Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-21 Origin: Site
As the crisp autumn air signals the end of another glorious boating season, you might find yourself looking at your beloved pontoon boat and asking a crucial question: Do I really have to pull it out of the water? It's a thought every owner has—the allure of skipping the time-consuming and costly process of hauling, winterizing, and storing. Can you simply leave your pontoon boat in its slip all year?
The short answer is: it depends. The right decision hinges on three critical factors: your local climate, whether your boat is in freshwater or saltwater, and how much maintenance you're prepared to perform. Making the wrong choice can lead to catastrophic damage that costs thousands to repair, turning your dream vessel into a winter nightmare. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best decision for your specific pontoon boat, ensuring it remains in top condition for years to come.
If you live in a region where winter means freezing temperatures, the decision is made for you. Leaving a pontoon boat in water that freezes is the single most damaging thing you can do.
The Power of Ice: When water freezes, it expands with incredible force. This expanding ice can crush, dent, and even split the aluminum tubes of your pontoon boat.
Engine Damage: Water trapped inside your engine block, cooling system, or plumbing will freeze and expand, potentially cracking the engine block or bursting pipes—a catastrophic and expensive failure.
Structural Stress: Shifting sheets of ice can act like a battering ram against your hull, causing relentless stress on welds and structural components.
The verdict is clear: if the water around your dock can turn to ice, you must pull your pontoon boat out for the winter. This isn’t a recommendation; it's an absolute necessity to protect your investment. A well-built pontoon boat with high-quality welds and durable aluminum construction will better withstand the general stresses of use, but it is no match for the immense power of solid ice.
For those in warmer, southern climates where the water never freezes, leaving your pontoon boat in the water year-round becomes a possibility. However, "possible" doesn't mean "without problems." The absence of ice simply introduces a different set of challenges that demand your attention.
If your pontoon boat lives in a saltwater or brackish environment, you are in a constant battle against the elements.
Aggressive Corrosion: Salt is extremely corrosive to metals, including the aluminum that forms your boat's pontoons and the components of your engine. Without constant vigilance, saltwater can eat away at electrical connections, fasteners, and other critical parts.
Marine Growth: The ocean is alive, and that life wants to make a home on your hull. Barnacles, algae, and other organisms will quickly attach to the pontoons. This growth isn't just ugly; it creates drag, which significantly reduces your boat's performance and fuel efficiency. Removing hardened barnacles can be incredibly difficult and may damage the pontoon surface.
Sacrificial Anodes: These small metal blocks are designed to corrode instead of your boat's more expensive metal parts. In a saltwater environment, they are consumed much faster and require frequent inspection and replacement.
At YAMANE YACHT, our extensive experience in aluminum alloy boat construction, backed by advanced Japanese shipbuilding technology, focuses on creating vessels that can withstand harsh conditions. However, even the highest quality marine-grade aluminum requires proper care to combat the relentless effects of saltwater.
You might think freshwater is harmless, but it presents its own set of issues for a pontoon boat left in the water long-term.
Blistering and Staining: Over time, water can cause osmotic blisters to form on the hull's gel coat. While less common on aluminum pontoons, it's still a risk for other parts of the boat. More commonly, a tough-to-clean scum line and algae staining will develop at the waterline.
Mold and Mildew: A pontoon boat left in the water is in a constantly damp environment. This is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew on your vinyl seats, carpeting, and under-seat storage areas, especially when the boat is covered with little ventilation.
The type of pontoon boat you own also plays a role in the decision.
Fishing Pontoon Boats: These models have specialized equipment that requires extra care. Livewells and their associated plumbing must be properly drained and winterized to prevent damage, even in climates with only brief, light freezes. Trolling motors and sensitive fish finder electronics are also more vulnerable to long-term moisture exposure.
Small Pontoon Boats & Mini Pontoon Boats: While their smaller size makes them easier to haul out of the water, their lighter construction might make them more vulnerable to being tossed around by winter storms if left in a slip. A single broken mooring line during a squall could lead to significant damage.
To make the decision easier, here is a quick summary of the risks and recommendations.
Once you've made your decision, it's time to act. Proper preparation is key to ensuring your pontoon boat is ready to go when spring arrives.
If you've decided to leave your pontoon boat in the water, you can't just walk away. A modified winterization is still essential.
Engine & Fuel: The engine is your top priority. You must still stabilize the fuel by filling the tank to about three-quarters full and adding a quality fuel stabilizer. Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the entire system.
Systems: If you have a sink or livewell, you must drain the system completely or protect it with a non-toxic, propylene glycol-based antifreeze.
Battery Care: The battery must stay on board and remain charged. Your automatic bilge pump needs power to function, and it's your first line of defense against your boat filling with rainwater and sinking. Connect a smart trickle charger to keep the battery healthy.
