When you’re gearing up for a fun day on a pontoon boat, what to wear on a pontoon boat is super important, but don’t forget about the accessories! They can really make a difference between having a comfortable, enjoyable outing and feeling a bit awkward. This friendly guide will share what to wear on a pontoon boat, plus some helpful tips on what to bring along for a great boating experience.
Why You Need Special Accessories on a Pontoon Boat
Pontoon boats are cherished for their stability, social atmosphere, and ease of use. However, they also face distinct environmental challenges. Users may encounter prolonged sun exposure, variable wind conditions, water spray, and wet decks, all of which can elevate the risk of slipping. That’s why knowing what to wear on a pontoon boat goes beyond clothes—the right accessories enhance comfort, safety, and personal style, helping you enjoy your time on the water fully.
5 Essential Outfit Accessories You Need
Wide-brimmed Hat
Knowing what to wear on a pontoon boat means thinking about accessories that handle both sun and wind. A wide-brimmed hat is one of the single most useful accessories on a pontoon. On open water the wind is stronger and more persistent; a loose hat will be gone in seconds and may become a hazard. When selecting a hat consider:
- Retention system: look for adjustable chin cords or internal straps so the hat stays on in gusts.
- Brim design: a mid-sized brim (3–6 cm) gives sun protection without catching excessive wind.
- Material: lightweight, quick-dry fabrics that roll up easily (polyester blends, nylon).
Brands like Tilley and Jack Murphy offer durable options suited for both sunny days and the occasional drizzle. Pair it with sunglasses on a strap, and you’re shielded from glare while staying safely anchored to the boat.
Sun Protection Accessories
Even under a soft summer sky, water doubles the sun’s impact through reflection. That’s why sun-protective accessories are worth investing in. Your outfit should include several sun-protection accessories:
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection and polarised lenses to reduce glare and protect your eyes. You can consider the Decathlon MH 570 Polarised Sports Sunglasses, which offer polarised lenses and side‑shield protection, suited for bright reflections on water.
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF30 or higher; keep a small re-application tube in an accessible pocket or dry pouch. Altruist‘s sunscreen is a good choice.
- Neck buff or gaiter made of UPF-rated fabric to protect neck and lower face.
These items directly answer what to wear on a pontoon boat to avoid sunburn, heat fatigue and eye strain.
Non-Slip Footwear and Deck Shoes
Proper footwear is a key consideration when deciding what to wear on a pontoon boat. There’s nothing elegant about a splashy slip on a wet pontoon, which is why proper deck shoes are a must. Soles designed with siped or multi-directional tread grip wet surfaces, while closed-toe or securely fastened sandals protect your toes from cleats, ladders, and enthusiastic children. Synthetic or neoprene materials dry quickly and remain comfortable even after a spontaneous swim.
If you plan to swim from the pontoon, keep a second pair of deck shoes on board so the person reboarding isn’t using bare, wet feet on the boat’s interior.
Dry Bag or Waterproof Pouch
Even a small wave can spell disaster for electronics, cash, or maps. A dry bag is your best insurance against soggy valuables. For phones or cameras, choose a waterproof pouch with an IPX8 rating and a transparent window, so you can operate your devices without exposing them to water. Extra clips or straps secure it to the boat, reducing the risk of accidental overboard adventures. Keeping these on hand is part of knowing what to wear on a pontoon boat safely and sensibly.
Quick Dry Towels, Swim Cover Ups & Change Layers
Pontoon trips often include swimming stops. Pack a microfibre quick-dry towel, a lightweight cover-up or sarong and a thin insulated layer (for cooler breezy evenings). Microfibre towels dry fast and compress into a small pouch, while a simple fleece or windlayer (thin) will guard against chill when you’re wet and the sun drops behind clouds. These small accessories are part of planning what to wear on a pontoon boat for maximum comfort.
Choosing the Right Gear: Tips for Fit, Material & Functionality
Knowing what to wear on a pontoon boat isn’t just about style. When selecting your pontoon accessories, think about fit, material, and functionality. They are key to making sure your day on the water is comfortable, safe, and hassle-free.
Fit and sizing: Even accessories need to fit properly. A hat should sit snugly but comfortably, with an adjustable chin cord if possible. Sunglasses should stay secure without pinching, and neck buffs or gaiters shouldn’t be so tight that they restrict breathing or movement. Footwear must fit well to prevent blisters, while still giving enough grip and support for wet decks.
