News — Family

How to Polish and Clean Your Pontoon

By: Pontoon Enthusiast

It’s natural that, after spending a good couple of thousands on your pontoon boat, you want it to look as beautiful and shiny after a few months or years in the water as it looked when you first launched it. As such, besides the furniture and accessories upgrades that are essential in order to preserve both beauty and functionality, it’s expected of you to do some polishing work every now and then.

This guide will show you the materials and techniques you need in order to polish your boat efficiently and apply coating properly. You could, of course, call for the help of a specialist, but any pontoon boat dealer will charge you around $400 for a mirror polish and application of Shark Hide aluminum cleaner. Honestly, unless you charge $200 an hour yourself, it’s not worth the money. For only a couple of dollars, you can get all the materials you want, and the entire work can be done in 3-4 hours (depending on the size of the boat, as well as your own experience and willingness).

All this being said, let’s get down to business:

1. PRELIMINARY CLEANING

Before cleaning your boat, you have to first clean your boat. Yes, it’s exactly how it sounds. Boats are known to accumulate a lot of dirt from the water, including algae and such, mineral buildup, and whatever dirt you see. While a pontoon boat that is towed back home after every use may have little to no dirt deposit, one that’s usually docked will definitely have plenty of things to clean. In particular, saltwater pontoons tend to have large amounts of salt and other minerals, as well as algae, in a thick layer on the below-water hull.

For a normal level of dirt, you’ll just have to use a power washer to remove everything in one go. If you don’t own a power washer, you can borrow one or use a wet rag (the latter option takes more time). If you haven’t cleaned your ‘toon since Reagan was still in office, you will need a gentle plastic scraper and a brush in addition to the power washer.

When it comes to power washers, there’s plenty of them to choose from on the market. For instance, you can check out the Sun Joe SPX3001 Electric Pressure Washer. You might be able to find cheaper alternatives on the market as well, but nothing will leave you quite as satisfied as this one. It comes with five different spray tips that ensure different angles for a thorough cleaning. The motor is also pretty powerful – it generates more than 2000 PSI water pressure while not consuming more than 1.67 gallons per minute. It also comes with a pretty long hose (20ft) so that you can clean any spot on your pontoon without carrying the whole unit around with you. A 2-year warranty is also included in the price. Find out more about it on Amazon here:

2. APPLYING CLEANER

Time to clean better! While cleaning solution plays no part in the actual polishing, it’s this very step that ensures a long-lasting polish. Otherwise, you’ll see your hull just as dirty as it was before polishing, within the span of a single trip.

Our recommendation, if you’re not delighted at the thought of spending money on acidic baths or whatever pontoon-specific product, is to use some plain old toilet cleaner. It’s a strong enough substance to remove dirt from every nook and cranny and it works exactly the same as any high-end product.

However, if you want to take it a step further and level up your cleaning game, we suggest you try the Meguiar’s M4916 Marine/RV Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover. Don’t be too scared of the “marine” label on it – it does a perfect job for any type of surface on your boat, pontoons included. It’s also fairly cheap and retails in convenient 16 oz. bottles. Although it will cut through any kind of dirt and/or grime, this product is non-toxic and easy to apply, either by hand or using a machine. To grab your own bottle, click the button below:

As applying the solution can really get pretty time-consuming, we recommend getting a plastic sprayer, kind of like the one you’re using to wash your windows or water your pansies. Dilute the solution to a 30% concentration (2 parts water, 1 part cleaner) and you’re good to go!

The best way to go is to apply the cleaner to a section, leave it to work for a bit, and then remove it before it dries. The reason for this is that if the solution gets dry, it will leave deposits that are super hard to clean. Hence, it’s better to take your time and work on one small area at a time. Use a wet rag to make sure every bit of cleaning solution has been removed.

3. BUFF

Finally, the actual polish. It’s not really necessary if you just want to clean your boat and applying Shark Hide can be done at this point as well. However, if you want that nice, glossy mirror finish, you better be sure your polisher is in good condition.

Speaking of which, if you don’t have a polisher, you should get one. It’s a really useful tool and it works for your boat, car, and bike, all the same, as well as for any other similar surface. You simply can’t do this kind of job manually and expect the same results. If you’re not sure what to buy, the Porter-Cable 7424XP is a very good choice, as it offers you ambidextrous handling and speed adjustment (2500-6800 RPM). You can, of course, buy anything you want, just make sure the speed isn’t too high or you may end up leaving marks that are simply impossible to erase.

