Name:	HARRY -	Reply
Subject:	Pontoon boat storage
Date:	9/25/2014 10:43:39 PM

About to put the toon up for the winter in a couple of weeks. Any recommendations for treatment of vinyl after a thorough cleaning? Also what steps do you guys take to prevent mildew. Boat will be covered but outside.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pontoon boat storage
Date:	9/28/2014 12:29:46 PM

A good cleaning with 409 or Fantastik followed by a generous covering with 303 Areospace Protectant.  The 303 is actually a UV protectant but if you clean it well and let it dry thouroughly before covering you shouldn't have a problem.  You can buy several types of moisture absorbers to place under the cover also.  Some folks will even use simple charcoal in a pan or bucket, but I am not sure of how much if any it helps.  The key is making sure it is dry before covering.  One thing I know helps is to place a tarp or plastic over the the playpen covers to prevent moisture from getting in over the winter.  Another tip is take anything that you have stored under the seats out for the winter and store inside if possible.  Life jackets, cushiions, ropes etc, will absorb and hold moisture that will cause mold/mildew.  Also  good idea is to leave all storage compartments open for a day or two before covering to allow them to dry well before storing. 

Even if you do all this you may still have minor mold/mildew issues in the Spring but it is not likely.  If you do post again and I can tell you how to get rid if them with no harmful after effects.  I have a reputation, well desrved I might add,  for being able to clean anything.  My methods or simple however.  Find the right chemical, apply liberally and let it do the work but sometimes you can't beat elbow grease and tenacity.

Name:	HARRY -	Reply
Subject:	Pontoon boat storage
Date:	9/28/2014 5:21:05 PM

Sounds like good advice. Thanks.

Name:	houseboat -	Reply
Subject:	Pontoon boat storage
Date:	9/29/2014 10:35:16 PM

Proper ventilation is very important.

make sure that cool air can come in the bottom and go out the top as the air warms.

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pontoon boat storage
Date:	10/1/2014 11:46:58 AM

Very good point Houseboat.  I forgot to mention it and it is very important.  Stagnant air like stagnant water grows vile little creatures.

Name:	Chris4x4gill2 -	Reply
Subject:	Pontoon boat storage
Date:	10/8/2014 2:18:26 PM

+1 for 303 Aerospace protectant. The best available for your seat vinyl. Like said above, it has UV protectant in it so its basivcally sun block for your boat.

Name:	Jim Dandy -	Reply
Subject:	Pontoon boat storage
Date:	10/8/2014 2:32:02 PM

Where can you get the 303 product?

Name:	Ulysses E. McGill -	Reply
Subject:	Pontoon boat storage
Date:	10/10/2014 1:24:22 AM

Several places, but I use Amazon.  You can get a gallon for under $40 shipped free with prime.

Name:	Rooster -	Reply
Subject:	Pontoon boat storage
Date:	10/22/2014 6:56:00 PM

I have said it once, I will say it again.  MaryKate Mildew cleaner cannot be beat.  Do not wash seats first, apply in full sun, wait 8-10 minutes and wash off with mild detergent.  Works wonders.  Then apply 303 protectant.  We put 2 pans in under our cover.  One filled with charcoal and the other filled with cat litter.  WORKS>. 

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Pontoon boat storage
Date:	10/23/2014 12:19:32 PM (updated 10/23/2014 12:26:47 PM)

I will say again also, that it is nothing more than a cleaner using sodium hypochlorite (BLEACH) as the active ingredient.  Mary Kate does add something to make it more viscous to help with clinging to vertical surfaces.  ALL mold/mildew cleaners, that work well anyway, are nothing more than dilute bleach water.  If I could cut and paste I would include a link to where I researched specifically for Mary Kate because I haven't checked the brand before. 

The website Practical sailor has a good article where they compared 14 different brands of mold/mildew cleaners both with and without sodium hypochlorite.  Save your money and mix a little Dawn for degreasing and bleach for mold/mildew.  Cost will be pennies compared to Mary Kate at $17++ quart on Amazon.

Apply diluted bleach.  Wash with any good soap.  Rinse.  Wash again.  Rinse. Rinse. Apply 303 Areospace Protectorant.  Reaaply 303 monthly.  TIP-before using any bleach product saturate the carpet with water to reduce the risk of accidental discoloration from drips or spills.

FYI- the cleaner that tested best has sodium hypochlorite at concdntrations 19 times greater than houehold bleach.

And now will come the stories of how it will destroy the stiching.  I call bovine excrement!!  When you wash a load of whites with bleach do they disentegrate? No, mainly due to proper rinsing.  If you are having to deal with mold/mildew more than once a year your problem is improper storage conditions.

Name:	LeisureGuy -	Reply
Subject:	Pontoon boat storage
Date:	3/31/2015 1:57:50 PM

I wanted to thank all of you for your suggestions.

First time Pontoon owner and storing outside

End of march and not a spot of mildew. Because I got some great advice here!!!!

I took all items out from under seats, propped seats up for airflow and put dryer sheets down in each to keep critters out.

I bought the 303 protectant from amazon, sprayed all seats and I'm sure that helped alot too. It will come in handy this long summer for sure.

For anyone storing their pontoon outside, I want to give 2 thumbs up to something I found. It's called..Arnall's Laser Arch Support System and basically a very strong bracket that you attach a piece of PVC to each side and holds cover up. You can find it on Amazon.

Mine held up great without any sags from October until now, March 31st

Hope this helps someone.

Thanks again folks