How to Clean and Take Care of a Pontoon Boat
Pontoon boats are ideal for the summer and are designed with different functions and capabilities. Some models are designed for performance, while others are ideal for fishing and watersports machines. For whichever purpose your pontoon has been designed for, it’s essential to clean and maintain it to serve you better and protect your investment. Maintaining your pontoon will significantly increase its lifespan, improve efficiency and ensure it’s physically appealing. In addition, it helps avoid costly repairs. At Yankee Boating Center, we’ve compiled the below guideline to help clean and maintain your pontoon in tip-top shape. To learn more, visit our location in Lake George, New York, serving Clayton, New York.
Washing Your Boat
Your pontoon needs to be washed at the beginning of each summer and get regularly cleaned to ensure it stays in good condition. While at it, clean the fiberglass components with soap and water and rinse off the cleaning liquid. Also, clean the aluminum components with a special aluminum cleaning solution. The special cleaning solution helps to restore the aluminum, which tends to fade with time.
Regular Check-ups
At the beginning of every season, the checkups should include checking the fuel and fluid levels, battery, spark plugs, and changing the fuel filter. Also, inspect your pontoon for leaks, cracks, corrosion, or holes. Similarly, your boat’s interior upholstery should be inspected for rodents and pets that might have found their way in during winter. Mold and mildew growths are other key things you need to be on the lookout for.
Use a Cover
Whenever your pontoon isn’t in use, you should use a cover on it to prevent debris and rodents from accessing the inside. The cover also helps protect the boat from constant exposure to the sun, which leads to fading of the pontoons texture and color.
Winterize
Whenever you intend to store your boat for the season, you need to be ready for winter and long-term storage. Begin by cleaning the boat thoroughly and letting it dry. Follow it up with waxing and polishing the pontoon with a cleaning solution for the aluminum and fiberglass surfaces. Lastly, cover the pontoon or shrink-wrap it and store it in an indoor facility or area free of any falling objects.
Salt Water Maintenance
If you’re using your pontoon in salty water, it will require additional maintenance; you’re required to flush the engine properly after each use. Also, you need to clean up any salt build-up on the inside and the bottom of the pontoon. Aim to clean the furniture and the flooring at least twice per year. After cleaning, ensure the interior dries up before covering it up.
We hope the above guidelines will be helpful. To learn more, contact Yankee Boating Center today! In addition, we invite you to visit our location in Lake George, New York, serving Clayton, New York.