Pontoons were made for the water - but that doesn’t mean you have to keep it there permanently. Certain seasons will require that you take your vessel up and out of the dock to protect it from the elements. For instance, winter months bring new dangers that could potentially damage your boat. So it helps to pull it out of the water, get it winterized, and keep it in storage.
There are a couple of ways that you could keep your boat safe while you wait for the weather to warm up again. But pontoon boat storage blocks prove to be the most cost-effective choice. Designed to support your boat up and off the ground, storage blocks also come with the added benefit of preventing damage to your toons.
How Do Pontoon Boat Storage Blocks Work?
Pontoon boat storage blocks are basically hollow blocks made from strong weatherproof material for rugged applications. The blocks rest on even surfaces and support the weight of your pontoon to keep it off of the ground. They work as a much better alternative to wood planks, tires, cinder blocks, styrofoam blocks, and other DIY storage choices because they’re designed to carry your pontoon without scratching or damaging the vessel.
Another reason why pontoon boat storage blocks are pretty popular is because they themselves store pretty easily. The blocks are hollowed out inside and look almost like tubs when turned over. This lets you stack them on top of each other when not in use, so they take up minimal storage space.
Finally, pontoon boat storage blocks don’t cost a lot. With just a little over a hundred bucks, you should be able to buy two sets which can support the weight and size of smaller two-toons.
The Best Pontoon Storage Blocks
1. Attwood Brunswick Pontoon Storage Block Set
You really can’t talk about storage blocks for pontoons without mentioning these ones from Attwood. Lightweight, easy to use, and durable, these pontoon storage blocks provide excellent support and stability without feeling clumsy or tedious to use. The stackable blocks come in sets of four, so you will need to buy two, three, or more sets to satisfy your pontoon’s weight, depending on how big it is.
The universal fit pontoon blocks are molded to match the shape of every pontoon on the market, so you can use them regardless of your vessel’s make and model. They’re also impressively weather resistant, letting you keep your pontoon safe in the harsh cold of winter, or while you get repairs done in the heat of summer.
2. USAMADE Pontoon Storage Blocks
Made from premium polystyrene material, the USAMADE Pontoon Storage Blocks tout excellent stability with their wide silhouette. The blocks feature a cradle-like structure that perfectly distributes weight to guarantee reliable support. Its wide base makes it an excellent choice for larger vessels that might need the added stability.
Although slightly pricier, these pontoon storage blocks promise lasting performance that can withstand challenging weather conditions. And more importantly, the brand also backs their products with excellent customer support and easy returns to make sure their buyers are satisfied.
Should You Use Pontoon Dollies?
Dollies are similar to pontoon boat storage blocks in that they also lift your boat’s weight off of the ground. The difference is that dollies come with wheels, so they let you push and move your pontoon around without the need for a trailer.
No doubt, they can be pretty convenient especially if you want to be able to shift your pontoon in storage, or if you’re performing repairs. What’s more, dolly’s have significantly higher weight capacities than the average boat storage blocks, with each single dolly able to sustain weights of 1,600 lbs or more.
But while dollies can be easy to use and much less taxing, they come with their own risks. For starters, using dollies in areas where the ground isn’t level could result to accidents and damages to your boat. Another thing is that because most dollies are made from steel, there’s still the risk of scratching your toons.
Nonetheless, in the right conditions, dollies can be a suitable storage solution. We recommend:
1. Harbour Mate Pontoon Boat Dollies
The Harbor Mate Pontoon Boat Dollies tout excellent design, durability, and safety, providing stable performance for pontoons of all sizes. They’re also amply padded to protect your boat from the dolly’s framework and prevent cosmetic damage.
Tips for Using Pontoon Boat Storage Blocks
Pontoon boat storage blocks are a simple and cost-effective storage solution for most pontoon boat owners, but that doesn’t mean you can just use them willy-nilly. Blocks require careful use to guarantee the safety of your boat and to make sure it sits well-supported all throughout the repairs or the winter season.
1. Always Ensure Even Weight Distribution
Although pontoon storage blocks are sold in sets of four, that doesn’t really mean a single set will support your boat entirely. On average, you’re going to need at least 12 storage blocks to ensure maximum safety, but that really depends on the size of your boat.
To ensure that you’re using the proper number of storage blocks, divide your boat’s total weight by the weight capacity of each block. This should give you a rough estimate of how many blocks you need to properly support your boat.
2. Winterize Your Boat Before Storage
Storage blocks are only really good to get a pontoon boat off ground. Keeping it safe and protected from the harsh cold of winter is an entirely different thing. So before you set the boat on the blocks, make sure you’ve got it prepared for the change of season. It also helps to invest in a durable weatherproof cover to add an extra layer of protection.
3. Check On Your Boat
Some pontoon owners think they can winterize their boat and set it on blocks, then just forget about it for the duration of the season. But there are a lot of things that could go wrong between the chilly months and the bright days of summer. While your boat is in storage, make sure to check up on it at least twice a month. This gives you the opportunity to spot problems and weak spots in your winter prep so you can nip the issue at the bud.
4. Have Your Tubes Checked
In general, pontoon storage blocks are safe and designed to prevent damage to your tubes. But if they’re already damaged in the first place, then that could be a completely different story. Before you send your pontoon off into storage, make sure you have your tubes checked. Any damages sustained throughout the summer season could exacerbate in the cold winter months, and setting your pontoon boat on a set of blocks could apply pressure on weak spots and make matters worse.
5. Choose Your Storage Space
Pontoon boat storage blocks need to be placed in an area with level flooring to ensure proper and stable performance. If your storage space slopes or if its covered in rocks, bumps, and potholes, then your blocks might not be able to stand and sustain the weight of your pontoon safely. Make sure you inspect your storage space, especially the quality and level of the floor. Apply the necessary changes and renovations before winter to provide a stable foundation for your blocks.
What Else Do You Need for Storage?
If you’re planning to use pontoon boat storage blocks for long term storage, then it’s important that you also invest in a few other accessories. These items work to improve storage conditions and protect your boat from the damages that are usually seen after being temporarily retired.
Boat Cover
A pontoon boat cover provides protection against the elements and may even work to limit the effects of cold weather. Make sure it fits snug and provides just enough ventilation to prevent moisture from building up underneath the cover.
We like the Leadallway Pontoon Boat Cover.
Dehumidifier
In certain conditions, it may be necessary to keep a dehumidifier inside the boat during storage. This can prevent the growth of mold and mildew, and even keep foul odors at bay in case anything was overlooked during the cleaning process. Open boxes of baking soda can also work to absorb smells, making for a cheap way to keep odors at bay.
Try out the Eva-Dry Dehumidifier for Boats.
Rust Inhibitor
This solution works to prevent the progression of rust on metal parts, which is vital for storage especially in moist conditions. While it helps to try to get your boat as dry as possible before you toss it in storage, applying rust inhibitor on steering and control cables, metal hardware, and other necessary fixtures can add an extra layer of rust protection.
We recommend using Rust Prevention Magic, best resistance against acids, moisture & more!
Ready for Winter
No one wants to greet the end of the winter season with a rusty, dirty, damaged boat. So it helps to make sure you make the right choices when planning for storage. Pontoon boat storage blocks are cost-effective, simple, and efficient, providing you stable support for long term boat storage.
Before the cold winter months come rolling in, ask yourself if you’ve made sufficient preparations. Taking extra care throughout the storage prep process won’t only protect your boat, but might also keep your insurance coverage intact.
