Functional, affordable, and fun, there’s really no question why the inflatable pontoon boat’s popularity has inflated in recent years. And while they come out of the shop with all the bare essentials, there’s a world’s worth of inflatable pontoon boat accessories designed to make the experience even more enjoyable.
These nifty little vessels provide comfort and ease of use that’s perfect for solo (or duo) anglers who just want to get out there and enjoy the water on a low-maintenance vessel. But if you’re looking to upgrade your inflatable pontoon and make it even more efficient, you might want to consider copping one or two of these cool accessories.
Must-Have Inflatable Pontoon Boat Accessories
There are the optional accessories, and there are the must-haves. If you’re taking your inflatable pontoon out for a spin, you might find that these after-sales purchases are more or less essential for a safe and efficient trip.
1. Inflatable Boat Repair Kit
You never know what the water might bring your way. Punctured pontoon material is just one of the many potential damages that can happen when you’re underway, especially if the river is a little extra fussy.
A repair kit should be the first thing on your mind if you’re buying accessories. The Tear-Aid Vinyl Repair Kit includes a bunch of patches that you can just stick on as a temporary solution so you can get back to land.
Another nifty kit you might want to consider is the Classic Accessories Inflatable Pontoon Boat Repair Kit that includes spring clevis pins, valve parts, an inflation adapter, bladder repair kit, and non-corrosive coated oarlocks for those just in case moments.
For more recommendations, check out our guide to inflatable boat repair kits.
2. Foot or Electric Pump
Unless you’ve got lungs of steel, then you might want to buy a pump for your boat. Electric pumps are an effortless choice and get the job done with almost zero intervention from you. The Omont Electric Quick-Fill Air Pump works on more than just boats, providing a convenient way for you to inflate your boat and other at-home items.
A foot pump can be an easy, efficient way to inflate your pontoon. The Seamax 7L Single Stage Foot Pump provides excellent performance for aquatic conditions. The design comes with a 5-foot hose and delivers seven liters of air per pump so you can inflate your boat in no time.
Click here for our comprehensive guide on electric and manual pumps.
3. Waterproof Bag
Extra clothes, electronic devices, lunch? Yeah, you’re going to want to keep those things dry. A dry-bag that’s big enough should provide a safe place for all of your essentials and valuables that might not be akin to water.
A dry bag can be a great choice to keep your stuff safe from moisture. Coming in a variety of sizes, this bag also features a nifty translucent material that makes it easier to see your items inside. That way, you won’t have to dig through to find what you need.
We recommend the HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag.
4. Waterproof Flashlight
A light should come in handy in case of damage, or if you want a better view of what lies beneath the surface of the river. But since you’re out on the water, not any flashlight will do.
Getting your hands on a waterproof flashlight is an easy and cheap option, providing excellent performance for aquatic applications. The rugged flashlight uses four super bright LED-bulbs that provide 8 hours and 45 minutes of use on a single charge.
Check out the Dorcy Floating Waterproof LED Flashlight with Carabineer Clip.
5. Mushroom Anchor
Your inflatable pontoon may or may not come with an anchor already, but stock anchors are rarely reliable. That said, you might want to consider buying a mushroom anchor to keep you steady when you need it.
Mushroom anchors work in sand, mud, and weedy bottoms, making it perfect for inflatable pontoon boats. It also weighs a mere 10 pounds, so you won’t have to worry to much about keeping it on-board and deploying it.
We like the Extreme Max BoatTector Mushroom Anchor.
Here's a complete guide on inflatable pontoon boat anchors.
6. Waterproof Phone Case
Yes, there have been stories of people being saved out at sea because they had their phone in a waterproof case. Made from a thick clear plastic, these cases prevent water from entering, thus allowing you to use your phone even when you’re in water.
They’re kind of a dime a dozen, so you should be able to find them almost anywhere. But the Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Case has gotten pretty overwhelming positive reviews for its sturdy construction and ease of use.
7. Personal Flotation Device
It’s pretty basic that you can’t go out into the water without a PFD. Today, there are lots of different kinds of PFD’s on the market, with the vest taking the crown as the most popular bet.
A paddling vest, like the ONYX MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest provides comfort, breathability, and safety all rolled into one. But if you want something a little less bulky, you can try the ONYX Manual Inflatable Life Jacket.
