How to Jack Up a Pontoon Boat

A pontoon boat uses a device that is known as a pontoon to float on a body of water. The boat portion rests on the pontoons. Such boats require routine maintenance. You will also need to clean your boat regularly to make sure that it continues to function properly. To accomplish both tasks, you will need to gain access to the underside of the pontoon boat. You do this by jacking the boat up.

Things You'll Need

  • Hydraulic jack
  • Soft cloth
  • Concrete blocks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Move your pontoon boat to a location conducive to what you will do. For example, if you are cleaning the boat, you will need to transport it somewhere with access to water and a hose. For you to jack up your boat, it will have to be on land. Make sure the area is flat to keep your boat from sliding around or moving while you are working on it. You can use a paved area; if you set your pontoon boat down carefully on the pavement, it will not damage the pontoons.

    • 2

      Place the jack underneath the front of the left pontoon. Place a soft cloth on the jack's head to prevent it from scratching or damaging the pontoon. Release the lock on the jack's handle. Pump the jack handle up and down to raise the pontoon. Jack the pontoon just high enough to allow a concrete block to fit underneath the pontoon. Slip a block under the pontoon.

    • 3

      Remove the jack handle and place it in the jack's release valve. Turn the valve to the left. The weight of the pontoon will push the jack head down. Once the pontoon is on the block, remove the jack. Turn the release valve back to the right.

    • 4

      Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for the right front pontoon.

    • 5

      Jack up the rear of the left pontoon. Place another block under the pontoon and lower it onto the block. Remove the jack and repeat the process with the right pontoon.