Water Wednesday: Turning The Pontoon Into A Party Spot

Giving Your Pontoon A Makeover

A pontoon is a great way to get on the water. Spacious, fairly simple, the perfect boat for family and friends. With the right upgrades, it can become the boat everyone wants to be on. This Water Wednesday, we’re breaking down how to turn a simple, bare-bones pontoon into a full-blown party platform with sound, lights, comfort, and style.

Beginner Motorcycle First Bike Guide

Step 1: Upgrade the Sound System

  • Marine Speakers: Swap the factory speakers for quality marine-grade units. Examples: 6.5" or 8.8" speakers from brands like JL Audio, Wet Sounds, or Kicker Marine.
  • Subwoofer & Amp: Add a dedicated marine sub and amplifier so the music doesn’t disappear the second you start cruising. Example: A 10" or 12" marine subwoofer powered by a matched 4- or 5-channel marine amp.
  • Bluetooth Head Unit: Replace the old radio with a Bluetooth marine head unit or a compact Bluetooth controller so anyone on board can DJ from their phone.

Step 2: Add Lighting for Night Cruises

  • Deck Lighting: Soft LED strip lighting under the seats or along the rails. Example: Waterproof RGB LED strips with a remote or app control so you can change colors and brightness.
  • Underwater/Underdeck Lights: LED pods or bars mounted under the deck or at the transom. Example: Surface-mount underwater LEDs in blue or RGB to light up the water around the boat at night.
  • Courtesy & Step Lights: Small, low-draw LED courtesy lights at steps and entry points so people can see where they’re walking after dark.

Step 3: Make It Comfortable to Hang Out All Day

  • Upgraded Seating & Cushions: Replace worn cushions with new marine vinyl and foam, or add upgraded helm and captain’s chairs with better bolstering and armrests.
  • Shade Options: Install a larger bimini top or even a double-bimini setup. Example: Anodized aluminum frame bimini with UV-resistant canvas sized to cover the main seating area.
  • Tables & Cupholders: Add removable pedestal tables and extra cupholders. Example: Marine pedestal table kits with built-in cupholders and clamp-on or rail-mount cupholders around the boat.

Step 4: Add Fun & Convenience Features

  • Boarding Ladder: Upgrade to a heavy-duty, wide-step ladder that’s easy to climb from the water.
  • Floating Mat & Toy Storage: Add tie-down points or a small rack for a floating mat, tubes, and water toys. Example: Bungee storage on the rails or a dedicated storage bin under a seat.
  • Phone Charging & Storage: Install USB charging ports and small storage trays or pockets near key seating areas so phones, keys, and wallets stay secure and charged.

Step 5: Give It a Signature Look

  • Custom Graphics or Wrap: Add a vinyl wrap or side graphics to give the pontoon a unique color scheme or theme—metallics, fades, or bold logos all stand out on the water.
  • Color-Matched Accessories: Choose speaker grills, LED colors, and accent pieces that match your main color (for example, purple, red, or teal as a theme throughout the boat).
  • Clean & Protected Surfaces: Have the rails, panels, and vinyl professionally cleaned, polished, and protected. Example: Marine-safe cleaners, UV protectants, and ceramic coating on panels to keep everything looking fresh and easier to wash.

Step 6: Don’t Forget Safety (So the Party Stays Fun)

  • Life Jackets & Safety Gear: Enough properly sized life jackets for everyone on board, a throwable cushion, fire extinguisher, horn or whistle, and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Night Running Lights: Make sure your navigation and anchor lights are working and up to date—replace old bulbs with LED versions for better visibility and lower power draw.
  • Simple Rules On Board: A quick talk about no glass in bare feet, no blocking the captain’s view, and keeping walkways clear keeps things fun and safe all day and into the night.

Customized Party Pontoon Boat

Have a basic pontoon you’re ready to turn into the lake’s go-to party boat? Torque Motorsports can help with audio upgrades, lighting, detailing, ceramic coating, and custom touches that make your boat stand out. Contact Torque Motorsports to start planning your pontoon transformation.

Author: Brandon Hurst-Torque Motorsports

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