Should I cover my pontoon boat when it's not in use?

Covering your pontoon boat when it's not in use is highly recommended to protect it from the elements, prevent damage, and maintain its resale value.

How often should I clean my pontoon boat cover?

You should clean your pontoon boat cover regularly, at least once a season, to remove dirt, debris, and any potential mold or mildew. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for best results.

Can I use a universal cover for my pontoon boat?

While universal covers can be used, custom-fit covers are generally recommended as they provide better protection and fit more securely.

How do I prevent moisture buildup under the cover?

To prevent moisture buildup, use a breathable cover and ensure proper ventilation. Support poles can help create a tent-like structure that allows air to circulate.

Can a boat be covered while trailering?

Yes, a boat can be covered while trailering, but it’s essential to use a cover specifically designed for trailering. These covers are made with reinforced materials and straps to withstand high winds and movement on the road. Ensure the cover is secured tightly to prevent flapping, which can cause wear or damage to the cover and the boat. Additionally, a properly fitted cover will reduce wind drag, protect your pontoon from road debris, and maintain its condition during transit.

How To January 31, 2025

Covering Your Pontoon: Essential Tips & Benefits

Protecting your pontoon boat is one of the smartest investments you can make to maintain its condition and value for years to come. Whether you’re preparing for seasonal changes or ensuring longevity, having the right pontoon boat cover and using it properly can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of pontoon covers, types available, and tips for securing and maintaining your cover effectively.

Importance of Covering Your Pontoon

Pontoon boats are an investment that can bring years of enjoyment when cared for properly. A quality boat cover acts as your first line of defense against harsh weather, UV damage, and debris.

Different Seasons, Different Needs

Different seasons pose unique challenges to your pontoon boat. In the summer, prolonged sun exposure can fade upholstery and damage surfaces, while fall brings leaves and debris that can clog drains and collect moisture. During winter, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures pose risks like structural damage or mildew buildup. Using a well-fitted cover tailored to the season helps protect your boat year-round.

Protecting Your Investment

A pontoon cover isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your investment. Consistent coverage shields your boat from:

Weather Elements: Rain, snow, hail, and sun can cause long-term damage.
Debris: Leaves, bird droppings, and dust can dirty or degrade your pontoon.
Mold and Mildew: Proper covers prevent moisture buildup, reducing the risk of mold growth.

Keeping your pontoon covered ultimately preserves its appearance, function, and resale value.

Types of Pontoon Boat Covers

When it comes to pontoon covers, there are multiple options to suit your needs and budget.

Traditional Covers vs. Automatic Covers

Traditional Covers: These manual covers are cost-effective and versatile. They require some effort to install but provide solid protection when used correctly.
Automatic Covers: Automatic covers are convenient, offering push-button operation to cover or uncover your pontoon quickly. While more expensive, they save time and effort, especially for frequent boaters.

Key Features of a Quality Pontoon Cover

When choosing a cover, consider the following features:

Material: Durable marine-grade materials, like polyester or vinyl, resist water, UV rays, and wear.
Fit: A custom-fit cover provides maximum protection and a secure fit.
Breathability: Allows moisture to escape, reducing mildew and mold risk.
Ease of Use: Features like straps, support poles, and quick-release buckles simplify the installation process.

Cost Factors

The cost of a pontoon cover depends on its material, size, and design. Traditional covers are budget-friendly, ranging from $200-$1,000, while automatic options can cost upwards of $2,000. Investing in quality ensures long-term savings by reducing potential repair and maintenance costs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Covering Your Pontoon Boat

Properly covering your pontoon ensures maximum protection. Follow these steps for success.

00:00:00:09 - 00:00:24:04

Hello again. I'm Greg from Bennington Marine along with Nicole. And we're just going to show you an easy way to take off your cover. Here's a nice little tip on taking the playpen cover off. Where the clip is, you basically just pull down on one side and release it, and that takes the clip right out of the track system underneath.

00:00:24:04 - 00:00:24:23

Do that again.

00:00:28:12 - 00:00:45:13

And then what we're going to do is we're going to take it and we're gonna roll the cover forward as we take it off you pop those loose and we can step inside the boat and work our way right down through the middle. We'll just be taking the post out as we as we roll it forward.

00:00:53:14 - 00:01:26:05

Continue to work our way forward. Let's keep working our way forward, rolling it as we go. Nicole just kind of twist that pole right out of the socket on the cover vent. All of our covers are vented, as you'll see in the very top part. They're all covered to keep moisture from building up inside the cover. OK, as Nicole and I get to the very front portion of the boat, we're just going to go ahead and pull it up into thirds.

