One of the unspoken rules of pontoon boat ownership is that your boat should have a flag mounted on it - no if’s or but’s. And you’ll know it’s true when you scope your surroundings and see that every other boat on the water has a little flag fluttering in the wind.
Now, if it’s your first time, you might not be too sure how to mount a flag on a pontoon boat. Fortunately for you, it’s a pretty straightforward process. All you need are the right tools.
Choosing the Right Mounting Hardware
If you’re not too interested in getting handy or creative with your pontoon boat flag mount, you can always just buy a ready-made mount. The internet is ripe with choices, including options from vetted brands like Taylor Made.
Rail Mount
This particular design uses a 15” rod that mounts directly to your rails. The short rod length makes sure that you won’t have to worry about your flag fluttering violently in strong winds. The design also doesn’t call for the use of any tools, so you can get it fixed in place with minimal effort.
We recommend the Taylor Made Products 971 Stainless Steel Rail Mount for Boats.
Flag Pole
For boat owners who want to display their flag a little loud and proud, there’s the Pactrade Marine Boat Flag Pole. The telescoping rod extends from 26 to 48 inches and comes with flag attachments for easy fastening.
But just in case you were looking to flex your handyman muscle, you can pretty much come up with your own ingenious way to mount a flag on your boat. Some owners have found that simply fitting a flag pole into a rod holder makes for an easy, straightforward solution.
Other Ways to Mount a Flag to your Pontoon Boat
Fender holders attached to a bimini frame make a great way to keep your flag in place and safe from being blown off by strong winds. The DIY solution also makes it easy to remove and attach the flag as necessary.
If you’ve got an anchor light on top of your bimini, you can attach your flag to it with a few zip ties. The simplified attachment is great for boat owners who want to be able to take their flag down without a hitch.
Some boat owners have found that using PVC pipes mounted or otherwise fixed to various parts of the boat can make for a suitable solution. Just make sure you fix the top of the pole to something to keep it stable in the wind.
Be sure to check out our guide to the best bimini flag mounts and holders .
Where Can You Mount a Flag on a Pontoon Boat?
If you’re new to boating, it’s worth mentioning that there is such a thing as boat flag etiquette. These rules tell you where and how you can fly your flag, and what flags to display depending on the situation you’re in. Fortunately for pontoon boat owners that probably only take their boat on domestic waters, standard flag etiquette doesn’t really apply.
Nonetheless, it’s important to make sure you’ve mounted your boat flag in the right place to maximize visibility and safety. Here are a few tips you can try in order to find the perfect place for your boat flag:
Consider Winds
Strong winds can rip your flag out of its place, no matter how well mounted it is. Keeping it obstructed by a bimini top or another structure can help reduce the strength of the wind that might pull at your flag.
Think About Visibility
What’s the point of installing a flag if it’s hardly seen? Find a place on board where you can mount your flag right where people can see it. Keep in mind though that attaching your flag to a long, tall pole may cause trouble if you’re traveling in strong winds at high speeds.
Here's a guide on our top four American flags for your pontoon boat.
Watch Out for Potential Dangers
Perhaps one of the most important considerations you need to make when installing your flag mount is to make sure it doesn’t get in the way. Obviously, mounting your flag next to a boat grill can easily turn into catastrophe. The same goes for flags that are mounted too close to the helm where they can obscure the captain’s view.
Keep it Within Reach
There will be times when your flag won’t need to be fluttering in the wind. To make it easy to remove, see to it that you install your flag somewhere you can access it without having to climb too high or reach too far.
Wave Your Flag
A flag is an inexpensive yet satisfying way to customize and decorate your boat. Flags are also a great gift idea for a pontoon boat owner. And just like any other boat accessory, there’s more than one way on how to mount a flag on a pontoon boat. Try these DIY tactics to get your flag in place, or buy mounting gear online. Whatever you choose, these super simple solutions should let you get your flag attached and ready for your next trip in no time.
