Understanding Sloshing in Pontoon Boats and How To Prevent It

Have you noticed a sloshing noise coming from somewhere in your pontoon boat? Pontoons should never take in water. Any sloshing noise indicates an issue with your boat, such as a leak or a sealant problem.

Thankfully, this issue can normally be repaired through professional welding. Learn more about water sloshing in pontoon boats, how to prevent it, and when you might need pontoon repair in Lake of the Ozarks.

What Is Sloshing in Pontoon Boats?

The tubes or “toons” in a pontoon boat are what keep the structure afloat and steady. These pontoons are usually made from aluminum or another sturdy metal and are filled with air, allowing the boat to remain buoyant. As you can imagine, you don’t want these tubes to take in water; when they do, the boat loses stability and speed, and there is an increased risk of sinking.

Hearing a sloshing sound from somewhere in the boat may indicate that the tubes have taken in water. The best course of action is to immediately return to shore and assess the problem.

Common Causes of Sloshing Sounds

Hearing water sloshing in pontoon boats might indicate a few different problems:

Leaks: Leaks pose a major hazard in pontoon boats. While the toons are made of sturdy metal, they can experience damage if you bottom out on a rough surface or strike the dock. Even a minuscule hole can begin letting water into the toons. You might notice the boat leaning to one side or struggling to reach high speeds if this has happened.
Drain issues: Some pontoon boats have drain plugs in the bottom of the toons or around the bilge area. If yours are malfunctioning or your boat doesn’t have drain plugs, water won’t be able to drain from the hull properly, creating a sloshing sound and indicating that water is where it shouldn’t be.

How To Prevent Sloshing in Pontoon Boats

Leaks are some of the largest threats to pontoon boats and something you shouldn’t overlook. Whether your boat is leaking or experiencing another issue, taking the appropriate steps will help preserve your boat’s lifespan and keep you and your loved ones safe out on the water.

Fix leaks as soon as possible: After noticing a leak in the toons, keep your boat out of the water and fix the leak as soon as possible. The best method of repairing most leaks is through professional welding. Don’t resort to DIY methods that usually don’t hold up long term.
Take caution while docking: Prevent damage to your toons by slowing down significantly while docking and avoiding bottoming out.
Store the boat properly: Be sure to store the boat raised off the water during the winter to protect it against cold weather.
Drain and ventilate the boat: Most pontoon boats require regular draining to release any water that has entered the toons. You should also ventilate the toons to prevent pressure build-up and damage that could lead to future pontoon leaks.
Ensure even weight distribution: Distributing passengers and cargo evenly across the deck will balance the boat and prevent it from listing to one side, which could allow water to enter the deck or internal areas. It will also ensure pontoon stability and promote better rough water handling through the often strong waves on Lake of the Ozarks.

Request Pontoon Repair from Augello’s Pontoon Welding

Noticing water sloshing in pontoon boats can be alarming. It’s important to take this issue seriously, as it could indicate a leak that will quickly cause your boat to be unsafe or unstable. Additionally, water in the toons can cause more damage, resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs.

At Augello’s Pontoon Welding, we offer professional pontoon welding, repair, and reinforcement at Lake of the Ozarks. Let us help you protect your investment and your family by ensuring the safety of your boat.

Contact us today at 573-207-0285 to request a repair. We’ll help you get the boat to our shop, thoroughly inspect it, perform the repairs, and transfer it back to you through your preferred method.