Entertaining on a Pontoon Boat

Pontoon boats are great for boat owners who want to host parties or entertain out on the water. They offer plenty of deck space, allowing you to accommodate larger groups without it feeling cramped. Pontoons are also very stable, ensuring that your guests won’t get jostled around. If you’re a pontoon boat owner who is interested in using your vessel to entertain, this guide from The Harbor can help you host the best party possible. 

Decor

Decorations are important for setting the mood, both on and off the water. We recommend choosing a theme such as casino night, fiesta, nautical, or tropical luau. Having a set theme will help guide your decor decisions and ultimately make the party planning process easier. Party supply stores are a good place to find themed napkins, coasters, streamers, and so on. You can even ask your guest to dress up for the occasion. 

Food

Food quality can make or break a party. Preparing food on a pontoon boat deck can be difficult. Luckily, there are several easy ways to get around this restriction. You may decide to focus on finger foods. Things like chips, popcorn, a fruit/veggie tray, hummus and pita bread, and/or crackers and cheese are very easy to prepare and serve on a pontoon boat. Another option is to hold a potluck and have your guests bring their own dishes. 

You should also put some thought into the actual serving of the food. Recyclable paper plates or reusable plastic plates are preferable to glass receptacles since they won’t break and create a safety hazard. Disposable champagne or margarita flutes are easy to hold onto even when things start to get choppy. Cover food using saran wrap, aluminum foil, or a plastic cover to help keep bugs and water out. 

Entertainment

Music is another important element of holding a successful party. Most pontoon boat models are equipped with a radio or USB port to provide entertainment. Ask your guests what kinds of music they want to listen to, or build a playlist based on your party theme. 

You may also want to pick out some games for your guests to play. Games that require no equipment or preparation are a good choice, though you can also pack a few board or card games if you want. 

Setting up a movie night is another popular option. You can choose to display the film on a tablet or laptop, or you can hook up a portable projector and hang up a white sheet to act as a screen. Some waterproof speakers will complete your setup. 

Clean Up

Cleaning up is the least enjoyable part of entertaining, but a clean vessel will be safer and less likely to attract pests. Things will go much easier if you plan ahead and pack a bag or box of cleaning supplies with things like sanitation wipes, hand sanitizer, and trash bags. We recommend double-bagging your trash to help prevent spills. Place full pages under the seats or securely in compartments so that they don’t get blown into the water by the wind. Don’t forget to pack along a separate container to hold your recyclables!

Shop pontoon boats at The Harbor in Branson, Missouri. We’re proud to serve communities like Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri. We also offer boat parts, servicing, and financing. We hope you’ll come visit us soon!