Time to polish! For best results, use a 6-inch woolen pad. Also, in order to not leave polishing marks, it’s recommended that you use a circular or swirly pattern. Do you know how the kid from Karate Kid polished Miyagi-san’s car collection? Well, that’s the spirit.

This is the most time-consuming part of the operation, about 2 hours for a medium boat.

4. CLEAN AGAIN

Yes, we know, this is repetitive and annoying, but you absolutely have to make sure that no polishing compound remains on the hull before applying the Shark Hide. Otherwise, the residue will interfere with the Shark Hide and remain sealed there, resulting in a foggy and unappealing look.

At any rate, all you have to do is repeat the step nr.2 described above and remember to be as thorough as possible.

5. APPLY SHARK HIDE

It’s the job of every pontooner to make sure their boat looks good and nearly all of them use Shark Hide for that. It’s nothing complicated: an aluminum cleaning solution that you apply pretty much like a normal cleaning solution. Unlike the toilet cleaner, however, Shark Hide will take care of any oxidized surface as well, leaving everything nice and shiny.

Applying Shark Hide is similar to applying the cleaner on steps 2 and 4. A 2:1 or 3:1 mixture of water and Shark Hide should do for the average use, but more or less concentrated solution can be used according to your particular situation. Use a plastic spray bottle to pulverize the hull from the bottom up. Light foam will appear. Make sure there is no aluminum exposed (i.e. the foam must get everywhere) in order to not leave vertical streaks.

Rinse the foam with plenty of water after 4-5 minutes, as it absolutely must not dry. In order to not leave any marks whatsoever, work thoroughly on small sections.

That’s it! Well, polish is not known for being particularly resistant, and you may very well need to redo all that work after a couple of trips. However, Karate Kid became so not as a result of long years of training, but thanks to a couple of days spent polishing cars! As such, putting a bit of elbow grease and a couple of hours every other month can’t be that hard and, who knows, it may actually help you discover your inner karate fighter.

4 Must Haves When Entertaining on a Pontoon Boat!

There are plenty of things to do out on the water, like fishing, sitting quietly, waiting for a good nibble, but what if you’re an Entertainer?  What if your family and friends aren’t into fishing?  What if you’re bringing people out on your boat or pontoon boatwho just want to have a blast?

Here are a few things to bring when entertaining on a pontoon boat that are guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser: 

1. FOOD!!! 

Everyone loves to eat.  Always be sure to have tons of finger food handy to keep your guests happy.  Some easy to prepare and transport boat foods are:

• A bowl of chips
• A canister of popcorn (try the Chicago Mix! Guaranteed crowd pleaser)
• Fruit and/or veggie tray
• Hummus and pita bread
• Guacamole and veggies
• Crackers and cheese 

2. Music

Most boats are equipped with a radio or USB port for your phone or music playing device.  Nothing livens up a mood like good music.  Music tastes vary, but here is a list of top 10 “Boating Songs”:

• “Redneck Yacht Club” - Craig Morgan
• “Come Sail Away” - Styx
• “Don’t Stop Believin” - Journey
• “Pontoon” - Little Big Town
• “Rock the Boat” - Hues Corporation
• “Toes” - Zac Brown Band
• “Copacabana” - Barry Manilow
• “Boats” - Kenny Chesney
• “It’s Five o’Clock Somewhere” - Alan Jackson feat. Jimmy Buffet
• “Kokomo” - Beach Boys

3. Games

There are plenty of games to play on your boat, some involving game pieces and some not.  Some obvious suggestions are things like 20 questions, eye spy and charades.  For an interesting challenge, though, here are a few board and card games that are easily played on a boat:

• Cards - go fish, crazy 8s, rummy, Euchre, Hearts
• Card Games -  Love Letter, Hypertheticals, Snake Oil, Mad Gab, Taboo, Super Fight, Apples to Apples, Dixit, Exploding Kittens, Fluxx, Munchkin, Uno, Codenames
• Board Games - Trivial Pursuit, Headbanz, The Game of Things, Scattegories, Pictionary, Telestrations, Bang!, Boggle, Concept, Cribbage, Roll for it, Sherrif of Nottingham, Yahtzee

4. Good conversation

You’re with friends afterall!  Pick a topic and see where it takes you. Here are some suggestions:

• Your first concert
• The best part of your home town
• Famous people you’ve met
• Your favourite book
• The best restaurant in the city
• The farthest place you’ve driven
• Your next out of country adventure

These are just a few tips and suggestions, but hey, it’s your boat!  You do whatever you think will make the best day on the water for you and your party!  Happy boating!

