Rear Entry Idea

[Cubbyblue22]

So I've been going over how much furniture is going to cost and all the measurements. I know that I'm going to want to have a rear entry because I know i'll be pulling tubes from time to time. However, I also want a rear sun deck but it looks like it's impossible because I'll only have 5 feet left because of the rear door. However I was wondering if people have ever done something where they have a full rear sun deck and then just had a ladder that went from the back all the way to the top of the sun deck and exited that way. Or would that look ridiculous and uncomfortable???? Thanks!

 

[Jobless Recovery]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

I've seen sun decks that fold over. Kinda like that folding counter you'll find in bars, only cushioned. Of course I wouldthink something like that would have to be customized or homemade.

Good Idea, now why didn't I think of that for my pontoon???

 

[ralphl]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

search (pontoon mods}

 

[crb478]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

The rear door on my boat is put in at roughly a 45 degree angle so it takes up less room. The sun deck is probably about 6 foot long, but may be a bit shorter.

 

[curtiscapk]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

this is my stock tracker may give you an idea

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

I guess my next question is, how much room do you really need on a sundeck??? Is a little over 5 feet enough?? I've never laid out on one and my wife is 5'9 so I'll probably get in trouble if it's too short lol.

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

I found this pic. and it's exactly what I had in mind with my boat, same ladder, same rear design. I'm looking at this and it looks as if it's the size of mine which I calculated out to be around 5 feet 3 inches. So I guess I'm just wondering if that's enough room or if there was a way to extend it just a bit. Thanks!

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

You will be much happier with a full width sundeck with the deck either hinged for the door or have the entire deck hinged on one of the side railings. I think a ladder all the way to the sundeck would get old in a hurry.
I have seen them hinged on a side railing and they lift all the way up with a frame and canvas to make a changing room with a Porta-potti. And that would be my vote.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

This one goes in the front and would be an option. Rear door entry is not nessesary for pulling tubes, as all you have to do is swing the boat around to pick them up and it's actually safer to board at the bow (away from the motor)..

http://www.pontoonstuff.com/pontoon-boat/594-under-deck-pontoon-ladder.asp

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

Mine is a late model Sun Tracker Regency. It has a rear door, as well as a rear sundeck and change room. Check out the photos on the mfg. website for some ideas. Keep in mind, the newer ones are 6" wider.

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

Hmmm, the only real reason I thought of the rear entry was for tubing....but now that I think of it picking them up at the front is the safe way to go and this allows me for more room for passengers and the sun deck. What's your opinion on the rear entry??? Is it necessary? What are the advantages, if any??

 

[crb478]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

Hmmm, the only real reason I thought of the rear entry was for tubing....but now that I think of it picking them up at the front is the safe way to go and this allows me for more room for passengers and the sun deck. What's your opinion on the rear entry??? Is it necessary? What are the advantages, if any??

Is it necessary? No. Is it nice to have absolutley. With a rear entry it is easier to hook up and remove tow lines and throw out the tube. It also gives you a way to access the motor if needed, hopefully without getting wet, and there are times that you may want to back your boat up to a pier and that would be your exit point.

My current pontoon has doors on both sides and front and back. To me it is a much better set up than my last pontoon which had only a side and front door.

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

Mine has the changing room and sundeck. I'd say without measuring it's 6', leaving 2.5' for the rear entry. My rear door is smaller (I think 18") than the front and side doors, but is still plenty of room to get in and out. There is a small area behind the gate in front of the ladder to drip off before coming inside the gate.

Also if you ever spend time at a beach the rear entry is a must for this. The kids can board at the rear from the water to keep the sand off the boat!

Ditto the remark about hooking up the rope. I have no idea how you would do it without the rear entry unless you have a pylon.

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

I don't have a sun pad and really didn't need one. So I have a rear gate -

I do have a "couch" that can be placed either in the front or the back, either way it blocks a gate. 'Course I could remove it altogether and have both gates open. With exterior speakers on both corners allow folks to sit on the rear platform and watch whatever and listen to the tunes.

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

Well reading everyone's views I think the best way to go is having the rear entry. I also like the idea of having the sun deck have a flip over where it can become larger....I have an older boat and the railing set I'm looking at only gives me 5.3 feet of room for the sundeck. I'm thinking i can get away with maybe extending the pad a little over the edge and get it around 6 feet which I think would be plenty. Let me know what you guys think if i'm going the wrong direction or not. Thanks!

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

I think you should reread my last post. That is what I think..... But good luck with your project and please post pictures as things progress.... In the end, it is what ever you like.....

 

[Jobless Recovery]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

Yes, Please post pictures, I've been considering the addition of a sun deck on our pontoon as well and would like to se your ideas on how you do it.

 

[curtiscapk]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

here are some better pics.

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

I like the idea curtis but I was thinking of having padding on the part that flips up and down on the gate as well. With yours do you just lay your head down with the side of padding and let your feet rest on the board i'm guessing??? I almost wonder if you even need it seeing as nobody is taller than 6 feet that i know of lol. Overall I really like what you did with the toon.

 

[crb478]

Re: Rear Entry Idea

My boat is set up simular to curtiscapk's but without the flip up addition. The sundeck part is about 6 foot long, I am 6'2" and have no problem stretching out on it with my heels or feet hanging off, not that I ever do. I am usually trying to find a way to get out of the sun.