Pontoon boats can be a ton of fun, from fishing and lounging to racing. Yet, one part you may not enjoy is having to get a boat lift every time you’re not using it.
That’s where sea legs come in.
If you’re unfamiliar with pontoon sea legs, how they work, and how you can care for them, keep reading for all the details!
Why Get Pontoon Sea Legs?
Sea legs are battery-powered hydraulic systems that go underneath your boat. Their primary function is to raise your pontoon above the water, holding it in place and keeping it from drifting.
Before you decide if they’re worth it, take a look at the merits of getting sea legs:
Lifting Convenience
You no longer have to worry about anchoring or bumping your pontoon each time you go to any dock.
All you need to do is hit a button on your remote or move the toggle switches to lift your pontoon and get off it. That’s what makes the sea leg operation fairly simple.
Portability
Unlike regular lifts, you don’t have to pull up to the dock to use sea legs. Instead, you can power those legs up anywhere in lakes or rivers. The only limit here is the water depth since the legs need to be able to touch the water bed.
That said, you should avoid deep muddy water beds because the legs could sink into the mud, making it harder to retract.
Extended Lifespan
Leaving your pontoon for an extended period in water will build up contaminants, like sand, mud, and algae, making it harder to clean. The less you let the boat soak in the water, the easier the cleaning job will be.
It’s not just the maintenance you have to worry about, either. Sea legs can help in protecting your pontoon from normal wear and tear.
Usually, most boats have a coating barrier that prevents oxidation. However, if your pontoon has scratches or dents, the exposed metal will electrochemically react with water, eventually corroding it. Using sea legs can slow down this process.
Can You Install Sea Legs on Any Pontoon?
Generally, you can install sea legs on different types of pontoons, but it all comes down to load and size compatibility. For one, most sea legs are suitable for 18 to 30-foot boats.
However, you should always check the specs to know if the sea leg is a fit for your pontoon.
For each boat construction, the manufacturer will recommend a specific sea leg setup, either twin or triple tube. Both types can come in different models. Ideally, wide pontoon legs operate better than straight in rough waters and windy areas.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to get in touch with the manufacturer anyway to get help with the installation process.
Can You Lift Pontoon Sea Legs Separately?
Yes, some models have two pairs of sea legs attached to the front and rear of your pontoon boats that you can operate independently.
Adjusting one pair at a time is handy when you’re trying to level your pontoon boat on uneven lake bottom surfaces. Yet, it won’t balance your pontoon from left to right.
Meanwhile, if you decide to click the “Boat Up or Down” button to move the two pairs of sea legs simultaneously, you can bring the whole pontoon in or out of the water.
Do Sea Legs Slow Down the Pontoon?
Yes, sea legs may decrease the speed of your pontoon, but not because they’ll haul behind. The legs fully retract under your boat, and no parts extend in the water while driving.
It’s the weight you might need to worry about since sea legs are usually aluminum alloys ranging between 350 lbs to 600 lbs. This added weight could slow your boat down a bit, but it’s the price of the extra boost in convenience and protection.
Do You Need to Winterize Pontoon Sea Legs?
No, you don’t need to winterize your pontoon sea legs. All you need to do is retract the sea legs and winterize your engine. Then, store your pontoon by covering it and moving it to a safe storing location.
What Problems Should You Expect With Pontoon Sea Legs?
While operating errors aren’t common, the sea legs sometimes get stuck and struggle to raise or lower the boat. Usually, that’s a sign of no or weak power.
However, you’ll generally want to refer to your manufacturer’s troubleshooting guide to know exactly why your sea legs aren’t working.
In most cases, it’ll be one of those issues:
1. Debris Accumulation and Basic Connection Issues
Before you dig deep into troubleshooting, ensure that your sea legs are clean and don’t have any build-ups.
You should also inspect the sea legs’ components and check if all the pump wires and hoses are in place.
2. Faulty Remote Controller
If you’re operating the sea legs using the remote, and they’re not working, check the remote’s battery to see if it’s dead.
Changing the remote’s battery could help, but if it doesn’t, the problem may be in the receiver. You can double-check by operating the pontoon using the toggle switches to raise your sea legs.
3. Dead Battery
If neither the remote control nor the toggle switch work, the problem might be in the battery. Try charging your battery. If that doesn’t cut it, you’ll likely need a replacement.
Keep in mind that you might need a hefty battery with 850 CCA (Cold Cranking Amperes) to power up the sea legs properly.
4. Low Oil Levels
If your boat is up, check under it to see if you have an oil leak. If there is a visible leakage, try tightening the cylinder.
Then, open the reservoir cap and check the oil’s level. You can purchase extra oil containers from your sea-leg retailer to fill it up.
Final Thoughts
Pontoon sea legs can be a great addition to your boat. They’re easy to operate and won’t require any strict maintenance routines.
Aside from helping you pull up your boat anywhere, they’ll also protect it from wear and tear, so you can enjoy your pontoon for a long time!