Phone:
(701)814-6992
Physical address:
6296 Donnelly Plaza
Ratkeville, Bahamas.
Pontoon Boat Storage & Weather Protection
Pontoon boats have a lot of horizontal surface area.
Unfortunately, rain has noticed.
Good pontoon boat storage involves more than throwing a cover over the boat and walking away.
A pontoon needs protection from rain, sunlight, moisture, mildew, corrosion, pests and long periods of inactivity. Batteries need attention. Fuel can deteriorate. Electronics don’t benefit from sitting in moisture, and an unsupported cover can collect an impressive amount of water.
The goal isn’t simply to keep weather from landing on the boat.
It’s to create a storage environment that keeps the pontoon clean, dry, ventilated and ready for its next trip.
Pontoon Boat Storage & Weather Protection Menu
Before Storage | Covers | Moisture & Ventilation | Interior | Batteries | Fuel & Outboard | Electronics | Trailer | Long-Term Storage | Severe Weather
Before Storing a Pontoon Boat
How much preparation the boat needs depends on how long it will be stored.
Parking overnight is different from parking for several months.
Before extended storage, consider:
- Cleaning the boat
- Removing trash and food
- Removing bait and fish residue
- Drying flooring and furniture
- Emptying unnecessary water
- Cleaning livewells
- Opening and drying storage compartments
- Checking batteries
- Addressing fuel
- Preparing the outboard
- Protecting electronics
- Inspecting the trailer
- Installing the cover correctly
Don’t Store Problems
Storage doesn’t repair anything.
If you notice:
- A leaking compartment
- Damaged cover
- Weak battery
- Corroded connection
- Fuel problem
- Soft flooring
- Loose hardware
- Water where it shouldn’t be
deal with it before leaving the boat for an extended period.
Three months of sitting rarely improves a developing problem.
Start Clean
Food, bait, fish residue and organic material attract odors, mildew and pests.
Remove them before storage.
A reasonably clean boat is also easier to inspect when you’re preparing it to return to service.
Pontoon Boat Covers
A good cover protects the interior from:
- Rain
- Leaves
- Bird droppings
- Dirt
- UV exposure
- Debris
But the cover has to be installed correctly.
Fit Matters
A cover should fit securely enough that wind doesn’t repeatedly lift and beat it against the boat.
Loose covers can:
- Chafe surfaces
- Damage upholstery
- Wear against rails
- Tear
- Allow water intrusion
Follow the cover manufacturer’s installation instructions and use the designed straps, supports and attachment system.
Support the Cover
A large pontoon cover needs proper support.
Without it, low areas can collect rainwater.
What begins as a small puddle can become a surprisingly heavy load.
Water weighs roughly 8.3 pounds per gallon.
A cover holding 25 gallons of rainwater is supporting more than 200 pounds of water.
That load can:
- Stretch the cover
- Damage support poles
- Pull attachment points
- Press against furniture
- Open additional low spots
- Eventually allow more water into the boat
The goal is to create enough slope for water to shed rather than collect.
Check After Heavy Rain
If the boat is stored outdoors, inspect the cover after significant weather.
Look for:
- Water pockets
- Shifted support poles
- Loose straps
- Torn fabric
- Areas collecting debris
- Water entering the boat
Don’t assume a cover is doing its job because you can still see it from the house.
Don’t Turn the Cover Into a Swimming Pool
If you repeatedly find large pools of water on the cover, the answer isn’t simply removing the water every time it rains.
Correct the support system.
A properly supported cover should encourage water to leave.
Moisture & Ventilation
Keeping rain out is only half the job.
Moisture already inside the boat also needs a way to escape.
A tightly covered wet pontoon can develop:
- Mildew
- Odors
- Damp flooring
- Corrosion
- Wet storage compartments
- Upholstery problems
Dry Before Covering
After washing the boat or fishing in rain, allow it to dry before extended covered storage.
Pay attention to:
- Carpet
- Woven flooring
- EVA flooring
- Seat cushions
- Cushion undersides
- Storage compartments
- Livewells
- Coolers
- Dock lines
- Life jackets
- Towels
A clean pontoon stored wet can still become a mildew experiment.
Ventilation Matters
Use the ventilation features provided by the cover or boat manufacturer.
