Come summertime’s end; it is imperative that you take the necessary steps to make sure that your pontoon boat is safeguarded from freezing temperatures, snow, and moisture while it’s hibernating. You could hire someone to winterize your pontoon boat for safe storage if you don’t want the hassle of doing it yourself.
But if you’re a DIY-er, below are practical tips for winterizing your pontoon boat and keeping it safe during wintertime:
- Remove all accessories, fishing equipment, and water equipment to prevent the buildup of moisture.
- Thoroughly clean your pontoon boat. Apply rust and mildew protection and make sure that your boat is dry before covering it.
- Whether you’re storing your pontoon boat outdoors or indoors, shrink-wrap it first before covering it to keep out moisture. This would likewise help keep the cover from sagging due to the weight of snow or rain. If you’re storing your boat outside, opt for custom pontoon boat covers from WALK-WINN to make sure that every inch of your boat is covered and that it’s durable enough to not buck under the weight of heavy snowfall, rain, or melted snow.
- Fill the boat’s gas tank to the ¾ mark.
- Spray fogging oil into the holes of spark plugs and the carburetor.
- Apply rodent and insect repellent on the cover to prevent insects and rodents from chewing on it.
- Replace old and dirty air filters.
- Charge the battery fully, remove it from your boat, and keep it someplace cool.
- Drain the coolant from the engine and replace it with non-toxic antifreeze with a propylene glycol base.
- If you use your boat year-round, invest in a durable boatlift and enclosure to make sure that it’s always protected against rain and strong winds.
Safeguarding your pontoon boat from winter weather would help ensure a smooth and hassle-free launch come springtime. Most importantly, keeping your pontoon boat in tiptop shape is a crucial part of safeguarding your investment, extending its service life, and saving money in the long term.