of fire, you will be able to adjust the flame and heat to the level that makes you most comfortable.

Make sure that you purchase a model that has cup holders and storage to get the most out of it.

6. A Festive Flag

No boat can be complete without a festive flag to let the world know who is on board. Whether you’re a pirate or waving your country’s flag, letting people know what you’re interested in can be a fun way to make friends on the water.

If you aren’t interested in nationalism, you should consider getting a flag with your favorite sports team’s logo. Flying your alma mater’s mascot is a great way to meet people on the water who went to the same school as you.

7. A Customized Life Saving Device

Personalizing a liferaft with your boat’s name is a great way to take things to the next level. But even if you aren’t ready to make that much of an investment, having some sort of buoy on board with your boat’s name is a really nice touch.

Your friends will realize how much time and effort you put into your boat and admire your dedication. Plus, if your boat has a funny name, this is just one more place you can make the joke.

8. Inflatable Tubes

Whether you’re cruising on Lake Tahoe, or just taking the kids out for an hour after school, inflatable tubes are a great way to get outdoors and get some exercise.

Inflatable tubes come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and also have a wide price range. Be sure you don’t skimp on the cost too much, if you purchase a thin tube it will pop more easily and you will have to buy a new one.

Purchase the toughest tube you can find and make sure you get one with comfortably woven handles. After a long day tubing, your fingers can begin to blister.

9. Vinyl Decals

Vinyl decals are a great way to personalize your boat without making any permanent changes that could affect the resale value of your boat.

Purchase vinyl decals online and peel and stick them on your boat to complete your theme. If you are going for a luau, tropical look, try purchasing some hibiscus decals or one of a hula dancer.

10. A Stereo System

If you want to have parties on your boat, you should invest in a good sound system. Since you will be all the way out there by yourself, you can really pump up the volume.

Make sure that you select a radio system that has the ability to hook up to Bluetooth so that your friends can play music through the system.

11. A Bar Caddy

Having a place to put your drink is key for a long day on the water. A bar caddy can be a great idea to display drink options to your guests while also giving them a place to rest their beverage.

12. An Awesome Name

No boat can leave the dock until it is christened with a name. So what will you call it?

Seas the Day? Aquaholic? Ambition at Bay? Couples Therapy? Liquid Asset? Fantasea?

Your boat’s name tells the world a lot about how its owner lives its life, so be sure you choose one that fits your personality.

13. A Smoker

Beyond your typical BBQ grill, purchasing a smoker for your pontoon is a great way to entertain a crowd. After smelling your meat cooking all day they will be ready to tear into a delicious meal.

14. Lighting Controlled from Your Phone

You may have automated the lights in your home, but have you considered installing smart lights on your boat?

Being able to control the lights from your phone can help create a fun party atmosphere quickly and easily.

15. Floating Water Pads

The Rubber Dockie and other floating mats are large, easy-to-store swimming platforms. They’re great for when you have a lot of kids going out on the boat because they give swimmers a great place to splash around.

You’ll also love floating mats when you’re having an adults-only party since they are a great place to relax, cool off, and have a drink and can seat at least eight people.