New to pontoons ... Pardon our ignorance --- we have a bunch of questions!

[bruce0359]

Previous Bayliner 21' inboard open bow owner. Just purchased a 2005 Apex Gillette 17' with Nissan 9.8 hp 4-stroke. Boat hasn't seen water since fall 2013 due to death of previous owner. Motor started a ran with muffs with no issues

Questions:

1) This small pontoon has gas tank & battery on rear platforms either side of outboard. When looking at other pontoons, we were told gas tank should be covered to keep water out of tank. Is that a valid concern?

2) Six gallon gas tank is about 3/4 full. Assume it is 2013 gas. The motor started right up with the muffs. Gas still smells like gas. Should we use it or replace it to be safe?

3) Do we need special pontoon fender bumpers or just the typical round ones. What size diameter and how many would you recommend?

4) It has a Bimini top, but it pretty thin. Don't know if it'll make it through the summer. Is it possible to buy just the cover and not the entire tube hardware? Couldn't find just a replacement cover.

5) Wife is thinking of sewing a new cover and reuse the zippers which are good. I think it's more work than it's worth. Anyone sew their own?

6) Previous owner threw away the boat cover because "it was too difficult to use". We've covered it with a tarp. We'll be storing indoors for winter. Any reason to buy a boat cover?

7) Purchase included a 54 thrust trolling motor. Never used one before. Other than fishing, can it used or should it be used getting into & away from the dock?

8) Brand new to pontoons. What key things do we need to know?

 

[HotTommy]

What follows is one pontoon boat owner's opinions. Others may not entirely agree.
1. If the fill or vent on the tank looks like rain or water spray could make its way in, then look for a new tank that is designed for outside use.
2. I'd transfer that old gas to a gas can and add it sparingly to my car's tank just to not waste it. Buy new gas for your boat.
3. My boat is bigger than yours and I use 5"x22" fenders. What matters is the height of the deck of your boat and the docks it will be moored to.
4/5. I don't know if you can get a replacement cover, but I'd bet that you can. I've sewn a custom cover and it looked homemade. If looks are more important than dollars, buy one. Otherwise, let your wife decide if its worth her effort after you price the fabric you'll need to withstand the sunlight.
6. I don't have one.
7. Unless the trolling motor is permanently mounted for ready use, I wouldn't bother with it.
8. You boat will be very slow. Like a sailboat, it will be more about enjoying the experience of being on it than using it to go places. I think of mine like a combination living room on the water and swim platform. And if you'll have young people on board, include a 12v outlet where they can charge their phones.

 

[Grandad]

Hi Bruce. I don't know about pontoons specifically but I have made a bimini and only once. Be cautious about your assessment of the existing material being very thin. I used standard weight Sunbrella fabric that is surprisingly light. Right from new, you could look at the sun through the fabric and actually see pinpoints of light, yet it seems totally sealed against raindrops. If you or your wife are experienced with a sewing machine, that part should be straightforward provided you have access to a good heavy sewing machine. What I found tedious was starting from scratch without a pattern, trying to anticipate just how the fabric would contour under tension. Since you already have a top, perhaps using it as a pattern will simplify that for you. - Grandad

 

[bruce0359]

Yours looks pretty nice!

Wife was thinking of using the existing Bimini for a pattern before it falls apart. It seems stiff and brittle and was stuck together in the Bimini boot. The Bimini edging is cracking, but it didn't fall apart like the boot did when we took it off the frame. Think we'll try it and see how it does.

Should we treat it with something? I've never seen a Bimini stick together like that, but it was inside the boot for two years so maybe that's a factor.

 

[bruce0359]

1. If the fill or vent on the tank looks like rain or water spray could make its way in, then look for a new tank that is designed for outside use.

How would I tell on the gas tank? I've only had I/O. Not used to having a tank sitting there. Can you point me to what kind it should be, what it should look like. The boot is 2005; so hopefully its current. The tank looks brand new, but I know it isn't

It does have a gas gauge on top. I didn't notice a vent. Will have to look again

 

[bruce0359]

Looked at fuel tank early this morning. It is a Nissan 3 gal tank with fuel feed to motor and fuel cap that has a inline float to show level in tank. The top of the cap is bleached out, that it isn't possible to see the fuel level readings.

Based on that and what I read on Moeller Marine, the tank is outdated and should be updated. Correct?

 

[HotTommy]

If it were mine, I'd replace a ten year old plastic tank that had seen a lot of sunlight. It doesn't have to be a Nissan tank as long as the fuel line from the tank to the engine is compatible. If the fuel line has been out in the open all that time, I'd probably replace it too. .... As for water intrusion, avoid tanks that allow water to pool around the cap or vent. Often the vent is a small screw in the center of the cap. Screw it out to open the vent, and in to close it. If the cap and vent are closed well when the boat is not in use, they shouldn't leak. The vent must be open when the engine is running so it should be located where spray won't hit it. I doubt you'll make a lot of spray with your setup. .... At full throttle your tank should last about three hours. If you expect to need more, get a bigger tank if there is room for it. Tanks come in several shapes. A Google image search will show you what is possible.

 

[ahicks]

Keeping the tank covered is optional. I've had pontoons since the mid '70's and just the newest have had compartments set up for the tank. Prior they were out in the weather.
3 fenders per side is all I've ever used. Standard stuff, nothing fancy.
Re: covers, You can have them made locally pretty easily in my experience. They'll generally know what they're doing regarding material and thread selection. Hardest part will be picking out what color you want. They will want your boat at their shop for a couple days so there will be no issues regarding fit.

 

[Silvertip]

I would also retain the trolling motor. Of course it can be used. If it is a bow mount, it works great for navigating in very tight quarters and if you do any fishing at all, it is a welcome addition for quiet, slow trolling and repositioning. It should have it's own deep cycle battery however and you would need an on-board charger that you plug into house power to keep it charged.

 

[Bonus Check]

.........., the tank is outdated and should be updated. Correct?

My little outboard tank is a 1954 model. Came with the Evinrude 7.5 Fleetwin OB motor when it was purchased new. I still use it but then again, its made of Steel not plastic.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

I had a 2008 Tohatsu 9.8 4-stroke on a jon boat, exact same motor and tank, Tohatsu makes the Nissan 9.8. Their is a separate small vent cap that you open while running, close while towing or storing. Last year I bought a 2014 long shaft 9.8 Tohatsu to put on a pontoon and the 3 gal. tank was updated from the 2008. The fuel gauge is built into the tank and the vent is part of the cap. Either tank is completely water proof, no need to cover. The jon boat had more water splash into the boat and never had an issue. My pontoon is like yours with the two rear platforms and the tank is pretty much dry. I bet you can buy a new cap to fix the fuel gauge issue or just buy the newer style tank, not that expensive and I like the redesigned fuel gauge

Keep your fuel as fresh as possible to avoid carb issues. Startron is a good fuel stabilizer and helps negate problems with ethanol gas. Pull fuel line off and run motor out of gas at end of season. I also due this if I think motor is not going to be started for more then a week or two. Never had an issue with either motor, they are practically bullet proof.

Good luck and happy boating.