Day in the Life at Tom's Toons

To date we have well over 150 videos on our channel showing our pontoon restoration projects and lots of how-to videos for those of you at home working on your own boat projects. This video follows us through a typical day from start to finish, and we talk about who we are, about our pontoon restoration business, and how it all started. We hope you enjoy getting to see who we are a little more!
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[@andyvallery]

Sir Toms toons, Thank you for this video for ive always wondered just how it all came about. im to say at the least a fan and an admirer of this video and you openness into your personal life. i started watching your videos cause i just restored my dads 1980s harris floteboat double decker and you made me believe i could do it without ever attemping any restorations before. your advise was very helpful and like anything i do more than once i learn from and try and improve from.... so that alone was great to watch and listen to a man that does it for a living...... i became a subscriber, ive donated, love the fact that your able to work with your wife and dog.... i feel a common bond with you after watching this video in particular, because i have an old work truck (1996) chevy that i wont replace til i have to...i grew up on a little lake in southern ohio and truly love boating and all sorts of water sports.... i was thinking i could maybe do things as you do until i saw 5:19am on the start of your day, then all the running and working out wow, talk about exchausting!!! lol. then i realized im an older version and no wonder i was so sore after the long days under my boat during the restoration.. and to think you use to plan one restoration a week !!!!! Impressive!!! and thank you for the #tomstoons 5% coupons! Anyhow thank you and keep up the videos i truly enjoy them even after my boat has been finished im still watching! Kindly, Andy V

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks so much for the kind words, and for sharing your background story too! I think it’s fun to know a little more about folks I watch on KZbin so I figured it would be good to show what our day is really like. It’s 5:42 am right now actually, drinking my coffee and about to head to the gym. I hope I can keep working on boat restorations another 20 years before my body starts to fight back! Thanks again. We will keep cranking out fun and educational videos for you to enjoy!

[@earlday3487]

Thanks for another great video. I love seeing what your day looks like. I also kinda like the name of your truck. As far as a name for a new dog if it’s a boy how bout Mercury. Anyway thanks for all you do for the boat restoration community. Hope your company is blessed and prosperous!

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks! Earl is obviously a great name, sturdy and reliable! I like the name Mercury…”Merc” for a quick short yell when he’s tearing apart my shoes! Thank you for the kind words. We will keep pushing forward working hard.

[@retro-junkie5741]

Tom, thank you for the video and showing your daily schedule! Appreciated. Let me ask you a question, do you ever come across or have your made a BBQ or kitchen area for any pontoon project? I'm looking at setting up a nice area to grill, prep food, plates, etc this year! Thank you sir!

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching! I’ve only installed the pontoon grill from Pontoon Stuff. We have a video of it on our channel. It’s not a full elaborate grill station, but something easy to install and safe as it’s up high away from the flooring and seats. We’ve done a teak bar top on one of our double decker projects that I could see working great as a work space and eating space. I’ll keep it in mind for the future on any custom builds we tackle.

[@jasonworkman4660]

Thank you that a Great informative video into your life’s. Keep them coming.

[@tomspontoons]

Just telling our story a little to let folks know who we are!! Thanks for watching

[@michaelhigh2703]

I found your channel a little over a year ago when i bought my first pontoon and was doing research about upgrading it. I think you are very informative and like the way you present your work. It makes the task of doing my own restoration less daunting. Keep up the great work I look forward to seeing new content.

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks so much for the kind words. We will keep producing content, so no worries there. If there's anything that you come across on your project that we haven't covered please be sure to reach out and let me know!!! Best of luck with your boat...you'll love getting to enjoy it after you've put your hard work and time into it.

[@paulsullivan36]

How about Puddles for your next pup

[@tomspontoons]

Would that have to be a very small dog?

[@paulsullivan36]

Hmmm … I guess a puddle can be big or small. I also like the name Sandy or Dune!

