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DW keeps talking about getting a pontoon boat when we move to GS next year. My question is "where do people use them in the area?" I mean people who are operating them safely.
I can see using one in the bays or Intercostal, but I am not sure about Mobile Bay and certainly wouldn't think one could be used in the Gulf.
Weather and sea conditions dictate all.....when it's flat (no wind) why not
Go for it. I saw a couple of young man in a John boat just off the end of the pier end of last month no wind. Not sure I would do it now but at their age sure.
Going out in calm conditions is no problem; getting back in when it SUDDENLY turns ugly can be a big problem.
A pontoon boat is the last boat I would consider if moving to GS/OB.
The first storm you get caught in, you will be thankful for not getting a pontoon.
I'd go with a 17' Cape Horn, Palm Beach 181 or an 18-19' bay boat. You can fish inshore and nearshore up to about 15-20 miles out.
Even when there are calm days in the Gulf, getting out the pass can be difficult when it is busy. A small center console will be much more useful unless you have to accommodate a crowd and cruise most of the time.
They rent pontoon boats near Perdido Pass.
What do you want to do with it? I would not go thru the pass to the gulf. With ICW would be a ball and good fishing out in Mobile Bay watch the weather. It still can change quickly.