Posted: 06/25/2009 at 1:13pm | IP Logged

Looks great!  She obviously is filled with TLC...can't wait to see the finished product!!

Good luck at the show!!

Thanks for the pix too!

Posted: 06/26/2009 at 7:02pm | IP Logged

Today was the start of the Wooden Boat Show in Mystic CT.  I didn't get as much finished as I had hoped, but took in All Spruced Up anyway.  Thought I would post some new pictures.

Front View

Back View

Left Side

Right Side

Console

Posted: 06/26/2009 at 8:32pm | IP Logged

WOW!!!!!  thats incredible...I was wondering... what size motor are you going to run... and any idea how much she will weigh when it's done....   I am not sure if I saw that in the previous posts but thought an interesting quesiton...

how did the math workout for size of toons vs length/height/weight of materials... just interested thats all.....

Posted: 06/26/2009 at 9:06pm | IP Logged

Dan, that is craftmanship at it's finest!That is one beautiful looking boat, and it's almost too nice to put in the water.

Posted: 06/29/2009 at 8:14am | IP Logged

Thats some real detail,,great job...never seen anything like it before,,,

**Amazing*

Posted: 06/29/2009 at 2:04pm | IP Logged

Just beautiful .  How did you do in the show?

Posted: 06/29/2009 at 10:20pm | IP Logged

Thanks for the compliments everyone!

Well I didn't win any prizes, but I sure talked to a lot of people.  Many hundreds of people came over to see my boat, maybe as many as 3000.  (There may have been as many as 14000 at the show.)  Everyone was very surprised to see a wooden pontoon boat.  It was the most unique boat around.  It was by far, the biggest thing in the 'I Built It Myself' section of the show.

I had three different magazines approach me on Friday about putting together articles.  That makes 4 magazines in total.  There was also a TV crew at the show and a couple of pictures wound up on the evening news.  In that respect, I guess that I did quite well.

My wife also got some attention for all of her support over the last 11 1/2 years as I put my dreams into something real.  I think she's a KEEPER!!!  No Doubt!

Posted: 06/29/2009 at 10:31pm | IP Logged

I am going to put a 50 HP Yamaha on her.

I estimate that she will weigh between 2800 and 3000 pounds (wet).

The length of the tubes was actually determined by my basement hatchway.  I was hoping to build a 24' boat originally!  All of the components that I estimated weight for and subsequently weighed, came in lighter than the estimates.  I did not weigh everything.  I used the ligthest materials and/or building techniques that I could.  According to some rough displacement calculations,  I would need 23,000 pounds to sink her to the top of the deck.

Posted: 07/02/2009 at 9:07pm | IP Logged

    wooden ship - on the water - what a fantastic job of tying it all together.  let us know what mags to buy to see the articles on your dream come true.  how much longer till it touches the waves?

Posted: 07/03/2009 at 6:53am | IP Logged

I'll keep you informed on the magazines.  I'm sure it will be quite a while before things get started.

I am planning a late August launch.  It will make for a very short season this year, but at least some time on the water.

Posted: 07/27/2009 at 11:56pm | IP Logged

I've set my Launching Date on Labor Day Weekend!!

If any one os in the area, stop down!  Or Better yet, come down with your boat!  I'd love to meet some of you guys & gals!

Posted: 08/10/2009 at 2:26pm | IP Logged

Hmm. Sure would like to be at the launch, but the traffic that weekend will be a bit much, especially w/ a 24x8 load skootin my butt all the way, with a minivan! [350 miles from Central PA]

AStill ,I might be tempted. Ideas on accomidations?

L

Posted: 08/12/2009 at 11:32pm | IP Logged

Hey L,

Please consider this as an alternative.  The PDB Magazine is having its forum get-together at Raystown Lake, the following weekend.  I am bringing my boat down then.  It might save you a trip. PM me if you'd like more information.

If you really want to come up to Connecticut, I will dig up some information on lodging.

Take Care,

Dan

Posted: 08/19/2009 at 10:28am | IP Logged

Wooden Pontoon,

That is one amazing vessel that you have built... Just Incredible!

Thanks for sharing!

TxToon

Posted: 08/19/2009 at 2:41pm | IP Logged

Beautiful work! Modern Picasso. It is definitely art. Great Job

Posted: 08/22/2009 at 12:49am | IP Logged

Thanks for the compliments guys.  I appreciate your interest.

I was supposed to be having my engine installed this weekend.

The guy that I bought my engine from was unable to find a good lower unit for the 70 HP Yamaha, even though he was making all efforts to locate one for me.  He re-manufactures outboards and is limited by the condition of the used outboards that he can find and purchase for his parts inventory.

He has offered a 90 HP Evinrude with controls instead of the 70 Yamaha.  The 90 that was in his shop was almost completely ready.  It only needed to have it's hood and lower unit painted.  He expects to have it ready very early next week.  I'm going to try having him install it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

How are the Evinrude engines on gas?  I'm wondering if I should get something bigger than my 18 gallon tank.

Ya know, It's really starting to feel and look like a real boat!  Don't wake me up!!!!

Posted: 08/24/2009 at 8:43pm | IP Logged

Rick - Thanks for the estimate.  Sounds like I'll have to stay away from WOT as a constant speed.

Bob - Thanks for the compliments.  I have tried from the beginning to keep it pretty!

Posted: 08/30/2009 at 9:41pm | IP Logged

Got my 90 HP installed yesterday.  Looks real strange with a motor on her!!!!!

Having a terrible time getting the mechanicals in place.  Almost every thing that I touch requires that I drill or cut 1 or more holes.  I admit that they don't don't quite hurt as bad as the first couple, but there is still pain!!!!!

Most of the wiring is in place, batteries are hooked up, steering is connected, motor controls are mounted, but not yet tied to the motor.  I have to take it back tomorrow to have that done along with the lower section.  You know, the part with that little turny thingy!  LOL!!

Posted: 09/05/2009 at 8:32am | IP Logged

Dan,

Thanks on the heads-up on the event at Raystown. Maybe I need to get baby in the lake and do a little running. Just came back from the shop Thursday. Sent it out for a good going-over of the engine/lower. Not sure prev owner ever did much to it, so can't hurt. Might just bring along. She needs a bit of work [carpet, upolstery, etc], but she runs.

All the best on your launch this weekend.

We have a big ragata/race weekend here [Lock Haven, PA] on the West Branch over the LD holiday, so everyone is out on the river and the Sayre lake.

Additional info/links on Raystown appreciated, please.

LA