Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

So, how much maintenance is really involved week to week to enjoy a nicely kept pontoon boat? I would be keeping mine in the water at the marina for the seasn, covered when not in use. What are the rituals you guys usually go through before pulling away from the dock or welcoming passengers aboard?

Actually, not much maintenance needs to be done!

I just do the obvious...
Check all the fluids, ie oil, drive, power steering, and trim.
I also eyeball the prop and make sure the engine is trimmed down.

As far as passengers go, i tell em where all the life jackets are, explain about staying seated INSIDE the fencing when underway. Also tell em where my VHF radio is.

Thats about it...

Oh, and i tell em to toss me a cold one!

I keep a highly diluted bottle of LA's Totally Awesome cleaner (about 5% LA to 95% water) and some an old beach towel to wipe down the vinyl when gets some dirt on it. If you keep it covered you should have very little maintenance on the interior.

Also, the dress code must be shared that as little clothing as possible must be worn by anyone of the female persuasion who is over 21 and under 40 especially (and there is an assumed weight limit on this requirement as well).

Dunno, I saw quite a few women over 40 at Canal Days that had better bodies then women half their age. Never forget beads, never leave dock without them.

When I got mine it was near the end of the season, and I didn't have the arrangement I do now, so I left mine in water for about 6 weeks. In that short time, I had a lot of algae growth on the pontoons, so that should be cleaned off with a stiff brush. Spider webs, wasp nests, bird crap are a few things I had to deal with. Pollen and dust gets everywhere, perhaps less with a cover, but you should plan for a wipe down of the surfaces and perhaps the carpet may need a sweep.

That's in addition to the standard fare of checking all your running gear, prop, safety gear, fire bottles, fluids, radio check with the marina, ropes, electronics, etc. to make sure it's all working and in good condition, including spare items.

You're the skipper, so everyone on board is your responsibility.

I first bump the ignition, just to check condition of battery, then crank. Next I check the pee hole, for good flow. Wasp are bad here about wanting to take up residence there. Have on occasion put a strip of tape to cover the opening, just don't forget it. Oil level. Probably should check trim level, but I don't. Make sure everyone has a flotation device within reach. To me the main thing is plan ahead, for instance if you know you are going to be out after dark don't wait until its almost dark to test them. Anything more than basic mechanical, I let the pros do it.
doc