[@awakenedtotruth8419]

Greetings Tom, I'm commenting halfway into this video after the Earl segment. Your team's multitasking skills are next level. I have a newfound respect for the last comments about appreciating completed work in the time that life allows in which we shared. The Earl segment helped bring that home. Have you ever chewed gum way beyond it's use and it caused your jaw to hurt. Well, that's how mine feel from smiling watching this video. Thx for bringing us along.

[@tomspontoons]

We’ve got a hustle mindset and work ethic, no other way to do what we do. Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words. We hoped it would give a glimpse into what happens in our day besides just a bunch of how-to videos and the like. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@harvskier23]

Tomm and Kori, GREETINGS from Ljubljana. You appear to be fitness professional experts and my former wife Sarah (she didn't love me) asked me to ask you these questions. She have been recovering her poor weak body and mind from terrible dogsled disaster lately. You must understand she have gas often so often. Especially when she exercise her weak body core trunk region. How would you advise me to tell her to have less gas when she does these big crunches intervals. Please and thank you do advise.

[@tomspontoons]

Well HarvSkier, I think that's a conversation you need to have with her. However, it would seem that since she is your former wife there's probably nothing to worry about, right? Thanks for watching our video. Best of luck with Sarah!

[@jimnelson1372]

Thanks for what you all do, especially River! I've enjoyed your videos from the very start and have used your expertise and advice to upgrade and fix my pontoon as well. Thanks for your sincerity and honesty. I completely agree with you that pontoon stuff is one of the best retailers out there for pontoon...stuff! I think you guys deserve a cup of coffee so I'm going to go buy you one. Also, new dog name: Tuna.

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you so much for the kind words! River got a new sister a few months ago, her name is Banks. You’ll see her in our newer videos and lots more in the future!! We started the channel to guide DIY folks along on their restoration projects as it’s usually something that can be done at home with some hard work! Thank you for any coffee you send our way, it helps cover the time and effort that goes into the channel!!!

[@fredgustave2243]

Tom, Great video about how important fitness plays into your daily program. I've watched you climbing all over and under boats and now understand better how you are able to do it day after day. Can you do a video about installing solar panels? What brand do you use? What wattage do you recommend? Do you ever install smaller panels on each side of the boat to take advantage of the ever changing boat position relative to the sun? I was surprised that you install them vertically and wonder how efficient the panels are.when installed that way. Keep up the good work your videos are superb. Regards, Fred Gustave

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching! This is the first boat that we really decked out with solar panels. We’ve only used them as clip on style before, but they definitely work. The panels catch sun at all angles, and because this boat will be facing north they should get A LOT of sun on the back. I believe they’re 5 watt panels, we sourced them from West Marine. I’ve not really heard of a “bad brand” of panels, people I’ve spoken with even use cheap ones from Amazon or Harbor Freight with success.

[@joeherndon5815]

Enjoyed this video as all the others don't comment a lot but watch them. I was thinking name could be Mercury or I suppose Flat Water might go with River

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching, and for commenting! I like the name Mercury for a dog big time…even if I’m not a diehard Mercury Marine fan!

[@johnlongest5488]

Thanks for all the videos. I've been working on my renovation way took g. Your videos have helped me get things going in the right direction.

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching, and best of luck on your project!!

[@curtislewis5437]

I hope you decide to grow your channel, I love learning how to do things on boats. I live on a river in Mississippi.

[@tomspontoons]

We will keep doing what we've been doing the last year and a half sharing as much information, how-to videos, and fun/entertaining stuff as we can on our channel. Hopefully folks will continue to enjoy what we put out there so that we can grow! Thanks so much for watching!

[@frankwolf389]

The interior of that Mexican place looks like a restaurant near us in Fl. "Las Magueyes"

[@tomspontoons]

That’s not where I was, but I hope that place in Florida is as tasty as this one!!

[@brianhowes6448]

Great video. Enjoyed getting to know a little more about you guys.

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you for watching. That was our hope so I’m glad you enjoyed it. I know I like to know more about the folks behind the channels I follow.

