Pontoon sheet metal ideas

[newbie4life]

Good afternoon!


I have a pontoon that has flat sheet aluminum on the side of the railings (as most of them do) -- It has a 'wood-grained' textured finish, and looks old. We're looking at bringing this thing up into the new millenium at least, and want to do away with the orange and yellow, and opt for a smooth panel. It looks as simple as drilling out the rivets, tracing it on the new pieces, and marking the rivet holes, and re-riveting it in place.

I thought about using sign blank material -- any number of colors can be ordered, but it gets a little pricey. Any other ideas? The metal is 16" wide, and we'd need about 40' lineal feet of it, with the longest piece being 6' long.

Seems to me, I've seen fiberglass used before, but I'm wondering how well it would age...

Just looking for some ideas!!!!

thanks for any help or suggestions,

Jason

 

[Jobless Recovery]

Re: Pontoon sheet metal ideas

Ours is aluminum but I understand that some restorers have used the fiberglass siding panels used for RV's. I know you can purchase new siding from a place called pontoonstuff.com they have EVERYTHING you'll need to update/restore your pontoon.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Pontoon sheet metal ideas

I assume you have considered painting what you have which would be your cheapest option. What ever you use, I think you'll want decals or at least a paint scheme to break up the solid color. Coiled aluminum is an option but you'll still want to add decals or paint to make it look professional.

If it were my nickel, I would strongly consider a professional paint job.

Let us know of your final decision and pics would be nice.

Good luck.

 

[MinUph]

Re: Pontoon sheet metal ideas

Coiled aluminum from the big box store would work nicely. You will find it in the aluminum department where they sell 2x2 and 4x4 aluminum studs used to build screen rooms and such. You will need to handle it carefully so as not to bend it but once it is in place it will be fine. Also you will need to use the channel material at least on the top and side edges. And as stated above some decals would finish it off nicely. If you original aluminum is not damaged then paint is also a good recommendation.
Have fun and yes pictures are mandatory when done. B4 and after is always best

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Pontoon sheet metal ideas

I'm not afraid of painting anything -- However, the 'wood-grained' look on this thing would make putting decals on more difficult than it's worth.

I've sprayed a multitude of things from tractors (one won best in show) and trailers, etc. to cabinets and trim. As for decals -- my wife makes signs, which is why I thought of using sign blanks -- However, the costs are so high, and we're getting into the winter months when building work takes a slow down. I'm just trying to figure out something that would keep the costs down a little bit.

I wondered about coil stock, but thought it might be a little too 'flimsy'???? I know I can hem the outside edge... but just unsure of the stiffness of it -- it too can be ordered in a multitude of colors, and then just apply the graphics that my bride makes.

Thanks so much for the suggestions so far!!!! -- I will take pictures... but will not post until it's completed. It makes me sick to even look at it the way it is.

Jason

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Pontoon sheet metal ideas

With the talent that you and your wife posess, I would take pictures of some late model boats and copy the paint scheme from one that you like. The paint scheme will be much better than decals and overall is probably your cheapest and best option.

We love before and after pictures so please post them.....

Good luck

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Pontoon sheet metal ideas

Thank you EGlide for the vote of confidence.... I will post as soon as I get them done. I'm looking forward to working on this this week -- hope to finish for the upcoming unofficial 'end of summer' -- and this will be the first weekend we get the sucker in the water.