Designed like a belt, this PFD inflates with the pull of a cord. The U.S. Coast Guard approved design can provide up to 26.5lbs of buoyancy to keep you afloat in case you find yourself in the water.
8. Protectant Spray
One of the most common reasons why inflatable pontoon boats get damaged in because they’re not properly maintained. Routine cleaning and repairs should be part of your regular boat care check-list to help keep your inflatable vessel in top shape.
On top of that, regular use of protectant spray keeps your boat safe from future damage. The spray prevents fading and cracking, repels dirt, and minimizes the damage caused by UV exposure and moisture.
Try the 303 Marine UV Protectant Spray for dust and dirt repellant.
Here's our guide on inflatable boat cleaners to keep it looking new.
9. Cart System
I sure do love lugging my inflatable pontoon boat from the parking lot to the river bank and back again, said no boat owner ever. Despite being filled with air, an inflatable pontoon boat can get pretty darn heavy. And that’s where a cart system should come in handy.
Looking like a barbell with wheels instead of weights, this simple design attaches to the rear of your boat and lets you pull along for easy on-foot transport. There are small cart systems that get the job done and makes it especially easy to tow, tow, tow your boat to and from your car.
We recommend the Sea Eagle EZ Cart.
10. Navigational Lights
It’s not really that common for inflatable boat owners to be out on the water when it’s dark since unseen obstacles can puncture the pontoons. But in case you want to get to the water before everyone else does, you should see to it that you’ve got proper lighting.
Some navigational lights comes with a mounting bracket for easy installation. These lights don’t only make it easier for you to see your surroundings, but they also provide other vessels a clear idea of your boat and your position in the water for added safety.
Checkout the Navisafe SUP Boat Light Pack for your inflatable pontoon boat.
11. Telescoping Oars
Although you already have a motor fixed to your pontoon boat, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a backup. There are a load of reasons why your motor might give up while you’re out on the water, and it pays to have an oar or two so you can paddle your way back to dry land.
The Telescoping Plastic Boat Paddle from the Better Boat Store is the perfect size for keeping on-board without taking up too much space. The durable plastic material is lightweight and easy to use, allowing effortless paddling to get you back to safety when necessary.
Fishing Accessories for Inflatable Pontoon Boats
Because of their size and speed, inflatable pontoon boats have found a permanent spot as one of the best fishing vessels around. Of course, they might not come with all the essentials for a fishing boat right out of the shop, so it pays to make sure you cop a few accessories to reel in more fish.
12. Casting Bar
It can be tough to get a proper cast when you’re sitting so close to the water’s surface. And while you could always just stand, there’s really not enough stability on an inflatable pontoon to let you cast as far and as powerful as you want to.
That’s where a casting bar comes in handy. This nifty boat addition gives you something to hold on to so you can cast your line with stability and precision.
We like the Casting Bar from Sea Eagle as it's specially made for inflatable boats.
13. Bait Tamer
Since inflatable pontoon boats don’t have the space for a full-on live well with plumbing and all, there are some pretty clever bait tamers out there that do the same thing with a simpler design.
There are some products out there that's essentially a bucket bag that hangs off of the side of your inflatable pontoon boat, letting you keep live bait close at hand. And because it easily folds down, you can easily tuck it away on your boat when not in use.
We highly recommend the Lindy Bait Tamer Fishing Bait Bag.
14. Telescopic Net
If you’ve got a big fish at the end of your line and you just can’t quite reel in because of the limited space on your boat, then you can always use a telescopic net. These nets reach out to the water and let you bag the fish for a sure catch.
There are lots of telescopic nets on the market, but the PLUSINNO Fishing Net can be extra convenient. Using waterproof nylon mesh, the material prevents the net from getting waterlogged so it stays dry for storage. It also uses durable EVA material for its frame to give you a sturdy handle to hold on to.
15. Trolling Motor
Studies have found that trolling motors make fishing twice as fruitful. These motors let you travel at a steady pace so your bait looks more natural as you move through the water. Most inflatable pontoon boats don’t come with a trolling motor out of the shop, which is why you might want to buy one after-sales.
The Newport Vessels Trolling Electric Motor is extra popular in its department. Aside from its quiet operation, this motor touts five forward speeds, three backward speeds, and an ergonomic handle that allows smooth, seamless operations.
For more recommendations, check out our guide to the best trolling motors.
