10 Best Accessories for a Pontoon Boat (for Customization and Fun)

Last updated on March 6th, 2022

pontoon boat fishing accessories

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When I was a kid, my friend’s family had a wonderful pontoon boat. When they would take me out, I had the time of my life. The thing I remember most about the pontoon boat was the room it had. My family had a smaller Lund fishing boat with little room, so a pontoon boat was quite different for me.

A pontoon boat is essentially a party on the water. There are so many pieces of equipment and accessories that are available that you can make your boat truly and satisfyingly your own. Some other accessories are simple essentials as well. A pontoon boat is not a cheap investment so a cover may be needed or possibly a good set of straps for holding a cover down.

There is an endless list of items that can make your boat better and I hope to show some of those things to you in this article.

These are ten of my favorite and best pontoon boat accessories. I believe they will enhance the fun, versatility, and usefulness of your boat while also letting you customize and personalize it. But even if you don’t own one, they still make great gifts for the pontoon boat owner in your life.

Read on, I’m sure you’ll find something that will catch your attention.

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Grill for Pontoon Boat

Cuisinart Grill Modified for Pontoon Boat with Arnall's Stainless Grill Bracket Set SILVER

See Cuisinart grill details on Amazon

This first accessory is what every pontoon boat needs. Pontoon boating is a very social affair after all and what can make that better? Grilling some food, of course!

I really like the Cuisinart pontoon grill because its design is light and makes installation extremely easy.

The brackets that hold this grill in place are held by small but very secure bolts. They make it easy to move the grill just about anywhere along the rails on a pontoon boat, making this extremely mobile In case you need to move it elsewhere.

Stainless steel is an important factor for watercraft of any capacity. The stainless-steel build of this grill will make it last for an exceptionally long time. It is smaller in size, but most will be when intended for use in watercraft.

I like the idea of having the means to cook food on board because I remember how much time we spent on the water on my friend’s boat. Pontoon boats are not fast when compared to other watercraft so getting somewhere takes a little longer sometimes. What better way to enjoy the ride than with good company and some good food!

Key Features:

  • Stainless steel
  • Compact size
  • Easy mount brackets
  • Durable mounting frame

Pros:

  • Durable build
  • Reasonable price
  • Quite easy to clean

Cons:

  • Small size
Buy on Amazon

ITC Manufacturers’ Select Marine Boat Table

Manufacturers' Select ITC Marine Boat Table Leg Set. Pontoon Accessories, Marine Pedestal Table. Large Top with Center Foam Mat (Cinnamon Table/Silver Leg w/Saddle Color Mat)

See ITC boat table details on Amazon

The Manufacturers Select Pontoon Table center boat table is great for many reasons and one of my favorite features is the non-slip foam pad that covers the center of the table. Now, this may seem like a weird reason to like this table, but my friends and I like to throw dice and play card games and the sturdy slip-resistant foam mat makes it great for those types of activities, especially while the boat is moving.

Aside from the useful center surface, it has 4 large cup holders that accommodate your beverages. This is important because drinks and pontoon boats go hand in hand and it’s nice to have secure drink holders built right into your table as you enjoy the company of friends and family.

Other well thought out features of this table also include a built-in tray for items such as keys or sunglasses and a small insert that is designed to hold 2 cell phones. This second feature is very important as we all understand the number one rule of thumb for boats and phones: the phone needs to be secured!

I also very much like the way the table mounts to the floor. It will easily match most pontoon boats’ mounting brackets, but if not it can be simply installed to where you want it. I would keep in mind, however, to set it up in an area where folks naturally congregate but out of sight of the boat’s controls.

Key Features:

  • Foam pad surface
  • Device holders
  • Large convenient cup holders
  • Floor mounting bracket

Pros:

  • Large size
  • Very durable
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Limited color selection
Buy on Amazon

Docktail Bar Pontoon Beverage and Cup Tray

Docktail Bar Pontoon Boat Cup Holders Table Accessory - These Boating Accessories Effortlessly Clamps on 1 1/4

See Docktail beverage tray on Amazon

The Docktail Bar Drink Tray is great for enjoying refreshing drinks on the deck. Unlike the previous product above, the Ducktail tray can hold much more. It is made of waterproof, heavy-duty materials that will last for an exceptionally long time. This is one of my – and possibly everyone else’s – favorite pontoon boat accessories.

One nice thing about pontoon boats that we already know, and love, is their size and the room. But what comes “stock” for beverage holding and other luxury accessories can be limited, depending on what boat you have.

One feature that I like about this product is the level of waterproofing versus the other trays/tables on the market. This tray is made specifically for drinks so if there are any that you suspect might be spilled, such as kid’s drinks, the Docktail tray is a good place for them.

This tray mounts securely to the side of the boat as well, which I like very much. A pontoon boat has a very wide stance in the water and rocking from another boater’s wake is not too big of an issue, but some small rocking can still occur. That is why I love how secure these tray mounts are.

