Starting Fresh: A Pontoon Boat with Big Plans
With plans to build a full tri-toon for his family down the road, James Koss knew this 1977 Crest pontoon boat project was about gaining knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience.
“It was a great starter boat,” James said. “It gave me the chance to figure it all out—what works, what doesn’t, and how to do it better next time.”
Kicking Off a 59-Day Boat Rebuild
This boat needed major TLC, but was a great starter pontoon to achieve a rebuild that will accommodate his family for years to come. Over the course of 2 months, James reworked the boat from bow to stern, totally outdoors, and replaced nearly every system and surface with fresh components.
Lighting Up The Lake
Some highlights of the build include marine-grade flooring and all-new seating for the ultimate comfort and durability. James successfully took on installing new electrical systems and a console, and he also snagged a ladder and Bimini top from PontoonStuff to finish off the new-and-improved look.
The cherry on top was a new radio and speaker system for leisurely cruises out on the water, and some fun under-deck and seat lighting—much to the delight of his helpful daughters, who claimed the horn and lights as their favorite upgrades.
Challenges of a First-Time Boat Rebuild
As with any pontoon boat overhaul, there were challenges, especially with every part of the renovation process being new to James and his family. James took them all in stride and looked at every step as part of a learning experience.
The biggest hurdle was Michigan’s unpredictable weather (as any Michigan boater can relate to). Working entirely outside meant pausing and adjusting around rain, wind, and sun, and anything else the Great Lakes state threw at him.
With a little bit of luck on his side, James and his family still managed to achieve their rebuild in record time!
The Results of Hard Work
James loved having a pristine new vessel to cruise the local lakes in, but his favorite part was undoubtedly sharing the process with his kids.