16. Rod Holders
Sometimes, it will take hours before you get a nibble, and holding on to a rod for that long can get pretty tiring. Fortunately, you can get a bunch of rod holders to keep your rods in place while you wait for a bite. This also allows you to deploy multiple lines at once, increasing your chances of catching more fish.
It can be hard to find a specific rod holder that’s compatible with your inflatable pontoon boat. In most cases, Brocraft’s designs should be a fit. If they aren’t, there should be a number of other viable choices you can find online or through your local marina.
17. Fish Finder
Even veteran fisherman can still have a hard time finding where the catch might be. That’s when a fish finder comes in handy. These intuitive devices use sonar to detect fish under the surface of the water, letting you take your boat where there’s a great chance of reeling in the big boys.
If you’re on a budget, the LUCKY Portable Fish Finder might be good enough. The gadget touts a 4-5 hour battery life, and provides reliable operation in both murky and clear water. But if you want something a little more powerful and feature rich, you can’t go wrong with Garmin Striker Plus 4.
For more fish finders for your pontoon boat click here.
Comfort Accessories
Now, we wouldn’t actually call these necessary, but they’re definitely nice to have around. Fishing on an inflatable pontoon boat can get pretty uncomfortable after a while, so having these comfort accessories at the ready should help make you feel right at home in the middle of the water.
18. Padded Boat Seat
That little inflatable pontoon boat seat can start to feel really stiff on your bum after hours of sitting. Fortunately, you can replace it a padded seat that you can buy either online or through your local boating goods shop.
Again, it’s not that easy to find a seat replacement for a specific inflatable pontoon boat model, but they do exist. The Attwood Padded Boat Seat works for most inflatable pontoon boats and jon boats, providing buyers a comfortable, cushioned seat to rest their bum for a day of fishing.
19. Cup Holders
Few things are more comfortable and relaxing than fishing out on a quiet river or lake, and having a cold one by your side. But when that line starts to tug, it might be hard to find a place to keep your beer while you reel that baby in. And that’s exactly what cup holders are for.
You can buy these in a variety of designs and mounting styles, so it’s impossible not to find one that suits your needs and preferences. Some options allow easy installation and versatile performance that works on more than just inflatable pontoon boats.
Checkout the SkiffDaddy Drink Cup Holder.
20. Canopy
Sometimes, a hat might not be enough to keep the rain and sun at bay. If your favorite spot leaves you exposed to the elements, then it’s really only a matter of minutes before you start to feel like you’re cooking under the noontime sun. And if rain is in the forecast, then that lack of coverage might work against you.
Since inflatable pontoon boats are generally designed differently, it can be tough to find a canopy that’s exactly a fit for your specific boat. Choices from Seamander, Kemimoto, and DoCred might be a fit, but make sure to check the specifications to guarantee a proper and safe mount.
Cool Inflatable Pontoon Accessories
These are anything but necessary, and they won’t make you any more comfortable than you already are. But if you’ve got extra green to spare and you really want to improve your overall experience, these cool accessories should help you maximize the fun while you’re out on the water.
21. Action Camera
If you’re the kind of person who likes to document their trips and share it with the rest of the world through social media, then you might want to try using an action camera. These recording devices can capture high definition photo and video to give you share-worthy recordings of your fishing trips.
Of course, GoPro takes he cake as the ultimate action camera brand. If you’re not that invested though and you need something a little easier on the wallet, you can try the Dragon Touch action camera that does pretty much the same thing at just a fraction of the cost.
22. Smart Sports Watch
Fishing enthusiasts who are particular about fitness might find a smart sports watch to be a worthy addition to their fishing essentials. These watches can monitor everything from heart rate to calories burned to your O2 saturation. Of course, they also connect to your phone so you can read and respond to messages from the comfort of your wrist.
Lots of the biggest tech brands have their own smart sports watch available on the market. Garmin designs some of the best picks for outdoor use, making them a great choice if you’re a bit of a rugged user. Then again, cheaper picks from lesser known brands might do you good, especially if you just need the basics to get you by.
We recommend the Garmin Outdoor Watch with GPS. But for a cheaper option, you can check out Amazfit GTS Fitness Smart Watch.
Gone Fishing
Your inflatable pontoon boat might not seem like much fresh from the shop. But with the right accessories, you can turn that humble vessel into a full-on fishing machine. With inflatable pontoon boat accessories for almost every need and preference, you can be sure to find the right stuff to make your boat a dream to drive to every time.
