pontoon boat listing to port

[astampfel]

I have about a 2" list to port. I want the boat to be even or a little to stbd so I can drain some of the deck water off the stbd side of the boat. I guess it could be furniture weight, but could it be water in the left pontoon? Is there an easy way to get the boat to list to stbd to drain the water off my deck?

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: pontoon boat listing to port

First you need to sure there is no water in the port toon. If not, you are limited on your choices. The fuel tank and battery are the two major heavy items and of course it is not practical to move the fuel tank. So move your battery as far to starboard as possible as well as any other items possible. Another idea is to place 'dummy weight' on the starboard side such as water jugs that are easily moveable before getting underway.

 

[astampfel]

Re: pontoon boat listing to port

Thanks for the help. I just bought my pontoon boat yesterday and it didn't come with a trailer. How do I tell if there is water in the pontoon?

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: pontoon boat listing to port

You will have to borrow or rent a trailer because there is no practical way to check for water in the pontoons while the boat is in the water.

You may also opt for asking a dealer to pull it out and check for water in the toons. This is an even better deal if it near the time for regular maintenance.

 

[astampfel]

Re: pontoon boat listing to port

Thanks, I'll see if I can borrow a trailer from someone.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: pontoon boat listing to port

Why did you buy it if you thought that there is water in your toons?

 

[astampfel]

Re: pontoon boat listing to port

At the time, I didn't notice the listing. While I was washing the deck, I noticed some pooling on the deck against one of the seats. I took a look from the aft of the boat and saw a little list to port. I'm just trying to figure out why it would be listing and how to stop it from listing. If there is water in the toon, is it easy to drain if I put it on a trailer?

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: pontoon boat listing to port

Some pontoon boats come with drain plugs in the back and some don't. Mine is a 1988 and did not have them. I paid the marina mechanic to install them and I drain a little water out at the end of every season. When you post a question, it is easier for us to help if you include info and/or photos of your boat....engine hp, boat size, make, model, etc. If your boat has no drain plugs, you should look into having them installed.....fairly cheap procedure. Just remember to put teflon tape on the threads every time you re-insert the plugs. Another trick I learned on this forum is to open the top drain plugs if your boat has them and use some sort of pump or even a bilge pump to get the water out. Good luck.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: pontoon boat listing to port

Most pontoons have drain plugs. But if there is water in there, you should investigate why and have it repaired.

 

[5150abf]

Re: pontoon boat listing to port

Which side is your gas tank on, if it is on the port side then there is your culprit or as you mentuioned you have more furniture on that side of the boat.

A mentioned the only way to tell if there is water is to get the boat out and check it, it only takes a second, once it is on the trailer roll it forward a bit then stop suddenly and put your ear on the tube, if threre is water you will hear it slosh.

A way to check it on the water is to mark that tube and see if the mark moves, if it actually is taking on water the mark will go under if not it is a weight thing on the boat and the only way to get it level is to add weight to the starboard side.

 

[astampfel]

Re: pontoon boat listing to port

Well, I found my leaks! I hooked up an air compressor and regulator valve and put in 5 psi of air. Then I lifted the boat as much as I could before it started to list in my lift. After one day, I lifted it some more, and found 4 holes that were shooting out water! I cleaned the area around the holes pretty good, and used some Loctite epoxy to seal the holes. They have been holding for 2 weeks now, and I've been out 3 times. I actually removed the drain port on the back of the toon (which was hidden by a layer of barnicles) and pumped out all of the water.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: pontoon boat listing to port

Thanks for reporting back. We like to hear successful solutions.