Posted: 03/13/2009 at 2:07pm | IP Logged

We have a 1980's Sylvan that had to have everything replaced except the pontoons, the rails, and hopefully the motor.  The motor starts, but we're anxiously awaiting a first launch.  We are first-time boaters, and first-time re-builders, but not shy about trying different solutions to old problems in order to save some money.  So I posted a question, and expect to post more. 

Posted: 03/16/2009 at 8:39am | IP Logged

So here's my 'How did I get here' post.

Two years ago I bought a 1986 JC pontoon 20' with a 55 horse Suzuki. I have a camp on a lake and two children (3 & 5) so a pontoon boat seemed to be the best fit.  It gave the wife and I an opportunity to get out on the water to fish or just ride and the kids weren't couped up saying when can we go back.

I found this site ,as did most, when looking for replacement parts, specifically decking and carpet.  The deck and carpet that are currently on the boat are original from 1986 and are scheduled to be replaced this spring.  I have carpet now (an xmas gift from my folks) and my plywood should arrive at the lumber store on Wed.  So within the next month or so I will be getting the boat out of storage and beginning my rebuild of the deck.

After reading a couple of the rebuild threads here and the nearly 50 degree weather I am getting very motivated to start the project. I'm sure some questions will arise during the project so I thought I would join to be able to utilize the knowlege and resources of those who are members here when and if the need arises, and I will try to document my project as it happens and post here. Hopefully lots of pics, I know most everyone, myself included likes to see pictures.

Posted: 03/16/2009 at 9:44am | IP Logged

Welcome, Rusty.  I am sure you will find a lot of help here for any questions that may arise.   We are glad to have you aboard.

Rick

Posted: 03/18/2009 at 10:33pm | IP Logged

We found the site before we bought our pontoon as we were not sure what model we would end up with and were doing as much research as possible.  We had considered several boats in varying conditions (the 'get a loan on a newer boat' vs 'get an old boat cheap and fix it up' trains of thought).  Prior to this boat we had a 19' Bayliner cuddy that we owned for 12 years...incidentally there is a boat almost identical to our previous boat a few slips down the dock.

We eventually went the 'get a loan' route, not without some hurdles, but as I am not *that* handy with mechanical stuff, we decided that boat payments were less stressful than taking on more repair/refurb work than we could handle.  I can do small projects but lack the equipment and expertise (and time) to take on bigger projects.

I still have my eye on the under deck ladder, though.

Posted: 03/30/2009 at 12:31pm | IP Logged

Used Google to find pontoon forum and a couple were profiled. Pontoon Stuff has more members and was more active , so I joined this great group and am learning daily.

Thanks

Posted: 04/02/2009 at 9:20pm | IP Logged

I began browsing the site last year when I bought my first pontoon, and became excited to refurbish it to make it 'My Own.'  I googled for pontoon furniture and found this site.  I have ordered some small things so far, and I am preparing for the Re-Deck Kit.  The furniture will come later.

Posted: 04/26/2009 at 7:09am | IP Logged

Being a pontoon owner for 6 years with my most current boat being a 2006 25 foot Crest. I did a google search on how to repaint pontoons and i can across your site with guys and girls with all the knowledge in the world. what a great site... thanks for all the great responces. 

twink

Posted: 05/02/2009 at 3:54pm | IP Logged

I bought my first boat about 5 years ago.  It is a 1998 Reveria Cruser.  It's about 20 foot long. Has a 40 hp Mercury force motor on it.  I am 67 years old and have never owned a boat.  Right after I bought the boat I had to have conplete knee replacement on both my knees. I have 3 sons and they have used the boat a lot while I was rehabing my knees.  The boat was not used at all for the last 21/2 years.  I  had a lot of trouble getting back to my life.  The boat has been through a lot itself, being neglected quit a bit.  I am able now to get started and have decided with my boys help to completely revive the boat.  I have never been into boating but with some help I think it will help me spend time with my boys and really get to know each other. My oldest son Shawn is 32 years old and is been in the air force for 10 years and has came back state side being restationed in Alaska.  My middle son, Josh, is just turned 30 and works for 'Hunt Brothers Pizza'. Drives a truck down around South Alabama.  Make's good money and really loves the boat.  My baby boy,Adam, is 26 and has 4 children all under 4 years old.  He works as a programmer for a palitizer company and does great.  Loves the boat and I Hope he will help us.  I will need a lot of advice from all you good people.  My project will start in two weeks. thanks for listening.

Posted: 05/09/2009 at 1:59pm | IP Logged

I bought my first pontoon boat on Wednesday!  Needing a swim ladder, I started my search and ended up here.

As a relative novice to boating (two years with 20' I/O Bowrider) and a complete novice when it comes to outboards, I'm sure I'll be a frequent question asker...

/what ladder should I buy, considering a couple of regular users (yes, me included) top the 250 lb mark :)

Posted: 05/09/2009 at 9:59pm | IP Logged

Since I weight 282, I'd recommend this one from PontoonStuff, it'll go right up underneath the boat and slides out to deploy. judgepw, don't you have this one?  http://www.pontoonstuff.com/pontoon-boat/594-under-deck-pont oon-ladder.asp