Tips For Dewinterizing Your Boat

If you own a pontoon boat, you understand the importance of boat maintenance. If you take care of your pontoon boat properly it will reward you with many years of fun on the water.

If you live in an area where it is necessary to winterize a boat at the end of the season then you will need to perform a dewinterizing process to get your boat ready for spring. Follow our tips to ensure your boat and all its parts are ready for fun in the sun.

All areas of the boat need to be inspected before you take it out on the water for the first time. You must make sure that all of the parts are in good working order.

First, start by thoroughly cleaning your boat. Clear out any rubbish or debris that might have accumulated if the boat wasn't shrink wrapped over winter. Wash the vessel thoroughly and vacuum all carpets. Wipe down all interior surfaces. If your boat has a hull that requires waxing this is a good time to do it. If any repairs are required to gelcoat attend to them. Install the drain plug.

Then move on to the engine. If it wasn't changed during winterization, change the engine oil. Check all fluid levels and replace the oil filter and spark plugs.

Check the battery. Top up fluid levels with distilled water if necessary. Use a battery tester to check out the amps and volts. If the battery isn't holding a charge you may need to replace it.

Next, fill the cooling system and examine all hoses for leaks or cracks and empty out the strainer.

The boat's gas tank should have been left full over winter so no moisture had a chance to form in the tank. Change the fuel filter and check the fuel lines for brittleness or cracks. Fuel lines will frequently become brittle in winter temperatures. Brittle or cracked lines must be replaced.

Check all belts by pushing down on them. Any belt that seems to be too loose should be replaced. A belt in good condition should only be able to be pushed down slightly, not significantly. A black sooty deposit near the pulley is an indication of a worn belt.

The final step in dewinterizing your pontoon boat is to replace all items that were removed from the boat for winter storage. Check each item as you replace it. Check that the first aid kit is complete and check expiration dates on flares.

This is only a brief checklist for dewinterizing your boat but it will start you in the right direction for boating fun this summer.

And in the fall visit our page on winterizing a pontoon boat.