Owning a pontoon boat lets you relax as you soak in the sunshine and the spray. However, if you aren’t attentive to your boat’s maintenance needs, you may find yourself with a hassle on your hands. This guide reviews some of the most important maintenance steps for your boat. Follow them, and you can look forward to worry-free weekends on the water.

Guide to Pontoon Boat Upkeep

Critical Maintenance

A faulty engine could malfunction and strand you on the water, so it’s crucial to stay current with maintenance. Inspect the engine before and after each trip to determine whether any parts need to be replaced. You should also stay current with oil changes so all moving parts stay well-lubricated. When winter rolls around, follow all the winterization instructions in the owner’s manual to ensure your boat is ready to run when spring rolls around.

When it comes to the hull, you should wax every several months during regular use to keep contaminants from damaging the paint. The pontoons that support the boat are also vulnerable to damage. If you notice any minor collisions while you’re on the water, check them when you’re dry-docked. A small leak could have developed, which could lead to major issues if left unresolved.

Additional Details You Should Notice

While the steps above are vital to keeping your boat running, there are also some actions that will preserve the appearance of your boat. For example, the upholstery can fade, mildew, or crack if it’s left uncared for. To keep it looking good for years to come, wipe down all the upholstery after every use to remove moisture. You should also find a cleaner specially formulated for vinyl to remove any stubborn stains. When the boat is out of use during the winter, it should be covered and stored to prevent fading, preferably indoors.

Boat owners in Pickens County, AL, rely on the team at Pickensville Marine & Sports Shop for all their boating needs. With a wide inventory of new and used boats, motors, and parts, they’re your one-stop shop. Order parts with them if you like a DIY challenge, or rely on their team of experts for repairs and installation. You can also store your pontoon boat on their secure property. To learn more about buying or maintaining a boat, call (205) 373-6372. You can also visit them online to browse their models for sale.