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5 signs that your pontoon boat benches need to be replaced or restored

December 17, 2025 by
5 signs that your pontoon boat benches need to be replaced or restored
William Simard

Do your seats need a little freshening up... or a complete restoration?

Over time, sun, moisture, and normal wear and tear from boating inevitably cause pontoon boat seats to show signs of wear. And while some damage may seem minor, other damage simply cannot be fixed with a simple cleaning.

Here are the five most common signs that it's time to replace or restore your pontoon boat seats.


1. Stubborn stains that won't come out

Many homeowners think that a good wash will do the trick. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

In many cases, what we think is dirt is actually mold embedded in the foam or vinyl.

And once the mold has penetrated deep into the material, there's nothing you can do about it: the only lasting solution is to replace the seats or the vinyl covering on the seats.



2. The vinyl is cracking or crumbling

If you notice microcracks, tears, areas where the vinyl is crumbling, etc., this is a clear sign that the material has reached the end of its life.

Sunlight and weather conditions dry out vinyl over time. Restoration is therefore the best option to prevent water from seeping in and damaging the foam.




3. The foam is sagging or no longer regains its shape

A comfortable bench must provide support. When the foam becomes soft, forms a hollow, or no longer bounces back, it is a sign that the foam is saturated with moisture or has simply deteriorated over the years.

In either case, a complete restoration of the seat is recommended.



4. A lingering smell of dampness

A persistent smell, even after cleaning, usually means there is a problem with the internal foam.

Moisture may have seeped in—sometimes a long time ago—creating the perfect environment for mold.

Here again, restoration is the only real solution.



5. The design no longer holds its shape (seams coming apart, distorted shapes)

With use, the seams can come apart and the original shape of the seats can be lost.

This type of problem indicates that the seams are worn, the thread has deteriorated, or the foam has shifted and no longer supports the covering.

A complete refresh will give your pontoon a clean, solid, and like-new look.



Why have your seats restored at Canada Pontoon?

Because sometimes what seems repairable isn't really... and conversely, a piece that seems ready for the trash can be saved by a team of experts.

At Canada Pontoon:

• We assess the actual condition of your seats (not just what we see on the surface).

• We give you an honest opinion on whether it's better to restore, replace, or simply clean your seats.

• We manufacture and install custom upholstery and covers using marine-grade materials.

• We can complete the project during the winter while your pontoon boat is already in storage.



In short: if you're unsure... ask for an assessment!

To avoid wasting time (and money) on cleaning that won't fix anything, don't hesitate to bring your benches or boat to us.

We'll tell you exactly what can be repaired... and what can't. And we'll offer you the best option to give your pontoon boat a new lease on life.

Ready to get started on your project? Contact us for an assessment!

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