How to anchor your Sea-Doo pontoon boat

Before you even reach for the anchor, give your surroundings a quick scan. Are there swimmers nearby? Any rocks, weeds or wildlife in the area? Conditions matter too: tides, currents and weather can change how secure your setup will be.

Water depth is your biggest friend here. Clear water makes it easier but when in doubt, a depth finder takes away the guesswork.

💡Pro tip: Waist-deep water, around 3 feet, is the sweet spot. It’s shallow enough to shut down your engine safely but deep enough to protect your impeller from stirring up debris.

Sea-Doo makes anchoring straightforward thanks to smart design and easy access. On your Switch, you’ll find the anchor storage right in the front compartment under the front door, exactly where you need it.

Once you’ve found the perfect spot:

• Scope your rope. Plan on letting out about five feet of line for every foot of depth. That’s what keeps the anchor biting and your pontoon secure.
• Always anchor from the bow (the front). Dropping from the stern can cause swamping or damage, so keep it safe and simple.
• Stay nearby. A Switch should never be left anchored without a responsible operator close by.

If you're anchoring at night, don’t forget your lights. Select the rear navigation light so you’re visible to other boaters. 

*On the Switch Cruise Limited and Switch Fish, that light is conveniently mounted on top of the Bimini.

Sometimes the best memories are made with your pontoon pulled right up onto the sand. Beaching a Sea-Doo is all about control and awareness:

• Take it slow and steady, no hard throttle, even if you know the shoreline.
  
• Watch the waves, current and draft. These can shift your angle and affect how you land.
  
• At waist-deep water, cut the engine. From there, have a crew member step in to help guide you bow-first onto the beach. It’s a smoother arrival, safer for your boat and a lot easier than trying to muscle in too fast.
  

Once you’re beached, make sure your Switch stays put. The easiest way? Take the anchor up the shore and set it in the sand. That forward pull keeps your bow secure.

Unload passengers and gear before pulling the boat up further. A lighter boat is easier to manage, and it’ll make relaunching less of a workout later.

Heading back out is just as much a part of the adventure as pulling in. Start by giving your Switch a gentle shove back into deeper water until you’re floating again: at least three feet of depth before you even think about firing up the engine.

But before you do, make sure you’ve stowed the anchor and anchor line. Start by bringing them back, then clean them before storing them away in their compartment for the next time you’re anchoring somewhere. Once that’s done, then you can start thinking about heading back out.

Once your passengers and gear are reloaded, press the Intelligent Debris-Free (iBR®) button to clear your ride before throttling up. Then point the bow toward open water, ease into the throttle, and let the fun continue.

Anchoring and beaching aren’t chores, they’re part of the rhythm of the Sea-Doo boating life. With a little practice, they’ll feel as natural as steering into a turn. Keep these things in mind as you build confidence:

• Plan your stop before you drop anchor or hit the beach. A calm, intentional approach makes everything easier.
• Treat the shoreline kindly, respect nature and give other boaters their space.
• Check your lines and knots now and then, especially if you’re stopped for a while.
• And once you’re back underway, store your anchor and rope securely so nothing gets in the way of your next splashy ride.

🧠Remember : whether you’re securing offshore or sliding onto a sandy shoreline, anchoring gives you peace of mind and more time to relax with your crew.

For more pontoon boat tips, visit the Sea-Doo Owner Zone. Because when your boat is secure, the adventure never stops.