Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

So I'm in Alabama and just bought a new Veranda pontoon this year with the thoughts of running it in the lakes and river here, and maybe a week a year down in Destin in the salt water. Not a big deal, but now it's looking like I'm about to make a big move that I really wasn't thinking about at the time of purchase. Looks like I'm heading to the keys, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of fresh water to boat in. So what if anything do I need to change out on the boat to make it more of a salt water boat then a fresh, other then the standard flush and rinse after use.

If just pulling it in n out when used nothing really. Just a good rinse of boat n trailer. Flush motor. If leaving in a slip add zinks to the pontoon itself not just the motor. Most important is just a good rinse after use. I live on the coast n mine is in salt water all the time. Just takes a little more care.

Extra measure of protection, used this stuff as long as it has been in existence, better than just a freshwater flush.

Sort of what I thought just thought I would ask and verify. Thanks

galvanized or aluminum trailer? Treat all you electrical connections and fuse block.

Aluminum on the trailer.

Salt creates it's own little environment in enclosed spaces. It's the nature of living next to the sea. But, I'm still jealous of your move.

I always used CRC protectant to spray my electrical panel connections under the helm or other closed spaces. If you've got any other unsealed electrical connections, just be aware and check from time to time.

Already mentioned was a zinc anode for each toon. The salt package I have now includes a block of zinc under the motor mount on the transom. My engine has two anodes on the lower unit.

Regular engine flushes are a must. I also did engine maintenance every hundred hours and this included new impeller.

Keep in mind that you also have an aluminum deck, You'll have to make sure to get to every little corner and hiding spot for the salt to settle in.

I worked on boats on the gulf coast for years, you can slow the damage but thats about it. It is just the accepted way it is for being in the salt.

No carpet on the trailer bunks/skids. They hold water (salt) and will cause corrosion.

Comment from another forum:

"I just purchased a new trailer with plastic slides. The dealer told me that these were preferred because the carpet will hold salt water against the aluminum pontoons causing corrosion. My boat is fiberglass so it doesn't really matter for me but it does make it easier to launch with the plastic/vinyl bunk covers."

[quote="joe20toon"]No carpet on the trailer bunks/skids. They hold water (salt) and will cause corrosion.

Comment from another forum:

"I just purchased a new trailer with plastic slides. The dealer told me that these were preferred because the carpet will hold salt water against the aluminum pontoons causing corrosion. My boat is fiberglass so it doesn't really matter for me but it does make it easier to launch with the plastic/vinyl bunk covers."[/quote]


Even before the news of the move I was planning to do this, this winter

I just put another post on this on another thread but put some type of plastic isolator between the aluminum trailer and stainless components on it, assuming you have stainless. This will save you some trailer frame repair down the road.

You can find the comment:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=24984

Well change of plans, not because of Irma, but looks like I'm heading to Melbourne Florida now. Was sitting at my desk getting ready to accept the job in key west, and got a call being offered a different job in Melbourne. Same 3 letter .gov agency, same job, just different location. Can't wait.

[quote="Radartom"]Well change of plans, not because of Irma, but looks like I'm heading to Melbourne Florida now. Was sitting at my desk getting ready to accept the job in key west, and got a call being offered a different job in Melbourne. Same 3 letter .gov agency, same job, just different location. Can't wait.[/quote]


Melbourne is also a great area, I grew up just south of there in Ft. Pierce. No change in your original questions and board suggestions, you'll still be doing a lot of salt Water, beautiful cruising in the ICW (Indian River) you can take day trips and cover huge amounts of territory north and south, Cruise to Daytona Beach to the north, or further, and to the south Ft. Pierce (has an inlet to the Atlantic) Jensen Beach, Stuart. Enjoy your new location.