A Custom Pontoon, No Strings Attached
Larry Hunter, Florida, wanted a boat–not a loan. He wanted something he could build with his own two hands and take on the lake without a monthly reminder from the bank. That’s how he ended up with a weathered 1999 Crest Fisherman in his driveway.
Ten months and a few YouTube videos later, Larry had something better than a brand new boat–he had a customized keepsake he built himself.
Renovating a Boat on a Budget
Larry kickstarted the rebuild in his garage and dove into a complete teardown and renovation of his new-to-him pontoon.
This was no weekend leisure project; for almost a year, Larry diligently replaced nearly everything above the pontoons: decking, wiring, fencing, lights, seating–even the trailer’s wiring and bunks got a full update.
How to be a Boat Electrician
Electrical work on a boat is no joke, and Larry soon found himself grappling with the delicate process of hooking up the motor and controller. But Larry was ever-determined and unwilling to let wiring derail his pontoon dreams.
He powered through using helpful resources, like Tom’s Toons, so he never had to face those wiring complications alone.
From Old Pontoon to Marine Masterpiece
It’s hard to believe the aged pontoon parked in Larry’s yard could be transformed into a head-turner at the launch ramp, and in under a year, no less.
Larry’s hard work proves that dedication to the craft and some independent research can get you something even better than what you can find at the dealership. Larry walked away without debt and with something more than just a functioning boat—he built something custom, personal, and built to last.