Secure Mooring: Inspect and upgrade your mooring lines. Use chafe guards where lines might rub against the dock or your boat. Ensure your boat cover is securely fastened to withstand winter winds and heavy rain, and that it is supported to prevent water from pooling.
For the vast majority of pontoon boat owners, this is the correct and necessary path. This process ensures every part of your vessel is protected.
Step 1: Haul Out & Find a SpotYou will need a trailer and a tow vehicle to pull your pontoon boat from the water. Once on land, choose a secure, well-drained spot for storage.
Step 2: The Deep Clean (Inside and Out)
Exterior: It is crucial to thoroughly clean the exterior of your pontoon boat before storage. It’s much easier to scrub off any marine growth, algae, or grime while it’s still wet. A pressure washer or a soft bristle brush can be used on the pontoons. Once clean, applying a polish can create a protective barrier against dirt and rust.
Interior: Remove all miscellaneous equipment from the boat, including life jackets, fishing gear, towels, and skis. These items can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Clean all interior surfaces, including vinyl seats and storage compartments, and allow everything to dry completely before covering the boat. A damp interior is an invitation for mold and mildew.
Step 3: Engine and Fuel System Winterization (The Most Critical Step)Protecting your engine is the most important part of the winterization process. If you are not mechanically inclined, it is highly recommended to have a professional dealer handle this. If you do it yourself, always consult your engine’s owner’s manual.
Fuel System: Fill the gas tank to about ¾ full and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent condensation and keep the fuel from going stale.
Engine Internals: Spray fogging oil into the carburetor and spark plug holes to provide a protective coating on internal engine components.
Oil Change: Winter is the perfect time to change the engine oil and filter. Old oil contains contaminants that can damage engine parts over the winter.
Cooling System: For inboard/outboard engines, drain the coolant and replace it with a non-toxic propylene glycol antifreeze to prevent freezing. Outboard engines are typically self-draining when tilted to the vertical position.
Step 4: Drain All Water SystemsEnsure every system that holds water—livewells, sinks, toilets, etc.—is completely drained to prevent freezing and cracking.
Step 5: Battery Removal and StorageDisconnect and remove the battery from the pontoon boat. Store it in a cool, dry place off the concrete floor. Attach it to a battery tender or trickle charger throughout the winter to maintain its charge and health. A fully charged battery is less likely to freeze and become damaged.
Step 6: Cover It Up RightA proper cover is your boat’s shield against the elements.
Mooring Cover: If storing indoors, a quality mooring cover may be sufficient to keep out dust and dirt.
Shrink Wrap: For outdoor storage, shrink-wrapping is the best option. It creates a drum-tight, waterproof barrier that can withstand heavy snow and rain and won't blow off in the wind. This is a job best left to experts as it requires special tools.
Pros: The most significant advantage is cost savings. You also gain intimate knowledge of your pontoon boat and its systems.
Cons: It requires a significant investment of time, the right tools, and mechanical confidence. A mistake, especially with the engine, can lead to extremely costly repairs.
Pros: Hiring a professional dealer ensures the job is done correctly by experts. It saves you time and effort, and the service department is liable for their work, giving you peace of mind.
Cons: The primary downside is the cost, which can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the services included.
1. How much does it cost to winterize a pontoon boat?Professional winterization services can vary widely, typically from $300 to $800 or more, depending on your boat's size, engine type, and whether storage is included.
2. Can I just use a regular tarp to cover my pontoon boat for the winter?While you can use a tarp, it's not ideal for outdoor storage. They can trap moisture, leading to mildew, and often tear or blow off in winter storms, leaving your pontoon boat exposed.
3. Do I need to winterize a pontoon boat in Florida?Yes, even in warm climates like Florida, it is wise to perform a basic winterization. This includes stabilizing the fuel, changing the oil, and cleaning the boat thoroughly to prevent corrosion and mold during periods of inactivity.
4. What are the biggest mistakes people make when storing their small pontoon boats?The most common mistakes are failing to properly winterize the engine, leaving the battery to die, and using an inadequate cover that allows water and pests to get inside.
5. Is shrink-wrapping my pontoon boat worth the cost?For outdoor storage, absolutely. Shrink-wrapping provides the best protection against moisture, snow, and sun, keeping your boat clean and dry all winter long and preventing costly damage.
6. Where can I find a quality-built pontoon boat designed for durability?Look for manufacturers with extensive experience and a commitment to quality materials. A well-built boat will better withstand the rigors of seasonal use and storage.
YAMANE YACHT is a Sino-Japanese joint venture with over 15 years of shipbuilding experience, specializing in high-quality aluminum alloy boats. Our vessels, built with advanced technology and holding CE certification, are sold globally and recognized for their quality and safety. We are committed to building a pontoon boat that provides lasting value and countless memorable experiences on the water.
For more information on selecting a durable pontoon boat designed to last, or to inquire about our models, we welcome you to Contact Us.
