Prep your pontoon for summer

The temps are rising and you have the itch to get your boat ready for summer. There’s nothing more frustrating than uncovering the boat for the first ride and something goes wrong. Summerizing or de-winterizing your boat can be just as important as winterizing, so don’t miss these steps to avoid a first voyage disaster.

Want to skip the hassle? Contact us and we’ll schedule you a summarization appointment with our marine tech team and do the work for you. But, regardless of your maintenance prowess, the tips below are still a good idea before your first cruise.

• Uncover and Inspect the Boat
  Depending on how you store your boat or where, there could be some wear and tear that occurred during the off-season. Check the hull for stress cracks, examine important components for signs of leaks and look over the upholstery. Check for signs of rodents and make sure to check wiring and electrical components for chewing/nesting.
  
  
• Check the Battery
  When a battery sits idle for several weeks/months, the battery strength can degrade. Check the battery’s charge to make sure you don’t need a replacement, clean the contacts of any rust or corrosion and check the wires to make sure there isn’t any wear. A trickle charger is always a handy tool to have in the garage and hooking one up before the first start may be needed.
  
  
• Refill Boat Motor Oil and Fluids
  Depending on what engine you are running, your manufacturer probably suggested winterizing your boat by draining the cooling system, adding a stabilizer to the full fuel tank, changing the oil and filters and maybe fogging the engine with oil. If you didn’t run the engine periodically during the winter, you’ll want to do a visual inspection for any cracks or leaks in fuel lines or tanks, corrosion on electrical parts, and any errant damage to the housing or lower unit. Ensure the battery has enough of a charge to start the engine. Finally, check your oil and top-off if necessary.
  
  
• Test the Engine
  The moment of truth - after checking your oil, fuel and similar systems, it’s time to test the engine before you put it in the water for the first time to avoid those first time on the water blues with an engine that doesn’t start. Remember: most outboards are cooled by water and should never be started dry. Putting your engine in a trash can filled with water is a simple solution on land, though there a number of hose attachments that can be used as well. Don’t forget to check that your engine is in neutral, the kill switch is in place and your battery is turned on. (All things easily missed in our experience). It may take a bit to get it started the first time, but let the engine run for a while to insure it is ready to go for your first outing.
  
  
• Stock Your Boat with Engine Care Necessities
  Nothing spoils a beautiful day on the water faster than issues with your outboard engine on the water, so making sure you have a few key things on board before you head out can be a life saver. The more time you spend on the water, the higher the risk for the gas to be contaminated with water or other impurities. Always keep a spare fuel filter on board and know how to change it out on the water. For 2-stroke engines, keep a supply of 2-stroke oil on board so you never get caught empty-handed. Other items to have on board could include a spare prop and tools for basic repairs. Don’t forget the required safety items!
  
  
• Check your safety equipment
  Don’t forget to check your on-board equipment against a boat safety checklist. This is going to include items such as one life jacket on board for each passenger as well as a throwable floatation device. If you have a designated boat safety kit, make sure to update it with necessary distress signals, fire extinguishers, flares and other gear. Don’t forget to check expiration dates.
  
  
• Clean the Boat
  One of the best ways to avoid long-term damage to a boat is to clean it regularly. The best times to clean is the beginning and end of the summer season when the boat is out of the water. If dirt and grime are allowed to build up on the exterior (and interior) of the boat, it can cause permanent damage to surfaces. Cleaning your pontoon boat seems like a simplistic and obvious prep tip, but is a necessary step to getting your boat ready for summer!

We still suggest a tune-up at least once a year for your boat if not twice a year in spring and fall to keep your engine running right and boat ready to perform. Contact our service department today by filling out this form or texting/calling us at 715-387-1106 to set up your spring and fall tune-up appointments.