Less than two months to the official start of boating season.  Before the fun begins, make sure your small pontoon boats are ready to hit the water. It can take a bit of work to get your pontoon prepped but here are our tips to get you started in the right direction.

Exterior

Start your spring preparation with the outside of the boat, and inspect everything as you work your way around. Check the hull for dents, cracks, or blisters, and any potential leaks in the pontoon that might have been overlooked when the boat was winterized. Repair any that you find to avoid problems on the water. Make sure to inspect the pontoon tube drain plugs. Usually drain plugs are red but when they fade to white they should be replaced to function properly.

Wash off accumulated dirt and grime using a hose, and mild soap. You can use a soft bristle brush for stuck on residues. You can also use Toon-Brite to polish and restore your pontoon tubes. This biodegradable cleaner can remove scum, oxidation and lime deposits to give your pontoon a bright finish. Finally, it is important to check the trailer for potential problems. Check the bolts, wheels, bearings, winch strap and tail lights and lubricate all moving parts.

Interior

The interior of the boat should be scrutinized, cleaned, and protected. All surfaces should be wiped down using an anti-bacterial cleaner to remove any surface mold and mildew. Interior vinyl floors can be cleaned with products like Zyme Zapper an anti-mold/ anti-mildew cleaner.  The interior should be checked for any damage to the seats, couches and electrical components.

Canvas

What happens to your laundry when you leave it out in the sun too long on the line? The colour fades quickly and feels dry to the touch if left out long enough. The same can happen to your canvas if not taken care of properly. Since it protects your investment, it is important to keep your canvas in good condition so it will last as long as the hull. You can apply a water-resistant spray to the fabric to ensure it is repelling water, and not absorbing it. This will also help prevent fading. It’s also a good idea to apply a seam sealer to insure no water leaks through the seams. Follow these steps to ensure maximum protection from mother nature.

Engine and Battery

Before taking your pontoon out on the water, check all fuel levels of the motor. You can use a fuel treatment that will clean your fuel system and neutralize leftover fuel. If the oil has not been changed in a long time it can become milky, but having the oil changed every year will help prevent this problem. Make sure your spring preparation includes reinstalling a fully charged battery.

Spring Startup

It can be a lot of work to get small pontoon boats ready for the boating season but some boat dealers can help alleviate some stress. Legend boats offers a Spring Startup package where they will remove shrink wrap, do a general inspection, maintenance, run the motor and check the trailer for you. No hassle so you can get back on the water. Happy boating!