float test?????

[dmastro56]

ive been around pontoon boats my whole life but my grandfather passed away and he left me his pontoon boat. it has been sitting in his driveway for about 3 years and only has been ran about 3 times. before splashing this boat, what should i look for. the engine is fine. how can i check the toons and deck plating??

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: float test?????

Put in the water for awhile, then pull it out. There is a drain plug on most toons, pull that and see if any water comes out. If you dont have a drain, you can have someone listen for sloshing in the driveway. Just pull up or back and stab the brakes, you may be able to hear any water moving inside. If you park in on flat ground the water (if any) inside the tubes will run out if there is a hole.
As for the deck, the old eye balls and the foot tests work pretty good.

 

[5150abf]

Re: float test?????

Welcome to iboats.

I think you are worried about the wrong thing, I would concentrate on the engine first since without an engine the boat is just a giant cork and sitting isn't real good on an engine.

If he winterized it before putting it up you may not have much to do if not you would have to at least clean the carbs.

Get a pair of muffs and some fresh gas and see if it will start and flow water, don't go above 1500 rpm with no load on the engine and I would spin the engine by hand for a minute or 2 just to be sure it spins okay.

As to the tubes not alot can happen to them sitting in a drive way but Biffle got it right, have someone drive it forward a few feet and stop fast then you put your ear on the tubes and listen, if there is water you will hear it.

The deck you just need to walk on, you will feel any bad spots.

Also, what are we talking about here, boat brand year and engine?

 

[dmastro56]

Re: float test?????

i am not worried about the engine. it is a 2005 25hp yamaha. i am also a marine mechanic. ive been working on engines for about 5 years now so i think i can find myself around the engine. thanks for the tips tho. ill have to let you guys know what the year and make on the pontoon boat is, i am going to florida to pick it up in april. i am in texas right now.

 

[dmastro56]

Re: float test?????

thanks alot when i get the boat down here ill give all those a try.





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