I just bought a 21' pontoon boat do u really need boat paddles on a pontoon boat?

Question

I just bought a 21' pontoon boat do u really need boat paddles on a pontoon boat?

Answer 1

It depends on what state you are operating your boat in. Check the regs to see if it is required safety equipment. If not, then you don't necesarilly need it.

I recomend you carry one though, a paddle or actually a 6 foot oar can come in pretty handy a lot of times. It's better than a boat hook or pole if you have to push yourself out of very shallow water, by pushing off the bottom. It's very handy to hold out for another boater to grab when coming along side to keep their boat off of yours and it's very handy for you to push your boat off of something you're about to hit or if you are the only one aboard when aproaching a pier type dock. You can slow your approach or someone on the dock can grab the other end and guide you in slowly.

As for a way to get the boat in if the engine quits, it's pretty useless, but better than nothing.

Answer 2

yes b/c pontoon boats use a full tank of gas in less than 2 hours and you can be in the middle of the lake and all o the suddent it can die and if it is windy you could float off to the oppisite side that you need to go

Answer 3

Yes, it's the LAW!

Answer 4

If you are asking if you need the wood oars, then yes it is required for safety, Just so you will have some way to move your boat if the motor fails. You will also need life vests for everyone on board, an air horn(the little hand held type) fire extinguisher, and in California you must have the square floatation devices, The ones that look like seat cushions.

Answer 5

Go to your local marine supply & get a copy of rules & safety requirements> As it will tell you what you have to have for your size boat> There is a difference for rivers & lake to ocean usages> Flares> Fire Ext> life jackets> Throwing device> Paddles> Whisle> Bell>Much more so be Coast Guard equipment as the ticket cost more then what you don't have> Safety first>

Answer 6

your supposed to have them but i  think its rediculous

Answer 7

only if the motor dies and you are on the middle of the lake... but by then it would be too late... as the old saying goes when you are up to your butt in alligators... it is too late to drain the swamp....

Answer 8

I would check your state regulations if you need it to be legal, however a paddle on a 21 foot boat is pretty much useless, just wasting space. Paddles work well for a canoe, however you will not make up much ground at all on a larger boat.... a secondary "kicker" motor is an option, a strong trolling motor, or as I do, simply make sure you have a current subscription to Sea Tow just in case.  I have an similar size center console, and a paddle is NOT a requirement in Florida, it is not part of the safety items

Answer 9

I think you should always have paddles, just incase there is no one around to help pull you in if your boat breaks down, or if you get stuck. Couldn't hurt.

Answer 10

what you need is an "alternate means of propulsion".

electric trolling motor, or a small outboard kicker will do.

get yourself a good anchor and learn how to use it, there's more to it than you might think especially on a heavy boat with a lot of exposure to the wind, and you don't want to find that out while being pushed up on to the riprap with a motor that won't start.

Answer 11

yeah, you might even get a ticket for not having it.  itll seem useless for a 21' pontoon boat, but its better than nothing if you run outa gas, your motor blows or gets tied up or something.

Answer 12

It does sound stupid but you actually do, make sure you got everything in your boat or they will ticket you, its bullshit.

whistle

life jackets

paddles

water proof flashlight

floating life rope

Answer 13

It depends on where you are, some state require it as safety equipment on vessels 21' or less.  You would have to check your state's requirements.

http://www.boater101.com/Course/StudentM...

You can also have a local Power Squadron or USCG Aux do an inspection to make sure you, they will not give you a ticket but will tell you what you need to be safe.  

Agreed that it may seem useless on a 21' vessel but the law is there to try to help protect you.  

BTW - have you completed a boaters safety course? if not you may want to, for your safety and others out on the water.