do pontoon boats hold up well in saltwater?

[mchin]

After years of owning various glass boats, I no longer need to go super fast or super shallow, I just wanna cruise and have fun, but I boat in fla - meaning 99.9% of my boating will be in saltwater. How do the poons hold up on saltwater? I trailer, so it will get washed after trip, and I plan on adding teflon skids to my bunks or buying a trailer with rollers, what else would you do? Is there a coating or paint that needs to be applied, does any one brand hold up better then another? My budget is limited to an entry to medium size/quality boat, and will probably be 18-22' in length, outboard, ?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: do pontoon boats hold up well in saltwater?

If you trailer and wash it after each use, there's no need for bottom paint. Just make sure to flush the motor too. Use SS fasteners when replacing nuts and bolts.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: do pontoon boats hold up well in saltwater?

They do make a sealer for aluminum..
http://www.sharkhide.com/faq.htm

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: do pontoon boats hold up well in saltwater?

i have a 1988 20 ft toon. boat all over Florida, never have had a problem. shakehide is a good item to keep it looking good. i just hose mine down after use. the toons are now dull, and stained, but with a 22 year old boat, you kind of expect it.

 

[southernboater]

Re: do pontoon boats hold up well in saltwater?

Hello,

I was also looking for a boat for salt water use. After several months of research, including talking with various manufacturers, I bought our 22ft Manitou, with a 90 Honda. I was told the toons do not need paint since it will not be left in the water and will be washed after each use. Manitou did recommend anodes for each toon. We have taken it out several times - family of four plus the family dog also gone with six adults for fishing & shrimping. We love it - no regrets

 

[wigeonhole]

Re: do pontoon boats hold up well in saltwater?

Fiesta Pontoon boats are made exclusively for saltwater.

http://www.saltwaterpontoons.com

I own one and it's great.

 

[joecooool]

Re: do pontoon boats hold up well in saltwater?

Buy one built for salt or you will pay to have some parts replaced fairly quickly. My bimini top anchors last about four months before they flake away. My fuel sensor lasted two weeks. My trailer jack lasted six months. My drum brakes are less than a year old and rusted out even though I rinse after each launch. My leaf springs look like they came off a 1950's truck.

I have a Sun Tracker. They do not encourage salt water use and make no stainless replacement parts. Everything is custom work. Cost about $500 to replace the parts that don't last.