Using a Pontoon Boat On The Ocean In Southern California

For those who reside in San Diego or Southern California and frequently visit the Colorado River or Lake Havasu, you may be interested in utilizing a luxury, high-performance pontoon or tritoon on the ocean or in saltwater bays and harbors. If this is the case, then this article is specifically designed for you. Even if either of those scenarios don't relate to you, we think you may find this article helpful in deciding whether to use your aluminum pontoon boat in the saltwater.

As pontoon boats continue to gain popularity across the nation, they are now widely available in nearly every saltwater location. This type of boat has become the preferred choice for many boat rental companies located in Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. Therefore, if you are looking to take your family out on a Spring Break adventure or a relaxing coastal cruise along the Southern California Coast, there's a good chance that a pontoon boat is one of the better options for you and your family.

In recent years, the pontoon industry has seen a surge in the popularity of  high-performance pontoons, thanks to significant innovations in construction, materials, and design. Unlike the leisurely putt-around boats of the past, these high-performance models have gained traction in areas where they were previously less common. The improvement in quality can be attributed to advanced construction methods and materials, which are crucial factors to keep in mind when choosing a boat suitable for withstanding the marine environment.

The west coast has experienced a notable increase in the number of pontoon boaters, and industry experts predict this trend will continue to surge. Despite the growing popularity of these boats, a common question keeps arising: is it safe to take a pontoon boat out on the ocean?

Pontoon Boats in Saltwater

Let's dispel the misconception that pontoon boats cannot be used in saltwater. This is simply not true. Pontoon boats are capable of withstanding saltwater usage without any damage to the metal, provided that the boat is maintained correctly, and necessary measures are taken to protect the metal. Many pontoon manufacturers offer added protection through their saltwater packages, such as Barletta's Coastal Edition, which includes a Metal Jacket pontoon protectant, extra-large anodes, saltwater-safe metal furniture, and sealed lifting strakes to prevent growth from forming within.

These features work together to combat the corrosive effects of saltwater on metal. With a little extra preventative maintenance at the end of each day, you can ensure that your family's pontoon or tritoon will provide years of reliable, saltwater use. You will want to make sure to rinse and if possible, dry all metal surfaces. There are plenty of protectant or wax-like products available to provide a protective coating on metals as a further aid in preventing corrosion. 

If you are planning to keep your boat at a marina, on the water, you will want to consider an anti-fouling bottom paint to prevent marine growth on the submerged portions of the pontoons. This option can be aesthetically unpleasing for some boaters for which a hydraulic list/hoist can be used to raise the boat out of the water when not in use.  Although this option is high-tech and ideal, it is also quite costly. For storing any boat on saltwater for prolonged periods of time, it is highly recommended to use an antifouling bottom paint or lift the boat out of the water via hydraulics or pad systems.

As far the engines are concerned, all modern outboard engine features a freshwater 'flush port' that allows you to easilly connect a garden hose to the engines cooling system in order to flush out saltwater with fresh water from the hose. You do NOT need to run the engine when using a flush port. The old style of flushing an engine required special equipment and a running motor. This is no longer the case and with 5-10 minutes of care you can flush out all the saltwater from your outboard engines cooling system. Over time, this will prevent overheating and corrosion.

Can Pontoon Boats Be Used On the Ocean?

The straightforward answer to whether a pontoon boat can be used on the ocean is yes. However, the critical questions you should ask yourself are whether it is safe and whether you should take your family out on the ocean. The first thing to consider is why you want to take a pontoon boat out on the ocean. San Diego and Southern California Coast are home to a plethora of marine life, including kelp forests, dolphins, whales, seals, and sea lions, which provide excellent entertainment for young children and family friends visiting from out-of-town. 

The Southern California Coast has mild to moderate ocean conditions 90% of the year, which allows most boats to be used comfortably and safely. It's important to note that there are times when even boats specifically built for offshore use are not safe in the ocean. Therefore, it's essential to know that there are certain sea-state and ocean conditions that are not safe to operate any boat. However, we are fortunate to live in such a mild climate that such situations rarely arise.

Summary

I hope that the information you have read has equipped you and your family with the knowledge and confidence necessary to safely and enjoyably operate your pontoon or tritoon on the ocean. Fortunately, for the majority of readers, Southern California is home or their preferred boating destination where the ocean conditions are generally calm to moderate 90% of the year. Since most individuals would avoid taking their families out on rough water, why not consider purchasing a pontoon boat? They have become a popular choice for families seeking a compromise between high-performance and leisurely boating. Grandparents and young children can find comfort and relaxation on a pontoon, just as much as the go-fast boater can get his high speed, high horsepower fix. If you have any further inquiries or would like to test drive a Barletta Pontoon on the ocean, please do not hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment.

-Max Eichenour

H&H Marine, Sales Professional

(Cell) 858-357-5621 

(Office) 619-381-8480 ext. 3

max@hhmarinesd.com