10 Must-Have Pontoon Upgrades

If you own a pontoon boat, you're likely familiar with the fun of cruising on the water. However, why settle for a standard setup when you can take your pontoon to new heights? Whether you're a seasoned skipper or just getting started, these ten essential pontoon upgrades will take your adventures up a notch. And for those who haven't yet ventured into pontoon ownership, get ready to be enticed—because after reading this post, you'll be itching to make that purchase!

1. Anchoring Upgrades
2. Interior Upgrades
3. Tech Upgrades
4. Family Fun Upgrades

Upgrade your anchoring experience and bid farewell to manual struggles with these essential pontoon upgrades. From shallow water anchors to advanced winch systems, enjoy effortless boat handling and secure anchorage, even in challenging conditions. Say goodbye to the hassles of manual anchoring and embrace the convenience and stability these upgrades bring to your pontooning adventures.

Say goodbye to the hassle of traditional anchors and hello to the ultimate in convenience and precision with a shallow water anchor upgrade. Imagine effortlessly anchoring your pontoon with just the touch of a button, silently gliding into your favorite fishing spot without disturbing a single fish. With the ability to anchor in up to seven feet of water in mere seconds, you'll never waste another moment struggling to find the perfect spot. Plus, the unmatched precision ensures you stay exactly where you want to be, even in tricky currents or winds. Don't let outdated anchoring methods hold you back — upgrade to a shallow water anchor and enjoy a quieter, smoother and more enjoyable anchoring experience.

When it comes to choosing the perfect shallow water anchor for your pontoon, we highly recommend the Lewmar® Axis™ for its innovative features and unparalleled performance. Its fully electric articulating design not only ensures effortless operation but also saves valuable space on your pontoon. With no hoses or hydraulics to worry about, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that installation and maintenance are a breeze.

Experience unparalleled convenience and safety with the Lewmar® Venta™ pontoon anchor winch, featuring an underdeck anchor deployment system specially designed for pontoon boats. This innovative system not only accommodates plow-style anchors for enhanced holding power in sand or mud but also includes a foot-operated deck switch for effortless control. By keeping the anchor securely mounted under the deck, this system eliminates clutter and tripping hazards on the deck while maximizing space. Say goodbye to cumbersome anchoring methods and hello to easy, foot-operated anchor deployment and retrieval tailored specifically for pontoon boating adventures.

Features of the Venta pontoon anchor winch:

• Self-contained IP66 rated motor and electronics ensure durability and protection against water and dust intrusion
• Compatible with standard 12V power systems for easy installation
• Powerful 850w motor ensures quick and efficient deployment and retrieval
• Enhanced safety with a slackline sensor cut off switch

Upgrading the interior of your pontoon can truly transform your boating experience. Few enhancements make as significant an impact as these upgrades, not only enhancing the aesthetics of your vessel but also elevating comfort and functionality.

Transforming your pontoon with upgraded furniture is a strategic investment that elevates both comfort and functionality on the water. Modern pontoon furniture offers a ton of customization options, allowing you to tailor your pontoon precisely to your preferences and lifestyle. Whether you seek luxurious lounging, ergonomic helm seating or adaptable arrangements for socializing, there are endless styles and configurations to meet your needs.

Contemporary boat furniture often integrates innovative features like built-in cup holders, USB charging ports and adjustable recliners, further enhancing comfort and convenience during your boating adventures. The inclusion of integrated seat storage is particularly useful, providing convenient compartments within the furniture itself to stash essentials such as towels, snacks and safety gear. This integrated storage not only maximizes deck space but also ensures a clutter-free environment, promoting relaxation and ease of movement aboard.

Upgrading your pontoon with a rail-mounted bar caddy isn't just about convenience and fun — it's also a relatively cost-effective way to enhance your boating experience. Compared to more extensive renovations or additions, installing a bar caddy is a budget-friendly pontoon upgrade option that delivers significant value. With its rail-mounted design, snacks and drinks are easily accessible by everyone onboard, including kids, making it a practical addition for family outings. So, if you're looking to elevate your on-water experience without a hefty price tag, investing in a bar caddy is a smart and affordable choice that you won't regret.

Upgrading the technology on your pontoon is an excellent way to enhance its functionality and enjoyment. Integrating modern navigation systems, entertainment setups and connectivity options can significantly improve your boating experience. Here are a few of our favorite tech gadgets for pontoon boats.

Nothing ruins fun like too much sun! The SureShade power bimini is a game-changer for pontoon owners seeking hassle-free shade adjustment and maximum comfort on the water. With its fully automatic design, this innovative bimini top offers seamless shade adjustment at the touch of a button, allowing you to tailor your shading experience without interrupting your boating adventure. Whether you opt for the hardwired or rechargeable power option, you'll enjoy effortless operation and unparalleled convenience every time you hit the water.

