| In these money conscious times, it's difficult for | | | | Marine plywood is designed to be long lasting, and |
| most of us to justify, much less afford the cost | | | | will not need replacement for a lot of years. Most |
| of a new pontoon boat. There are alternatives | | | | pontoon boats use marine grade plywood as the |
| that are available to have the boat you've always | | | | base, usually with carpet applied over it. Removing |
| wanted and still not break the bank account. | | | | the carpet is hard work, but definitely doable. You |
| Used pontoon boats, usually older boats, can be | | | | can then glue down new carpet or vinyl, marine |
| purchased for under $3000.00. Try to find one | | | | carpeting and vinyl comes in standard widths to fit |
| that is the size you prefer, usually 20 to 28 feet. | | | | most pontoon boats and is sold by the running |
| A lot of the used boats come with a trailer and a | | | | foot. |
| usable motor. These are two of the most | | | | Once you have the flooring part of the project |
| expensive components of a boat. If these | | | | completed, then you can replace the seating and |
| elements are present and the pontoons are in | | | | the console if you so desire. The layout of the |
| good shape, with no leaks, or visible damage, you | | | | furniture is strictly a matter of personal choice |
| are well on your way to accomplishing your | | | | and the usage you plan for the boat. If you plan |
| dream boat. All the other elements, such as the | | | | to use the boat for family cruises, you would plan |
| seating, railing, and flooring can be purchased and | | | | for more seating, than if you are planning to use |
| can be added with a little skill, and diligence. | | | | the boat for fishing. The type and placement of |
| Some of the necessary tools we feel are | | | | furniture is totally up to you and your budget. |
| indispensable for this type of work are a cordless | | | | After you have your flooring and furniture plans in |
| drill with several different drill sizes and bits, | | | | place, you can move forward to the boat |
| clamps, and various assorted hand tools. You don't | | | | enclosures, commonly called railing or fencing. This |
| need a lot of expensive tools, to do this | | | | is a must for the safety of your passengers, and |
| refurbishing job, just minimum skills and a little | | | | can go a long way toward making your boat look |
| patience. | | | | brand new. When you have all these elements in |
| The first step is to analyze what you want your | | | | place and clean and polish the pontoons, you have |
| finished boat to look like, starting with the flooring. | | | | a fantastic looking boat for about 1/2 the price of |
| If your floor underlayment is sturdy with no soft | | | | a new one. |
| spots or rot, then you have a major part of the | | | | If you are willing to expend the effort and |
| rebuild accomplished. If the flooring underlayment | | | | research purchasing to refurbish a used pontoon |
| needs replaced, it can be purchased and put in | | | | boat, you will be rewarded with years of service |
| place, this will add to the cost of your rebuild, but | | | | and some of the most enjoyable times of the |
| is necessary if you have rot or oblivious damage. | | | | lives of you and your family. |