The evenings and mornings start to feel a bit cooler. Here and there, the leaves are fading from summer green to autumn oranges and reds. The sun begins to set just a little bit earlier. And while there are still plenty of days to take your pontoon out for a ride, eventually, the time comes to start thinking about winterizing and storing your boat.
While no one is ready for the boating season to end, here in Michigan, fall generally comes on pretty quickly. Of course, you will squeeze in as many cruises around the lake as possible, but then it’s time to change gears and get your boat out of the water.
There are many options for storing your boat in the wintertime and a lot of different variables to consider. Indoor storage has some great advantages. A lot of storage facilities are climate controlled so there is no need to do a full winterization of the boat. Additionally, keeping your boat completely out of the snow, sleet, and ice will keep it in the best condition possible. As dry-docking a boat in a climate controlled facility is going to be pricey, you may want to weigh your options.
Alternatively, storing your boat outdoors will have its pros and cons too. Opting for an outdoor storage yard is going to lower your costs for storing your boat for the winter. And storing your vessel outdoors on your own property is going to cost you even less. There is, however, more work to be done to protect your boat if you plan to store it outdoors. A full winterization of the boat will be necessary to prevent freezing and damage from sub-zero temperatures.
If you do decide to store your Easy Cover™-equipped pontoon outdoors during the winter months, Vision Marine Products recommends shrink wrapping your boat to provide maximum protection. But, to ensure that you prevent damage to the Easy Cover mechanism and/or parts, you’ll need to remove the Cover.
Removing The Cover
Step One
We recommend that the Cover be cleaned prior to storage (see the “Cleaning The Easy Cover Cover” page). Whether the Cover is cleaned or not, the Cover must be dry prior to storage.
Step Two
Disconnect the shock cords/bungees. To do this, use your Easy Cover™ key fob to lower the Top to a position where you can comfortably reach the spring cage connectors that are attached to the eyelets on the cover. As you detach each shock cord, tie it into a loose knot over the last Bow that the cord passes over on the Front Top. After you have disconnected the shock cords, lower the Easy Cover™ to the Cover position for storage. That way, when it’s time to get the boat out in the spring, all you will need to do is reconnect the shock cords to the eyelets and you will be ready to ride. If you do not remove the shock cords and they are left under tension throughout the winter, they will more than likely need to be replaced.
Step Three
Unzip the Sling and the Bow Pocket Zippers that are located on the underside of the Cover toward the center of the Boat. Unsnap all of the Snaps around the perimeter of the Cover.
Step Four
Move the Top to the Cover position (or any position you find comfortable to work) using your Easy Cover™ key fob. Starting at the Front of Boat, roll the Cover over each of the Bows working toward the back of the boat until you reach the Anchor Light. Detach the sides of the Velcro attached Water Management Flap which will allow the Cover to be slipped over the Anchor Light. Fold the Cover to a manageable size and place it in a dry place for storage.
After the Cover is removed, the shrink wrap structure of uprights can be installed and the boat can be shrink wrapped like any other pontoon. Just be careful not to apply to much heat to the shrink wrap near the composite mechanism Covers on the sides of the pontoon boat to avoid damage to the paint.
Finally, make sure to store the wireless key fobs in a warm, dry place.
By taking these precautions your pontoon will be protected throughout the winter months and the Easy Cover™ will be safely stored until spring rolls around again.