Building small pontoon boat

[bayman]

I'm starting work on a 10 foot, 2 person pontoon boat. This will be the third boat I've owned but I've never owned a pontoon boat. I'm wondering what accessories and features everyone likes on their (small) pontoon boats. What recommendations do you have? I plan on using it for exploring, cruising around lakes, and fishing.

 

[beniam]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

bayman<br />Always liked enterprising projects.<br />Just wondering out loud; 10ft long, one foot diameter (round at .78 sf), 2 pontoons....<br />thats 15 cf. Times 62.4 # per cubic foot,say at one half under water..468 pounds carrying capacity. Not a lot. Just a guess and a thought. <br />Be happy, enjoy life and be safe. Batavier

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

You'll need 16" diameter minimum.<br /><br />Not much room to add features but here's my list: BBQ, ice chest (under a seat/bench?) and a landing board, a 12" wide board that slides underneath.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[beniam]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

16 inch diameter, 10 ft long...half deep in water,<br />say 1100 pounds.Your deck will be 8 inch plus stringers and floorboard..say 12 inch above water.<br />Sounds like a fun project. <br />Enjoy life, be happy. Batavier

 

[bayman]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

Thanks for the ideas and thoughts everyone!<br /><br />I have started on the pontoons. They are 18" in diameter and all the way to the outside. The deck will be lower than the top of the pontoons so that it isn't too high above the water.<br /><br />The landing board - does this function as a step when beaching? I'm not familiar with the term.

 

[bayman]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

Any recommendations on horsepower?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

Any recommendations on horsepower?

An Eletric Trolling Motor ??

 

[bayman]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

Would a 9.9 hp engine be sufficient?

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

Grandfather used to have a home-built pontoon style boat...called "Huff 'n Puff".<br /><br />It was powered by human effort..... both passengers peddling away to spin a single prop (via chain, sprockets, etc.) All Good excercise, and environmentally friendly. An great fishing platform.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

Originally posted by bayman:<br /> The landing board - does this function as a step when beaching? I'm not familiar with the term.

It sure does. When beaching, you don't have to run up the bank, just gently touch the bottom and then extend the board. <br /><br />The marina I am in supply 10ft toon boats as tenders, they all run 6hp. 9.9hp is ample.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[bayman]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

I wonder if most pontoon boats in the US come with a landing board. It sounds like a good idea but I want to see how some of them make them. I've seen plenty of pontoon boats around but I have never noticed this feature. It seems that it would be similar to a kitchen cutting board that just extends out when you need it.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

I've got one, granted it's on a 45ft houseboat but it doesn't matter what size your building, the principle is the same. I'll post a pic if you want.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[bayman]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

A pic would be great, thanks Dunaruna!

 

[Realgun]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

and a landing board, a 12" wide board that slides underneath.<br />

Whre I come form its called a plank and you dont't want to walk it. ! Arge<br /><br />That a great idea though. To bad my bowrider is so high in front makes it hard to get on when beached.

 

[bayman]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

Hey Realgun, for larger boats, are ladders like this any good? I've seen them but haven't ever used one.<br /><br />

 

[Realgun]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

That looks insteresting but how does it work? I have never seen 1 before. My boat when landed seems higher than it should be but I can get in an out it just seems higher than the old boat we had as a kid.!

 

[bayman]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

Here is the description of the that bow ladder:<br /><br />Mounts to deck or side of any boat. Angled entry creates Stowaway - Stairway for easy exit from beach or boat. Folds flat when not in use. Lightweight, easily removed for stowage. Hi-tensile anodized aluminum and stainless steel construction. Includes stainless steel mounting brackets, quick release pins and nylon lift strap. 300 pound capacity.<br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?prod_id=40550

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

Sorry Bayman, I thought I had a picture but I can't find it. I'll take one the next time I go up to the lake but that may not be for a few weeks.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[bayman]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

Actually, a few weeks from now would be perfect since I won't get to that part of the boat for awhile. I'm still messing with what little features I want to build into the fiberglass - such as hand hold grips and so forth.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Building small pontoon boat

Bayman, here are the pics as promised.<br /><br />This has been way over engineered because we also use it as a diving platform, all you really need is a plank that slides in and out of 'C' channel.<br /><br /> pic 1 <br /><br /> pic 2 <br /><br /> pic 3 <br /><br /> pic 4 <br /><br /> pic 5 <br /><br /> pic 6 <br /><br />Aldo