When a new couple or family moves to your neighborhood, they’ll likely feel shy or even a little intimidated. It can be hard to meet people and feel as if you belong when moving to a new home or buying a cottage in a new vacation spot. So what better way to welcome the new arrivals and introduce the rest of your crowd than with a block party — with a special party barge twist?

Invite your new neighbors to join you and a few friends on a pontoon boat cruise and cookout. Make sure to ask if they have any special needs or food considerations so you can plan ahead. They’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness, and you know that once you get out there, everyone will be sure to have a good time.

If the number of total guests is manageable, take your pontoon boat; if you wish to invite more people than your boat will hold safely, enlist one or two fellow pontooners and form a caravan. Then choose a waterfront destination that is just far enough away to enjoy a leisurely cruise, yet close enough to have plenty of fun ashore.

Pick a rendezvous point for all the partygoers. When the new neighbors arrive, make introductions and welcome everyone aboard the pontoon or pontoons that will be making the trip. Let them know what to expect from the cruise and the day’s plans, and if they’re not boaters, run through a quick safety briefing. Then you’re ready to cast off the docklines. Be sure that everyone has access to beverages and snacks for the cruise, and fire up that engine.

Your new neighbors will quickly discover that pontoon boating is a great way to visit in a low-pressure situation. The boats are quiet-running and stable, so conversation comes easily, and you certainly won’t need to worry about any awkward silences when there are so many things to see and experience on the water.

When you arrive at your destination, anchor and wade ashore or nose your pontoon boat onto the beach and tie off. Find a flat, open space to set up your portable charcoal or gas grill, offload the coolers and picnic supplies and open up those camp chairs. Let the block party begin!

Party Tips

Cookouts ashore are even more memorable when you have a theme. For example, if you’re hoping to create an island-style party, give leis to all of your guests as they arrive. Drape grass skirting around pontoon railings or pontoon tables. Bring tiki torches for atmosphere, serve foods such as Island-Style Grilled Chicken on tropical-themed picnic plates and find some lower-latitude tunes for the pontoon stereo. Now you’re ready for a party to remember with the best pontoon boat experience ever!

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