Pontoon boats sink because they are top-heavy and have a large surface area. Pontoons are made of aluminum or fiberglass and are typically filled with air, which makes them buoyant. However, if a pontoon boat takes on too much water, it can sink.
Here are some of the reasons why pontoon boats sink
Too much weight Pontoon boats can sink if they are overloaded with passengers, gear, or water.
Collisions Pontoon boats can sink if they collide with another object, such as a dock or another boat.
Capsizing Pontoon boats can sink if they capsize, which occurs when the boat tips over.
Holes Pontoon boats can sink if they develop holes, which can be caused by impact damage, corrosion, or wear and tear.
It is important to take steps to prevent your pontoon boat from sinking. This includes
Keeping your boat properly loaded Do not overload your boat with passengers, gear, or water.
Avoiding collisions Be aware of your surroundings and avoid collisions with other boats, docks, and other objects.
Taking steps to prevent capsizing Be aware of the weather conditions and avoid boating in rough water. Make sure your boat is properly equipped with safety gear, such as life jackets and a throwable flotation device.
Inspecting your boat regularly Inspect your boat regularly for holes or other damage. Repair any damage immediately.
So Why Do Pontoon Boats Sink ?
1. Too much weight:
Overloading your pontoon boat can cause it to sink. Make sure you distribute the weight evenly and don’t exceed the boat’s maximum capacity.
2. Holes in the pontoons:
If there are any holes in the pontoons, water will leak in and cause the boat to sink. Be sure to inspect the pontoons regularly for damage and repair any holes as soon as possible.
3. Damaged or missing drain plugs:
The drain plugs on a pontoon boat allow water to escape from the pontoons. If a drain plug is damaged or missing, water can build up in the pontoons and cause the boat to sink.
4. Capsize:
If a pontoon boat capsizes, it can fill with water and sink. Make sure you’re aware of the conditions and weather before you go out on the water, and wear a life jacket at all times.
5. Collision:
If a pontoon boat collides with another object, it can damage the hull or pontoons and cause the boat to sink. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid objects in the water.
Why Do Pontoon Boats Sink?
Pontoon boats are designed to float, so it can be alarming when one sinks. There are a number of reasons why this might happen, including:
Insufficient buoyancy:
Pontoon boats need a certain amount of buoyancy to stay afloat. If the boat is overloaded or if the pontoons are damaged, it may not have enough buoyancy to keep itself afloat.
Collision:
A pontoon boat can sink if it collides with another object, such as a dock, a tree, or another boat. The impact can damage the pontoons or the boat’s hull, which can lead to flooding and sinking.
Capsize:
A pontoon boat can capsize if it is not properly loaded or if it is caught in rough water. When a pontoon boat capsizes, the pontoons are flipped upside down, which can allow water to flood the boat and cause it to sink.
Sinking due to weather:
Pontoon boats can sink if they are caught in severe weather conditions, such as a storm or a hurricane. Strong winds and waves can cause the boat to capsize or to take on water, which can lead to sinking.
How to Prevent Pontoon Boats from Sinking
There are a number of things you can do to prevent your pontoon boat from sinking:
Load the boat correctly:
Make sure that you do not overload your pontoon boat. The boat’s manufacturer will have a recommended weight capacity, and you should not exceed this weight.
Inspect the pontoons regularly:
Inspect the pontoons for any damage, such as cracks or leaks. If you find any damage, have the pontoons repaired or replaced immediately.
Be aware of the weather conditions:
Be aware of the weather conditions before you go boating. If there is a chance of severe weather, stay off the water.
Wear a life jacket:
Always wear a life jacket when you are boating, even if you are just going for a short ride. A life jacket can help you stay afloat if your boat sinks.
What to Do If Your Pontoon Boat Sinks
If your pontoon boat sinks, there are a few things you can do:
Stay calm:
Panicking will only make the situation worse. Stay calm and follow these steps.
Get out of the boat:
If the boat is still afloat, get out of the boat and into the water. If the boat is sinking, stay in the boat until it completely submerges.
Signal for help:
Once you are out of the water, signal for help. You can do this by waving your arms or by using a flare.
Wait for help to arrive:
Stay calm and wait for help to arrive. Do not try to swim to shore unless you are absolutely certain that you can make it.
Conclusion
Pontoon boats are designed to float, but they can sink if they are overloaded, damaged, or caught in severe weather conditions. By following these tips, you can help prevent your pontoon boat from sinking.
Also Read: Can You Leave A Pontoon Boat In The Water
FAQs: Why Do Pontoon Boats Sink?
What Causes Pontoon Boats to Sink?
There are a few different things that can cause a pontoon boat to sink. These include:
Too much weight: Pontoon boats are designed to float, but they can only support a certain amount of weight. If you overload your boat, it can cause it to sink.
Water damage: If a pontoon boat takes on too much water, it can become too heavy and sink. This can happen if the boat is damaged and leaks, or if it capsizes and fills with water.
Structural failure: Pontoon boats are made of a variety of materials, including aluminum, fiberglass, and steel. If any of these materials fail, it can cause the boat to sink. This can happen due to wear and tear, or if the boat is damaged in a collision.
How Can I Prevent My Pontoon Boat from Sinking?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your pontoon boat from sinking:
Don’t overload your boat: Make sure that you don’t exceed the maximum weight capacity of your boat. This information can usually be found on a sticker or plate inside the boat.
Inspect your boat regularly for damage: Look for any leaks or cracks in the hull, pontoons, or other parts of the boat. Repair any damage as soon as possible.
Be aware of the weather conditions: Avoid boating in rough water or high winds. If you do get caught in rough weather, stay close to shore and head for a safe harbor as soon as possible.
What Should I Do If My Pontoon Boat Sinks?
If your pontoon boat sinks, there are a few things you should do:
Stay calm: Panicking will only make the situation worse.
Get out of the water: If you’re in the water, swim to a safe location. If you’re unable to swim, call for help.
Signal for help: If you can, raise your arms and wave your hands to attract attention.
Wait for help to arrive: If you’re unable to get out of the water, stay afloat and wait for help to arrive.
How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Sunken Pontoon Boat?
The cost of raising a sunken pontoon boat will vary depending on the size of the boat, the depth of the water, and the damage to the boat. Generally speaking, the cost of raising a sunken pontoon boat will range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Can a Pontoon Boat Be Salvaged After It Sinks?
It is possible to salvage a pontoon boat after it sinks, but it depends on the extent of the damage. If the boat is only lightly damaged, it may be possible to repair it and put it back in the water. However, if the boat is severely damaged, it may not be worth the cost to repair it. In some cases, it may be better to simply write off the boat and purchase a new one.