Key Features:

  • Secure mount
  • Waterproof
  • Multiple holders
  • Durable materials

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Mounts very solid
  • The color matches well with most décor

Cons:

  • Bottom drains any spilled drinks
Buy on Amazon

Seapon LED Pontoon Boat Light

Seapon Pontoon Boat Light, Marine Led Light Strip for Duck Jon Bass Boat Sailboat Kayak, Led Flex Lighting for Boat Deck Light Accent Light Courtesy Interior Lights Fishing Night, 12v, 5m(16.4ft)

See Seapon pontoon boat lights on Amazon

Accessories for a pontoon boat can be useful while also being stylish. The Seapon boat light is a great accessory for your pontoon boat for at least two reasons.

Let us first look at the safety benefits of having lights aboard your vessel. Boating at night can be dangerous and not only do other craft need to see you, but you also need to see inside your own boat.

I am a big fan of having adequate lighting inside of any type of boat for safety but not an overly bright amount of light. Lights such as this, mounted low inside the boat would give you enough light to be safe, without hindering your ability to see outside the boat.

Looking at it from a style standpoint, it is a fun way to personalize your boat and make night boating incredibly fun. Though this strand only comes in blue, there are many colors out there that you can choose from.

Try this LED strip light on the outside of your boat to light up the party, especially for nighttime fun. I have seen “themed” pontoon boats as well at my local lakes that had similar lights and it sure looked like they were having a good time. These lights are a quick and inexpensive way to make your pontoon boat stand out from the crowd.

Key Features:

  • 4 feet in length
  • Simple red and black wiring
  • 12V DC working voltage
  • Energy Saving

Pros:

  • Easy installation
  • Great for safety use
  • Does not draw much power

Cons:

  • The included adhesive is not the best (try something like Gorilla Glue)
Buy on Amazon

CE Smith Pontoon Square Rail Rod Holder

CE Smith Pontoon Square Rail Adjustable Clamp-On Rod Holder-Replacement Parts and Accessories for Tournament Fishing, Rod Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing and Trolling

See pontoon rod holder on Amazon

Going back to the fishing aspect of boating in a pontoon boat, we arrive at the rod holder. This CE Smith Rod Holder is made for pontoon boats with square railing. That is especially important to keep in mind.

This rod holder is a basic holder that can accommodate just about any pole and can be adjusted very easily with its 6-point pin system. Round railing models of rod holders are available as well from other manufacturers.

One issue that I have with these is that the angle adjustments must have a hex key which does come with the rod holder, but I feel like this could have been designed a little simpler. That aside, this is still one of the best pontoon boat fishing accessories if you’re looking to add to your enjoyment out on the water.

Fishing from a pontoon boat in my neck of the woods seems silly to some because we are all about the aluminum craft boats rigged for chasing walleye and trout. But what some fail to realize is that a pontoon boat can fish with the best of them and attachments like these make that happen.

Key Features:

  • Stainless steel design
  • 6-point pin design
  • Black liner
  • Hard rubber clamps

Pros:

  • Accommodates most rods
  • Flexible angles
  • Large diameter clamps

Cons:

  • Requires hex key to adjust
Buy on Amazon

Garmin Striker 4 GPS Fishfinder

Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5

See Garmin GPS fishfinder on Amazon

Want a pontoon fishing boat? The Garmin Striker 4 is a great little 3.5-inch GPS unit and fish finder that can make that happen. First, we will discuss the great GPS features of this unit. Simple waypoint planning allows you to set points for boat ramps, hot spots, restroom areas, and other such essential points while out on the water.

One feature that I think is very techy and useful is the ability for this unit to talk to other units like it. So long as the other unit is a STRIKER EchoMAP combo, you can share waypoints with friends to help them get on the fish or avoid obstacles.

The color display makes it more visible. Older models from other brands and a few new models of different brands are in black and white, which can be hard to see in certain conditions. The color display in a thermal color scheme is easy to see, even in the light.

The controls are quite simple and waterproof, as is the rest of the unit. The size can be a shock when you get it out of the box but consider that it will allow you more room on your boat for more things and it also mounts near the wheel where you can see it easily while on the move.

This unit will make for a fun and practical addition to your own boat as well as an excellent gift idea for your friends and family with pontoon boats.

Key Features:

  • Chirp transducer
  • 5-inch display
  • 6-button keypad
  • Color display

Pros:

  • Compact size
  • Simple operation
  • waterproof

Cons:

  • small size may be hard for those with sight issues
Buy on Amazon

Newport Vessels Pontoon Saltwater Trolling Motor

Newport Vessels 55lb Thrust Saltwater Electric Pontoon Trolling Motor with Deck Mount Bracket & 55

See Newport Vessels pontoon trolling motor on Amazon

The Newport Saltwater Trolling Motor is a great all-around motor for casual cruising on most pontoon boats. One major feature of a saltwater trolling motor is the materials that go into its construction.

Most trolling motors, especially saltwater trolling motors, are made from fiberglass, especially where it contacts the water. This is crucial for saltwater application to prevent and resist corrosion.

This shaft has a maximum of 55-inches which should get the propeller in the water without much issue on most boats. Keep in mind that a pontoon boat can be much taller than other boats and any trolling motor will have to be longer to reach the water.

