Can you leave a pontoon boat in the water?

Asked by: Wendy Castaneda

During the winter months you should never leave your pontoon boat in the water. If you do, you’re leaving it at risk to the elements and can get hit with some expensive maintenance bills.

Do pontoon boats sink easily?

“Pontoon boats can’t sink.” Shepler later confirmed this fact in our discussion. “It’s very hard to sink a pontoon boat. Unless you pierce one of the pontoons – and even then it’s only going to list,” said Shepler, who suggested letting the roller come in from the side next time.

Can I leave my boat in the ocean?

As stated above, as a general guideline, your boat should be stored in the water no longer than 30 days straight. That is if you haven’t taken special precautions to protect your boat and prepare it for longer-term storage.

Do pontoon boats have a drain plug?

Not all pontoon boats have drain plugs. Some do, some don’t, and it seems to be down the manufacturer’s discretion about whether or not to include them in the design of the pontoon tubes. Older boats did tend to have drain plugs, with newer pontoons having an improved design where they have been deemed unnecessary.

Do you have to winterize a pontoon?

Preparing your pontoon boat for the winter months is absolutely essential to protect your investment and to ensure that your boat is in great shape and ready for use in the spring.

Can pontoon boats flip over?

Due to the design of pontoon boats, it’s almost unheard of for them to tip over, and the chances are very, very slim. Pontoon boats very rarely tip over or flip over, with recorded cases being very uncommon.

What do you do on a pontoon boat in a storm?

A sudden shift in wind direction accompanied by much cooler air is often the sign that a storm front has just moved over your location. In any of these situations, the best response is to get off the water before the storm strikes. Tie up at the nearest marina, if possible, and get off the boat.

Can I leave my pontoon in the water all winter?

During the winter months you should never leave your pontoon boat in the water. If you do, you’re leaving it at risk to the elements and can get hit with some expensive maintenance bills.

Can I leave my boat in the water all summer?

Leaving in the water has potential issues. 1. If your battery goes dead your bilge will quit. During a heavy rain or if your shaft seal decides to leak you could have a problem – sinking – or getting enough wwater in the boat to threaten the tranny or possible the engine and/or some underfloor wiring.

How long can I leave my boat in the water?

A boat can only safely stay in saltwater for about one week, but in most cases, three to four weeks in freshwater will not cause damage. When you leave a boat sitting in water, it never gets a chance for the construction materials to dry out.

How do you prepare a pontoon for winter?

Tips for Winterizing and Storing Your Pontoon
Clean the boat inside and out. Apply mildew and rust protection, and ensure the boat is completely dry before it’s covered. Remove accessories, water equipment, and fishing equipment to prevent moisture build-up. Cover the boat whether it’s kept inside or outside.

What happens if I don’t winterize my boat?

If You Don’t Winterize Your Boat, Here’s What Happens: Water freezes and expands and can damage anything it’s trapped inside. Water may seep into unprotected spaces to do this. Acidic and corrosive wastes, salt and corrosion buildup can damage delicate parts in engines. Fuels break down or grow dirty.

Can you winterize a boat in the water?

If your boat is in the water, you don’t need to (or want to) winterize your bilge pump(s), but they need to be checked so you know they’re working. If your boat is being stored ashore, run antifreeze through them or blow out the discharge lines if you can.

Can I leave my outboard in the water?

It’s best to tilt your outboard up when leaving your boat in the water to prevent marine growth from forming and from corrosion eating away at its metal parts. That being said, there are some instances when you may prefer tilting your outboard down.

Can I leave my outboard in the water during winter?

Should I leave my engine up or down? Simply put, if you are leaving the boat in the water, leave it in the up position to avoid growth. If you are leaving it out of the water, trim it down to drain the water and protect the Power Tilt and Trim seals from the sun.