Tips & Tricks
Today we’re diving into essential safety tips, maintenance advice, and some handy extras for your pontoon or boat. From lifejackets to keeping insects out of your boat when it’s shrink-wrapped, we’ve got all the insights you need to keep your vessel in top shape. Let’s get started!
General
1) Check the weather before you leave.
2) Take a boat safety class!
3) Just like a regular vehicle, the driver should be SOBER.
4) Don’t use spray sunscreen (avoid aerosol cans in general), it may damage the vinyl!
Safety
1) Lifejackets: You should ALWAYS carry lifejackets with you when you’re out on the water. You should always have enough so that every person with you has a lifejacket if necessary.
2) First Aid Kit: You should have at least a basic first aid kit on board with you. You may need it for cuts, scrapes, burns, or in more serious situations’ things like allergic reactions or severe bleeding. In some areas, carrying a first aid kit is mandatory for all boats!
3) Fire Extinguisher: Different sized boats should have different kinds of fire extinguishers on board. While this is not a requirement, we do recommend doing research on what kind you may need, and having one on board just in case. There are laws pertaining to certain boats on carrying fire extinguishers, posted on the official US Coast Guard website.
4) Test Safety Equipment: Your safety equipment on board should be tested to ensure it is functional prior to going out on the water. This can help lessen the chance of a malfunction during an emergency, allow you to familiarize yourself with your equipment, and allow you to identify any maintenance or repairs needed early on.
5) Check Your Gas Can: You should always check your gas can before you take off. Doing this can allow you to be sure you don’t get stranded out on the water if you run out of gas, and make sure your can is not leaking.
Maintenance
1) Clean regularly.
2) Check engine, oil, coolant, gaskets, and engine heads regularly.
3) Check for dents, damage, and leaks regularly.
4) Check the propeller.
5) Cover your boat or pontoon when not in use.
6) Check the batteries.
7) Wax your boat 2x yearly.
8) Remove salt build up after sailing in salt water.
Storage
1) Keep your pontoon off of the ground: This may help prevent corrosion or scratches during the months when it’s in storage.
2) Cover your pontoon: You should keep your pontoon covered with a tarp or get it shrink-wrapped before storage. This will allow your pontoon to shed water, snow, and ice.
3) Vertical Storage: Use wall mounted racks/hooks to store fishing rods, paddles, tow ropes, etc.
Winterization
1) Thoroughly clean your boat.
2) Drain all water systems or have them drained by a professional.
3) Add nontoxic antifreeze to the engine, plumbing systems, etc.
4) Change engine oil filters as needed.
Other Tips & Tricks
1) Stains: Warm soapy water and a bristle brush may help diminish stains and dirt.
2) Vinyl Cleaning Products: Try to find neutral or non-toxic cleaning products, avoid abrasive or detergent based cleaners, avoid wax or polishing compounds, and make sure to read the product’s SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for more safety information.
Thank you for reading our tips & tricks for your NorthStar Adventures! We hope you found these insights helpful and that they enhance your outdoor experiences. If you have any questions or additional tips to share, please leave us a comment below or comment on our Facebook posts! Don’t forget to keep an eye out for new blog posts for more adventures, stories, and tips! Happy adventuring!
Beyond Pontoons, Into Adventures.
