Owning and Operating Your Pontoon

Owning And Operating Your Pontoon Boat

The pontoon boat experience does not stop after the initial purchase. Now it’s time to own and operate your pontoon boat, and we are here to help by taking a deep dive into all the necessary topics.

Do I need a boating license? How do I obtain boat insurance and how much does it cost? What type of trailer do I need to tow my pontoon boat? How do I clean and protect my pontoon boat? Where do I go to maintain, service, and repair my pontoon boat? How do I properly store my pontoon boat in the offseason? We address all these questions, and so much more in the article below.

Boating License and Registration

Before operating your pontoon boat, you first need to register your pontoon boat and obtain a boating license.

Just as you would with your vehicle, your pontoon boat must be registered, registration stickers displayed, and documentation onboard. Each state will determine which types of boats must be registered, the fee and length of registration, and any reciprocity amongst other states. Reciprocity refers to whether a separate registration is necessary should your state of residence not be the same state where your boat resides. Boat U.S. Foundation provides additional registration information. Please visit your states boat registration website to get started.

Each state also determines the requirements necessary to operate a power boat or personal water craft. Unfortunately the requirements vary greatly from state to state. In most cases, the boat license course can be completed online and is followed by a boat license test that is also completed online. An excellent resource for state-by-state licensing information is Boat-Ed. Boat-Ed offers education materials and boating safety courses approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Boat Insurance

After purchasing your pontoon boat and trailer, you may decide to obtain insurance to replace those valuables should they be damaged (fire, storm, collision, etc,) or stolen. Even if you can afford the loss of your pontoon boat and trailer, boat insurance is still highly recommended. Boat insurance will provide medical reimbursement should serious injury or death occur as a result of your boat. Additionally, some states may mandate basic boat insurance coverage.

A standard boat insurance policy does not exist, so it’s very important to educate yourself on common terminology and throughly review your policy. Some terminology correlates to vehicle insurance such as liability and deductible. However, boat insurance specific terminology includes navigational limits, pollution liability, towing liability, lay-up period, and so much more. Portside Marine Insurance offers further explanation.

How much does boat insurance cost? That question is hard to accurately answer due to the variability in boat cost, cruising area, boater education course, liability coverage, deductible, etc. Find a local marine insurance provider in your area, or head over to the big providers (Progressive, GEICO, Liberty Mutual) to make sure you and your boat are properly protected!

Pontoon Boat Trailers - How to Tow a Boat?

If you plan on transporting your pontoon boat, you’ll need to look into purchasing a trailer. The size and weight of your pontoon boat will determine the size trailer you need. When determining the trailer’s weight capacity, don’t forget to include the weight of the boat, the motor, and fuel (approx. 6 lbs per gallon). With regards to the vehicle you are using to tow the boat and trailer, you’ll also need to consider the vehicle’s towing capacity, hitch capacity, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and the trailer’s tongue weight.

Pontoon boat trailers are available in two styles: bunk and scissor. Bunk style trailers slide under the entire boat, and each tube rests entirely on the trailer. Bunk trailers provide the most stability for long hauls, and they are best for tritoon boats, as they support all three tubes. Unlike bunk trailers, scissor trailers slide under the center of the boat and each tube hangs un-supported beside the trailer. For this reason, scissor trailers are much less stable than bunk trailers and are not recommended for long hauls. Scissor trailers are perfect for loading your pontoon in very shallow water. Visit Load Rite Trailers, EZ Loader Trailers, or Pontoon Trailers to shop for your next pontoon boat trailer.

Visit Barletta Boat’s article for awesome information on how to trailer and tow your pontoon boat. Also visit Barletta Boat’s article for information on how to launch your pontoon boat.

Boat Parts, Boat Service and Maintenance

In order to complete prescribed manufacturer maintenance and fix any repairs, you’ll need parts or a boat service center – we got you covered. Properly maintaining your pontoon boat and correctly storing/winterizing your pontoon boat will significantly reduce the need for repairs. However, should your pontoon boat need a specific repair (seats, deck, lighting, Biminis, railings, etc.), head over to Pontoon Stuff, Pontoon Specialists, or Boat Outfitters – they have everything you need!

When it comes to maintaining your outboard motor, following a few simple steps can keep your motor in great condition for a long time.

