Do existing pontoon models not suit your style? Want to design your own pontoon boat? Want to build your own pontoon boat?
If you are looking to build your own pontoon boat, then know there are two separate options available.
Option #1 allows you to choose custom options through a manufacturer’s website. After a few clicks, a few tens of thousands of dollars, and a few months, you will have “built” your own custom pontoon boat! If this option is your definition of “building your own pontoon boat,” then luckily a number of the major manufacturers have a “build your own pontoon” option on their website. This article will briefly discuss this option. However, the primary focus will be on Option #2.
Option #2, allows you to design and construct your custom pontoon boat. You are responsible for the entire boat from the ground up using your own two hands. If you are like me, and you enjoy a nice challenge, a little elbow grease, and a lot of swearing, then truly building your own pontoon boat is the way to go! This article will provide a ton of information to help you build your own pontoon boat either from scratch or from a kit.
Build Your Pontoon Boat Using Manufacturer Options
With a little research on the internet you will find out a lot of manufacturers who provide the option to build your own pontoon boat. One such manufacturer is Harris Boats. Customers can fully design their own pontoon boat using Harris’s Build & Price tool.
This build and price tool is very similar to those offered by vehicle manufacturers to design your specific automobile. In general, pontoon boat “build your own” tools consist of the following main selectable options: pontoon boat model, sub-model (typically determines the boats length), boat primary and accent colors, upholstery colors, floor plans, Biminis and towers, performance packages, outboard engine options, and so much more. With your own design, you will always be satisfied that you own the best pontoon boat fulfilling your desires and making lifelong memories.
DIY Pontoon Boat Using A Kit
There are pontoon boat kits available from different manufacturers that enable you to build your own pontoon boat. These kits give a high degree of customization allowing you the freedom to add features and components to your liking. These are perfect for do-it-yourself enthusiasts.
Pontoon Boat Kit Contents
These kits contain all the parts required for assembling the pontoon boat. They allow freedom to build a boat as per their requirement and at a substantially lower cost as compared to pre-manufactured boats. Generally, the pontoon boat kits contain the following parts.
- Pontoons – These are made of an aluminum-magnesium alloy though some manufacturers use polyethylene. Consider the gross boat weight, number of passengers, and boat’s purpose.
- Engine – A kit may or may not include an outboard engine. Choose an outboard engine (Yamaha, Mercury, etc.) per the requirements/compatibility of the kit.
- Steering and Center Console – A steering wheel and center console are some of the most integral pieces of equipment and their quality is up the upmost importance when selecting a pontoon boat kit.
- Decking and Flooring – Decks are available in different materials like wood and fiberglass. The kit will also contain a frame that will be used to attach the pontoons to the deck and provide structural integrity and strength. Multiple flooring options such as carpets and vinyl are available with different kits.
- Furniture – Another aspect to consider is the furniture. A boat may be installed with anything from two simple chairs to luxurious vinyl lounges and even special fishing chairs. Furniture selection will depend on the number of passengers and it’s purpose.
- Railings – Pontoon boat kits may come with railings for safety and aesthetic purposes. The buyer may design the railings and some come with various graphic decorations.
- Other Accessories – Kits also include bolts, nuts and screws, instruction manuals, mounting brackets and other hardware required for assembly. In addition, the buyer may purchase additional accessories depending on the boat’s purpose.
Advantages of Pontoon Boat Kits
Using a pontoon boat kit has a number of advantages. The kits are straightforward to assemble and there is no need for welding. Kits are easy to ship and transport as compared to full-size pontoon boats, which saves tons of money on delivery costs. Pontoon boat kits are much cheaper to assemble rather than buying and fabricating a pontoon boat. For someone looking for a pontoon boat at low costs and having a knack for doing things themselves, pontoon boat kits are perfect.
Pontoon Boat Kit Manufacturers
There are a few manufacturers of pontoon boat kits.
U-Fab Boats: The company has been in the boat business since 1999 and is a manufacturer of aluminum pontoon boat kits. They manufacture kits in different sizes and for different uses.
American Pontoon Co.: Another manufacturer of small pontoon boat kits is American Pontoon based in Manning City, South Carolina. They fabricate different kits in accordance with the design and specifications set forth by the buyer.
DIY Pontoon Boat From Scratch
When designing, fabricating, and constructing a pontoon boat entirely from scratch, follow these few logical steps.
Pontoon Boat Design
The first step to build your own pontoon boat is the design. You need to decide various aspects such as the pontoon boats use, the number of passengers, the deck and flooring material, the various furniture options, and the gadgets necessary to support the boat’s use. Thorough research can help you to finalize a design for the boat.
Procure Parts and Materials
The next step is to buy the primary parts and materials needed to build the pontoon boat. There are several companies that fabricate parts per the customers requirements. You can approach one of these companies for parts manufactured as per your design.
The main parts that you will need include two pontoons to keep the boat afloat, and a frame to link the pontoons to the deck. The frame will support the boat and provide a structure for attaching the decking material (wood, fiberglass or a composite board). The pontoons can either be bought from a manufacturer or salvaged from a junkyard.
You may build a frame yourself from lumber or get it prefabricated. When choosing the deck material, consider the maximum weight that it can support. Also, make a note of all the tools and equipment that maybe required to build your own pontoon boat and buy those which you may not have. These will include drills, hacksaw, screws, bolts and clamps among others.
Pontoon Boat Build
First, attach the pontoons to the frame. Some of the manufacturers may attach the frame to the pontoons at the factory if you opted for prefabricated parts. When assembling parts, especially when connecting pontoons deck via the frame, take care to ensure all bolts, nuts and screws are securely fastened. There is a probability of leaks that can cause severe damage to boat in long run, attention must be paid to minimize the same.
Deck Flooring
Once the frame has been attached to the pontoons, the next step is to attach the deck floor to the frame. You may use plywood or other common materials to build the deck. This will require cutting, nailing and fastening it with screws. Once complete, the next step is to lay a floor onto the deck. A carpet or vinyl floor maybe considered.
Console, Engine, and Furniture
Once the base structure of the pontoon boat has been built, chose an outboard engine depending on the requirements and capability of the pontoon boat. There are various manufacturers that offer engines of different powers. Additionally, you’ll need a kit to facilitate the installation of the outboard engine.
After the engine, install a center console, which is available from different manufacturers. Add steering and gadgets along with the center console. Opt for any requisite furniture such as fishing chairs and rod holders.
Considerations While Building Your Pontoon Boat
There are a few important considerations that you must keep in mind while you build your own pontoon boat.
Safety
There is no point in building a pontoon boat if it will be unsafe and jeopardize the passengers lives. While building the boat, you must consider various safety aspects. Outfit the boat with continuous rails to prevent passengers from falling into the water, especially for children.
Quality
All electrical wiring and equipment must be properly installed. Insulate and cover any joints to protect from environmental damage. You may seek professional help or even opt for manufactured boats if you feel overwhelmed by the task of building the boat yourself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building your own pontoon boat is a rewarding project. The project combines creativity, craftsmanship, and a love for the water. By carefully planning your design, gathering the right materials, and following expert guidance, you can craft a custom vessel tailored to your needs and style. Whether you’re looking to save money, embrace a unique challenge, or create a one-of-a-kind boat, a DIY pontoon project offers endless possibilities. With patience, dedication, and attention to detail, you’ll soon be cruising on a pontoon boat built with your own hands, ready to make unforgettable memories on the water.