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Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Can a Pontoon Boat be Used in Saltwater?
The question, “Can a Pontoon Boat be Used in Saltwater?” is a joint inquiry among boating enthusiasts and prospective boat owners. Pontoon boats can certainly navigate saltwater, but specific precautions are essential to ensure the longevity of your vessel.
- Corrosion is a primary concern in saltwater usage.
- Regular freshwater washdowns prevent corrosion damage.
- Sacrificial anodes can protect vital boat components.
- Regular maintenance, cleaning, and protective coatings are essential.
- Consider traditions for better stability in rough oceanic conditions.
- Ensure the boat’s motor is powerful enough for saltwater.
What’s better than spending quality time near the sea in the serene environment and the refreshing breeze of the ocean? Riding in such a soothing environment might be why you plan to buy a pontoon.
If you find it challenging to choose the best pontoon, check out these 10 Best Pontoon Boats.
Well, you are in the right place if you are curious 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, this article will highlight saltwater bodies where you can use your pontoon.
Further, you’ll learn how to protect the 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 tedious water rides to powerful speed boats. That is the primary reason many people ride their pontoons 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 into the ocean, you must 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 more temporary pontoons might not be able to handle rough waters.
Remaining close to the shoreline is the best way to ensure safety. Below are some safer saltwater bodies you may enjoy if you have a pontoon.
Bays
A bay is a saltwater body similar to the ocean. Depending on the bay, it is usually surrounded by rocks, sand, trees, and land. A bay is a safer option for riding your pontoon and 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 near the sea.
Riding a pontoon in the bay, you can enjoy the beach’s beauty and the environment’s serenity.
Intercoastal Lagoons
A lagoon is quite similar to an ocean, though a miniature one, provided it is intercoastal. Unlike those In the open sea, you will not worry about massive tides and strong water movement in an intercoastal lagoon.
To ensure safety, take your pontoon out only in calm lagoons. Some lagoons have tall rock formations, so keep your boat distant from such areas.
Gulfs
The gulf is also a safer saltwater body, enclosed by the coastline and surrounded by land and mountains. Like bays and lagoons, you can calmly enjoy your pontoon ride while feeling safe.
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 saltwater is heavier than freshwater, it contains heavy minerals and hard particles that can easily damage your boat.
Even if it’s a bright sunny day, don’t doubt the ability of saltwater to rust and corrode the aluminum sheet of your boat. However, you can ride conveniently and fearlessly with proper checks and balances, maintenance, and safety measures.
Considering the factors mentioned below, you can 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, avoid keeping it in saltwater for long. By no means are you not allowed to enjoy saltwater rides, but parking it in there would be a considerable risk.
This prolonged exposure can damage the aluminum material of your pontoon and reduce its lifespan. Therefore, you must avoid docking your boat in the nasty salt water.
Clean Your Boat After a Ride
Before cleaning your boat, ensure it is entirely out of salt water. I recommend using a freshwater hose for cleaning purposes. Thoroughly clean the base of your pontoon and all the other areas exposed to saltwater.
After rinsing thoroughly, let your boat dry. Do not put covers on immediately after cleaning, as this 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 to your boat. If you are passionate about stunning your boat, you can use both.
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:
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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 removes rust and can also work as a lubricant and help restore moisture. Applying a small amount of this product can remove rust extensively.
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Corrosion-X
Another product, Corrosion-X, is undoubtedly one of the best for removing corrosion. When you apply Corrosion-X to the metal surface, it forms a film. After a few minutes, the film blocks moisture from entering that area when dried.
Furthermore, to learn more about pontoon boat accessories, look at the ten 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 get 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 your pontoon’s warrant covers. If it does not cover saltwater damage, you should avoid heading towards any saltwater body.
When in doubt, contact your manufacturer and clear things up.
How Deep Can a Pontoon Boat Go?
Generally, a pontoon boat requires a minimum of two feet depth to operate without risking damage to its structure, though an ideal depth is three feet.
Operating a boat in shallow conditions demands heightened skill and meticulous attention to prevent expensive repairs.
It is paramount for an experienced boater to accurately gauge the water’s depth before venturing out in a pontoon boat, ensuring a safe and enjoyable boating experience.
Final Words
In conclusion, whether a Pontoon Boat can be used in saltwater can be answered positively, albeit with specific precautions. The primary concern while using a pontoon boat in saltwater is the potential for corrosion due to the salinity.
However, this can be mitigated through regular freshwater washdowns to prevent corrosion damage. Additionally, sacrificial anodes can be added to the boat’s design to protect vital components from corrosion.
Furthermore, regular maintenance, thorough cleaning, and application of protective coatings are essential to ensure the boat’s longevity in saltwater conditions.
Consideration should also be given to the boat’s stability in rough oceanic conditions, as traditions may need to be adjusted for better navigation. Notably, ensuring that the boat’s motor is powerful enough for saltwater use is imperative.
Saltwater boating often demands higher horsepower and more robust systems to counter stronger currents and waves. Therefore, despite the potential challenges, a pontoon boat can be utilized in saltwater environments with the correct preventative measures and equipment checks.
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