Pontoon Boat Restoration

[cbanks]

I am in the process of restoring a 25' pontoon. I have seating ordered and was wondering what is the best way to anchor the seating? Screws or bolts? I would like to use spacer under the furniture to help keep water from pooling and hopefully exending the life of the decking. Any comments on this approach appreciated.

Also, this boat was basically bare when I purchased it. It has a mercury 80 HP 4 stroke on it with the steering cable and also has the throttle. Does this cable require a steering column and how can I tell what steering wheel would be compatible with it?

Any advice on what parts and how to connect the steering is greatly appreciated.

C Banks
Alabama Flathead Fishing

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Pontoon Boat Restoration

You can look up the part on the steering cable and try to order something to fit, but generally you will be better off just ordering a new column and cable. And yes they require a column not sure how else you would steer it?

Bolts are always better than screws but screws should be sufficient. Either way make sure you seal the holes you put in the deck with 5200 or similar. And you will have coated the deck with either epoxy or poly resin and cloth, right?

I personally wouldn't worry too much about spacers. If you have sealed the deck properly and sealed all your holes, water pooling shouldn't be much of a problem. Spacers would help but just make sure you aren't making the seats less stable.