Checking for Leaks in Pontoons

Checking for leaks in pontoon logs isn't all that difficult but it is easier on a trailer than in the water. True, a gaping hole may be easy to find but the little ones take more effort.

The easiest way is to pump a little air into the logs and use a soapy mixture to spray around looking for the leaks. Most, but not all logs have drain plugs in the back. Some have the plugs on top of the logs. Either way you need to make a valve to insert the air. You can get a PVC plug from Home Depot or other supply source. At an auto parts store, usually in the tire/tire repair section, they have little one-way valves (looks like the valve stem on your car). Drill a hole in the PVC plug just big enough to insert the valve. Insert the valve and, using epoxy, glue it in ensuring that it will be air tight. Once it hardens, you are ready to test. Remove the old plug and screw in the newly assembled plug. Using a compressor, pump in a small amount of air (it doesn't take much unless you have a gaping hole). With someone's help (it's easier that way) go around the pontoons and spray with soapy water. If you have a leak you should see bubbles. Mark the spots and continue. Keep in mind leaks could be anywhere on the pontoons including the top. It could be leaking at welds where the Z-bars attach to the pontoons. I have seen numerous times boats that were pulled up on a sandy beach. After a period of time of wave action, the bottom of the pontoons were rubbed thin enough to develop small leaks.

After you have identified all the leaks, you need to have them welded. Keep in mind, not everyone is capable of welding thin aluminum. It takes special welding equipment. Find someone that truly knows how to do this. I have seen pontoons that someone tried welding with a normal steel welder and it was the ugliest job you can imagine. The thin aluminum can be melted very quickly with the wrong type of welder.

Hope this helps. It should get you floating.


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