A Beginner’s Guide to Pontoon Maintenance
While there’s nothing quite as relaxing as enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends and family on your pontoon, you won’t be able to get very far if your boat isn’t working properly. That’s why it’s important for you to take the time to give your craft some TLC!
Here at Barry Jay's and Rainbow Marine, we understand the importance of pontoon maintenance, which is why we’ve created this brief guide to help you stay on track. Keep reading to learn more. If you ever need parts or professional service, you can trust our team of professionals. We are conveniently located in Edmonton, AB, so give us a call or visit us today!
Read the Owner’s Manual
Before you start with any pontoon maintenance tasks, you should consult your owner’s manual where you’ll find the most specific tips related to your vessel. You’ll also find a list of things you should avoid and things to be aware of. The owner’s manual is the best resource to help you take care of your boat, so keep it safe. Always refer to it first when planning to do any service or maintenance work on your craft.
Cleaning
One of your key responsibilities is to rinse your pontoon after each voyage. This gets rid of immediate grime build-up before it can become harder to remove. This step is crucial if you venture into saltwater since the salt buildup can corrode parts of your pontoon. Your goal should be to wash away loose debris before it has a chance to crust onto your boat and permanently damage the finish. This is a quick and easy process. You’ll have to do it after each voyage, but it’s going to save you a lot more effort in terms of repairs that might be needed if you allow grime to build up. Not to mention the fact that cleaning the exterior and interior of your pontoon will make it much nicer for you to enjoy your time on the water!
Perform an Inspection
You should regularly check your boat for signs of wear and tear, leaks, rust, or anything else that could be a cause for concern. Walk around the exterior and examine the hull for any signs of damage or build-up of algae or other debris. If you find scratches or dents, you’ll need to get these repaired as soon as possible. Next, check the inside of your pontoon to make sure that there are no signs of pest infestation, mold, or mildew. All these problems need to be addressed promptly as well.
Maintain Your Engine
Your pontoon’s engine is key to its proper functioning, so keeping track of how it performs is essential. Make sure that the oil and coolant are topped up and changed on a regular basis. If you’ve left your pontoon sitting for a while, you’ll want to drain the fuel in the tank and replace it with fresh fuel. Check spark plugs for any evidence of corrosion. Examine the gaskets and engine heads, looking for signs of leaks or other issues that could affect the performance of your vessel. If you see something that you can't repair yourself, get in touch with the service department at Barry Jay's and Rainbow Marine. Our knowledgeable and courteous mechanics will be happy to help you!
Keep it Covered
Having a good, snug-fitting cover for your pontoon is a great way to keep it clean and pest-free while it’s in storage. Sun, wind, rain, and general exposure to the elements can all take their toll on your boat’s paint, finish, and upholstery. Leaves and debris can gather on an uncovered pontoon, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. You’ll want to examine your cover regularly to make sure that it’s in good shape. Clean up any mildew or mold you might find and patch or sew up holes and tears. Replace the cover if it’s too worn to repair.
We hope that this pontoon maintenance guide has been useful. The experts at Barry Jay's and Rainbow Marine are ready to help you with all your boating needs. Give us a call or stop by our dealership in Edmonton, Alberta. We proudly serve all our patrons visiting us from Sherwood Park.