Float Smart: An Inflatable Pontoon Boating Guide(COLOR)

My husband and I are new to inflatable pontoon boating. The passion of inflatable pontoon boating of this author is reflected in this manual as he gives instructions including, but not limited to, the basic gear recommendations and transporting thru being self-rescue ready. The author is very thorough in explaining information to begin this sport, however, it is a guide that we will carry with us, as there are chapters that would be invaluable to experienced floaters involving potential floating hazards. This guide presents a comprehensive range of skills with insights, tricks and tips obtained from the experience of this author. As a beginner, I have found this guide to be a valuable tool in our learning process. The colorful pictures are presented in a manner that creates a "quick reference" for the more experienced, as well as internet websites with additional information. This guide is an excellent resource, and well worth the purchase. I will definitely recommend this book to others.

I bought this Kindle book to learn more about using catarafts in water rescue operations. It contains extremely important safety information for anyone boating on rivers. The information is presented clearly and concisely. The only reasons I didn't give it 5 stars are that a rescue knife and multitool are missing from the recommrnded gear list, and the manuscript could use a good scrub by an editor. Don't let those two minor issues stop you from buying a book that can save your life.

T.E. Lewis throws hook, line and sinker, with this great introduction to personal pontoon boating. This is a must have for anyone expanding there adventurous lifestyle to rivers lakes and streams by way of the personal pontoon boat. Even as an experienced floater, I was able to take valuable information from this book and use it in real life scenarios!!

I was expecting more specific information and less generalized guidance.

I'm new to inflatable pontoon boating but have been fishing rivers and lakes for decades. Putting safety first seems like a no-brainer so when I found this book, its great reviews and viewed the table of contents I thought it would be a great investment. I picked up the hard copy version so that I could have it available at any time for reference. The book is clearly written and the author is knowledgeable. The information that is covered is sound advice. However, I was really disappointed at how shallow a read this book is. The author rarely goes into detail with the advice. When I did have an "ah ha" moment, I was usually left jotting a note to myself to go research it somewhere because the book only accomplished putting the topic on my radar. The photos in the hard copy edition are black and white, small and in many cases useless in illustrating the author's point as a result of this. In the end, I found that this overview of guidance can be found by just reading open discussion online -- responses provided to newcomers to pontoon boating. If the book went into greater detail, better illustrating how to visually identify upcoming hazards, the tactics to row around each, etc. it would be more useful. As is, I think the book could have been accomplished in 10 - 20 bullet points. This with the end result being the author's recommendation to take an on the water course and always be aware that hazards exist so preparedness is the key to an enjoyable outing on the water. I suspect the author's in-person course that he mentions he offers in Montana is an informative experience. This book though is really just for novices as an introduction to the obvious -- don't forget your common sense and plan to be safe. If you're new to pontoon boats and think this might help you, the book should at least make you aware of what you need to know. You may however have to seek out that information from other sources. If you pick it up, get the Kindle version if you have the option. It's much less expensive with a price more justifiable of what you would get out of the read.Bottom line, if the author's goal is to raise awareness that one must be prepared when using a pontoon boat, I think that was accomplished. If the goal was to prepare people for using a pontoon boat, I think it falls short.

Excellent, informative instruction manual for safely floating pontoon boats. T.E. Lewis explains every aspect of owning and maintaining a pontoon boat safely on any river or pond. Very informative!

Great read for anyone getting into inflatable pontoon and good refresher for the experienced. Great read that brings awareness to users and help prepare for issues that could arise. Check it out as its well worth your time.

Ok book