Now that winter is coming, it’s time to bid your inflatable pontoon boat farewell until the summer. This begs the question, “How to store an inflatable pontoon boat?”
Chances are, you probably thought of a couple of ways. You can either leave it inflated or deflated in your storage space.
Although leaving it inflated might seem like the wrong choice, it’s still worth considering for a few reasons.
Undoubtedly, both methods of storage have their ups and downs, which we’ll explore more. Stick around to get a better idea of how to store an inflatable pontoon boat.
3 Steps to Store an Inflatable Pontoon Boat
Properly storing an inflatable pontoon boat will help add more years to it. After all, these kinds of boats aren’t exactly cheap; they can run as high as $1,500.
Here’s how to store an inflatable pontoon boat:
Step #1: Inflated or Deflated?
Before you begin storing the inflatable pontoon boat, you should first decide which method to employ.
Method #1: Inflated
With the inflated route, the inflatable boat will be more well-protected against any rips or tears. The option will also avoid creasing and cracking around the folds if done properly. Plus, you don’t need as much time to store it, since it’s already in its final storage state.
This method bears some disadvantages, though. Firstly, it might not be space-efficient to keep a fully inflated pontoon boat parked in your storage area.
Secondly, you won’t be able to just throw it in the garage with a tarp over it and call it a day, or rather, winter. It needs to stay inflated all winter long. This means you’ll have to regularly pump the inflatable pontoon boat every once in a while if it deflates.
If you happen to neglect the boat all winter long, then you might risk welcoming pests into the folds to seek warmth and shelter. The inflatable pontoon’s upper area might also settle into the boat, risking unwanted holes forming.
Method #2: Deflated
If you don’t have a large storage space, this method will be perfect for you. This packing technique will save you a lot more space than its inflated counterpart.
Since it’s fully tucked away from the harsh environment, its exterior is more secure from incoming pests that might dig their way in.
The main con you might experience with this packing method is how time-consuming it can be to store the inflatable pontoon boat away. You’ll also have to re-inflate it once summer rolls in. Having said that, the deflating method is still worth the hassle.
Step #2: Clean the Inflatable Pontoon Boat
Once you’ve chosen your preferred method, which will hopefully be the latter, it’s time to give the boat a good clean.
It would be great if you can find a specialized boat cleaning solution, but it’s not necessary. You can stick to your average soap.
Try to avoid harsh chemicals during this process, such as ammonia or bleach to increase the boat vinyl’s lifespan.
When washing the boat, make sure to use warm, distilled water since mineral water tends to leave residue on the inflatable boat’s exterior.
After scrubbing and washing away all the dirt covering the boat, you need to dry it off. You can towel dry the boat’s surface, make sure to be thorough. Any remaining moisture will be grounds for mold and mildew growth.
Step #3: Pack the Inflatable Pontoon Boat
After you’re satisfied with the prior step, it’s time to move on to the next one; the folding phase. Since the inflatable vinyl part is attached to a hardware part, you need to be especially careful not to roll the boat too tight.
If you do, the surface might accumulate some damage since you’ll be leaving it for a couple of months or so. Try not to tug the inflatable near the hardware parts so it doesn’t tear.
Next, you’ll want to provide the folded inflatable with maximum protection from its surroundings. This entails steering clear of outdoor sheds that might get some sun exposure. Instead, you might want to keep it in your garage, or better yet, in a closet.
Before you throw it in there, you might want to keep it in a storage bag. This will keep it fresh for its next dip. You’ll also provide an extra barrier of protection from any incoming rodents or critters.
Take note that it’s best to keep the folded inflatable pontoon boat off the floor so that pests don’t get to it. You can either keep it on one of your garage’s top shelves or even suspend it above using bicycle hooks if you’re storing it inflated.
Now you might not have enough storage space to keep the boat. In this case, you can keep it outdoors but try to keep it in a well-shaded region with a protective tarp over it. We recommend checking on it every week or so to make sure it’s clear of pests.
Inflatable Pontoon Boat Maintenance Tips
Owning an inflatable pontoon boat involves a few maintenance procedures. Check out our tips below on how to care for your inflatable boat.
- When moving the boat, don’t drag it. The inflatable boat will be vulnerable if exposed to abrasive debris, so carrying it is the way to go.
- Spray a protectant over the inflatable pontoon boat’s vinyl surface.
- Monitor the air pressure levels between every use so the boat doesn’t sink.
To Conclude
The effort you put in caring for an inflatable pontoon boat will show throughout each use. Keeping it clean and fresh from any pests or mold will benefit the boat’s longevity.
By following our easy steps on how to store an inflatable pontoon boat, you won’t dread busting it out every summer. You’ll be confident that it’s in good shape.
That being said, you might want to still perform a few inspections before re-inflating it so you don’t end up widening any potential holes or tears.
Other than that, we hope you enjoy your boating trips.