Depending on the storage setup, ventilation may involve:
- Cover vents
- Proper cover installation
- Designed air gaps
- Ventilated support systems
- Opening appropriate compartments during drying
The objective is air movement without creating an opening that allows weather into the boat.
Condensation
Moisture doesn’t have to come through a hole in the cover.
Temperature changes can cause condensation beneath covered surfaces.
That is another reason ventilation matters even when the cover appears completely waterproof.
Moisture-Control Products
Some owners use moisture absorbers or other products inside stored boats.
If used, follow the manufacturer’s directions and make sure the product is appropriate for the environment.
Don’t use moisture-control products as a substitute for correcting a water leak or ventilation problem.
Protect the Pontoon Interior
Before longer storage periods, go through the interior.
Remove What Doesn’t Need to Stay
Consider removing:
- Food
- Bait
- Wet clothing
- Towels
- Valuable electronics
- Unnecessary tackle
- Paper products
- Items that can attract pests
Dry Storage Compartments
Open and inspect compartments before closing the boat for an extended period.
Look for:
- Standing water
- Damp carpet
- Wet life jackets
- Mildew
- Blocked drains
- Corrosion
If something is wet, dry it.
Closing the lid doesn’t make the moisture disappear.
It just gives it privacy.
Seats & Cushions
Clean and dry seating before storage.
Where the boat or furniture design permits, make sure moisture isn’t trapped underneath cushions.
Follow the furniture manufacturer’s recommendations for long-term care and storage.
Flooring
Make sure flooring is dry before covering the boat.
This is especially important with carpet and other materials capable of retaining moisture.
Battery Storage & Charging
Pontoon boats may have several batteries:
- Starting battery
- House battery
- Trolling motor batteries
- Electronics battery
Long periods of inactivity can allow batteries to discharge.
Before Storage
Inspect:
- Battery cases
- Terminals
- Connections
- Hold-downs
- Charger
- Charging leads
Clean corrosion and correct loose connections before storage.
Keep Batteries Properly Charged
Battery storage and charging requirements depend on battery chemistry and manufacturer recommendations.
Use a charger compatible with the battery type.
If the boat has an onboard charger, verify that:
- It is functioning correctly
- It is appropriate for the batteries
- Connections are secure
- Charging leads are undamaged
Battery Disconnects
Some boats use battery switches or disconnect systems to isolate electrical loads during storage.
Understand how your particular system operates before changing switch positions or disconnecting batteries.
Don’t assume turning off the helm switches eliminates every possible electrical load.
Parasitic Loads
Some equipment may continue drawing small amounts of power even when it appears to be turned off.
Examples can include:
- Stereo memory
- Chargers
- Electronic modules
- Accessories
- Improperly wired equipment
If a stored battery repeatedly goes dead, investigate why.
Fuel System & Outboard Storage
Fuel and engine preparation become increasingly important as storage time increases.
Follow the outboard manufacturer’s procedures for your specific engine.
Fuel
Depending on the engine, fuel type and storage duration, manufacturer recommendations may address:
- Fuel stabilization
- Fuel condition
- Tank level
- Fuel filters
- Fuel lines
- Water contamination
Don’t rely on a universal internet rule for every engine and fuel system.
Use the recommendations for the equipment you actually own.
Outboard
Long-term storage procedures may include manufacturer-specific steps involving:
- Fuel system
- Engine oil
- Gearcase lubricant
- Cooling system
- Corrosion protection
- Lubrication
- Propeller
- Battery
- Engine position
Inspect the Propeller Area
Before storage, inspect around the propeller and propeller shaft for fishing line or debris.
Fishing line can work its way into areas where it may damage seals.
Outboard Position
Follow the engine manufacturer’s storage recommendations.
Where conditions allow, outboards are often stored in a position that permits cooling water to drain rather than remain trapped, but the correct position depends on the engine and storage situation.
If freezing temperatures are possible, trapped water becomes especially important.
Don’t Forget the Fuel That’s Been Sitting
When bringing the pontoon back into service after extended storage, consider the age and condition of the fuel rather than assuming anything in the tank is automatically ready for another season.
Electronics & Electrical Equipment
Marine electronics are designed for the boating environment.
That doesn’t mean they benefit from months of unnecessary exposure to heat, moisture and weather.
