It is very normal to store a pontoon boat well. If you have no previous experience, the first concern is of good maintenance.
It can be much more if you don’t have a good quality boat trailer. A good quality trailer is essential for good maintenance of a boat.
But for whatever reason, such as lack of your own storage or money problems, if you can’t afford it, then the anxiety may increase a little.
Although a different kinds of trailer is a very good option for saving a boat. However, there are many more ways you can save your pontoon boat for a short time or for a long winter.
So let’s take a look at what kind of options you can get without delay to save your precious boat well.
Different Ways of Storing Pontoon Boat without a Trailer
There are basically 4 boat storage options for short and long periods of time if you do not have a boat trailer especially an aluminum one.
But how long you want to store it before you follow it depends on what kind of method will be best for you. There are some methods that are good for a short time and there are some that are good for a long time.
Take a look at them below and you can choose the one that suits you best.
1. Dry Dock Boat Storage
This method can be compared to a large warehouse system. In this system, boats are usually lined up with shelves made of iron.
If you want to save your boat for quite a long time, this is one of the best effective methods. This method does not require any type of trailer to keep the boat and most people have been using this method for a long time.
Although this method is the most popular and safe, the biggest problem with this method is its maintenance cost. Although the cost may be a little higher depending on the place, it is not very low. Besides, if your boat is a little bigger, the cost will definitely increase, needless to say.
2. Marina Storage
This can be a very good method if you want to store your boat for a short time. But if you want to do it for a long time or for the whole winter, the method is not very effective.
This method puts your boat in the dockyard water and does not require any type of boat trailer.
Although this method does not cost as much as the dry dock method, you still have to spend a lot of money for storage.
3. Pontoon Boat Storage Blocks
If for some reason you can’t buy a good quality trailer, you can buy and use this type of block for very little money.
This type of block is very easy to use. You don’t have to worry about using it at all.
Such blocks are usually made of plastic, rubber or a mixture of both. If you can afford to buy a good quality block, it works almost like a trailer.
Note: Since these blocks are a little low type, it needs to be inspected from time to time. This makes it very easy to save your boat from getting damaged by dirt.
4. Boat Stand
Another very good option at a low price. Such boatstands are usually made of iron or steel. If you don’t want to use blocks on your boat, you can use it if you want.
You will get benefit is that it is usually a little higher type than those block type of storage system.
Related:
How many boat stands do I need?
It usually depends on the size and weight of your boat. If your boat is small in size, just two stands are enough to hold your boat. But if your boat is a little bigger, you may need to use at least four stands.
Hopefully you’ve got a rough idea of how to store your boat if you don’t have a trailer.
Would it be Okay to Put a Pontoon Boat on the Ground?
Whether the ground is dry or wet, it would not be wise to leave your boat on top of it. This leaves the possibility of your boat being bent.
In addition, various types of corrosive substances from the soil can reduce the life of the boat.
And that is why we always recommend that the boat be good for a long time, open grounding must be avoided.
Tips for Storing a Pontoon Boat
- It is important to clean the boat well before storing it. Wash it well with good quality soap, detergent and fresh water. Under no circumstances should sea salt water be used in it.
- It must be well wrapped with a good quality cover before storing. Under no circumstances should you leave it in the open under a completely open sky.
- The discharge part of the boat should be closed very well with duct tape. Shut it down in such a way that no insects can enter it and shut down its system.
- It is wise to change the boat oil before staring. It protects your coolant system from corrosion.
- The boat needs to be re-operated and if any repairs or equipment changes are needed, it is best to do so before storing.
- The boat needs to be inspected from time to time for better storage and long term use. And so after 15 to 25 days, I hope you will inspect the details in a good way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paperwork is required to rent a space at the dockyard?
To rent a dockyard space you need either a driver’s license, a state ID or a passport. You must also have the current registration of the boat and its insurance proof documents.
Do I have to go for long term agreement to rent the boat storage?
It usually depends on which company’s storage you are renting. It can vary from company to company. However, most companies usually rent on a monthly basis. Talk to them in advance about this. Besides, there was a special request to read their different terms and conditions well.
Final Thought
Hopefully you’ve got a rough idea of how to store your boat if you don’t have your own trailer.
Some options are quite expensive and in some cases it is not very easy to store well without a trailer.
If for some reason you can’t buy a new trailer, we suggest you buy one, even if it is an used trailer.
