Pontoon Boat Maintenance: Keeping Your Boat in Top Shape

A pontoon boat isn’t just another toy—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re out fishing, tubing, or just floating with a cooler full of cold ones, keeping your boat in good condition means more time enjoying the water and less time (and money) dealing with repairs. Even though Montego Bay builds pontoons tough, routine care is what keeps them looking showroom-fresh and performing at their best.
Here’s a deeper dive into what it takes to keep your pontoon in tip-top shape:

1. Clean After Every Adventure
Why it matters: Dirt, algae, and mineral deposits slowly eat away at your boat’s surfaces. Aluminum pontoons can stain, and vinyl can break down faster if grime builds up.
How to do it right:

• Rinse with fresh water after every outing, especially if you’ve been on saltwater or brackish water.
• Use a marine-safe soap or pontoon cleaner—household detergents can strip protective coatings.
• Pay special attention to the underside of the deck and pontoons, where slime and algae like to cling.
• Every few months, use an aluminum brightener to keep those toons shiny. Just be sure to follow directions carefully—it’s strong stuff.
• Don’t forget the deck! Sweep out sand, crumbs, and leaves to prevent mildew and stains.

2. Protect the Upholstery
Why it matters: Your seats are exposed to sun, water, and sunscreen spills all season long. Without care, they’ll fade, crack, and feel like sitting on cardboard.
How to do it right:

• Wipe seats down with a mild soap and water solution—avoid harsh cleaners that dry out vinyl.
• Apply a UV-protectant spray every month during heavy use. It acts like sunscreen for your upholstery.
• Always let seats dry before covering them to prevent trapped moisture and mildew.
• Invest in a mooring cover or seat covers—this is the cheapest insurance against sun damage.

Quick hack: keep a microfiber cloth on board for wiping up wet spots or spills before they soak in.

3. Keep an Eye on the Toons
Why it matters: Your pontoons keep you floating. Even a small leak or dent can affect balance, performance, or fuel efficiency.
How to do it right:

• Inspect for scratches, dents, and cracks after trailering or beaching the boat.
• Check weld seams closely—small cracks can spread if ignored.
• Tap the pontoons with a rubber mallet: a hollow sound is normal, but a dull thud could mean water inside.
• If water has entered a toon, get it professionally drained and resealed. Don’t attempt patchwork unless you’re confident with marine welds.
• Consider applying a pontoon protectant or bottom paint if you leave your boat in the water all season—this slows down algae and zebra mussel buildup.

4. Engine Love = Longer Life
Why it matters: Your motor is the heart of the operation. A neglected engine can turn your lake day into a call for a tow.
How to do it right:

• Follow the manufacturer’s service schedule for oil changes, spark plugs, and lower-unit lube.
• Check fuel lines, clamps, and primer bulbs for wear or cracks—replace anything brittle.
• Always use fresh, ethanol-free gas if possible. If using ethanol-blended fuel, add a stabilizer to prevent water absorption.
• Flush the motor after saltwater use to clear corrosive deposits.
• During storage, fog the engine to prevent internal corrosion.
• Don’t ignore the prop! Inspect blades for nicks or bends that could affect performance.

5. Electrical Checkup
Why it matters: From navigation lights to fish finders, electrical gremlins can ruin a trip fast.
How to do it right:

• Test navigation lights, bilge pump, horn, and accessories before heading out.
• Keep battery terminals clean and coated with dielectric grease to prevent corrosion.
• Charge the battery regularly—consider a trickle charger in the off-season.
• Inspect wiring for chafing or exposed copper. Replace or protect with marine-grade heat shrink tubing.
• If you’ve got a stereo, check for loose speaker connections—they’re common on bumpy rides.

​6. Store It Right
Why it matters: How you store your boat can make or break its long-term condition. Proper storage prevents mold, rodents, and weather damage.
How to do it right:

• Always cover with a quality, snug-fitting cover—cheap tarps flap, leak, and trap moisture.
• If storing outdoors, support the cover with poles or a frame to prevent snow pooling.
• Store on a trailer with proper support—don’t let the pontoons rest unevenly.
• For long-term storage, remove batteries and store them in a cool, dry place.
• Add fuel stabilizer to the tank and run the engine to circulate it.

Consider a professional winterization service for peace of mind—especially for engines.

Final Thought
A pontoon boat doesn’t demand constant maintenance—it just rewards consistency. Think of it as a floating friendship: the more care you put in, the more memories it gives back. Keep up with these routines, and your Montego Bay Pontoon will stay reliable, safe, and ready for countless adventures on the water.