One of the standout features of the power bimini is its expansive coverage, providing 30% more shade than standard tops. This extended coverage ensures enhanced protection from the elements, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time on the water from any spot on the boat.

Crafted from heavy-duty anodized aluminum alloy framing, the power bimini is built tough to withstand harsh marine conditions without rusting or deteriorating over time. Its UV-resistant marine-grade canvas further enhances durability, ensuring long-lasting performance and protection against sun damage. Plus, the locking, zippered pockets and boot provide convenient storage and protection when the bimini is not in use, keeping it in top condition season after season.

Interested in the technical details of the power bimini? Visit the Lippert Customer Care Center! 

Elevating your pontoon's sound system can significantly enhance your on-water experience, turning your boat into a floating entertainment hub. Begin by assessing your current setup, checking speakers, amplifiers, and the head unit for performance and compatibility. Upgrading to high-quality marine speakers ensures durability in harsh conditions, while a marine-grade amplifier boosts sound clarity and volume. Modernizing the head unit offers advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and smartphone integration, allowing for seamless music streaming. Consider adding subwoofers for deep bass and multi-zone audio systems for customizable experiences across different areas of your pontoon. Prioritize safety and compliance by using marine-rated materials and maintaining electrical components according to regulations. With these essential upgrades, your pontoon becomes a haven of premium sound, perfect for relaxing cruises, lively parties and memorable moments with friends and family.

Investing in solar panels for your pontoon is a forward-thinking upgrade that offers numerous benefits for both your wallet and the environment. By harnessing the power of the sun, solar panels provide a clean and renewable energy source to power your onboard electronics and accessories. Whether you're running navigation lights, charging batteries or operating entertainment systems, solar panels offer a reliable and sustainable energy solution that reduces your dependence on traditional power sources.

When considering solar panels for your pontoon, it's essential to choose high-quality panels that are specifically designed for marine applications. Look for panels with durable construction and weather-resistant materials that can withstand the rigors of marine environments, including exposure to saltwater, UV radiation, and harsh weather conditions.

Family fun on pontoons can reach new heights with the addition of water toys. Whether it's inflatable slides, water trampolines, or towable tubes, these upgrades bring excitement and laughter to every outing. 

Ready to take your pontoon to the next level of fun? Look no further than adding a pontoon slide! This exciting upgrade transforms your boat into a floating water playground, promising endless hours of laughter and enjoyment for the whole family.

Picture this: Kids climbing up to the top of the slide with excitement bubbling over, then zooming down into the cool, refreshing water below. It's pure joy in its simplest form! From thrilling twists and turns to exhilarating splashes, a pontoon slide adds an extra element of fun to your on-water adventures.

With a variety of sizes and designs available, there's a pontoon slide to suit every style and preference. Whether you prefer a classic straight slide or a more adventurous twisty design, you can customize your pontoon slide to fit your boat and your family's sense of adventure.

Looking to inject a dose of adrenaline-fueled excitement into your pontooning adventures? Look no further than adding towable tubes to your arsenal of upgrades! These inflatable tubes promise endless thrills and laughter for riders of all ages, making them the perfect addition to any pontoon boat.

One of the best things about towable tubes is their versatility. They're easy to inflate and deflate, making them convenient to store onboard your pontoon when not in use. Plus, they're lightweight and portable, so you can bring them along on any pontooning excursion, whether you're spending the day at the lake, exploring coastal waters, or enjoying a weekend getaway at your favorite waterfront destination.

As you navigate the waters of pontoon ownership, remember that every upgrade you make brings you one step closer to creating the perfect on-water oasis. Whether you're looking to add a touch of luxury, enhance functionality or simply inject some fun into your boating adventures, the right upgrades can make all the difference. So don't be afraid to explore your options, get creative and tailor your pontoon to suit your unique style and preferences.

To modernize an old pontoon boat, consider upgrades such as updating seating, incorporating tech-savvy electronics, refreshing the decor, improving propulsion efficiency and adding convenient amenities.

Yes, you can paint your pontoon. Painting your pontoon is a great way to give it a fresh look and protect it from corrosion and UV damage. Make sure to use marine-grade paint and properly prepare the surface by cleaning and sanding it beforehand.

Adding a bimini to your pontoon can provide shade and protection from the sun, making your time on the water more comfortable. However, it's ultimately a personal preference based on your needs and how you use your pontoon.

Yes, you can tow behind a pontoon. Pontoons are often equipped with towing capabilities, allowing you to tow water toys such as tubes, water skis and wakeboards.