Best Pontoon Boat Grill – Your Top Choices in 2018

The summer is my favorite time of the year. To me, there is nothing better than basking in the sun on a hot day, enjoying cold drinks and good company. But here’s the kicker: To make the day even better you must add food aspect to it. And not just any restaurant takeout food, but perfectly seasoned peace’s of steak, or fish, grilled on the best pontoon boat grill you can find.

I will settle for a lot of things, but when it comes to grills there is no settlement, I demand the best grill that I can afford.

You must be wondering why:

Well, I am not the greatest cook in the world, not even close, so having the right grill makes it important because it does the work for me. What I mean by that is that I don’t have to put as much effort into cooking in order for food to taste good.

Can it get any better than that? Of course, it can.

All you need is a boat. And not just any boat, you need a pontoon.

But aren’t we risking a fire on the boat that can bring down your investment and ruin your day beyond repair? No, not a chance. Not in this day and age.

And here is why:

Today we can actually have a fully functional grill on board of the boat. Isn’t that amazing? This has to be the best invention since Tesla defeated Edison with his AC power. Right?!

So how do you find the right boat grill for you? Here are a few things you have to think about.

Do You Know What to Look For?

Housing

The type of water you take your pontoon on will determine the type of grill you should consider getting. For salt-water, a 316-stainless-steel grill is always best. The reason being that it has a high tensile strength and is resistant towards corrosion.

This type is harder to find and pricier, but worth it.

If you are using your grill in freshwater, you can get away with using an 18-8 grade of stainless steel. This grade of stainless steel is more resistant towards corrosion, but not as strong as 316-grade.

What is most important is that no matter the type of grill, make sure it has a double liner. A double liner will protect the metal from getting discolored and guards against gas leaks. Also, a double-liner keeps the outside cool.

This is important to me because I don’t want my daughter burning her fingers, oh no.

Shape and Size

Recently, many boaters have started switching to a square and rectangular-shaped grills. This is because they offer more cooking space. I think that kettle shapes or dome shapes reflect wind easier and keep the heat reflection different.

It all depends on your personal choice.

When considering size, rectangular grills tend to be bigger. It is important you think about your needs as well as the size of your pontoon. You do not want to get a grill small enough that you cannot cook for the whole family or, a grill big enough that you do not have enough space.

Fuel Choice and Features

One aspect that is all up to personal preference is your fuel choice.

Some people enjoy the smoky flavor of charcoal and some people like the ease of use of propane. It all depends on what you want. Keep in mind, that charcoal grills are a little cheaper. But, you will be spending some money on charcoal on top of this.

Another matter of personal choice is the type of mount. Do you want a free-standing grill or a grill that requires mounting to a railing? Keep in consideration that not all freestanding grills can be used on a grill and not all mounting hardware can be mounted to the rail.

Another aspect that can make cooking on your boat a much easier process is having a push button ignition. It makes it easier and safer to operate.

Warranty

You should always pay attention to warranty, no matter what you are buying. Buying a grill for your pontoon is not an exception.

The warranty gives you peace of mind and guarantees that money spent will not be wasted.

Now that we know a little more about this subject, let’s discuss another very important aspect.

Safety!!

Some Safety Tips

• Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations, you are not grilling on land. Any mistake can be disastrous.
• Don’t be a rebel, rules are everywhere. If you are grilling at Marina, check to see if it’s allowed.
• Never grill with the boat in motion. A wave might knock your food off, or worse, a spark.
• Always inspect it before and after use. Be particularly careful with propane grills as those can sometimes leak. If you think there might be a leak, don’t use it. Fix it yourself or bring an expert to do it for you.
• Don’t leave your grill unattended.
• Watch for embers, stop them from falling out.
• Don’t add lighter fluid while the grill is in use.
• Avoid grilling around flammable materials.
• Have a fire extinguisher ready close by.
• Don’t forget to turn it off once done the cooking.
• Let it cool off, don’t store it away while still hot.
• Clean your grill after use, it’s easier to clean now than next.

For most people, these are common sense things that are easy to follow, but sometimes we go against our best judgment. There are of course many reasons for that, one being alcohol, but try to be as diligent as you can.

Don’t ruin everyone’s day because of recklessness, and don’t let anyone else ruin your because of the same reason.

Additional Common Sense Tips

• Coat the grates with oil before using to prevent food from sticking to it.
• Control grill temperature so you don’t burn your food.
• Use a meat thermometer if you have to.
• use different tongs for raw and cooked food. I learned this in the restaurant business.
• Don’t rush to cook the hood, give it time to cook properly.
• Allow your meat to get sear marks before turning it over.
• If you can, avoid lighter fluid with a charcoal to get the best flavor.

