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How to Keep a Pontoon in the Water All Year

Keeping a pontoon boat in the water year-round is the only storage option for many boat owners. If you own a dock storage space at a marina or at home, you may not want to pay the extra expense to store the boat out of the water. You can keep your boat in the water year-round as long as you provide proper care and cleaning to prevent the water from damaging the boat. The treatment methods are the same for boats used in fresh water and saltwater.

Things You'll Need

Screw-on anode
Wrench
Motor oil
Waterproof canvas cover
Vinyl cleaner
Soft cloths
Plastic scraper
Scrub brush
Metal boat polish

Instructions

- 1
  Attach an anode to the boat below the water pump and engine. Use a wrench to tighten the bolts and hold the anode in place. Use a magnesium anode for fresh water and zinc anode for saltwater. This will help keep the aluminum from corroding and warping.
- 2
  Remove and replace the oil in the boat with fresh oil once a year. Make sure to use oil that is designed for cooler temperatures if you live in a cold climate.
- 3
  Run the motor at least once a month for a few minutes. Keep the motor in the lowered position for best results.
- 4
  Place a waterproof canvas cover over the boat to protect it from moisture and the elements when not in use.
- 5
  Clean the interior of the boat with vinyl cleaner and soft cloths. Allow the interior to dry thoroughly before placing the cover on the boat. A moist interior can cause mildew and other molds to form, which can be damaging to the fabrics in the boat.
- 6
  Raise the boat above the water level. Clean off all scum and other contaminants from the bottom of the boat with a plastic scraper at least twice a year. Wash the bottom of the boat with a scrub brush. Polish the bottom of the boat with metal polish and a soft cloth to protect the metal and discourage scum and algae from sticking to the bottom of the boat.

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