How to Drive a Pontoon Boat: A First-Timer Guide

How Do the Controls Work?

Most pontoons have a steering wheel and a single lever that controls forward, neutral and reverse.

• Push the lever forward gently to go, pull back to neutral to stop driving
• The boat keeps drifting after you go to neutral — plan your stops early
• Turn the wheel the way you want the front of the boat to go

How Fast Can I Go?

Watch for posted signs. Large parts of the Intracoastal have slow-speed, idle or no-wake zones, especially near homes, marinas, bridges and in manatee areas. Slow speed means the boat sits level in the water and makes little wake.

Who Has the Right of Way?

Keep to the right in channels, pass other boats at a slow speed, and give way to boats coming from your right. Steer clear of large boats that cannot turn quickly.

Docking and Anchoring Tips

Approach docks slowly at an angle and use short bursts of throttle. When you anchor at a sandbar, drop it in sand, not seagrass, and leave plenty of space from other boats.