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Water in Muskoka near Toronto Ontario

Pontoon Boat Maintenance

May 05, 2020

Pontoon boats are amazing for entertaining out on the water, cruising down the river or over the lake while you converse, serve snacks and drinks and enjoy the sunshine and cool breezes. Your pontoon boat needs maintenance just like any other boat, though, in order to remain an inviting place to gather friends and family. If you’re a relatively new pontoon boat owner and you’re not sure where to start when it comes to maintenance, then read this guide created by Gordon Bay Marine. We’re conveniently located near Lake Joseph, Ontario, and have a parts and service department to help you keep your pontoon running smoothly for years to come.

Keep Your Boat Covered

One of the easiest steps you can take to keep your boat in great shape is to cover it whenever it’s not in use. Sun, wind, rain and general exposure to the elements can all take their toll on your boat’s paint, finish and upholstery. Leaves and debris can gather on an uncovered boat, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Excessive sun can fade fabrics and weaken them over time. Get a good sturdy cover for your boat or store it in a shed or other dry shelter.

Clean Upholstery

Your pontoon boat’s upholstery needs a good bi-annual deep cleaning to stay looking new. None of your passengers will want to sit on worn-out seats, and you don’t want to have to replace vinyl seating after only a season due to sun damage and dirt ruining the fabric. Try to keep everything dry when your boat isn’t in use. Use the appropriate cleaners for your particular style of upholstery and a gentle touch so that you don’t wear down the fabric too much.

Maintain Your Engine

Keeping your engine maintained is important in any boat. For outboard motors, which are common on pontoons, remove the nacelle to inspect your engine every so often. Ensure that your fluids like oil and coolant are topped up and changed on a regular basis. Check spark plugs for any evidence of corrosion. Examine the gaskets and engine heads, looking for signs of leaks or other issues that could rob you of performance out on the water. If you see something you can't repair yourself, call up the Gordon Bay Marine service department so we can get your boat into our mechanics as soon as possible.

Wash & Wax Your Pontoon

To make your pontoon look brand-new even years after you bought it, clean it thoroughly on a regular basis. You should wipe down the floors and furnishings and let them dry before covering or storing your boat so moisture doesn’t accumulate and cause mildew growth. Use mild soap and water to wipe down your aluminum panels, or better still, find a good aluminum antioxidant cleaner that will restore the polish and shine to your aluminum and prevent dull oxidation from occuring. After washing off saltwater and debris, let your boat dry in the warm sun, then apply a good wax coating to the entire hull. Wax will protect your boat from sun damage with UV protection. Look for the right cleaning wax for your boat and wax it to a shine at least once every season.

If you’re still in search of the perfect pontoon for entertaining, fishing or general cruising, visit our dealership today to see our wide array of new and used pontoon boats for sale. You can also talk to our experienced staff about pontoon boat maintenance if you have any more questions. Gordon Bay Marine is in Lake Joseph, near Muskoka and Toronto, Ontario.