There's many accidents that can happen while boating. It doesn't matter if you're in a fishing boat, a sailboat or even a pontoon boat. If you hit something in the water, you could be in deep trouble. This story says it all.
Pontoon Boat Hits Rock
A pontoon boat carrying six people hit a rock in Lake Simcoe early Sunday morning and began to fill with water, said Ramara district fire Chief Ken Duffy.
The vessel was located by aircraft one mile south of the Atherley Narrows around 1 a. m., he said.
Five passengers boarded the firefighters' boats, while the driver safely steered to shore.
Pontoon Boat Hits Rock
Irish entry hits rock in Clipper 09-10 Round the World Race
Cork, Ireland, one of ten 68-foot ocean racing yachts competing in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race has struck a rock in the Java Sea, around 200 nautical miles north east of Jakarta. All 16 crew have been safely evacuated to two sister yachts, Team Finland and California. All are safe and next of kin have been informed. Falmouth Coastguard is working with local agencies to ensure that the situation is being constantly monitored. The Irish entry was sailing in 20-knot winds when she struck a rock off the small island of Gosong Mampango at 2018 GMT, 13 January (0418 local time, 14 January). The yacht was competing in the fifth race of the biennial global challenge which left Geraldton, Western Australia for Singapore on 3 January 2010. Initial reports from skipper Richie Fearon stated that the boat is lying on her side on the rock with the toe rail under water and that some hull damage has occurred. Because the winds were increasing, the crew evacuated to the island as a precaution. Competitors Team Finland and California were in the vicinity and immediately stood by off shore. The skipper and crew of Cork have subsequently used their life rafts to transfer to the waiting boats and all are now safely on board. Team Finland’s skipper Rob McInally is relaying updates with both the race organisers and the coastguard agencies. The yachts on station are best placed to assess the situation and consider what salvage options are practical. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of race organisers Clipper-Ventures said, “Clearly our priority has been the safety of the crew and we have received confirmation that all on-board have evacuated the boat and are now safe. Their welfare is our prime concern at this time.” At this stage, it is too early to consider what impact the incident will have on the Irish entry and whether the team will be able to continue in the 10-month-long 35,000 mile race around the world. More information will be released as the situation develops. The crew is made up of five Britons, eight Irish, two Australians and one Chinese national.
Pontoon Boats can scrape against Rocks
1.They are lightweight. You can subtract about a third off the weight of steel boats of similar size, making them so much easier to carry to or from water. This is an obvious advantage if they are transported by trailer.
2.Aluminium is long-lasting. The main structure of the boat is longer lasting, providing the owner with a solid investment. Should it be re-sold, it has a better re-sale value when compared to boats made of other materials.
3.Although people do paint aluminium boats, it is not necessary to paint the inside of the boat. There is evidence to suggest that painting the outside protects the metal from atmospheric moisture. The boat can be left unpainted and generally its upkeep is easier to deal with.
4.The metal is stronger than steel, able to withstand a greater force before it buckles or distorts. It wears well under the pounding of waves or when scraping on rocks.
5.Being lighter, a gallon of gas goes further, either in the vehicle transporting it to the water or in the motor of the boat itself.
6.Aluminium is an abundant metal in the earth's crust. Unlike the diminishing reserves of oil and natural gas, new deposits of aluminium are continually being formed, providing an almost inexhaustible supply. In this sense, one doesn't need to be worried about saving the planet!
Boat manufacturers using aluminium are found in mainland China, Australia, USA, Canada and elsewhere. Generally, these boats are up to 22' in length and insuring them is less expensive. This may be because the metal does not react to sparks. Commercial pontoon boats may be a bit bigger.
Just in case anyone is interested. The spelling of the word aluminium may also be aluminum. Both are correct, although in the USA and Canada aluminum is the spelling, with its slightly different pronunciation, which is preferred. The word actually began as alumium!
Wavesport Diesel 60, 70 and 80 is a kayak which has an aluminium base plate. NRS also do dinghies with aluminium floors. They are great little boats.
Read more about boating saftey and how to keep your boat from hitting a rock here at our boating safety information section: Boating Safety
