Best Pontoon Winter Storage Blocks
Pontoon winter storage blocks protect the boat during the off-season. For people without a trailer, these blocks come in handy. But we also need other storage accessories like a boat cover.
They are typically made of high-density polyethylene or another durable material, and are designed to support the weight of the pontoon boat while it is stored on land.
Many people use cinder blocks as an alternative to a trailer or storage blocks, but we prefer specially-made winter storage blocks. They keep the boat secure and reduce the risks of anything going wrong in storage.
For these reasons, we recommend all readers consider one of these storage blocks sets as the ideal solution. They work well and come at an affordable price.
1. Attwood 11401-4 Pontoon Winter Storage Block
The Attwood 11401-4 blocks are the number one option for pontoon boats, and these boat accessories come in handy for the winter. They have a universal fitting design and fit perfectly on all pontoons.
Each purchase has four blocks, which can be spread out at each corner for optimal storage. They are also lightweight and made of high-density polyethylene, so they hold up exceptionally well in all weather conditions.
The stable design keeps a pontoon hull dry and off the ground. There is also no weight limit based on the manufacturer's recommendations, so that they can be relied on for different pontoon boat sizes.
2. USA-MADE Pontoon Storage Blocks
We also recommend the USA-MADE pontoon storage blocks as an alternative. They are heavy-duty with special features ideal for long term storage outdoors in winter.
Because these blocks are lower, they also have a clever base design to fit perfectly on cinder blocks. This combines two storage strategies so the pontoon won’t get damaged without a trailer during the winter months.
It’s also very durable because of the high molecular weight polyethylene. Boat owners can feel confident when using these for winter storage.
How Many Storage Blocks Do You Need For A Pontoon Boat?
The number of storage blocks you will need for a pontoon boat will depend on the size and weight of your boat, as well as the specific type of blocks you are using. When there is no trailer, this is the best option.
In general, you will want to use enough blocks to provide adequate support for the entire length and width of the boat, ensuring that the blocks are evenly spaced and positioned to distribute the boat's weight evenly.
It is a good idea to consult the owner's manual for your boat or consult a professional to determine the exact number of blocks you need. All boat’s kept on these blocks during the winter also need a boat cover.
Additionally, it is essential to follow any guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the blocks to ensure that they are used safely and effectively.
How To Use Pontoon Winter Storage Blocks
To use pontoon winter storage blocks, simply place them underneath the welds of the pontoon boat. They cannot be used with a trailer. Follow these steps best to prepare a pontoon boat for the upcoming winter season.
Choose A Boat Storage Location
First, boat owners must decide on a storage location for their pontoon boats. They are a unique style different from bass boats but are also easier to transport to other storage locations.
The best pontoon boat storage area is usually enclosed. However, this is not always possible because renting an indoor location tends to cost a lot more money.
Lift The Boat
Next, we can ask the marina or a professional to help lift the boat. This is necessary to put the boat on a trailer, cinder blocks, or these winter storage blocks.
Use The Storage Blocks
The storage blocks won’t attach to the boat; instead, they get placed at the corners so the boat can be lowed on top of them. They will click into place, indicating the pontoon boat is ready for winter.
The universal fit makes using these on nearly any boat much easier. This will protect the bottom of the boat and reduce the risk of getting easily damaged when it rains or snows.
Winterize The Boat
Before having our pontoon ready for boat storage, we need to winterize the boat with a few crucial steps. This includes the following.
- Remove any loose gear
- Disconnect the spark plug wires
- Spray fogging oil in the spark plug holes
- Add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank
- Find a reliable boat cover
- Clean the boat deck
- Check the upholstery for stains or tears
All of these steps are extremely important for the best pontoon boat storage.
Put On The Boat Cover
Finally, we can put a mooring cover on the boat. The boat cover should be waterproof and protect the boat from snow, ice, rain, and standing water. It’s also possible to shrink wrap the boat instead of using a mooring cover.
We prefer using a mooring cover instead of a shrink wrap because it better protects the upholstery and interior of the boat. The cover also lasts longer and can be used during multiple winter seasons.
Benefits Of Using Pontoon Winter Storage Blocks
Pontoon storage blocks are durable polystyrene foam designed to insulate and protect boats from cold water, ice, snow, and salt. Using these blocks is also cheaper than buying a trailer.
Because of the innovative design, they do provide various benefits. This includes no sinking, better weather protection, and protection from infestation.
Prevent The Boat From Sinking On The Ground
One of the primary benefits of using pontoon winter storage blocks is that they help prevent the boat from sinking into the ground.
They help prevent damage from sinking, wind, and animals, making accessing and maintaining the boat easier during winter.
This is especially important in areas where the ground freezes during the winter, as the freezing and thawing of the soil can cause the boat to shift and potentially cause damage.
Protect The Boat From Weather
Another benefit of using pontoon winter storage blocks is that they help protect your boat from damage caused by strong winds. By elevating the boat off the ground, the blocks allow wind to pass underneath the boat, reducing the risk of damage from wind gusts.
However, it also helps when there is rain or snow. If the boat is flat on the ground, these conditions can cause damage to the bottom of the boat, but the blocks can prevent this.
Protect The Boat From Infestation
In addition to protecting the boat from sinking and wind damage, pontoon winter storage blocks can also help prevent damage caused by animals.
The blocks create a barrier preventing animals from burrowing or nesting underneath the boat by elevating the boat off the ground.
What Works Better: Winter Storage Blocks Or Cinder Blocks?
Winter storage blocks are usually made of plastic and are designed to be used year-round. They are lightweight, easy to stack and come in various sizes.
The downside is that they can be expensive to buy compared to cinder blocks which are cheaper and more durable. This leads many people to overlook them as an option.
Cinder blocks are made from concrete and have been used as a building material for decades. They are heavy but have the benefit of being able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, or ice storms without cracking or breaking.
Both options will work well, but using winter storage blocks is safer, and they won’t cause any damage to the boat. Cinder blocks must be stacked, which can wear down over time or break.
The boat can also get pushed off the top of the cinder block unless it gets tied down in windy conditions. Putting a boat on winter storage blocks is simple and will lock in place without an issue.