I like this trolling motor kit because of what comes with it. The cables and the mounting bracket are included as well for easy connection and quick installation to your deck. Other important design features include a tilting/expandable tiller, 8-speed operation (5 forwards and 3 reverse), and a 3-blade 10-inch diameter propeller.

You will need a single 12-volt deep cycle or marine battery to run this pontoon trolling motor. A nice related feature –  and one I really like –  is the 10-point LED meter that lets you quickly assess how much battery power you have left.

Key Features:

  • 55-lbs of thrust
  • 55-inch shaft
  • Cable connectors
  • Deck bracket

Pros:

  • Comes as a kit
  • Good thrust power
  • Long shaft
  • LED battery meter

Cons:

  • Cable connectors are only 6-inches
Buy on Amazon

Summerset 600 Denier 4-Bow Pontoon Bimini Top

Summerset Premium Bimini 4 Bow Pontoon Top Includes 1

See pontoon boat bimini top on Amazon

When it comes to a cover for your pontoon boat,  you need to consider a few things before you buy. One of the most important is durability. The Summerset pontoon boat bimini top is made from tough 600-denier marine canvas fabric, but you’ll also be impressed with the frame and how it mounts.

On a windy day, any canvas cover will become a kite and that is when the frame and the bracket will be the most crucial part of your cover. This canvas has a great, durable frame that mounts in several places throughout the boat.

The only issue that I see with this product is that it covers only the rear section of the boat and not the front, but often we are fishing and swimming from the front, so this minor issue is not a deal-breaker for most.

Key Features:

  • Aluminum frame
  • 1-inch frame tubing
  • UV Protected
  • Waterproof

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Strong frame
  • UV protection

Cons:

  • Only covers half of the boat
Buy on Amazon

RecPro 5 Step Removable Boarding Boat Ladder

RecPro 5 Step Removable Boarding Boat Ladder | AL-A5 | Marine Pontoon Boat Dock | Heavy Duty Aluminum

See RecPro pontoon ladder on Amazon

When getting in and out of the water for any activity you must have a quality ladder. The RecPro 5 is a great, durable pontoon boat ladder that is easy to use and stow but that can be used for roof access to your boat as well.

This ladder can be simply deployed to have a strong and sturdy ladder for folks to get out of the water. The textured struts of the ladder ensure a safe and strong grip for everyone that uses it. In addition to the durability of this ladder, it is also extremely lightweight due to its aluminum design.

This light design makes it easy to stow and travel with. Its smaller size also means it will not be in the way when stored on deck, posing less of a danger to you and your guests aboard. Finally, most will appreciate how easy it is to put this ladder together.

Key Features:

  • Aluminum material
  • Non-slip steps
  • Lightweight design
  • Secure mount

Pros:

  • Lightweight for easy handling
  • Durable materials
  • Small size is nice for storage
  • Easy to assemble

Cons:

  • May need hardware for use on roof
Buy on Amazon

iCOVER Trailerable Pontoon Boat Cover

iCOVER Trailerable Pontoon Boat Cover, Fits 21 to 24ft Long & Beam Width up to 102in Pontoon Boat with Storage Bag, Heavy-Duty Waterproof Stormproof, Fade-Resistant Polyester, Black

See iCOVER pontoon boat cover on Amazon

The iCOVER Trailerable Cover can accommodate pontoon boats ranging from 17-feet to 28-feet in length and can properly cover them from even the harshest elements. The straps that tie the cover down are quite simple to use and are exceptionally durable.

The cover itself is made from strong marine-grade polyester material that is waterproof and tear-resistant. A cover is a good thing and there are many out there on the market, but you want longevity in a boat cover, not something you will replace too soon.

Another thing that I like about this cover is that it is very UV resistant. Boat covers that are sun tarnished and weathered are a bit ugly and this cover will prevent that for a longer period. This cover is made to last and is one of the best pontoon boat covers on the market.

Key Features:

  • Multiple strap system
  • Polyester material
  • UV protection
  • Three color choices

Pros:

  • Durable material
  • Very UV resistant
  • Multiple color choices

Cons:

  • Water may collect on the cover without a support pole (not included)
Buy on Amazon

Make Your Pontoon Boat Personal and Fun With the Right Accessories

Owning a pontoon boat is always more rewarding when accessorized. What pontoon boat accessories you need will depend on how you use your boat. Grilling on the water with friends? There are many grilling attachment options from which to choose.

I remember the pontoon boat that my friend and his parents had and how the carpet was worn from us kids jumping off, this recalls other things that we may not have cited like carpeting for the boat or treatment for that carpet.

Ask yourself about available space because it is easy to stuff a pontoon boat full amazingly fast with accessories. Consider placement and proximity to other things you need to do and avoid cluttering essential areas on the boat such as the steering area.

I love pontoon boats because they are a great way to socialize in a group setting. Accessorizing your pontoon boat can make it that much better, and I hope I have helped you in that endeavor today. Enjoy the water, my friends.

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