How to shrink wrap and winterize a Manitou pontoon boat?

There’s nothing quite like easing a Manitou pontoon onto the water early in the morning, with the lake calm and full of possibility—but if you skip the right winterization steps, that perfect launch day can turn into a headache of cracked seals, moldy carpet, and costly repairs.

Table of Contents

TL;DR

Winterizing your Manitou pontoon boat isn’t just about throwing a tarp over it and calling it done. Proper storage—especially shrink wrapping—protects your investment from snow, ice, moisture, and critters. This guide walks you through the entire process: prepping your boat, building a support frame, shrink wrapping step-by-step, winterizing your engine and V-Toon hull, and storing it safely. Follow these steps, and your performance pontoon will be ready to roar back to life when spring arrives.

Key Takeaways

Shrink wrap beats standard covers for snowy climates—it won’t sag or blow off under heavy snow loads
Always prep your boat first: clean thoroughly, remove loose items, and drain all water systems
Your Manitou’s V-Toon hull needs special attention—check the sealed transom for water and drain the center tube if needed
Build a proper support frame using poles and strapping before applying shrink wrap to prevent sagging
Engine winterization is non-negotiable: stabilize fuel, fog cylinders, change lower unit oil, and store with the engine down
Store indoors if possible, but if you must keep it outside, shrink wrap and block the trailer to keep tires off the ground

Why Winterizing Your Manitou Pontoon Boat Matters More Than You Think

Picture this: You’ve spent the summer carving across the lake in your Manitou, feeling that smooth acceleration from the V-Toon Technology and enjoying the comfort of Premium Marine Upholstery. The boat handled like a dream, whether you were pulling a skier or just cruising with the family.

Now winter’s coming. And here’s the thing about performance pontoons—they’re built for speed, but they still need serious care when the temperatures drop. Water left in the wrong place freezes and expands. Moisture trapped under a cover turns into mold. And if you’ve ever seen what happens when heavy snow collapses a cheap tarp onto your boat’s interior… well, let’s just say it’s not pretty.

Manitou pontoon boats are engineered with precision, which means they also require thoughtful storage to maintain that precision year after year. Skipping winterization might save you a weekend now, but it can cost you thousands in repairs come spring.

Step 1: Prep Your Manitou for Winter Storage

Before you even think about shrink wrap, you need to get your boat ready. This is the foundation of good winter storage.

Clean Everything—Inside and Out

Start with a thorough cleaning. Remove all debris, grease, dirt, and any leftover food crumbs. Why? Because pests love a dirty boat. Mice and other critters will find their way into any space they can, and they’re not picky about where they nest.

Wash the hull, clean the carpets, and wipe down all surfaces. If your Non-Slip Marine Flooring has seen better days, now’s the time to give it some attention. A clean boat going into storage means a clean boat coming out in spring.

Interesting fact: Many boat owners swear by leaving dryer sheets and mothballs inside compartments to deter pests during storage .

Remove Loose Gear and Electronics

Take out everything that isn’t bolted down:

Life jackets and water sports gear
Electronics and GPS units
Portable coolers
Fishing gear
Any personal items

Store these in your garage or basement where temperatures are stable. Batteries should be removed and kept on a trickle charger or charged periodically throughout winter .

Drain All Water Systems

If your boat has a freshwater system, livewell, or even just a washdown hose—drain it completely. Water left in lines will freeze, expand, and crack fittings or hoses. This includes:

Freshwater tanks
Livewells
Bilge areas (check for standing water)
Toilet systems (if equipped)

Special Attention: The V-Toon Hull

This is where your Manitou is different from standard pontoon boats. The patented V-Toon Technology gives you that smooth, stable ride at higher speeds, but it also has a sealed transom that needs checking before winter.

Here’s what to do :

Locate the access plate on the transom and open it
Check for water inside the sealed area
If you find water, remove the drain plug at the bottom rear of the center tube
Let all water drain completely
Coat the drain plug with thread sealant before reinstalling

If you find a significant amount of water, contact your dealer—it could indicate a seal issue that needs attention before spring.

