Building a pntoon

[df909]

Hey Guys-

I'm thinking about building a pontoon boat but need to know if it'll be practical. I have a 20' runabout now, but have always liked pontoons more. I'd like to be able to pull a skier or two, fish, maybe camp on it, and hit a top end of around 50ish. I'd only put it on lakes and rivers in my area and nothing with large swells. I'd also like an I/O as I feel they're a bit easier for me to work on.

With all of that in mind, am I dreaming or does that sound reaonable from a pontoon? Also, does anyone know any good DIY plans and help I could reference? Last, what would I expect to spend? I'm not a frilly guy, so I don't need a fridge or reclining chairs or anything like that; just the basics.

Thanks.

 

[sfy]

Re: Building a pntoon

http://usapontoon.com/

check with them, it seems to be something they are VERY familiar with

 

[Bearfan]

Re: Building a pntoon

If you don't want any frills, they do provide a nice basic structure. I have a hard time imaginging these doing 50ish, but throw a big block in there and hope she stays together...maybe.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Building a pntoon

Given the current condition of the boat market, you should consider purchasing a good used pontoon. There are tons of them on the market. Except for your desired speed, you can probably buy one cheaper than you can build it.

The 50sh speed will be difficult, but not impossible, for any pontoon. So I recommend that you seriously reconsider that criteria. Very few pontooners have need for that kind of speed.

 

[df909]

Re: Building a pntoon

Thanks for the info. I'm going to look up the website in just a few. I know the used market is good, but I figure this will be a fun project (hopefully not the first hour or so then a nightmare for a year).

The speed I just pulled out of my ***. I was thinking of a 350 or something like that... Is that too much for a pontoon?

I have a 262 in my runabout now and wanted something with a bit more power.

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Building a pntoon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCEF6zOFj2o&feature=related

mail this guy...

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Building a pntoon

The 350 is not too much if the boat is engineered for that weight, power and speed. A third toon will probably be needed for the extra weight and speed of a 350.

Good luck with your project and please report back here about your progress.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Building a pntoon

Your original description of what you want in your pontoon seems to be closer to a deckboat.
Your description reads as if the only attraction a pontoon boat has for you is the deck and features from there up.
There are a few deckboats that have been built that from above look exactly like a traditional pontoon boat. And some have I/O propulsion instead of outboards.
You might want to look in that direction also.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Building a pntoon

I do have a 1987 20 FT Monarch, w/ 1977 Evinrude 140, me alone 37 mph.

 

[Bearfan]

Re: Building a pntoon

Your original description of what you want in your pontoon seems to be closer to a deckboat.
Your description reads as if the only attraction a pontoon boat has for you is the deck and features from there up.
There are a few deckboats that have been built that from above look exactly like a traditional pontoon boat. And some have I/O propulsion instead of outboards.
You might want to look in that direction also.

We seriously considered a Bryant deckboat before we bought this pontoon, but the wife won. If you still want a bowrider feel with Pontoon like space, they are a great option.

 

[df909]

Re: Building a pntoon

Thanks for the info guys. That video of the 600hp boat was pretty crazy- not quite the pontoon boat of yesterday. I e-mailed USA Pontoon with what I'm looking for and am waiting for their reply. I didn't really think about a deckboat yet and I'd still rather a pontoon, but I might have to give up a couple of options.

I'll keep everyone updated on what I do though.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Building a pntoon

If you seriously think an I/O on a pontoon is easier to service than an outboard you have not looked at one very closely. 50 MPH is downright trecherous on a pontoon. At that speed a wave (even a small one) over the bow turns this boat into a 50 MPH diving plane (think submarine on a crash dive). Having experienced this, you do not want it do happen with a load of people. You cannot build a pontoon from scratch as cheaply as you can buy one ready made. Perhaps if you have a very inexpensive source for furniture, tubes, welders, etc, this is not a "cheaper" alternative.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: Building a pntoon

50 MPH is downright trecherous on a pontoon. At that speed a wave (even a small one) over the bow turns this boat into a 50 MPH diving plane (think submarine on a crash dive). Having experienced this, you do not want it do happen with a load of people. QUOTE]


Excelent point

 

[Macamato]

Re: Building a pntoon

With the help of this forum members such as Silvertip, Tashasdaddy, External Combustion and others,we built a pontoon vessel upon which we installed our pickup camper and cruised up the Mississippi and St Croix rivers last September/October.

We used a salvage Bass Buggy for most of the structure and the additional structure which we had fabricated was very expensive.

We found a great value for the basic pontoons at Great Lakes Skipper.

The advice and council of the good buddies on this forum (Tashasdaddy, Silvertip, External Combustion and others) really were priceless. They will guide you thru this great adventure you are embarking upon.

Good luck and enjoy.

Macamato

 

[curtiscapk]

Re: Building a pntoon

try this

http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3690