The serene environment, the refreshing breeze of the ocean, what’s better than spending quality time near the sea? To ride in such a soothing environment might be the reason you are planning to buy a pontoon.
If you find it difficult to choose the best pontoon, check out these 10 Best Pontoon Boats.
Well, you are in the right place if you are curious to know about the pontoon’s usage in saltwater.
Pontoon boats are usually used in rivers and inland lakes. But can a pontoon boat be used in saltwater? Yes, indeed; however, there are some considerations and precautions to take before you head to the saltwater with your pontoon.
Owning a pontoon and wanting to take it out in saltwater, I can feel that desperation. Therefore, in this article, I will highlight saltwater bodies in which you can use your pontoon.
Further, you’ll learn about how to protect pontoon from saltwater damage. So without wasting much time, Let’s get started.
Can You Use a Pontoon Boat in Saltwater? Where Exactly?
Over the past few decades, pontoon boats have evolved from a tedious water ride to powerful speed boats. That being the primary reason, many people these days ride their pontoon in saltwater too.
But can you use a pontoon boat in saltwater, anyway? It’s a common question most new boaters want to know. The answer isn’t straightforward either.
Well, as long as you operate safely and keep your boat in good condition, nothing can stop you. However, if we talk about taking your pontoon in the ocean, you need to consider certain things.
For instance, taking your pontoon far away from the shore is risky, especially if you have a pontoon shorter than 25 feet. The reason is that the sea’s dangers like mighty and massive tides can put you in serious trouble. And shorter pontoons might not be able to handle rough waters.
To ensure safety, remaining close to the shoreline is the right thing to do. Below are some safer saltwater bodies that you may look forward to if you have a pontoon.
Bays
Bay is a saltwater body that is somewhat similar to the ocean. Bays are usually surrounded by rocks, sand, trees, land, depending on the bay you choose. Being a safer option to ride your pontoon in, bay ensures complete security and serenity.
The bays are unlikely to see the tide’s full high, so there is nothing that you should worry about while riding your pontoon in the bay. Moreover, to find a bay, all you need to do is to find an ocean. There are always a few of them nearby an ocean.
Riding a pontoon in the bay, you can enjoy the beauty of the beach and the serenity of the environment.
Intercoastal Lagoons
A lagoon is quite similar to an ocean, though a miniature one, provided that it is intercoastal. In an intercoastal lagoon, you will not worry about massive tides and strong water movement, unlike those in the open ocean.
To ensure safety, make sure to take your pontoon out only in calm lagoons. Some lagoons have tall rock formations, so make sure to keep your boat distant from such areas.
Gulfs
Enclosed by the coastline and surrounded by land and mountains, the gulf is also a safer saltwater body. Just like bays and lagoons, you can calmly enjoy your pontoon ride while having a sense of safety.
Can Saltwater Damage Your Pontoon?
Can you use a pontoon boat in saltwater without ensuring its safeguard? No, you shouldn’t!
Is saltwater harmful to your pontoon? Of course, it is. And here’s the reason.
Saltwater can cause long term and short term damage to your pontoon. As it is heavier than freshwater, saltwater contains heavy minerals and hard particles that can easily damage your boat.
Even if it’s a bright sunny day, don’t doubt the abilities of saltwater to rust and corrode the aluminum sheet of your boat. However, with proper checks and balances, maintenance, and safety measures, you can ride conveniently and fearlessly.
Keeping the below-mentioned factors in mind, you can undoubtedly protect your pontoon from the saltwater’s potential damage.
Avoid Leaving Your Pontoon in the Saltwater for Long
If you want your pontoon to look as stunning as the day you bought it, then avoid keeping it in saltwater for long. By no means you’re not allowed to enjoy saltwater rides, but parking it in there would be a huge risk.
This prolonged exposure can reduce the lifespan of your pontoon by damaging the aluminum material of your boat. Therefore, you must avoid docking your boat in the nasty saltwater.
Clean Your boat After a Ride:
Before cleaning your boat, make sure that it is completely out of the saltwater. I recommend using a freshwater hose for cleaning purposes. Thoroughly clean the base of your pontoon and all the other areas that got exposed to saltwater.
After rinsing completely, let your boat dry. Do not put covers instantly after cleaning, as it can lead to mold problems.
Use Anti-Corrosion or Anti-Rust Sprays After Saltwater Rides
After drying, you should apply anti-corrosion or anti-rust sprays on your boat. If you are extremely passionate about keeping your boat stunning, you can apply both.
The high-quality anti-rust or anti-corrosion products can remove rust and corrosion efficiently from metal surfaces. Here are a few products to opt for:
Motorex
Motorex is one of the best rust removing products out there. You can get 500ml of this anti-rust spray for less than $25. It not only removes rust but can also work as a lubricant and helps in restoring moisture too. By applying a little amount of this product, you can remove rust extensively.
Corrosion-X
Another product, Corrosion-X, without a doubt, is one of the best products for removing corrosion. When you apply Corrosion-X onto the metal surface, it forms a film. After a couple of minutes, the film blocks moisture to enter from that area when it gets dried.
Furthermore, to know more about pontoon boat accessories, have a look at the 10 best Pontoon Boat Accessories.
Watch Your Pontoon Boat’s Warranty
The most important thing is to ensure the safety of your lovely pontoon. If ignored, saltwater can cause much damage to your boat. If you are getting the damage repaired through your warranty now, you will not get the advantage forever.
That is why going through your warranty before exposing your pontoon to saltwater is essential.
Some pontoon manufacturers explicitly state that their boats are designed for saltwater.
In contrast, others have clauses in their warranties that include invalidating terms. Never forget to read those terms before jumping into the saltwater.
In short, check out what does the warrant of your pontoon cover? If it does not cover the saltwater damage, you should drop the idea of heading towards any saltwater body.
When in doubt, contact your manufacturer and clear things up.
Conclusion
You can use pontoon boats in saltwater bodies safely. However, venturing out in an ocean might be a bit risky. So, if you want to ride anyway, staying close to the shoreline is a must.
In this context, saltwater bodies such as intercostal lagoons, bays, and gulfs are much safer. Also, to safeguard your pontoon in saltwater, keep the above-mentioned tips in mind. Don’t forget to clean your boat and apply anti-corrosion or anti-rust spray after returning from high salinity conditions.
I hope I have answered the question ‘Can a pontoon boat be used in saltwater?’. Stay Safe and Keep Boating!