Step 2: Build a Support Frame for Shrink Wrap

Now that your boat is prepped, it’s time to build the frame that will support your shrink wrap. This step is crucial—without a proper frame, the wrap will sag, collect water and snow, and potentially tear.

What You’ll Need

PVC pipes or wooden poles (2-inch PVC works well)
Plastic caps for the tops of poles
Strapping and buckles
Strap tightening tool (or a strong pair of hands)
Staple gun (for securing strapping)

Build It Right

Start by laying your Integrated Bimini Top System down flat on the boat. This gives you a baseline for height. Measure the tallest point of your boat (usually the helm or a seat back) and add about 15 inches. That’s your target pole height .

Place poles every 8 feet along the length of your boat. For a typical 22–24 foot Manitou, two poles should do it. For longer models, add a third pole.

Secure the poles to the boat’s railings using strapping. Run strapping from the bow to the stern, creating a “tent” shape. Tighten everything as snug as possible—you want a solid structure that won’t shift under snow load.

If your boat has cleats on the stern, use them to create a V-pattern with your strapping. This adds serious strength to the frame .

Step 3: Shrink Wrap Your Manitou—Step by Step

With your frame in place, it’s time to apply the shrink wrap. You can do this yourself with a kit, or hire a professional. If you’re going the DIY route, here’s how it’s done.

Gather Your Materials

A typical shrink wrap kit includes:

Shrink wrap roll (thick blue wrap for heavy snow areas, white for lighter conditions)
Heat gun (never use an open flame torch)
Belly band (strapping that goes under the deck)
Vents (to prevent moisture buildup)
Protective gloves

Lay the Wrap

Unfold the shrink wrap over your frame, starting at the stern and working toward the bow. Make sure it covers the entire boat with plenty of overhang.

Run the belly band around the boat, positioning it under the deck where the pontoons attach. Tighten the band and secure it with a buckle .

Heat and Shrink

Now for the satisfying part. Using your heat gun (with stable, even strokes), start heating the wrap from the bottom up. The heat causes the plastic to contract and tighten around your frame.

Safety note: Be careful not to overheat any spot. The wrap can burn, and if it ignites, you’ve got a real problem. Keep the heat gun moving and watch for any signs of burning .

Work your way around the boat, checking for loose areas. After about 30 minutes, let the wrap cool and inspect your work. Any open spots can be hit with more heat to seal them.

Add Vents

This step is easy to overlook, but it’s critical. Install 3–4 vents in the shrink wrap to allow air circulation. Without vents, moisture gets trapped inside, and you’ll find mold and mildew when spring arrives .

Pro tip: Some DIYers add a zippered opening in the wrap so they can access the boat during winter if needed. Handy for checking on things or grabbing gear.

Step 4: Winterize Your Engine

Your engine needs just as much attention as the boat itself. A properly winterized outboard will start right up in spring. Skip these steps, and you might be looking at carburetor rebuilds or worse.

Fuel System

Add a fuel stabilizer (like Stabil) to your gas tank, then run the engine for 10–15 minutes to make sure the treated fuel circulates through the entire system .

If your engine has a fuel fitting, some boaters run the engine until it starves and dies, clearing the carbs. Others prefer to leave treated fuel in the system. Both approaches work—just pick one and stick with it.

Fog the Cylinders

This protects your engine’s internal parts from rust during storage :

Remove the spark plugs
Spray fogging oil into each cylinder (or add about 1 ounce of 2-cycle oil)
Replace the spark plugs (but leave the wires off)
Crank the engine a few times to coat the cylinder walls
Reattach the spark plug wires

Change Lower Unit Oil

Check your lower unit oil for signs of water. If it looks milky, you’ve got a seal leak that needs fixing .

You can change the oil now or wait until spring—just don’t forget to do it. Fresh oil in the lower unit protects gears from moisture damage.

Grease Fittings and Protect Wiring

Hit all grease fittings with a grease gun. Then spray the outside of the engine and all wiring with WD-40 or a similar protectant. This prevents rust and keeps rubber wiring from drying out and cracking .

