How to Store a Pontoon Boat: Size, Cost, and Options

Pontoon boats present a unique storage challenge: they are wide, the open deck and furniture are exposed, and the aluminum tubes need protection from corrosion. Pontoon storage typically costs $50 to $180 a month outdoors, $120 to $300 covered, and $200 to $450 indoors, with the extra width sometimes pushing you into a larger size band. Based on our data from 10,431 verified facilities, covered storage is especially popular for pontoons because the open deck is so exposed to sun and rain.

Why Pontoons Need Special Consideration

Unlike a closed-hull boat, a pontoon's flat deck, railings, and upholstered furniture sit in the open. Sun cracks vinyl seats and fades carpet, rain pools on the deck, and the aluminum tubes can corrode if salt or grime is left on them. Width also matters: a 24-foot pontoon is wider than a 24-foot V-hull, so confirm the facility's space dimensions, not just length.

Pontoon Storage Options and Cost

Option	Monthly Cost	Protection	Best For
Open outdoor lot	$50 - $130	Low (cover essential)	Budget, mild climates
Covered outdoor	$120 - $250	Medium-High	Most pontoon owners
Indoor enclosed	$200 - $450	Highest	Long-term, cold/UV-heavy regions
In-water slip	$150 - $500	Convenience, not protection	Frequent summer use

Covered storage hits the sweet spot for most pontoon owners: it blocks the sun and rain that punish the open deck without the cost of indoor space. Compare the broader trade-offs in indoor versus outdoor boat storage, and check rates near you with our cost-by-state guide.

Protecting the Deck and Furniture

• Use a fitted pontoon cover or a full enclosure. A snap or pull-over cover with support poles sheds water and blocks UV. See choosing the right boat cover.
• Clean and condition vinyl seats before storage, then cover them to prevent cracking and mildew.
• Prevent water pooling. Use a cover with adequate slope or support so rain and snow do not collect and stretch the fabric.
• Control moisture under the cover with absorbers to stop mold on furniture, as in our mold-prevention guide.

Winterizing the Tubes and Engine

In cold climates, winterize before storage: stabilize fuel, fog the engine, drain water, and protect the battery. Rinse the aluminum tubes to remove grime and check for any water intrusion, since trapped water can freeze and damage a tube. Our winterization checklist walks through the engine and fuel steps that apply to any boat.

On the Trailer vs In the Water

Most pontoon owners store on a trailer, which protects the tubes, simplifies maintenance, and avoids in-water fouling. If you keep the boat in a slip during the season for convenience, plan to haul it for any extended layup, since prolonged water contact lets algae and scum build on the tubes and can accelerate corrosion at the waterline. When storing on the trailer long-term, support the boat properly on the bunks, take some weight off the tires to prevent flat spots, and chock the wheels. A pontoon's weight is spread across the tubes, so even bunk contact matters to avoid stressing any single point.

Measuring Width Before You Book

The most common pontoon storage surprise is arriving to find the space is too narrow. Pontoon widths run roughly 8 to 10 feet including the rails and fenders, wider than the tube-to-tube measurement alone. Measure the widest point, add clearance for the cover and for walking around the boat, and give the facility that number, not just the length. For trailered storage, also account for the trailer's fender width. A few minutes with a tape measure avoids a wasted trip and a scramble for a different spot on move-in day.

Finding the Right Space

Because pontoons are wide, call ahead to confirm the space fits, and ask whether covered spots are available, since they are in higher demand for pontoons. Start with our directory of storage facilities by location and review the questions to ask before signing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to store a pontoon boat?

Outdoor storage runs $50 to $130 a month, covered $120 to $250, and indoor enclosed $200 to $450. The pontoon's width can push it into a larger size band than its length alone suggests.

Can I store a pontoon boat outside?

Yes, but a quality fitted cover is essential because the open deck and furniture are fully exposed to sun and rain. Covered storage is the most popular choice for pontoons for this reason.

How do I protect pontoon furniture in storage?

Clean and condition the vinyl, then use a cover that prevents water pooling and add moisture absorbers underneath to stop mold and mildew. Indoor or covered storage protects furniture best long-term.

Do pontoon tubes need winterizing?

In freezing climates, yes. Rinse the aluminum tubes, check for trapped water that could freeze, and winterize the engine and fuel system as you would any boat.

Find a space that fits: browse verified storage facilities near you.