fiberglass pontoon quststions

[rcl700]

I'm looking into a used fiberglass 20' pontoon. w/ 90hp

I would like to know the pros & cons of fiberglass toons.
your thoughts on them.

what problems to look for when i go check it out.

It is gutted inside so I would be able to set up how ever I like ie. seats,tables.

Thanks for your input.

Seems hard to find info on them!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: fiberglass pontoon quststions

While any damage to the 'toons is more easily repaired than aluminum, one must consider how the unit will be used. If you regularly beach the boat, the tubes will take a beating as they are easily scratched and striking rocks or even gravel shorelines can do rather significant damage. If the boat will never or rarely be beached, then I would say the choice between glass and aluminum is a push. I suspect though that the glass units are heavier.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: fiberglass pontoon quststions

I totally agree with Silvertip.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: fiberglass pontoon quststions

I've seen a few older ones and they do tend to ride lower to the water. This is, I'm sure, a factor of weight and diameter of the pontoons. Look at the size you are buying. A 90 hp is a heavy weight on the back.

 

[rcl700]

Re: fiberglass pontoon quststions

well guys Im a member of the "toon" club.
I picked up my new to me 1988 22' fiberglass pontoon

This thing is like a tank.
it is also a mess!! I have a lot of work ahead of me to get this thing up to par.

my v8 jeep was all over the road trying too get it home I had to go very slow.
the toon is slid back off the trailers front bump stops like a foot+. I think that has a lot to do with why it was not pulling good (most of the weight was hanging off the back along with a 90hp.

I have no idea how Im going to get it slid up on the bunks without taking it to the lake and floating it. The lake is like an hour away and its not safe to pull the way its hanging. The bunks realy need to be replaced. Can this be done at home any way? This thing is heavy.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: fiberglass pontoon quststions

No winch on this trailer?????? If so, crank the boat forward.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: fiberglass pontoon quststions

No winch on this trailer?????? If so, crank the boat forward.

And if not, use a come-a-long.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: fiberglass pontoon quststions

Had a similiar issue with my toon last week. I was adjusting the trailer to get proper tongue weight so I needed to move the boat a few times. I used a high lift jack to raise the boat slightly, one side at a time. Then I slid in 2 layers of 4 mil. plastic under the toons. This created a very slippery surface for the boat to slide on. I used a come-a-long to move it back and forth.
If it's still too heavy, leave one end jacked up slightly to lessen the friction on the bunk before pulling and let the jack fall as it moves.

 

[rcl700]

Re: fiberglass pontoon quststions

well i got it up with a come along. thanks for the info.

 

[jayboy73]

Re: fiberglass pontoon quststions

I also was sucessful using a come a-long but only after I lubed the bunks with wire puller lubricant which did not do any damage to the carpet.