Pontoons, while providing great fun and functionality to a waterfront home, are an excellent investment. We’ve covered many articles explaining why pontoons are an excellent investment, including last month’s post listing the pros and cons of pontoons. And, as that article demonstrates, pontoons are fantastic, provided you look after them.
You CAN do a lot with your pontoon if you take care of it. If you don’t take care of your pontoon, you’re undoubtedly going to face a growing list of damage and repairs, which could eventually prevent you from being able to do ANYTHING with your pontoon.
We’re in the business of pontoons, so we’re very much in favour of them. We’re also in the business of pontoon maintenance, so we know what you should and should NOT do with them. Today, we will look at what not to do with your pontoon to ensure maximum functionality, usage and longevity.
Do NOT choose a pontoon based on price
The number one rule of pontoons is not to base your decision on price. Choosing a pontoon should be based on your waterfront location. Suppose you’re located closer to the seaway and experience rough waters. In that case, you will need a piled pontoon to withstand such conditions over a more affordable cable or strut pontoon.
Do NOT fail to clean them after each use
Pontoons are designed to be robust, but they are not invincible. As with anything, they will deteriorate if not maintained. Like a boat, jet ski or PWC, pontoons should also be hosed down and cleaned regularly. Cleaning the pontoon will help extend the lifespan of the marine carpet, which is about 8-10 years. More importantly, it will help prevent aluminium corrosion due to contact with dissimilar metals without proper insulation or chemicals dumped into the water to control weeds or clean marine fouling from pontoons.
Do NOT neglect them
In addition to the point above, pontoons need to be inspected regularly for barnacle build-up and surface or light structural damage. You cannot neglect them – they’re not a ‘set and forgot’ product. Pontoons are in a marine environment that is ever-changing. Strong winds, rough waters, and extreme conditions can cause havoc to a pontoon, as too can frequent use.
Do NOT fail to repair minor damage
Minor damage to a pontoon cannot be overlooked and pushed aside. It must be addressed and repaired to ensure the damage doesn’t become more significant. The point of performing regular inspections is to notice the damage. You then need to act on this and repair it swiftly.
What may only look like barnacle buildup on a pile can cause catastrophic damage if the roller becomes bound up on the barnacles as the tide rises or falls. This is just one example; there are many more.
Do NOT overload them beyond their capabilities
Pontoons are robust, but there is a limit to the size and number of boats it can successfully dock before the force, weight, and pressure becomes too much. Understand your pontoons limits and never overload it.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to get a pontoon or you’re a new pontoon owner, it’s essential that you know what not to do with your pontoon to ensure you maximize its functionality, usage and longevity.
Do not choose a pontoon based on price. Do not fail to clean your pontoon regularly. Do not neglect to inspect your pontoon for damage regularly. Do not then fail to repair any sighted damage. Lastly, please do not overload your pontoon beyond its capabilities.
By following this list of what NOT to do with your pontoon, you can rest assured that your pontoon will serve you well, cost you little to maintain, and last a very long time.
For all your pontoon maintenance and repair needs, look no further than Micks Marine Maintenance. We’re one of the regions leading pontoon specialists and offer affordable and reliable pontoon repairs across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Bribie Island, Sunshine Coast, Northern NSW and everywhere in between.