What makes pontoon boats especially susceptible to accidents?

On Behalf of | Nov 28, 2022 | Boat Accidents

Getting hit by a boat always creates distress. Whatever type of watercraft remains the cause, the suffering of victims is real.

That said, certain sea-faring vessels present particular danger. Pontoon boats, as one example, place others at high risk.

Speed

Perhaps the biggest reason pontoons spread peril is their ability to go fast. With the potential to break 100 miles per hour, they are not the zippiest vehicles on the water. Still, this velocity is more than enough to cause severe injury. Adrenaline junkies sometimes make numerous modifications to quench their full-throttle desires. The odds of disaster increase with each change.

Mobility

These crafts are less than nimble. By way of illustration, the turning radius of a 22-foot pontoon is approximately 25.5 feet. This cumbersome nature could prove disastrous during emergencies. Captains should be able to take evasive maneuvers when necessary.

Noise

Older outboard engines tend to be particularly loud. When a pontoon outfitted with one is cruising at full clip, the intense decibel level poses a concern. The roar might cover warnings shouted by others. Pontoon enthusiasts ought to consider investing in trolling motors, which are much quieter. On top of being safer, they are less likely to disturb fish and may improve the catch.

Anyone experiencing personal injury from a boating accident deserves compensation. Going to trial is often the logical path forward. One persuasive argument is that the involved vessel spells trouble by nature. Those in a trial over a pontoon-related wreck should point out what makes them hazardous.