COMPLETE RESTORATION OF A BENTLEY PONTOON

[@francoisboutet2302]

You are a master and im learning from you. From the best ! Respect Sir, directly from the north of Canada !

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks so much for the kind words and for tuning in!! Or should I say “tooning” in?

[@francoisboutet2302]

@@tomspontoons Lololol !

[@luisaraujo4708]

Another great video where I’ve, as always, learned something. The finished boat looks awesome and I’m of the tight radius corner crowd for, as you mentioned extra space. Question unrelated to this particular build video; I’m looking for shop space to rent for my 30’ (16’ cabin) houseboat build this summer. With a sloped flat roof that starts at 7’ 6” and goes to 6’ 6” (I’m 6’ 2”) and with the logs resting on roller blocks, how high a shop door should I be looking for AND how do you get the boat back on the trailer when everything is weather tight? Thanks Tom!

[@tomspontoons]

We just sold our home-built houseboat that we built back in 2021 as a live aboard for the summer months. That stood just about 12.5 to 13 ft tall on the center lift trailer. We have a 14' door at our shop, which is what I would recommend to anyone dealing with tall boats on tall trailers. 13.5' is the max height tow without permit, so a 14' door makes sure anything in that category fits. We used a hydraulic triple axle center lift pontoon trailer to haul our 24' long, 8.5' wide, 6500 lb houseboat.

[@luisaraujo4708]

Bonus! Thanks Tom, you’re the best!!

[@jdthebluecollarconservative]

Nice job as always. I did run into the issue of my original gas tank not fitting into the new storage area on the full sun deck layout, it is actually a little smaller than that one. Not a huge deal but something to be prepared for during the planning stage of a rebuild. Also the fact that the center cushion opens toward the bow from the stern and not the opposite is something I may have to do some customizing on since I plan on a large livewell in the area and will need to be able to access from inside the boat.

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks! Yes, I think they’re working on some tanks and tank kits that’ll be able to fit in their sundecks, other than the red portable tanks. It’s typical for the middle cushion to open the way they designed it…it allows the cushion to lift if the motor contacts it. But there’s always a way to make it work for you specific needs!!!

[@JoshwaBurke]

Hey Tom. Loved your last video. I’m doing my first official customer restoration which is a 16’. Unfortunately pontoonstuff doesn’t sell 16’ rails and I’d like to keep a square front opposed to the 30” radius. Were you able to custom order the fence pieces you need or did you retrofit the standard kit?

[@tomspontoons]

Congrats on getting into the biz!! Yes, you’ll have to go with a 17’ kit and omit a couple pieces. Just the way it goes for lots of stuff when dealing with aftermarket options. These front corners were literally the last two that I could get my hands on. And it was a while back that I got them. Luckily 99% of my customers want the wide radius like in the new kits because it looks more modern.

[@annwallace1438]

My husband and I follow you. He totally restored a pontoon using advice from your channel. We also bought the supplies from Pontoon Stuff (thanks for the discount code). Now that its done and we have decided to move homesso it will not be in the water at our home. He feels it is too big to handle frequently. Thinking about shortening it. Where can we get new logs? We are in North Florida. THanks in advance

[@tomspontoons]

The only place that I know of for replacement pontoons is out of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. [e-mail] is my contact there. Honestly, towing a 24' pontoon is not much different than towing a 16' pontoon. They're all a little awkward and catch wind no matter what length.

[@fieldsbazen543]

Hey! What tow bar do you suggest? Do you happen to have a link to one you have used? Thanks! Y'alls videos helped me rebuild my 1995 24' StarCraft!

[@tomspontoons]

I don’t have the exact link, but you can search “pontoon tow bar” on Amazon and there are several of this style. I’ve had luck with them!!

[@Rferg2470]

So i will be completely redoing our 2007 Bentley pontoon soon. Been watching your videos. Will be getting almost everything from pontoon stuff. I know what i want for the flooring that part is all but purchased. Im just not sure on railing and seat kits. Its a 24ft deck by 8.5ft Stern entry and side entry. How do i know my front radius?

[@tomspontoons]

You’ll want to reach out to Pontoon Stuff before ordering the railing kit and seats to see what they’ll be shipping you for the front corner radius railings. As they’ve gotten the railing kits going they have shipped both 30” and 36” corners for 8.5’ wide boats

[@myronbro]

I like the fencing, feel like the wider radius is a waste of space.

[@tomspontoons]

It's definitely a love/hate thing from what I've experienced. The look of the wider radius is super appealing for some people because of the modern style and the big comfy corner seats....but others prefer to have that tighter corner to maximize space to fit their needs. To each their own. Just glad we could make this happen for our customer and what she wanted!

[@Formerlywarmer]

I’ve got that same stereo setup and was hesitant to mounting it out in the open like that. Are they ok if I get caught in rain ? They say water proof which usually means water resistant

[@tomspontoons]

I've not had any issues with that head unit out in the weather. I haven't found a single unit that doesn't get a little condensation behind the screen if completely uncovered. However, 4 years running installing these and we've not had a SINGLE UNIT have any issues...speakers nor head unit. I'd say that's pretty good when about 60 to 80 boats have that same setup!!

[@Formerlywarmer]

@@tomspontoons that’s great to hear. Thx buddy and as always great video.

[@kylej741]

Gotta gotta gotta keep your boat covered when not in use

[@tomspontoons]

100% correct there! This customer got our custom snap on seat covers to make sure her investment is protected for the long haul.

[@J.W.W.]

C4TT!!

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks!!!

[@themaninthebigwhitetruck6890]

I have the 20' version of this boat. Ballpark, how much does this level of restoration cost?

[@tomspontoons]

Depending on all the exact options chosen this type of project ends up between $15,000 and $20,000….still about half the price of a new boat!

[@skylark4901]

Hey Tom you had I think a recent video where you had used the smallest of the consoles but you used the side throttle and storage container with it, (59.99) I wanted to see what that looked like but can't find it, thanks 👍

[@tomspontoons]

It’s in a couple videos I shared a few weeks ago: Pontoon Helm UPGRADE - Gauge & Switch Panel Installation kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGjci4WIjcuDq7s 1991 Lowe 20' Pontoon Restoration Before & After kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGeklINseKyEl80

[@skylark4901]

@@tomspontoons Perfect! Thanks Tom, I'm wrestling between these 2 consoles because at this point I have so many things in my cart ready to push the final button and I realize I can save around $600 by doing this, thanks for all your videos, I will definitely be revisiting these videos wiring tips! Time for me to get the lead out, It's getting warmer out! ⏳🍻

[@tomspontoons]

I really liked how the standard console with the binnacle box worked together. The deluxe helm is very nice and adds a level up looks wise, but it’s a bit more complicated to install and requires more purchases as you’ve noticed.