Hole in pontoon

[Poopajack]

Hi all,
This is my first post as I have been busy reading all of the valuable information on so many different discussions. You have all been an incredible help to me in repairiong a couple of my boats. Now I have a question that I've not seen in the past forums. I have a 20 ft Weers p-toon and have recently put a nice brand spankin' new 90hp Evenrude E-Tec on her. It looks great on there and it's such a pleasure to beb back on the water again!! My problem is this--As i was loading her on at the ramp, I put the trailer in the water and had to walk over to where she was and I noticed that she was leaning to one side. After I loaded her on the trailer I knew why--a whole in the log. I need any advice that I can get from you on sealing this thing as it is "Speck season" on Lake Okeechobee and I gotta get out there and get me some of these incredibly tasty critters!!! I think the hole is directly below the bunks as I can't seem to locate it, however I can see the water draining onto the ground. Any help would be greatily appreciated. Thanks so much

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Hole in pontoon

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your toon. Well... it can't be fixed so you'll have to send the Etec to me for safe keeping. I promise to look after it.
Now, back to the problem. Drain the water off and pressurize the pontoon with air. 3-4 lbs will be sufficient. No more, as you can cause irrepairable damage. Then use soapy water to find the leak, similiar to what you would do for an inner tube. Have the leak welded or use 3M 5200 sealant.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Hole in pontoon

Ya, you need to find the hole before you can fix it, maybe try to boirrom or rent a scissor trailer so you can get the tubes the as Jeepman sadi put a small amount of air in it and find the leak(s).

Welding is obviously the best fix but JB Weld should work too if there are no welders in your area, just scuff it up really good.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Hole in pontoon

I can understand your fervent desire to get to those yummy Specks. Taking the barge to a competent welder will probably be just as expedient as anything else and will likely cost less than you think. In a matter of hours he or she will find and fix any leaks and you won't have to deal with the hassle of getting her off the trailer. Just a thought. Tight lines!

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Hole in pontoon

+1 for Incoop.

Get the job done right the first time by having it welded by a competent welder.

 

[mjc3834merc]

Re: Hole in pontoon

+2 for Incoop.

I was going to post about the same thing last night but got sidetracked. You're not even sure where the hole is. Let a pro take care of it.
Mike