Before Storage
Inspect:
- Fish finders
- GPS units
- Trolling motor
- Chargers
- Switch panels
- USB outlets
- Stereo equipment
- Exposed electrical connections
Removable Electronics
If electronics are designed to be removed and the boat will be stored for an extended period, consider storing them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Keep connectors protected from:
- Moisture
- Dirt
- Corrosion
- Physical damage
Don’t Trap Moisture Around Electronics
A waterproof cover over wet electronics can still trap moisture.
Allow equipment to dry before covering or storing it.
Trolling Motor
For longer storage:
- Clean the motor
- Inspect the propeller
- Remove fishing line
- Inspect wiring
- Check plugs and connections
- Follow manufacturer storage procedures
- Maintain the battery bank appropriately
Trolling Motor & Fishing Electronics Care →
Pontoon Battery & Electrical System Care →
↑ Back to Pontoon Boat Storage & Weather Protection Menu
Pontoon Tube Protection During Storage
The tubes don’t stop needing attention just because the boat isn’t moving.
Before extended storage, inspect for:
- Dents
- Gouges
- Cracks
- Corrosion
- Pitting
- Damaged welds
- Previous repairs
- Unusual staining
- Evidence of water intrusion
Clean Before Long-Term Storage
Remove heavy organic buildup, mud and salt residue before storage.
This gives you a clean baseline and prevents contaminants from sitting against the aluminum for months.
Watch Where the Trailer Contacts the Boat
If the pontoon is stored on its trailer, inspect:
- Bunks
- Bunk carpet
- Brackets
- Guides
- Tube clearance
Make sure no trailer component is creating an unintended pressure or rubbing point against the tubes.
Don’t Store Damage for Later
If you discover a significant tube problem at the end of the season, document and evaluate it before forgetting about it for several months.
Spring isn’t improved by rediscovering last year’s leak.
Storing the Pontoon on Its Trailer
For many owners, the trailer is the storage platform.
That means trailer condition matters during storage too.
Choose the Storage Location Carefully
When possible, use:
- Firm ground
- Good drainage
- A reasonably level location
- An area without constant standing water
Inspect the Trailer
Before long-term storage, check:
- Tires
- Wheels
- Bearings
- Brakes where equipped
- Bunks
- Coupler
- Jack
- Safety chains
- Lights
- Frame
- Suspension
Tires Still Age While Parked
A tire doesn’t need to travel a mile to get older.
During storage, consider:
- UV exposure
- Tire pressure
- Ground contact
- Long-term loading
- Manufacturer storage recommendations
Inspect the tires again before towing.
Don’t Trust Last Season
The fact that the trailer successfully arrived at its storage location doesn’t guarantee it’s ready to leave six months later.
Perform another inspection before towing.
Pontoon Trailer Care & Setup →
↑ Back to Pontoon Boat Storage & Weather Protection Menu
Pest Prevention
Apparently, humans aren’t the only ones who appreciate covered boats.
Rodents and insects may see a stored pontoon as protected housing.
Reduce the Invitation
Before storage:
- Remove food
- Remove bait
- Clean crumbs
- Empty trash
- Inspect storage areas
- Remove unnecessary nesting material
Inspect Periodically
Watch for:
- Droppings
- Nesting material
- Damaged upholstery
- Chewed wiring
- Insect nests
Rodent damage to electrical wiring can create much larger problems than the mess itself.
Be Careful With Pest-Control Products
Use pest-control products only according to their labeling and with consideration for people, pets and the environment.
The best first step is usually making the boat less attractive as a home.
↑ Back to Pontoon Boat Storage & Weather Protection Menu
Long-Term Pontoon Storage
If the boat will be unused for months, use a more thorough storage routine.
Consider the entire boat as a system.
Interior
- Clean and dry surfaces
- Remove food and bait
- Dry compartments
- Address mildew
- Remove unnecessary valuables
- Provide appropriate ventilation
Electrical
- Inspect batteries
- Maintain charge appropriately
- Understand battery switches
- Protect electronics
- Inspect electrical connections
Mechanical
- Follow outboard storage procedures
- Address fuel
- Inspect propeller
- Complete scheduled maintenance as appropriate
Structure
- Inspect tubes
- Inspect deck
- Check rails and gates
- Look underneath the boat
- Document existing damage
Trailer
- Inspect tires
- Check hubs
- Inspect brakes where equipped
- Inspect bunks
- Protect the trailer from prolonged poor storage conditions
Cover
- Install correctly
- Support properly
- Confirm drainage
- Provide appropriate ventilation
- Inspect periodically
Storage isn’t one action.
