Life of the Party (Barge)
When Seth Gaier, Ohio, looked at his grandma’s 1987 SunTracker Party Barge, he didn’t see a sun-bleached relic, he saw potential. For over a decade, the old pontoon sat at the mercy of the elements–unused, uncovered, and quietly fading.
Seth’s grandma happily gifted the boat to her grandson and his family. They drew up a plan to give it a new life on the water, while also paying tribute to the woman who made it possible.
Transforming an Old Boat Into a Good Time
Over the course of nine months, Seth and his family took on this transformative project. They started fresh by gutting the boat—scouring the PontoonStuff website for new decking, flooring, a helm, premium seating, exterior fencing, a bimini top, LED lighting, and more.
Seth took his upgrades far past basic cosmetics, adding a center toon and ski tow bar to make it a true multi-use vessel. He also decked it out with a new stereo, fish finder, upgraded fuel tank, and a battery tender.
Plus, in a final touch that matches the personality of a true Party Barge, the Gaiers added a grill to their vessel (which we think everyone should consider!).
Taking a DIY Boat Rebuild to the Next Level
Boat grills and ski tow bars are all well and good, and the Gaier family got through their workload without any major setbacks. However, it wouldn’t be as rewarding a project without a small obstacle or two to overcome.
Seth said the hardest part of the renovation was installing the oversized bimini top by himself, and he admits it would have been faster with some extra sets of hands. Still, he persevered and proved that there’s so much a boat DIYer can accomplish solo when they put their mind to it (but we still recommend phoning a friend for help if you need it!).
A Custom Pontoon and Grandma’s Blessing
From sitting forgotten in a yard to becoming a beloved cruiser, the Gaier family had turned grandma’s boat into a sleek, powerful, and functional vessel. They’re officially ready for family cruises, fishing trips, and as many lakeside barbeques as their grill can handle.
