How to Store a Pontoon Boat in Tennessee
Lock Box Self Storage
August 1st, 2025
Here in Tennessee, pontoon boats are one of the best ways to enjoy all of our most scenic spots, like Percy Priest Lake and the Cumberland River.
Once the weather cools down and the end of boating season arrives though, it’s time to haul your boat out of the water and store it.
Unfortunately, improper storage can lead to unattractive and expensive damages to your boat, including faded furniture, peeling paint, mold, rust and engine problems. These issues can be pricey and time-consuming to fix, keeping you away from the fun of taking your boat out onto the water.
Knowing how to store a pontoon boat in Tennessee is vital for every pontoon owner. Let’s cover all the steps you’ll need to take to keep your boat safe until it’s time to hit the lake again.
Remove the Pontoon from the Water
When the weather starts cooling off, it’s time to start thinking about pulling your boat out of the water for the season. Use your trailer to do this, or, if you don’t own one yourself, borrow or rent one.
Trailers can take up a lot of space at home. But there’s good news: storage facilities are the perfect place to keep your trailer year-round!
Give the Exterior a Thorough Cleaning
Boats get covered in grime, algae and other growth when they’re in the water for months at a time. Scrub off your boat’s pontoons, hull and deck, and wax your hull to protect its appearance and prevent corrosion and rust.
Remove All Personal Items
Gather up all loose items like life vests, backpacks, fishing gear and other personal belongings. Store everything safely at home or in a storage unit all winter long. This will keep everything organized and protected, as well as make everything easier to find come springtime.
Deep Clean the Interior
Now that all your loose articles are out of the way, it’s time to give the interior of your pontoon a good deep clean. Remove any trash, and get rid of any food and drinks. Vacuum the floors and wipe down all your upholstery.
Always make sure your boat is completely dry before closing everything up for winter. If any moisture remains, you could risk mold or mildew growing inside your boat, leaving you with a nasty surprise when you return in the spring.
Repair Any Damage
While you clean the interior and exterior of your boat, pay attention to any signs of damage. It’s especially important to fix damage to your pontoons or hull. Mild scrapes now can lead to long-term consequences and more expensive repairs a few years down the line. Plus, it’s often more convenient to bring your boat into the shop during the winter rather than wait until the weather warms up again.
Winterize Your Engine
Your boat’s engine lets you travel around during all your fun summertime adventures, so it’s essential to keep it in working order. It’s a good idea to winterize your engine prior to storing it every year.
Recommended tasks include:
- Change the oil
- Check all fluid levels
- Replace filters
- Grease up moving parts
- Check for cracked seals
- Clear away any obstructions
- Drain all water from the engine
If you’re unsure about winterizing your boat’s engine yourself, consider going to a boat maintenance expert to have all the tasks done for you.
Stabilize Your Fuel Tank
Any air left inside your fuel tank has the possibility of condensating. This can introduce unwanted water into your gasoline, which can cause serious performance issues and damages like corrosion and rust.
To prevent this from happening, add a fuel stabilizer to your gas tank prior to storing your boat. This prevents evaporation and repels water. Once the stabilizer has been added, fill up your tank and start your boat’s engine one last time to allow the stabilized fuel to run all the way through your boat’s engine.
Store Your Battery
Here in Tennessee, people typically store their boats during the colder winter months. But cold weather puts stress on your battery, draining its power significantly, especially when temperatures dip below freezing.
While using your battery naturally recharges it, most boat owners aren’t going to start up their boats on a regular basis in the winter. We recommend disconnecting your battery, removing it and storing it safely at home until you’re ready to get back on the lake again in the spring.
Invest in a Boat Cover
UV rays from the sun and winter weather can cause your boat’s interior and exterior to fade, crack, stain and mold. Especially if you’re storing long-term, it’s a good idea to cover your pontoon with a waterproof, UV-resistant cover. Ensure that it fits your boat tightly to avoid water from slipping through.
Alternatively, have your pontoon professionally shrink-wrapped each year. While it is more expensive than a cover, shrink wrap seals your boat completely, keeping out UV rays, water, pests and other sources of damage.
Store at a High-Quality Storage Facility
Choosing a good place to store your boat is just as important as properly winterizing it. Going with a high-quality gated facility means you’ll never have to worry about the security of your boat during the winter months.
Look for a facility with:
- 24/7 security cameras
- Gated access with a secure front entry gate
- Fenced-in perimeter
- Local on-site management
- Well-lit premises for safe early morning and late night visits
Looking for a facility in Tennessee that has all these features and more? Choose Lock Box Self Storage!
Located in Mount Juliet, we’re proud to offer both uncovered and covered boat storage options, perfect for any size pontoon. You’ll always know your boat is in good hands when you store with us.
Have questions about our facility or storage options? Simply give us a call or schedule a time to tour our location in person. We’re located right off Lebanon Road, next to Needham’s Nursery and Rice’s Country Hams. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect storage solution for your pontoon!