See full version: How to Store a Pontoon Boat on Land
Load the boat on the trailer. First, back the trailer into the water; partially submerge the bed. Then motor the boat half way onto the trailer. Finally, pull the boat the rest of the way onto it with the winch. Pull the trailer forward 15 feet. Strap the pontoon boat to the trailer. Attach caution tape to the back of the pontoons if the boat hangs off the end of the trailer.
Fill the fuel tank to within 1 inch of the top of the fuel tank filler hose. This forces the air out of the tank. Air contains humidly which turns to condensation when the temperature drops. Condensation rusts the inside of the gas tank. Rust damages an engine.
Empty the season-old oil from the engine. Remove the spark-plug wires. Remove the plugs. Spray the inside of the engine, through the holes, with fogging oil. Replace the spark plugs with new ones. Fill with fresh oil. Replace the old engine coolant. Disconnect the battery cables from the terminals. here
Dry storage of a pontoon boat prevents the watercraft from deteriorating during the winter or when not in use. Ice cracks hulls; water and sun damage decks and electrical components. Winterizing the engine prevents condensation from damaging the internal components. Properly storing your boat on land extends the life of your boat and reduces the need for mechanical repairs. There are two stages to storing a pontoon boat on land: moving the boat out of the water, and winterizing and covering it.
4 cement blocks with a piece of 2x4 with a notch cut in each one chances are you pobabaly have these things around already
Call around to building suppliers and ask for Styrofoam Buoyancy Billets for floating docks. Many times you can find some damaged ones and get a deal. You can order them online for about $120 for a 8' [links]
Re: Winter Storage - On The Ground?
The Attwood 11401-4 Pontoon Winter Storage Blocks are perhaps the most popular choice on the market for this type of storage solution. They offer a universal fit, which means you should be able to store your pontoon over them regardless of make and model. more
Most boat owners think that the trailer is an essential for pontoon boat storage. But there are a number of methods you can try to safely keep your boat in storage without having to worry about the issues listed above. Here are some clever strategies you can try: more
Even relatively ‘level’ ground won’t be level enough to make sure that your pontoon boat’s weight doesn’t teeter to one side too severely. This can be especially troublesome if you’re leaving your pontoon for extended periods of time, causing the decking material to warp and bend due to the improper and unbalanced weight distribution.
Maybe you’re just leaving your boat for a few weeks or a month. A covered slip might be good enough to keep it safe. Expect to pay a slightly higher fee for the added protection. But if you’re not planning to leave your boat for too long, then a covered slip might be a cheaper alternative to renting a dry storage space. [links]
A storage factor that not many boat owners think about is protection from rodents and insects. A boat can be an appealing place for critters during cold winter months, and a plastic or canvas barrier only offers temporary protection from their sharp, gnawing teeth. The same rodent and insect prevention techniques in your home—traps, poison, mothballs—also apply to your boat. While a dependable last line of defense in your boat, consider using humane methods of discouraging interest in your boat in the first place, like spraying a rodent repellant around the perimeter of your boat. [links]
With so much already on your plate, winterizing and storing your pontoon boat is a project that should be started as early as possible so you aren’t rushing to beat the snow. We’ve compiled this list of tips to properly get your pontoon boat prepared for winter storage so that it’s ready to hit the water as soon as warm weather returns.
Outboard motors need to be cycled up and down a couple times in order to circulate the fluids. You should also leave the motor tilted down while in storage to allow all of the water to drain out of the cooling system. Otherwise, water can become trapped inside, where it can freeze and expand, cracking or damaging important engine components. Leave your motor unwrapped as well, or else you risk a build-up of condensation that can cause corrosion in the electrical system or throttle and shift linkages. more
Preparing the engine and Systems
Removing all accessories that are capable of being removed can ensure that they remain damage-free and cannot be stolen. This includes any electronics, furniture, seats, ladders or tables. Cold weather can damage depth finders or audio equipment, as can condensation. Depending on where you choose to store your pontoon boat for the winter, you may want to remove the motor as well, as it can be a prime target for thieves. [links]
This is a great opportunity for a basic inspection and some preventative maintenance while the boat is out of the water. Replacing worn parts now will mean you have more time for fun once spring rolls around again. Take this time to make sure your pontoon boat is adhering to your state’s boating safety regulations. If your state requires that you carry specific emergency equipment, like extra personal flotation devices, a fire extinguisher or a visual distress signal, make sure you’re compliant by the time you hit the water the following year. more