Ok now, let’s move on to the meat of the article.

Best Pontoon Boat Charcoal Grills

The best barbeques are made with charcoal, period. I don’t care how well you can grill, there is nothing that compares to the smoky taste that charcoal can give you.

However, all this great smoky taste comes with the price. It takes a long time to prepare something with charcoal.

• First, you have to light up the charcoal. I don’t like to use lighter fluid so the lighting time is a little longer.
• Then you have to wait for the grill to warm up.
• Lastly, you have to let the fire down a little because you don’t want to grill on high flames, it ruins the meat.

It is time-consuming, but I love it.

Now, here are the best charcoal BBQs on my list.

Magma Products Marine Kettle Charcoal

Magma is known for excellent grills and Marine Kettle Charcoal (Amazon Price) is no exception.

For starters, this is a good looking grill, especially when mounted on your boat. I love the mirror polished stainless steel construction look, it’s brilliant.

With the assistance of a mounting set, you can easily mount this grill anywhere on your pontoon.

This grill also comes in different sizes, depending on your needs.

• 13 Inches – 133 square inches of grilling space.
• 15 Inches – 155 square inches.
• 17 Inches – 177 square Inches.

I always go for the biggest one, you never know how much space you will need, but you know best what works for you.

The stainless-steel design also makes it easy to clean. The plastic handle allows you to easily lift the top part of the grill.

As stated with many other grills, it does not come with mounting brackets.

However, this is one of the most attractive and efficient grills out there!

Marine Kettle Pros & Cons

Kuuma 58110 Stow N’ Go 160

Another appealing pontoon grill is the Kuuma Stow and Go (Amazon Price). This grill is pleasing to the eye and can be mistaken for a household BBQ. It is constructed of 100% stainless steel and it is designed to use refillable gas tanks or disposable bottles.

This model does not require any assembly and is reasonably priced for the space that you get. With 160 square inches, you can easily cook meals for the whole family. It has a thermometer and igniter as well.

The biggest benefit is that it has a removable grease tray. With this, you can easily clean the grill and store it away.

Kuuma 58110 160 Pros & Cons

When it comes to the Kuuma, the best part is the company offers this grill in both gas and charcoal. This allows you the freedom to choose!

Magma Products A10-703C Cabo Adventurer Marine Series Charcoal

Another Magma has made the list, and it’s not the last one. Mirror polished stainless steel not only looks good but it’s built for maximum corrosion resistance in the harshest marine environments.

It features 9” x 18” or 162 sq. in. grilling surface. An oversized lockable lid with draw tight latch comes with two variable temperature control draft door assemblies. It also comes with durable heat resistant all-weather plastic handle with air cooled support. 

A lower grille can easily be removed for cleaning while it’s angled side walls keep briquettes in place.

Despite its good size, A10-703C Cabo Adventurer (Amazon Price) is surprisingly portable.

Cabo Adventurer Marine Pros & Cons

Best Pontoon Boat Grills That Run On Gas

Magma Products A10-918-2GS Newport 2 Infra Gas

A10-918-2GS Newport 2 infra gas (Amazon Price) is the best of it’s kind. It is portable, durable, allows you to hook up a gas tank easily, and has 162 sq. in. of grilling space.

What is even more impressive is the dynamic combustion system that will keep your grill lit during a very windy day. I have heard of people saying the grill stays lit even during 15-20 knot winds. That is absolutely impressive.

With enough grilling space, you can use this it on a stable surface. It has foldable legs to keep it steady.

One unique feature of this grill is that it has a window thru which you can see the inside. You can also warm it up beforehand to your ideal temperature, depending on what you are cooking thanks to the hermetically-sealed temperature gauge.

Newport 2 Infra Gas Pros & Cons

Magma A10-801 TrailMate Conniosseur Series Gas

The Magma A10-801 (Amazon Price) is smaller than the one above at only 108 square inches of cooking space. However, it also is a bit less expensive while offering many great features.

It comes with an attractive stainless-steel design and the ability to free stand. Also, the gas can be mounted to the side as a portable propane tank.

TrailMate Conniosseur Series Gas Pros & Cons

Magma Products A10-1225LS Monterey Infra-Red Gourmet Series Gas

Superior corrosion resistance and lasting beauty come from 100% 18-9 mirror polished marine grade Stainless Steel.

The Magma A10-1225LS Monterey Infra-Red Propane (Amazon Price) comes with new Infra-Red technology and incorporates an Anti-Flare screen system. This system creates intense evenly distributed heat which emulsifies food drippings and gives your food a great smokey flavor.

