Back

How to Prepare a Pontoon Boat for Winter Storage

Dec. 26 2025 Seasonal By Nielsen Enterprises

Share

As the days get shorter and the water turns colder, the best way to protect your pontoon is to prepare it before winter truly settles in. At Nielsen Enterprises Marine Center, we’ve helped many owners store their boats the right way, and the difference shows when spring arrives. A careful winter prep routine keeps your pontoon clean, prevents weather-related wear, and makes next season’s first outing feel effortless. If you’re wondering where to start, this guide walks you through pontoon boat winterization step by step — simple, practical, and easy to follow.

Why Pontoon Boat Winterization Is So Important

Your pontoon is built for relaxing rides, family get-togethers, and long summer days on the water. But winter brings freezing temperatures, heavy moisture, wind, and storage challenges. If a pontoon sits unprepared, you might deal with mildew, fading, cracks in fittings, corrosion on metal parts, unwanted odors, or staining that’s hard to remove later.

Doing proper Pontoon boat winterization now:

  • Extends the life of your seating, flooring, and rails

  • Protects your pontoon tubes and exterior finish

  • Reduces spring repair costs

  • Preserves resale value

  • Helps you start boating earlier next year

Think of it as a seasonal reset that protects everything you love about your boat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing a Pontoon for Winter

1. Clean the Boat Thoroughly Before Storage

Winter storage is never the right time to leave dirt behind. Grime, lake residue, and leaves can stain surfaces or attract moisture.

What to do:

  • Rinse the entire boat with fresh water.

  • Wash seats, rails, flooring, ladders, and pontoons using a boat-safe cleaner.

  • Scrub gently around corners and seams where buildup hides.

  • Let everything dry fully — not “mostly dry,” but completely dry.

Helpful tip: Open all storage compartments while drying. Airflow prevents trapped moisture that leads to mold.

2. Remove All Food, Gear, and Personal Items

Even a clean boat can smell musty if something is left behind.

What to remove:

  • Coolers, snacks, and drinks

  • Life jackets and towables

  • Ropes, anchors, and dock lines

  • Fishing gear and tackle

  • Any fabric or foam accessories

Store these indoors in a dry place. You’ll also avoid rodents nesting inside compartments during winter.

3. Protect Upholstery and Interior Spaces

Pontoon seating is comfortable but sensitive to winter moisture and extreme temperature swings.

What to do:

  • Clean vinyl seats with a protectant that’s meant for marine upholstery.

  • Lift seat bases and allow cushions to breathe before covering.

  • Place moisture absorbers in compartments to prevent damp air buildup.

If seats are removable, storing them indoors adds extra protection.

4. Drain and Secure Any Water Features

Many pontoons have built-in water systems like sinks, washdowns, or livewells. Any trapped water can freeze and cause damage.

What to do:

  • Empty all tanks and lines completely.

  • Run water briefly to push out the last bit of moisture.

  • Leave caps loose or open so tiny droplets can expand safely.

If you’re unsure, scheduling support through a trusted Boat service in Illinois center ensures everything is handled correctly.

5. Check Flooring, Rails, and Hardware

Before the boat goes into storage, look for small issues that winter could worsen.

Inspect for:

  • Loose rail fittings

  • Worn deck trim

  • Floor seam separation

  • Rust starting on fasteners

  • Wobbly ladder attachments

  • Signs of cracking on plastic components

Tighten what you safely can. For anything bigger, a quick professional check from your Boat dealer in Illinois can prevent spring surprises.

6. Care for the Pontoons (Tubes) and Underside

Your pontoon tubes handle the job of keeping everything stable on the water, so protecting them matters.

What to do:

  • Inspect for dents, scrapes, or oxidation.

  • Wash and dry the tubes completely.

  • Apply a pontoon-safe polish or protectant if recommended for your finish.

A clean, protected underside resists corrosion and looks better long-term.

7. Disconnect and Store the Battery Safely

Cold weather drains batteries quickly and can shorten their lifespan if left unattended.

What to do:

  • Disconnect it from the boat.

  • Wipe down terminals and keep them clean and dry.

  • Store the battery indoors where it won’t freeze.

  • Recharge once a month to keep it healthy.

Also cover or remove any electronics that are easy to take off, especially if storing outdoors.

8. Use a Proper Pontoon Cover

A strong cover is your main shield against snow, ice, and debris.

Choose a cover that is:

  • Marine-grade and breathable

  • Snug-fitting (not loose or flapping)

  • Supported with poles or a frame to prevent sagging

  • Ventilated to avoid condensation

Avoid thin tarps that trap moisture or tear in wind. If water pools on top, mildew and staining become almost guaranteed.

9. Pick the Right Storage Location

Where your pontoon spends the winter makes a huge difference.

Best options:

  • Indoor storage: maximum protection

  • Covered outdoor storage: strong backup

  • Open outdoor storage: only with a high-quality cover and good drainage

If storing outside, tilt the boat slightly so snow melt runs off instead of collecting.

Getting Ready for a Smooth Spring Launch

When winter ends, the best-prepared pontoons are the ones that need almost no work to return to the water. With the steps above, your boat will be clean, odor-free, protected from moisture, and ready to enjoy fast.

And if winter prep makes you think about upgrading for next season, it’s a great time to explore New Boats for sale in Illinois while inventory selection is fresh and planning ahead is easy.