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If you own a pontoon board, you may already know how much fun it can be to cruise around and enjoy the water. However, rough waters and gusty winds take little time to ruin this mesmerizing experience for you.
The constant rocking and swing can be uncomfortable and dangerous for you, which is where the pontoon boat sea legs come in. These are retractable metal legs attached to the side of your boat to provide a stable platform that keeps your boat steady in choppy waters.
With sea legs installed on your pontoon, you can easily enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride, regardless of the conditions. But one common question many boat owners consider is how much these sea legs cost.
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll have a better idea of the price of pontoon boat sea legs and determine whether it’s a worthwhile investment for your boat. So, make sure you read on!
What Are Pontoon Boat Sea Legs?
Pontoon boat sea legs are portable hydraulic pontoon lifts that feature two hydraulic lifting legs attached to the underside of your boat. When you park your boat in shallow waters, these legs can help you lift the boat and hold it up to six feet above the water level.
This protects it from any wear and tear from being docked for an extended time. The conventional pontoon lifts can only save your boat when it’s docked, but these legs can be deployed anywhere as long as they’re able to reach the bottom of the river.
Due to this, boaters consider them ideal for keeping their boat safe while out on the water. Keeping the hull clean from scum, dents, and dirt can help significantly with maintaining the value of your boat, which is why they’re an effective and convenient investment for pontoon boat owners like you.
What’s The Difference Between Sea Legs and Pontoon Lifts?
While both sea legs and pontoon lifts are fundamentally used for the same purpose, there are undoubtedly several differences between the two. The former is attached to the underside of your boat and can be deployed anywhere, as stated above.
They’re also easier to operate as compared to lifts and don’t need any pulleys and cables at all. Sea legs can also be fitted to a range of pontoons available in the market and don’t require the boat to be docked to protect it.
On the downside, sea legs are usually heavy and considerably affect the performance of your pontoon and can even lead to stability concerns if they get stuck in the mud. They also have specific weight and size limitations and can only be used on pontoons weighing 5,800 lbs or less.
Not to mention, they also cost higher as compared to pontoon lifts. On the other hand, Pontoon lifts are attached to the dock and require cables and pulleys to function, making it quite difficult to adjust them in fluctuating water levels.
However, they can be used in deeper waters without worrying about any stability issues at all.
How Much Do They Cost?
If you’ve made up your mind to add sea legs to your pontoon boat, you should know about the costs associated with it. While the exact price may vary based on the particular make and model you purchase, some standard ranges give you a clear idea of the cost.
Standard two-tube pontoon boat legs typically cost around $4,995, whereas three-tubed variants can cost you around $5,500 for a single set. There are also certain additional costs you should keep in mind before making a purchase.
You may have to pay for installation tools such as the jack, which can cost around $500, and the remote control, which may cost about $350. Ultimately, the cost will entirely depend on the particular model, brand, installation fees, and any additional accessories you choose.
Best Brands and Materials for Pontoon Boat Sea Legs
Most sea legs are produced with lightweight extruded aluminum alloy tubing, which is tweaked to provide enough strength for a heavy pontoon boat. It’s highly effective in preventing erosion and often features pad feet of 48 x 19 at the end of each leg.
There are also hydraulic cylinders that use steel alloy piston rods capable of lifting up to 6,500 pounds and supporting even the heaviest of pontoons. There are presently only two reputed Minnesota companies for the brand recommendation: Hewitt and Sea-Legs.
The former provides a range of models with variations in terms of base size that provide additional stability in rough water. They also offer electric and hydraulic versions based on your preferences. The other brand, Sea-Legs, has already sold around 10,000+ sets throughout Canada and the US.
Are There Any Alternatives to Sea Legs?
If sea legs aren’t a practical option for keeping your pontoon secured, there are specific alternatives you can try. One of the most cost-effective methods is to ensure your boat to a deck with the help of knots and a pontoon cover.
However, remember that this still won’t protect you from algae, mold, or damage that may incur due to banging against the dock’s side. Another alternative is using a trailer to haul your boat to and from the water.
Even though these options aren’t very convenient, they’re still very affordable and may fit the bill for boaters on a budget. Whether you get sea legs or not, a pontoon cover is still advisable to protect your boat from external elements.
How Many Sea Legs Should You Use?
Like the price, the number of sea legs required for your pontoon boat also depends on the type of sea legs you use. Many manufacturers recommend using only two pairs of sea legs for large pontoons for added stability.
On the other hand, many recommend you go ahead with only a single pair. However, it’s always better to consult with your manufacturer or dealer to get recommendations based on your pontoon’s exact size and weight.
Legal and Safety Considerations for Sea Legs
Following all the safety guidelines while using sea legs is necessary to prevent mishaps. You should always stop exceeding the recommended weight limit and avoid using them in harsh weather conditions like storms, heavy waves, or high winds.
Moreover, before you proceed with the installation, ensure that your pontoon has sufficient clearance to prevent obstacles like rocks and debris from obstructing your path and causing damage to the sea legs.
In addition, you may also require to obtain a permit in specific locations and adhere to certain laws and regulations. It’s better to check with your local authority to ensure you comply with all the rules and get the necessary permits ready.
Final Words
Pontoon legs are undoubtedly an excellent option for those who want a reliable and convenient way to dock their boats without requiring any permanent lift or dock. We hope you’ve got a clear idea of its costs by now.
