Pontoon boat kits

T

txjeff

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May 18, 2008
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18
Hi all. Newbie here. After hunting around for used and new pontoon boats, 18 to 22 feet, with a 90 to 115 4 stroke engine, and seeing the prices were from $22k to $26k, I thought I might just build one from a kit. I visited a couple of sites that sell them and was wondering if any of you did so already?

Here's what I'm shooting for style wise:
http://www.suntrackerboats.com/boat/?boat=2944

I know the motors are the most expensive part so I may try to find a refurb engine.

I'm a middle of the road with construction and have all the tools. I assume that I'll have to have a mechanic mount and test the engine.

Thoughts? Savings?
 
5150abf

5150abf

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Aug 12, 2007
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5,808
Re: Pontoon boat kits

They sell pontoon kits???

I would almost have to see one of these kits to make a call on it, I would say just be careful, building a boat isn't like building a shed or anything else.
The marine environment is one of the harshest places there is, what you think is strong enough may fail, at speed.

Make sure of what you are getting into before you start ordering things so you don't get it half built and run out of money.

I have built somewhere in the neighborhood of 80,000 pontoon boats in the last 21 years so I am a little skeptical of these kits.
 
5150abf

5150abf

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Re: Pontoon boat kits

Well there you go, looked like some pretty quality pieces from the pics.

It is still alot of work but now I know what you are talking about.
Another thing is watch shipping rates, I sell stuff on Ebay now and then and shipping on one thing went from $48 on monday to $78 on thursday of the same week.
If you do go this way post pics and let us know how it goes.
Good luck.
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

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51,019
Re: Pontoon boat kits

i think it would be cool to build your own, check state regulations of titling, and registration, before hand. in Florida, any thing or 16 feet has to be inspected, and pass.
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

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28,771
Re: Pontoon boat kits

Depending on the degree of fancy you end up with, you may find that it would have been better to shop carefully and buy one. Right now is a buyers market and if you look at one or even two year old carry overs (new but non-current models) you can save a ton of money not to mention the many hours of labor involved. Of course you lose the "I built it myself" feeling but it seems that saving money was the issue, not the "Do it yourself" feeling. Most new toons are packaged with a four-stroke motor and with more juristictions dictating a "no carbed two-stroke" policy, a refurbed engine on an essentially new boat may not be a wise choice should the effort turn out less than desireable and you have to sell it.
 
T

txjeff

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Joined
May 18, 2008
Messages
18
Re: Pontoon boat kits

Thanks for the replies. I guess in my brain I didn't see building one as really that much work. It looked like something I could complete in about a week if it was a full kit with all the necessary parts, (less the engine). But I think your right. It's a much bigger deal than I'm thinking.

Yes, money is a factor. The dealers, I find, are not really giving away that much in spite of the economy I'm finding. I think they are trying to take advantage of the beginning of the season here in TX so there isn't allot of negotiating room. And used boats are getting snapped up so fast! I'm pretty amazed.

I'm not in a huge hurry so I can be patient awhile and see if I can find a deal. Probably the better idea.

Thanks again.
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Pontoon boat kits

look around there are going to be a lot on the market. also look at ebay, you can pick up older ones for cheap, and have a project to spiffy it up.
 
M

Macamato

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Jun 23, 2008
Messages
25
Re: Pontoon boat kits

I just picked up a very nice pair of pontoons from Great Lakes Skipper in Racine WI for less than 1/2 price.

They have tons of surplus marine items in their warehouse. I was very impressed with the amount and variety of their inventory.

If you contact Daniel or Gene at www.greatlakesskipper.com they may be able to help you find items you are looking for at a very reasonable price.

They really do treat their customers with respect.

MACAMATO
 
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