Camp Hammond Pontoon Guide
Our pontoon is available for rent during your stay at Camp Hammond. A deposit and full payment are required before using the pontoon.
Rules:
- Follow Minnesota Boating Guide 2024 rules https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/boatingguide.pdf
- Own your wake to prevent shoreline erosion. Stay at least 200 feet from the shoreline and other boats.
- Navigation lights must be on from sunset to sunrise (red and green bow lights and white stern light)
- No drinking on the pontoon. Accidents happen. Get home safe. In memory of Gary Steichen, age 44, who drowned on this lake in 2014, please wear your life jacket and do not drink while you are on the lake.
- Be observant and steer clear of the loons and their babies.
- Anyone who would like to enjoy fishing is required to have a valid MN state fishing license https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html
- Do not use lead fishing tackle in the lake - this is a leading cause of mortality for loons.
- Use biodegradable sunscreen (provided) if you will be going in the water.
- Fire extinguisher is located under the seats near the driver
- Insurance card and pontoon registration are kept in the pocket near the driver’s seat.
- Report any damage, mechanical issues, or incidents to your host.
Pontoon limit is 10 persons/1450 lbs.
To start the pontoon:
Driver and 1 passenger enter the pontoon
Confirm you have enough life jackets for all passengers
Push the lift down arrow to lower the pontoon into the water
Remaining passengers enter the pontoon
Check the engine position to confirm it is submerged in the water
Ensure pontoon is in neutral/middle position
Turn the key to start the engine
Check the engine to ensure the water is cooling the engine
Check the depth finder to ensure it is working
Put the pontoon in reverse to back out of the lift
To drive the pontoon:
Continuously monitor depth finder - raise motor and cut engine if depth finder drops below 3 feet
Push the lever up to drive forward (pushing up increases speed)
Push the lever down for reverse (pushing down increases speed)
To park the pontoon in the lift:
Direct pontoon forwards towards the lift - front of the pontoon goes in first
Passenger on pontoon should guide at the front of the pontoon
Passenger pushes off dock or lift to align the pontoon
Slowly drift onto the lift rails
All but one passenger should exit the pontoon before raising the pontoon
Passenger moves to the back of the pontoon for weight distribution
Align the pontoon on the rails to center under the lift cover (cover should be over the motor)
Align the motor to the blue line
Raise the pontoon lift (push the up button) until pontoon is fully out of the water
Dry and store life jackets under the seats in the pontoon
Return the pontoon key to inside the cabin
This motor is 50hp. The pontoon should not be used for pulling watercraft or floatations. We do not have a tow rope for pulling tubes, skiiers, etc.
You may stop the motor, anchor the pontoon and swim off the pontoon. There is a ladder at the front that is attached to the pontoon
The bimini may be raised on a sunny day to provide shade while out on the lake.
Raise the bimini on both sides with two people. Attach the rear strut and tighten the screw/nut securely. Unzip and remove the bimini boot (cover). Put this in storage immediately. Unfold the bimini and secure the front hooks to the pontoon.