Material: Look for materials that handle water, sun, and wear. Synthetic fabrics (like polyester or nylon) are ideal for neck buffs, hats, and towels because they dry quickly, resist UV rays, and wick moisture. Shoes with neoprene or synthetic uppers dry faster than leather or cotton‑lined options. Dry bags and waterproof pouches should use durable, tear-resistant materials that won’t leak if knocked around on deck.
Functionality: Accessories should do more than just “look nice.” Hats with roll-up brims, sunglasses with retention straps, or multipurpose neck buffs maximise utility. Shoes with slip-resistant soles, quick-dry towels that compress easily, and waterproof pouches with clips or transparent windows all make life on the water smoother. Think about pockets, straps, or loops that secure your items and prevent accidental loss overboard.
Accessories Checklist: The Compact Version
For fast packing, keep this compact checklist on your phone or printed where you prepare your kit:
- Windproof hat with chin cord
- Polarised sunglasses + strap
- Non-slip deck shoes or secure sandals
- Small dry bag / waterproof phone pouch
- Microfibre towel + lightweight cover-up
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF30
Choosing Accessories for Different Weather
The weather on the water changes quickly. Here’s a short guide to tailoring your accessories:
Sunny with a light breeze: Opt for a wide-brimmed hat, polarised sunglasses, SPF30+ sunscreen in a small pouch, and a lightweight neck buff. These protect against glare, UV, and the reflection from the water.
Cloudy or windy conditions: A windproof hat, neck buff, and a windlayer or lightweight jacket help protect against chill and spray. Non-slip footwear becomes especially important when decks are damp.
Cooler evenings or after swimming: Keep a quick-dry towel and cover-up close at hand, and add an insulated layer if needed. Dry bags and waterproof pouches protect your electronics, wallets, or maps even if the weather turns rainy or gusty.
Extra tips: Choose multi-purpose or adaptable items wherever possible. A hat that can be rolled up, a neck gaiter that doubles as a sun shield or face cover, or a lightweight towel that packs small all save space and increase flexibility. Always check that your accessories are secure and easy to reach, so your day stays relaxed rather than stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most essential accessories to bring for a day trip on a pontoon?
The essentials are a windproof hat with retention, polarised sunglasses with a retainer, non-slip footwear, a small dry bag for electronics, microfibre towel, sunscreen (SPF30+), and a lightweight windlayer. These items cover protection from sun, wind, spray and wet decks — the four main environmental challenges you’ll encounter.
2. Can I wear flip-flops on a pontoon, or are they a poor choice?
Flip-flops offer little traction and can come off easily; they are generally not recommended. Choose deck shoes or secure sandals with drained soles and non-slip tread to reduce slip risk and protect toes when moving around the boat.
3. How should I store valuables and electronic devices on a pontoon?
Use a small dry bag or waterproof phone pouch with a secure clip. Keep it attached to a seat or stanchion when not in use. For high-value items, consider a buoyant pouch that will float if accidentally dropped.
4. What fabric choices work best for pontoon accessories and why?
Synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, spandex blends) are preferable because they wick moisture, dry quickly and resist UV degradation better than cotton. Look for UPF-rated fabrics for sun protection and neoprene or synthetic soles for footwear.
5. How do I prevent my hat and sunglasses from being lost overboard?
Use retention systems: chin cords for hats and straps for sunglasses. Secure loose cords to inner clothing when needed, and stow backup items in a dry bag when not in use.
References
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“Pontoon Boat Safety 101: The Owner’s Complete Guide” – Barletta Boat Company. This outlines required gear for pontoons and emphasises safety education. barlettapontoonboats.com
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“Finding the Best Pontoon Boat Accessories” – Better Boat blog (October 2025). This gives insight into how accessories contribute to comfort, safety and function. Better Boat
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“The Ultimate Pontoon Boat Safety Checklist” – Pier 105 Marina blog (October 2024). This lists key safety equipment and procedures relevant to pontoon outings. Pier 105 Marina
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“Best Pontoon Boat Accessories” – Godfrey Pontoon Boats article (January 2023). Includes accessories such as covers, fenders, lights tailored for pontoons. godfreypontoonboats.com
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“Essential Pontoon Boat Dock Accessories” – Haven Dock & Marine (June 2025). Discusses floating docks, fenders and accessories that protect pontoon structures from wind/drift. havendock.com