00:01:26:05 - 00:01:45:21

So we're going to do these last get these last few snaps off and then we can fold it in the thirds. So like so. Like so. And by doing this, this helps you. So when you take it to the dock or put it on the shoreline, you know exactly how you're going to do the opposite when you put it back on the boat.

00:01:45:21 - 00:02:11:04

So then we'll set it on the boat and we'll undo it accordingly. And then we'll work away from the front, back off the back platform on the boat. When installing the playpen cover. It doesn't have to be a chore. You will notice there's multiple posts for the cover. You can either install them as you work away from the front to the back, or you can crawl underneath the cover, install them later. Which is not very much fun.

00:02:11:10 - 00:02:31:00

And Nicole, speaking from experience, you can also actually number your post one through whatever, and that way you have the fixed height. So every time you put the cover on and off, the heighth will already be set for you. But if you don't do that and you do need adjustment is just a little tab, you flip it out move it up and down and you can adjust it quite easily.

00:02:31:15 - 00:03:00:01

So for this situation here, we're just going to go and lay out the posts, if you don't mind, Nicole. And then since we've already folded, caught the covered playpen cover in thirds, we're just going to reverse that process. So we're just going to grab a hold of it, bring it right back up unfold it accordingly. And then right here, you're going to see right up in the very front gutter snaps right there.

00:03:00:15 - 00:03:11:06

And we're just going to work the process backwards from front to back now. Again, it just makes it so much easier when you have two people doing it so you can do this in a matter of minutes.

00:03:13:18 - 00:03:49:19

Just unrolling it back as we go and then we'll just slip the post in as we work through it and and we can adjust it with that little tab we talked about earlier. Remember the design of the playpen cover? We have the J clips that just pop right in the bottom of the tubing. You'll hear it pop right in. So there you go.

00:03:49:20 - 00:03:52:14

For more tips, join us at Bennington Marine.com

Maintaining Your Pontoon's Value and Longevity

Preparing Your Pontoon: Unload & Clean

Remove all gear: Take out coolers, equipment, and accessories to prevent damage and unnecessary bulk.
Clean thoroughly: Wash off dirt, debris, and salt residue to avoid damage under the cover. Let your pontoon dry completely before covering. Reference this guide for any questions on properly cleaning your boat.
Choosing the Right Cover: Material & Fit
- Measure your pontoon dimensions accurately.
- Opt for breathable, water-resistant materials.
- Choose a cover specifically designed for pontoons to ensure a snug and secure fit.

Securing the Cover: Tips & Techniques

Use support poles to create a tent-like structure that prevents water pooling.
Secure the cover using straps, buckles, or tie-downs. Make sure it’s taut but not overstretched.
Double-check corners and seams for full coverage.

Final Tips for Pontoon Owners

Using a pontoon cover minimizes wear and tear, protects upholstery, and reduces the need for frequent cleaning. Proper coverage also keeps your boat looking newer for longer, preserving its value and performance.

Regularly inspect your cover for rips or wear.
Clean your pontoon boat cover seasonally to maintain its effectiveness.

Consistent care goes a long way in extending your pontoon’s lifespan
Store your pontoon in a shaded area when possible, for extra protection.

Boat Care & Maintenance Resources

How to Winterize Your Boat

How to Summerize Your Boat

Cleaning Your Aluminum Pontoon

Cleaning Vinyl Boat Seats

Frequently Asked Questions

Covering your pontoon boat when it's not in use is highly recommended to protect it from the elements, prevent damage, and maintain its resale value.
You should clean your pontoon boat cover regularly, at least once a season, to remove dirt, debris, and any potential mold or mildew. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for best results.
While universal covers can be used, custom-fit covers are generally recommended as they provide better protection and fit more securely.
To prevent moisture buildup, use a breathable cover and ensure proper ventilation. Support poles can help create a tent-like structure that allows air to circulate.
Yes, a boat can be covered while trailering, but it’s essential to use a cover specifically designed for trailering. These covers are made with reinforced materials and straps to withstand high winds and movement on the road. Ensure the cover is secured tightly to prevent flapping, which can cause wear or damage to the cover and the boat. Additionally, a properly fitted cover will reduce wind drag, protect your pontoon from road debris, and maintain its condition during transit.