Float (nautical) marine salvage, often deployed uninflated then pressurized to raise a sunken object. In popular usage, the term "pontoon" can refer to any of several of the following objects that make use of nautical floats. A pontoon boat is a flattish boat that relies on nautical floats for buoyancy. Common boat designs are a catamaran with two pontoons, or a trimaran with three. In many parts of the world, pontoon boats are used as small vehicle ferries to cross rivers and lakes. In Australia and New Zealand, the term "pontoon" often refers to an anchored raft-like platform used for diving from.
Trimaran plow into the back of a wave and flip end-over-end (pitchpole). This hazard is especially dangerous for a multihull that is using a spinnaker in high winds and large seas. To avoid this unfortunate scenario trimaran sailors are advised to reduce sail and to always have all sails easily released. The use of trampolines with a large weave, to allow water to easily pass through, and the deployment of parachute anchors drogues and sea anchors whenever appropriate should reduce the risk to an acceptable degree. Several manufacturers build trimarans in which the floats can be removed, repositioned, or folded near