looking at a poontoon that has been sitting for some time

[alilley]

ok here is the deal. i have a lake lot. a dock across the cove from my place has a pontoon sitting in it. it has been suspened in air with the straps that drop under it to lift it up out of the water via electric hoist. we moved into this house about 3.5 years ago and it has never been hoisted down to water level. now my better half is a stay at home mom so it is not one of the deals were maybe they just use it during the day. if i had to guess it is about a 20+footer and a ruff guess on motor of about 50 ( i have neve really paied that much attention to that)

now for the questions
if it could be bought cheap enough, how difficult would it be to flip?
if we dont flip it would a toon be good for fishing off of with the kids (momma said if we get it, the jon boat goes)
what would i need to look out for when i inspect it?
and any infomation that you can give would be greatly appreciated as this is the first toon that i have considered looking into and many thankns

 

[winterfunguy]

Re: looking at a poontoon that has been sitting for some time

Pontoons are great for fishing with the kids, we have never fishes as much as we do now that we have a pontoon. Check the floor for soft spots especially around the entry with the ladder if applicable. Check the logs for repairs then if the boat can be moved, move if back and forth and listen to the logs you should not hear water. Check that the engine runs or that it spins over and has spark, the c webs may be varnished if it has been sitting. Inspect the prop and lower unit for damage. I always pop the engine cover and look for hack job repairs. Check the welds on the pontoon mounts and deck mounts that join the two. Pontoons are actually easier to inspect than a "boat" because almost everything is exposed. You should be able to flip it but it will depend on how saturated your particular market is with pontoons right now. I would recomend giving it a chance if you get it because pontoons are great for families.

 

[alilley]

Re: looking at a poontoon that has been sitting for some time

a few more....what are the c webs? are you refering to the kind of honey comb pieces in fornt of the carc?
oviously i am pretty sure that the fuel system will be full of varnish, other then changin out the tanks (unless there is something that can be used to clean it) and a fuel line what else would need to be done?
now for ....if we keep it.....
how big of a motor would it need to be able to pull a tube with kids/maybe adults?

 

[lncoop]

Re: looking at a poontoon that has been sitting for some time

If it's 20' plus with a 50 you won't be pulling any tubers. Whether it would be a good fishing rig depends on how it's set up and the kind of fishing you envision. Flipping it is probably not a realistic goal for a number of reasons. If you decide this is a possibility you want to pursue give us detailed confirmed info: boat and motor size and brand, age, condition, seating configuration, etc. No one will be able to give you any real answers without those deets.

 

[winterfunguy]

Re: looking at a poontoon that has been sitting for some time

a few more....what are the c webs? are you refering to the kind of honey comb pieces in fornt of the carc?
oviously i am pretty sure that the fuel system will be full of varnish, other then changin out the tanks (unless there is something that can be used to clean it) and a fuel line what else would need to be done?
now for ....if we keep it.....
how big of a motor would it need to be able to pull a tube with kids/maybe adults?

Sorry for the confusion my phone auto corrects words it does not recognize...a little too smart of a phone! I meant carbs will most likely be dirty and gummed up. The condition of the interior is a big factor in the value of the boat you can easily spend several thousand dollars replacing shabby seats. The floor or deck is a major undertaking to replace and marine 7 ply plywood is very pricey stuff.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: looking at a poontoon that has been sitting for some time

if it could be bought cheap enough, how difficult would it be to flip?
Too many variables for an answer. Depends on 'how cheap', how much to get it 'saleable', and the 'used pontoon' market in your area.

if we dont flip it would a toon be good for fishing off of with the kids (momma said if we get it, the jon boat goes)
Absolutely. Much more practical and fun than a jon boat.

what would i need to look out for when i inspect it?
Primarily the motor. Have it inspected by a competent mechanic. Closely inspect the toons for any holes or large dents. Also check the deck for soft spots.

If you do buy the boat, I recommend that you change the LU fluids, fuel filter, and water pump impeller. And if it's a 4-stroke, then of course change the engine oil.
That boat is probably rated for a 90hp maximum. Even with that, sking will be almost impossible.