As I have always stood in my canoe whenever the situation called for it and have never gone for a swim, I can't see having a problem standing on my pontoon. It's about five feet wide. I've actually stood in my 28" wide kayak. (they said it could be done and I did it but swimming is definitely on the horizon if you're trying to fish.) A breadth of 5 feet gives me ample confidence to stand on my pontoon even without a platform.

Now speaking of platforms. If I was to construct a platform it would mount lower down for a better centre of gravity. Since I am not much of an engineer a sliding platform would be beyond my capabilty and I'm not willing to give up the use of fins for "hands free" fishing. Which brings me straight to the point. Does anyone ever stand on their pontoon with fins on? I have stood on the seat of my pontoon without a problem but I wasn't wearing fins.