Fuel – Never use E15 gasoline. Incorporate a fuel additive at each fill up (ethanol deteriorates quickly). Not boating for a few weeks? Add fuel stabilizer to prevent water from contaminating the gasoline.
Battery – Monitor your marine battery voltage. A fully charged battery’s static voltage should be 12.0 – 12.5 volts. With the motor running, battery voltage should be 13.0 – 14.5 volts as the alternator is charging the battery. Also ensure the battery switch and ignition are OFF.
Flush – Always flush your motor with clean water after each use – even if it was used in freshwater. Flushing your motor removes contaminants and helps prevent corrosion. Be sure your water pump has good flow.

Ensure you are following your outboard motors manufacturers recommended service intervals. When it’s time for maintenance or repairs, check out Wholesale Marine. They have all the replacement parts, fluids, filters, spark plugs, and so much more to keep your outboard motor looking and performing its best!

Another maintenance item pertains to your pontoon boat’s flooring. Whether you are looking to replace/upgrade your current floor, or you are selecting flooring for your new pontoon boat, we have you covered. See all of our articles below for all your pontoon boat flooring needs.

Boat Cleaning and Detailing

Some of the most important steps to maintaining your pontoon boat in good condition are cleaning and waxing. Regular cleanings remove the debris and contamination that cause corrosion, while periodic waxing ensures a protective layer is always present.

After exposure to saltwater or freshwater, always wash down the pontoon boat with clean water and flush the motor. Especially with saltwater, exterior and interior surfaces must be washed to remove all salt. Every few months, follow the cleaning process with an application of wax/polish on all fiberglass and metal surfaces. Additionally, read below for information on pontoon boat covers to further preserve your boat when not in use.

For all your pontoon boat cleaning supplies head over to BetterBoat. They have boat care products you can trust including: soaps, non-slip deck cleaner, hull cleaner, cleaning tools, marine polish, metal polish, and so much more!

Pontoon Boat Covers

Pontoon boats are a significant investment They need adequate care and protection. For a pontoon boat to look its best, it must be kept covered using pontoon boat covers (see below) or pontoon boat enclosures.

Boat center console covers help to keep sophisticated electrical equipment and gadgets safe. Harsh UV rays, natures elements, debris, and unwanted animals can damage the console and gadgets of the pontoon. These devices are quite expensive and replacing them costs both time and money.

Owning a good pontoon boat seat cover helps to maintain the seat’s factory shine by protecting them from the saltwater, rain, dirt, UV rays, animals, scratches, and punctures that lead to degradation of the seats.

Keeping a pontoon boat covered will extend the lifespan of the upholstery and also keep the flooring in the best conditions. A heavy-duty snap-on pontoon boat cover is durable and will protect the pontoon for years. For more inexpensive and conventional tie-down covers read about the best pontoon boat covers.

Boat Storage and Winterization

Once the season is over, it’s time to start thinking about proper winterization and storage of your pontoon boat, so it’s ready to go next year. See our step-by-step guide below.

Clean – Remove unnecessary equipment such as floatation devices, fishing equipment, etc. Also remove sensitive and valuable electronics as they could be damaged from exposure to cold temperatures.
Wash – Thoroughly wash all interior and exterior surfaces to remove dirt, grime, algae, barnacles, etc. Allow all materials, especially carpet, to fully dry prior to covering to prevent buildup of mold and mildew.
Gas – Follow your manufacturers recommendation for storing your gas tank either completely full or completely empty. If a full gas tank is recommended, add stabilizer to prevent water accumulation.
Motor – As with your gas tank, the presence of water and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your motor. First, completely flush your motor with fresh water. Follow the manufacturers recommendations for whether to replace the coolant with antifreeze. Spray a fogging oil on all metal component so prevent corrosion from any accumulated condensation. Store the motor tilted down to allow any residual water to drain.
Cover – If your pontoon boat will be stored outside, a heavy-duty fitted cover is essential to fend off wind, rain, ice, snow, and debris. If your pontoon boat will be stored indoors, then plastic shrink wrap should be sufficient to keep out debris and dirt.
Store – Select the best storage option for you, whether it’s an indoor storage facility, an outdoor storage facility, or on your property. When selecting the best option, you must consider cost, location, security, and transportation.

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