Winterizing your Pontoon Boat

Now that temperatures are dropping, many water enthusiasts must begrudgingly stow their pontoons. While there are certainly many people who stay on the water all winter long, the fluctuating temperatures can wreak havoc on your pontoon and some crafts aren’t built for inclement weather. Plus, it can make for a miserable day. But if you do intend to put away your boat for the winter season, don’t just drop it anywhere and walk away. You’ll want to make sure you’re taking the right steps to protect your boat this winter and have it ready to go when the temperatures start to warm up again. So North Georgia Watersports has provided you with some of the basic steps you should be taking before putting your pontoon away for the winter. If you find a repair that needs to be taken care of before stepping away from it, bring your pontoon or tritoon to our location in Blairsville, Georgia. We proudly serve the areas of Atlanta, Gainesville, Hiawassee, and Blue Ridge, Georgia, as well as Murphy, North Carolina.

Cleaning

You’ll want to start by making sure the exterior of your boat is clean. This means carefully scrubbing off any grime and algae, sweeping the deck, and cleaning the seats. The purpose is twofold: you’ll have an inviting, clean boat to use in the spring and you’ll prevent grime and dirt from turning into harmful and damaging mold.

Also remove all unattached items from your boat, such as watersport equipment, towels, personal supplies, and anything else that might lead to moisture buildup. When you’ve finished washing your boat, allow it to dry completely so no moisture will turn into mildew or mold. You can also take some time to wax your boat if needed.

Engine Care

Once the exterior of your pontoon is clean, give your interior some attention and take a look at the engine. Keep in mind, you should consult your owner’s manual, as many engines have specified maintenance guidelines.

In general, you should fill your engine with fuel and add fuel stabilizer as recommended by the manufacturer. Run your engine to circulate the fuel stabilizer. As the engine is running, apply fogging oil to the cylinders to protect them from rust and corrosion. Once these two steps are complete, turn off your engine and change your oil and oil filter.

Storage

Ideally, you would store your boat in a large garage or other enclosed space. Not only would this protect it from the elements, but would also help regulate the temperatures it’s exposed to. But we know this isn’t practical or possible for everyone. If you can afford it, a storage facility is also a great option. If you’re going to keep it in your driveway, at the very least you’ll want a cover. This will protect your pontoon from the weather and keep moisture from accumulating in your boat. Just make sure you apply it in a way that no leaks will occur.

We also recommend taking some time to check on your boat every once in a while, especially if you’re not storing it on your property. This way, you can catch potential problems before they get too serious.

Also, you’ll want to remove your battery and store it somewhere dry and cool, preferably connected to a trickle charger or at the very least charging it once a month. This will prolong your battery’s life and keep it healthy.

Storing your pontoon requires a little bit of work, but it ensures you’ll have a healthy, well-functioning machine when it’s time to hit the water again. If you’re still looking for the right boat, stop by North Georgia Watersports in Blairsville, Georgia. We have a multitude of models, from companies like Avalon, Tahoe, and much more. If you’re in the Atlanta, Gainesville, Hiawassee, or Blue Ridge, Georgia, or Murphy, North Carolina area, visit us today and ask how we can help you find the perfect boat.