Winter can take a heavy toll on pontoon boats – especially their engines, hulls, and any components that are exposed to water. By taking preventive measures before storing your pontoon boat for the season, you can ensure it remains in good condition throughout the colder months. Not sure where to start? This guide from Long Lake Marina explains how to winterize your pontoon boat in three easy steps.
If you need more advice on maintaining your pontoon boat, feel free to consult the team here at Long Lake Marina. We serve Interlochen, MI, and our neighbors from Traverse City.
Step One: Cleaning
When preparing to store your pontoon boat for the winter, the first step is to give it a thorough cleaning, inside and out. Take the time to go over every inch of your pontoon boat, scrubbing away grime and algae from the hull, sweeping the deck, and cleaning between the seat cushions. You should also remove all the supplies from your boat’s storage compartments, such as water skis, fishing rods, towels, and personal flotation devices. Taking these steps will protect your pontoon boat from moisture damage while in storage.
Step Two: Engine Care
Each pontoon boat is unique, so make sure to consult the owner’s manual provided with your boat before performing maintenance on the engine. That said, here are some general guidelines for winterizing an outboard motor:
- Fil the engine with fuel, and add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer.
- Let your engine run for a short period of time, allowing the stabilized fuel to circulate throughout the fuel system.
- While the engine is still running, apply some fogging oil to the cylinders. This will protect your engine from corrosion.
- After running the engine, change the oil and the oil filter.
Taking these steps will ensure your outboard motor is ready for action when spring rolls back around.
Step Three: Storage
Indoor storage is the best solution for keeping your pontoon boat safe and dry throughout the winter. If you do not have a garage large enough to accommodate your pontoon boat, we recommend reserving space at an indoor storage facility. If you must store your pontoon boat outdoors over the winter, make sure to invest in a high-quality protective cover.
Before placing your pontoon boat in storage, remember to remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Hooking up the battery to a trickle charger will keep it in the best condition.
We hope you found this guide helpful! If you’re in the market for a brand-new pontoon boat, come check out our selection here at Long Lake Marina. You can find a wide variety of pontoon boats for sale at our dealership in Interlochen, MI, near Traverse City.