Additional features include secondary cooking area and sealed stainless steel thermometer. Also reliable piezo igniter, full-length handle, perfectly balanced lockable lid, and swiveling control/valve regulator for quick, safe fuel canister exchanges.

Magma Products Monterey Pros & Cons

How Do You Pick The Best Pontoon Boat Grill For Your Needs

There are a few factors you should be looking at:

BBQ on a Budget

Remember that you will use this grill only a few times during the summer, don’t be like me and overspend. Just because it looks good and has all these cool features it does not mean that it’s better than others. The bottom line is, a grill is a piece of metal used to make food.

Boat Grill Usability

How are you going to use the grill? Do you enjoy cooking or do you grill just to eat? If you enjoy grilling go with the charcoal, otherwise go with the quicker cleaner gas or electric options. Gas is probably better in case you do not have electric power on you on your boat, you don’t need to drag power generator around.

Portability

Are you keeping your grill on the boat or are you taking it home? If you are keeping your grill on the boat the size is not that big of a deal, but if you don’t you should go with something small. Even a medium size grill will be a pain to transport.

What Do I Think Is The Best Grill

As I said at the beginning of this article I’m a foodie and BBQ is my favorite. I really love that smokey flavor of well-grilled steak or freshly caught fish.

Naturally, the choice should be a charcoal. Most likely Marine Kettle Charcoal Grill because of the large size and good looks. However, there is a difference between a boat and a backyard.

Yes, I have enough time to prep the grill and make food but do I really want to do that on the boat? Do I really want to clean the grill after the food is ready or do I want to enjoy the time with your loved ones? And is charcoal safe?

When I put all that on the paper I had to say no to charcoal. It was too much work and not safe enough for me.

So I decided that the best pontoon boat grill for us is A10-1225LS Monterey infra-red gourmet gas grill.

Yes, it’s very pricey. And yes it’s gas, but it does give a smokey flavor to food. And I simply love that.

I love the fact that it’s large, easy to clean and can take larger propane bottle. And on top of all that it has a secondary cooking area. How awesome is that?

You might not agree with my choice and that is ok, we all have different preferences. Ultimately grill is not what makes you happy, it’s family and friends that gather around that grill.

Now that you know what the best pontoon boat grill is maybe it’s time to learn how to beach pontoon if you already don’t know that.

I want to hear what you guys think about these BBQs. If you have bought a pontoon boat grill, which one did you get and what do you think of my choice?

By: Goran

PONTOON BOAT ACCESSORIES MAKE BOATING MORE FUN

So now you have a pontoon boat. What next? Pontoon Boat Accessories! No matter what you are using your boat for, accessories are necessities. Let’s break it down.

First things first. Pontoon boat covers. You just paid a good price for your boat, you don’t want it to get ruined by the natural elements do you? Let’s say you don’t have a boat cover, when it rains, your boat gets wet and soggy. The sun beats down on your seats, tables, grilles, etc. causing fading and making your pontoon seat material brittle over time. Wind blows leaves, twigs, branches, berries, plant seeds and anything else you can think of, then when it gets wet from the rain, those things will stain the interior of your pontoon boat. Lastly rodents will get into all your stuff and start chewing on the fabric, plastic and wires causing even more serious damage. If you don’t protect your boat it will be in very poor and ugly condition within 2 years.

You probably spent upwards of $13,000 or more for that pontoon boat. If you pay that much, it just makes sense to take care of it. Buy a pontoon boat cover and be done with it.

Now on to fun fun stuff!

Pontoon Boat Seats are by far the most important accessory. I like nothing more than lounging around in comfort at any place on the boat. Plus they have swivel seats for the front of the boat so you can sit and fish in comfort and style. Add a trolling motor with a foot pedal and you’ve got it made! My dad bought an add-on to the swivel post for my mom that actually holds an umbrella over her head so she can be in the shade! Talk about spoiled.

If you are going to hold boat parties, which you will, you’ll need plenty of seating. That’s why pontoons are nicknamed “party boats”. Seating is prime, but think if you had some tables with built in cup holders right next to them. Now your on your way to being the pontoon boat that everyone wants to party on!

It doesn’t stop there, oh no. Add a barbecue grill on your pontoon and see your friends come out of the woodwork to stuff there faces full of great and beverages of their choice!

The list of pontoon boat accessories goes on and on. All of which will make you boating much more fun. if you want to check out more of my take on accessories, feel free to visit my blog. I go into more detail and much more funny stories there! Happy boating!

Source by Jason Nightingale