Pontoon Boat Post-Trip Checklist

The best time to prepare for your next fishing trip is at the end of this one.

A simple pontoon boat post-trip checklist helps remove fish and bait residue, control moisture, identify developing problems and leave the boat ready for its next trip.

You don’t need to detail the pontoon every time it touches water.

Just don’t put today’s problems away with the boat.

At the Ramp

After loading the pontoon:

☐ Confirm boat is centered on trailer
☐ Secure bow
☐ Install stern tie-downs
☐ Position outboard appropriately for towing
☐ Remove weeds or vegetation
☐ Check tubes for obvious damage
☐ Inspect propeller
☐ Check trailer lights
☐ Walk around trailer
☐ Remove or secure loose gear

Before pulling onto the highway, stop somewhere safely away from the active ramp and perform the final towing check.

Pontoon Trailer Care & Setup →

Remove Trash, Bait & Fishing Debris

Before storing the boat:

☐ Remove trash
☐ Remove leftover bait
☐ Remove fish residue
☐ Pick up fishing line
☐ Find loose hooks
☐ Empty food and drinks as appropriate
☐ Remove wet towels and clothing
☐ Remove fish from coolers/livewells

Yesterday’s bait rarely improves overnight.

Clean the Pontoon

For ordinary freshwater use:

☐ Rinse dirty areas as needed
☐ Remove mud
☐ Remove fish slime and blood
☐ Clean bait residue
☐ Wipe down heavily soiled surfaces
☐ Clean flooring as necessary
☐ Wipe seating where needed
☐ Clean livewell or fish-storage areas

The goal isn’t showroom perfection.

It’s preventing today’s dirt from becoming next month’s stain.

How to Clean a Pontoon Boat →

After Saltwater Use

Saltwater deserves additional attention.

☐ Freshwater rinse appropriate pontoon surfaces
☐ Rinse tubes
☐ Rinse rails and exposed hardware
☐ Rinse trolling motor exterior
☐ Follow outboard manufacturer’s flushing procedures
☐ Rinse appropriate trailer components
☐ Inspect exposed electrical connections
☐ Remove salt residue from fishing equipment

Pay particular attention to places where saltwater can collect or remain trapped.

Salt doesn’t stop working because the boat is parked.

Pontoon Tubes & Structure

While cleaning or unloading, look over the boat.

☐ Check tubes for new dents
☐ Look for gouges or impact damage
☐ Check visible welds
☐ Look for unusual staining
☐ Check brackets
☐ Look underneath the deck where practical
☐ Check rails and gates
☐ Check pedestal seats and furniture

You aren’t performing a complete structural inspection after every trip.

You’re looking for changes.

A new mark deserves more attention than the scratch you’ve been looking at for three years.

Pontoon Tube Care & Inspection →

Pontoon Deck & Structure Care →

Outboard

☐ Inspect propeller
☐ Remove fishing line
☐ Look for visible damage
☐ Check for fluid leaks
☐ Follow manufacturer post-use procedures
☐ Flush as required for operating conditions and manufacturer instructions
☐ Check fuel level if preparing for the next trip

Fishing line behind the propeller is easier to deal with now than after it damages a seal.

Outboard Motor Care & Maintenance →

Batteries & Electrical

☐ Turn off appropriate accessories
☐ Set battery switches for storage as appropriate
☐ Inspect battery area
☐ Look for loose or corroded connections
☐ Connect compatible charger if appropriate
☐ Check trolling motor batteries
☐ Inspect trolling motor plug
☐ Look for wet electrical components

If something electrical behaved strangely during the trip, write it down or investigate it now.

Don’t rely on remembering three weeks later that “something was weird with the fish finder.”

Pontoon Battery & Electrical System Care →

Livewell & Storage Compartments

☐ Drain livewell
☐ Remove fish and bait residue
☐ Clean as appropriate
☐ Check screens and drains
☐ Allow livewell to dry
☐ Open wet storage compartments
☐ Remove wet life jackets
☐ Remove wet dock lines where practical
☐ Dry standing water

Closed compartments hide moisture extremely well.

They also hide the smell until you open them again.

Furniture & Flooring

☐ Wipe spills
☐ Remove fish residue
☐ Clean stains promptly
☐ Check seat seams
☐ Look under cushions
☐ Check flooring for standing water
☐ Allow carpet to dry
☐ Check EVA or synthetic flooring for lifting edges

If everything is wet, give it time to dry before sealing the boat beneath a cover.

Pontoon Furniture & Flooring Care →

Trailer

After retrieval:

☐ Check tires
☐ Check hubs for unusual heat
☐ Inspect bunks
☐ Check winch strap
☐ Check tie-downs
☐ Look for damaged wiring
☐ Inspect trailer lights
☐ Rinse appropriately after saltwater use
☐ Look for anything damaged at the ramp

Boat ramps can reveal trailer problems quickly.

If the boat suddenly loads differently than usual, determine why.

Pontoon Trailer Care & Setup →

Dry Before Covering

Before extended covered storage:

☐ Allow seats to dry
☐ Dry flooring
☐ Dry storage compartments
☐ Dry livewells
☐ Remove wet gear
☐ Check beneath cushions
☐ Provide appropriate ventilation

A cover keeps rain out.

It can also keep existing moisture in.

Don’t turn a clean pontoon into a covered greenhouse.

Pontoon Boat Storage & Weather Protection →