The short answer is no, you should not leave your pontoon boat in the water during the winter. While it may be tempting to save on storage costs, doing so can damage your boat and shorten its lifespan. Here’s why
Ice damage When water freezes, it expands. This can cause significant damage to your boat’s hull, pontoons, and other components.
Waterline corrosion The waterline on your boat is where it’s most vulnerable to corrosion. When water freezes and thaws, it can cause the paint to peel and the metal to rust.
Mold and mildew If your boat is left in the water during the winter, it will provide a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. This can not only damage the interior of your boat, but it can also make it unsafe to use.
If you’re not able to take your boat out of the water during the winter, you should at least winterize it properly. This will help to protect it from damage and extend its lifespan.
So Can You Leave A Pontoon Boat In The Water In The Winter?
It is not recommended to leave a pontoon boat in the water during the winter. The cold weather can cause damage to the boat’s hull and other components. If you must leave your boat in the water, it is important to take steps to protect it, such as draining the water from the pontoons and winterizing the engine.
Can You Leave a Pontoon Boat in the Water in the Winter?
The Short Answer
No, you should not leave your pontoon boat in the water during the winter.
The Long Answer
There are a number of reasons why you should not leave your pontoon boat in the water during the winter.
Ice damage:
If the water freezes, it can damage the hull of your boat. The ice can expand and contract, which can cause the hull to crack.
Water damage:
If the water level drops below the boat’s waterline, it can allow water to seep into the boat and damage the interior.
Moisture damage:
The cold weather can cause condensation to form on the inside of your boat, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
Animal damage:
Animals, such as rodents and insects, can find their way into your boat and cause damage.
If you do decide to leave your pontoon boat in the water during the winter, there are a few things you can do to protect it from damage.
Winterize your boat:
This involves draining all of the water from the boat, flushing the water system, and treating the boat with a corrosion inhibitor.
Cover your boat:
A well-fitting cover will help to protect your boat from the elements.
Check on your boat regularly:
Make sure to check on your boat periodically to make sure that it is still in good condition.
If you are not able to winterize your boat or if you do not have a place to store it, it is best to take it out of the water and store it in a heated building.
Conclusion
Leaving your pontoon boat in the water during the winter is not a good idea. It can damage your boat and make it more susceptible to problems. If you cannot winterize your boat or store it in a heated building, it is best to take it out of the water.
Also Read: Can You Use A Pontoon Boat In The Ocean
FAQs: Can You Leave a Pontoon Boat in the Water in the Winter?
Can I leave my pontoon boat in the water in the winter?
Short answer: It is not recommended to leave a pontoon boat in the water in the winter.
What happens if I leave my pontoon boat in the water in the winter?
Short answer: If you leave your pontoon boat in the water in the winter, it is likely to suffer damage from ice, snow, and other winter weather conditions.
How do I winterize my pontoon boat?
Short answer: To winterize your pontoon boat, you will need to drain the water from the pontoons, remove the battery, and cover the boat with a tarp.
What are the benefits of winterizing my pontoon boat?
Short answer: Winterizing your pontoon boat will help to protect it from damage, extend its lifespan, and save you money on repairs.
What are the risks of not winterizing my pontoon boat?
Short answer: If you do not winterize your pontoon boat, it is likely to suffer damage from ice, snow, and other winter weather conditions. This damage can be expensive to repair, and it could even shorten the lifespan of your boat.