Store Engine in Down Position

Leave your engine in the down (vertical) position so all water drains completely. Water trapped in the cooling system can freeze and crack the block .

Remove the Battery

Take the battery out and store it in a cool, dry place. Charge it every few weeks, or put it on a trickle charger to keep it ready for spring.

Step 5: Store Your Manitou Safely

You’ve wrapped the boat and winterized the engine. Now it’s time to think about where and how to store everything.

Inside Storage Is Best

If you have access to indoor storage—whether a garage, warehouse, or dedicated boat storage facility—take it. Inside storage protects your boat from UV damage, extreme temperature swings, and curious critters .

If Storing Outside

Not everyone has indoor space, and that’s okay. But if you’re storing your Manitou outside, follow these rules :

Block the trailer: Position your trailer on blocks to keep the tires off the ground. This prevents flat spots and tire deterioration over the winter.
Check the shrink wrap periodically: After heavy snow or ice storms, check that the wrap hasn’t sagged or torn.
Don’t let snow pile up: While shrink wrap is strong, excessive snow load can still cause problems. Clear heavy snow if you can do so safely.

What About the Mooring Cover?

Important: Your mooring cover is not designed for winter storage . It’s meant for short-term protection during the season, not months of snow, ice, and wind. If you’re storing outside, shrink wrap is the way to go.

Real-World Storage Comparison

Storage Method	Best For	Protection Level	Cost	Maintenance Required
Shrink Wrap (Professional)	Heavy snow areas, long-term outdoor storage	Excellent—tight fit, no sagging	$500–$1500	Minimal—check periodically
DIY Shrink Wrap	Budget-conscious owners, moderate climates	Very good with proper frame	$150–$300 (kit cost)	Moderate—need to ensure frame holds
Heavy-Duty Storage Cover	Mild climates, covered storage areas	Good for dust and light moisture	$300–$800	Regular—need to check for pooling water
Indoor Storage (No Wrap)	Best overall protection	Excellent—no weather exposure	Varies by facility	Minimal—just keep clean

Common Winterization Questions

What makes Manitou pontoon boats unique?

Manitou’s patented V-Toon Technology delivers a smooth, stable ride at high speeds—combining the comfort of a pontoon with the handling of a fiberglass hull.

Are Manitou pontoons good for beginners?

Absolutely. They’re stable, easy to handle, and offer excellent visibility from the helm, making them great for first-time boat owners.

How fast can a Manitou pontoon go?

With high-horsepower outboards and performance hull designs, many Manitou models can reach speeds over 45–50 mph.

What engine size is best for a Manitou boat?

It depends on your needs. For watersports, go with higher horsepower. For casual cruising, mid-range engines offer great fuel efficiency.

Are Manitou boats good for water sports?

Yes. With Ski Tow Bars, High Horsepower Outboard Engines, and stable hull designs, they’re excellent for tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding.

How stable are Manitou pontoons at high speed?

Very stable. The Triple Tube Performance Hull and Performance Lifting Strakes keep the boat planted even during high-speed turns.

What maintenance does a Manitou boat require?

Regular cleaning, engine maintenance, and proper winterization are key. The aluminum construction requires minimal upkeep compared to fiberglass boats.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Investment

Winterizing your Manitou isn’t just about getting through the cold months—it’s about making sure your boat is ready to perform the moment spring arrives. When you pull off that shrink wrap on a sunny April morning, you want to see a boat that’s clean, dry, and ready for the water.

Manitou pontoon boats are built for performance, but even the best-engineered watercraft need a little help when winter rolls around. Take the time to do it right, and you’ll be rewarded with years of reliable service and that unbeatable feeling of launching onto a calm lake with everything in perfect working order.

What’s your favorite Manitou boat feature or on-the-water experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

References:

Winterization Guide: How to Properly Shrink Wrap and Store Your Manitou | Save Thousands in Repairs & Keep Your Performance Pontoon Like New