It’s several small actions that allow the boat to sit without creating new problems.
↑ Back to Pontoon Boat Storage & Weather Protection Menu
Outdoor Storage vs. Covered Storage
Where the pontoon is stored changes the type of protection it needs.
Outdoor Storage
Outdoor storage increases exposure to:
- Sun
- Rain
- Wind
- Dirt
- Leaves
- Animals
- Temperature changes
Cover condition and support become especially important.
Under a Roof
A roof reduces direct weather exposure but doesn’t eliminate:
- Humidity
- Condensation
- Dust
- Pests
- Battery discharge
- Fuel deterioration
The boat still needs maintenance.
Indoor Storage
Indoor storage provides excellent weather protection but isn’t permission to store the boat wet.
Ventilation and moisture control still matter.
A building keeps rain out.
It doesn’t magically dry wet carpet.
Severe Weather & Storm Preparation
Routine storage and severe-weather preparation are different things.
If significant storms or high winds are expected, take the threat seriously.
Pontoon boats have:
- Large covers
- Large deck areas
- Significant wind exposure
- Tall rail systems
That creates plenty for wind to work with.
Plan Before the Storm Arrives
Depending on your storage situation, preparation may involve:
- Moving the boat to a safer location
- Securing or removing loose equipment
- Protecting electronics
- Addressing the cover
- Securing the trailer
- Removing items that can become airborne
Follow local emergency guidance and appropriate manufacturer recommendations.
Covers in High Wind
A cover that performs well during ordinary rain may behave very differently in severe wind.
Loose fabric can tear, damage the boat or create substantial wind load.
Evaluate the cover and storage system as part of storm preparation rather than assuming tighter is always better.
Don’t Wait Until the Weather Is Already There
Moving or securing a large pontoon is considerably easier before conditions deteriorate.
Storm preparation should happen while there’s still enough time to do it safely.
Periodically Check a Stored Pontoon
Storage shouldn’t mean forgetting the boat exists.
If practical, periodically inspect it.
Look for:
- Cover movement
- Standing water
- Water inside the boat
- Mildew
- Pest activity
- Battery problems
- Tire problems
- Corrosion
- Wind damage
- Debris accumulation
A five-minute check can find a problem weeks before the next fishing trip.
After Major Weather
Check the boat after:
- Heavy rain
- Strong wind
- Severe storms
- Extended periods of extreme weather
Pay particular attention to the cover and water accumulation.
The best storage problem is the one you find while it’s still small.
Bringing a Pontoon Out of Storage
Before heading directly from storage to the boat ramp, give the boat a complete inspection.
Check:
- Pontoon tubes
- Deck
- Furniture
- Batteries
- Electrical equipment
- Outboard
- Fuel system
- Steering
- Controls
- Safety equipment
- Trailer
- Tires
- Bearings
- Lights
Operate systems before leaving home when practical.
Finding out the navigation lights don’t work in your driveway is inconvenient.
Finding out the outboard won’t start while blocking the ramp tends to attract an audience.
Don’t Assume Storage Preserved Everything
Storage slows wear and protects the boat.
It doesn’t freeze time.
Batteries discharge.
Tires age.
Fuel changes.
Corrosion can develop.
Animals make decisions.
Inspect before returning the boat to service.
↑ Back to Pontoon Boat Storage & Weather Protection Menu
Keep Water Out—And Let Moisture Out
Good pontoon storage comes down to balancing two things.
Keep weather from getting in.
And:
Let trapped moisture get out.
Clean the boat before extended storage.
Let it dry.
Support the cover.
Provide appropriate ventilation.
Maintain the batteries.
Take care of the fuel and outboard.
Inspect the trailer.
And check the boat periodically instead of forgetting about it until the next fishing season.
A cover is an important tool.
But a cover by itself isn’t a storage plan.
Protect the boat properly and it should be much closer to ready when you’re ready to fish again.
Pontoon Furniture & Flooring Care →
Pontoon Battery & Electrical System Care →
Pontoon Trailer Care & Setup →
Tin Can Boat Works
Small Boats. Serious Fishing.