Restoring Process

[Cubbyblue22]

So i'm at the point with my pontoon that all I have to do is rip the old wood off and then i'm on to putting all my new accessories together. However, I wanted to ask everyone what steps they would take when building their pontoon. I know a lot of you here have put together pontoons and so i'm hoping to get the aspect of everyone in which order you would do it. Whether it be console, steering system, lights/wiring, seats, etc. or something completely different. Thank you!!!

 

[5150abf]

Re: Restoring Process

I have never rebuilt a pontoon but I did redo my fishing boat from the keel up.

While it is stripped make sure all your crossmember bolts are tight when you get to the new wood make sure it is seperated form the crossmembers with anything really, a thick coat of latex house paint will even do you just want to keep the wood from contact with the aluminum, they don't play well together, at work we use a thin foam tape.

Get your wood on tight and bolted really well, the deck is a major structural part of the boat and takes a big load, bolting is the best way to go but screws will work just use alot of them.

Then whatever flooring you have then I would locate the console since there are cables involved that are only so long, then the rails and lastly the furniture, with the con and rails set you will know exactly what you have to work with.

When I did my boat I wired things as I went and ran the wires to the con but didn't hook anything up till it was all done, if you put a small masking tape flag on the wire and write on it with a sharpy what it is it makes the job alot easier, like "PORT NAV +'' or "BILGE -"

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Restoring Process

Thanks 5150 , my biggest concern from all of this was the wiring process and when I should be connecting things. I just bought a new motor for my pontoon as well so I'm thinking once the decks on and the console, my next process would be to install the battery and make sure all the cables from the motor are hooked up to the console, steering, and battery to make sure that works. Any other thoughts are appreciated!

Thanks again

 

[kywings]

Re: Restoring Process

Working on mine now. I have been rebuilding the seats since feb. Wanted to stay as original as possible. Wood deck is good so I did not have to replace. I started with the seats. Only cause I was using the boat while rebuilding. I have a 25 Crest 1998. I was able to rebuild all the seats for less than $800. They were rotten. New vinyl and a kenmore. My motor needs work but not replacing. I'll post pics when I get on computer. My advice is take your time and research each step.

 

[kywings]

Re: Restoring Process

Also more specifically to your question. I'm addiing lights and speakers. So while I have it stripped to a wood deck I'll be running all wires to the helm. I did not remove my helm. I will slide carpet under. Sounds like you upgraded so that's where you'll start. Carpet, helm controls, wiring, railing, seats then Bimini.

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Restoring Process

Are you installing the speakers into the furniture first or waiting till the furniture is all set in place? I really don't think it matters but just asking your opinion.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Restoring Process

sends over a case of beer , enjoy the work, its all most as enjoyable as running it

 

[kywings]

Re: Restoring Process

My plan is to run the wires while the seats are out. Then install speakers after seats are in. Want to make sure I get the proper location.

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Restoring Process

I know this may sound like a stupid newbie question, but I was taking the rotary steering system out of the old console and was wondering what the long white tube is called coming out of the main system. Thanks!

 

[kywings]

Re: Restoring Process

Don't feel bad. I didn't remove my console but I saw the same tube and am interested in what that is too.

 

[lowjane]

Re: Restoring Process

So i'm at the point with my pontoon that all I have to do is rip the old wood off and then i'm on to putting all my new accessories together. However, I wanted to ask everyone what steps they would take when building their pontoon. I know a lot of you here have put together pontoons and so i'm hoping to get the aspect of everyone in which order you would do it. Whether it be console, steering system, lights/wiring, seats, etc. or something completely different. Thank you!!!

My hubby and I tore apart our 1982 Harris flote boat, whether right or wrong here is what we did.

1) Removed everything off the floor, all furniture, console, carpeting, wiring steering the whole works

2) WE first addressed the flooring the wood deck was fine but the carpet had started to show signs of wear, we applied a new vinyl floor. ( the previous owner had the wood flooring replaced 10 years ago but the carpeting was household indoor outdoor). the vinyl is soo nice, easy to clean, easy to apply and a little cheaper than carpeting - or at least where I live it was!

3) Next we added the trim around the edge of the boat that the gates/ fences sit on, Then the gates and fences and the hardtop was reattached to the supports on the fence. We purchased new stainless steel nuts and bolts, as the old fasterners looked pretty sad.. We also found that the aluminum fences were not well bolted down previously so we made sure while we had the opportunity to do it right to do just that.

4) We then put in a whole new steering system instead of trying to purchase a cable because our cable was so old they did not sell that type anymore- we installed the console at this point so we knew how much slack to leave in the wiring and steering,

5) next came all the wiring - we threaded through all new wiring for the lighting, and from the control box to the motor. My husband found many joints in the old wiring so decided while we had it apart to replenish it all. WE also added a new kill switch as the previous one was not operational

6) The last bit was to add and fasten down furnishings.

Others may have more suggestions and I respect that, this was what we did and we were novices. the hardest part was working on the steering into the console because of the area we had to work inside the console in order to fashion it all together.