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  3. How to Summerize Your Boat
February 12, 2025

How to Summerize Your Boat

Ready to get your boat out of storage and prep it for summer? Greg from Bennington Pontoons walks you through how to summerize your boat and engine, with suggestions on boat equipment you'll need to have on board before you leave the dock.

 

Timecodes

0:00 - Intro

0:16 - Clean Boat Furniture

0:34 - Boating Equipment Needed

0:58 - Check Boat Battery

1:26 - Test Bilge Pump

1:44 - Change Engine Fluids

4:11 - Spring Boat Cleaning Checklist

 

The Importance of Summerizing Your Boat

Summerizing your pontoon boat is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition from winter storage to summer fun. Proper summerization helps prevent damage, ensures safety, and extends the lifespan of your boat.

Tools and Supplies Needed

· Marine-safe cleaners
· Freshwater hose

· Boat wax
· Engine oil and filters

· Battery charger
· Safety gear (life jackets, fire extinguishers, etc.)

How To De-Winterize Your Boat

For most people across the country, boating is a seasonal sport. That means that once the fall and winter months roll around, you must take the time to properly store your boat away for the winter. Luckily, once the weather starts to warm back up in the spring, you can de-winterize your boat and get ready to hit the water once again.

Just like preparing your boat to be stored for the winter, when it comes to de-winterizing your boat, you need to follow a thorough and detailed process.


Step 1: Remove & Clean the Boat Cover

Take off the boat cover and check for any signs of mold or mildew. Clean the cover if necessary before storing it away.

Step 2: Wash & Inspect the Exterior

Use a marine-safe cleaner to wash the hull. Rinse thoroughly to remove any salt or debris that could cause corrosion. Check for any visible damage such as cracks or punctures in the hull.

To prevent corrosion, check the bottom paint and repaint if necessary.

 

Step 3: Prepare the Engine

Change the fuel filter, inspect spark plugs, and replace the motor oil. Use a product like WD-40 to protect fasteners and electrical panels from rust and corrosion.

Step 4: Check the Battery

Ensure your battery is fully charged and in good condition. Refill acid levels with distilled water if needed.

Step 5: Check the Bilge Pump

Verify that your bilge pump is clean and working properly.

Step 6: Check Water Heater & Thermostat

Water pumps typically have a lifespan of about 2 years or 200 hours. Check that yours isn’t running hot, flush the system and replace the antifreeze according to the specifications in your owner’s manual.

Step 7: Check & Maintain Fluid Levels

Check and replace all fluids, including transmission fluid and antifreeze.

Step 8: Inspect Your Boat’s Electrical System

Check all electrical connections and ensure there are no signs of corrosion. Test all lights and electronic devices to confirm they are working properly.

 

Step 9: Inspect, Clean, & Repair Your Boat Interior

Examine seats, covers, and other vinyl components for tears or damage. Clean them with dealer-recommended cleaners and make any necessary repairs.

Cleaning resources:



Step 10: Get a Tune Up

A tune-up will allow your mechanic to run a compression test, check your water pump and seals, check the alarms, test the spark plugs, change out the lubricant in the lower unit and perform any other necessary services according to the owner’s manual.

Top 3 Tips Before Your First Boat Ride of the Season

1. Check Your Boating License & Registration

You won’t be able to get out and enjoy your pontoon boat this season if you don’t have the proper license and registration. Know the law for registration requirements for your state. Learn more about boat numbering and registration: https://www.boatus.org/study-guide/boat/registration

2. Check Boat Safety Gear & Equipment

Verify that you have all necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, a paddle, sunscreen, distress signals, and a first aid kit. Learn how to create an emergency safety kit for your boat. For safety requirements by boat size, check out the USCB minimum equipment requirements: https://www.boatus.org/equipment

 

3. Check the Battery

A dead battery can ruin a day on the water. Make sure it’s fully charged and replace it if necessary. Learn everything you need to about marine batteries: https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2018/june/marine-battery-maintenance 

Get the Most Out Of Your Boating Season

Ensure safety and performance by performing regular care, maintenance & safety checks throughout the season.

Be Safe

Follow a safety checklist prior to a day on the water.

Preventative Maintenance

Read your boat's owners manual for ongoing maintenance that should be performed to ensure your boat is ready for the water.

Clean & Protect Your Boat

Learn how to clean an aluminum pontoon to maintain shine and avoid oxidization or discoloration.

Boat Summerization FAQs