[@JoshOfAllThings]

Great video, it's nice to see behind the scenes! I used the same bronze metallic siding on my boat.

[@tomspontoons]

It’s a really sharp look with the beige railings!! Thanks for watching!

[@jamarifloyd3640]

Can you do a video on how to lift your pontoons off the trailers and on to runners with out a forklift for people that find have access to them

[@tomspontoons]

I’ve only ever been able to do it with an engine hoist or a fork lift. Other option is renting a center lift trailer, swapping at the water, then setting the boat down on carts or blocks. I have a video showing that. Either way, for the DIY folks at home there’s likely some equipment needing to be rented to move something as big and heavy as a pontoon boat.

[@stevengonzalez801]

Make me wanna restore my boat and get a margarita. I enjoy the content. ✌️

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching!! Hard to beat a margarita on a pontoon!

[@rhino67]

Tom you might have addressed this question at some point. Why Vinyl rather than EVA foam flooring?

[@tomspontoons]

EVA doesn’t come in big enough sheets yet to not have seams. It also doesn’t adhere as well to plywood as it does to other surfaces like fiberglass and metal. So with that I’ve seen it peel at the seams and start to roll up. It also starts to shrink down with the poor adhesion in the sun/heat and can end up with gaps between sheets. The vinyl is in full rolls and doesn’t have the expansion/shrinking effect. While the EVA foams are great for certain applications, vinyl is superior in my opinion for pontoons.

[@rhino67]

@@tomspontoons that's weird the "tiny boat nation" guys are patching sheets together in the grooves to keep everything straight, using plywood all they do is varnish then scuff, and it sticks amazingly well with the 3M backer I gotta tell ya, that material is PHENOMENAL. Your builds are great, but this is next level with the options that would give you, check them out if ya haven't lately, there is one of their guys who will route the sheets for you, can do logos and very nice lines/patterns...AMAZING brother anyway I'm planning a Toon build and will use your vids as my guide. Keep up the great work bro

[@tomspontoons]

@@rhino67 I imagine it would stay well in smaller applications even if seamed, but we never get to see the boats after they sit out in the sun for a couple years. That would be the big question. My motto has been to keep with what the pontoon manufacturers are using regularly...hasn't let me down or given me any unwanted surprises yet. Also, got to remember I can only install stuff I can guarantee for my customers. It might be different if I was trying some new stuff on my own boat, right?

[@J.Q.86]

It definitely was Captain Planet.

[@tomspontoons]

🤣😂

[@TheRfmodulator]

Apparently, you can do anything you want …until the government says you can’t. Remember, they’re not happy unless you’re not happy. But I hope this journey is the most awesome time in your lives. Thanks for the videos. Obviously the next dog’s name is Rat.

[@tomspontoons]

Haha, River and Rat!! Love it.

[@seawench555]

Hi, Cory, Tom and River, as u know I'm building a 8.5m pontoon houseboat, do u have any footage of wiring, distribution box and plumbing please. I really enjoyed this episode heaps, thanks for sharing ur daily routine with us. I'm about to install the plumbing for shower, kitchen toilet etc. Using quick connect and pex pipes. With the tanks suspended under the floor. I hear u loud and clear about physical fitness, unfortunately I broke my back in 3 places in 2017 so I have some good but more bad days so my dream is very slow in moving forward. Anyway thanks.🌈🇦🇺

[@tomspontoons]

We don’t have anything in detail about the wiring and such. I know we used an electrical panel from Paneltronics, which has amazing customer service and help. It runs on 30amp shore power. Ours is a “dry cabin” so there’s no running water. And the toilet is a small 2.5 gal dumpable for emergencies. We hope to build a larger houseboat in the future with fully functioning bathroom, kitchen, etc…but you’ll likely be done with yours by the time we even start ours!

[@seawench555]

@@tomspontoons Thanks for replying Tom, I know u generally do it early in the morning, so again many thanks, really appreciate the channel, can't get enough of pontoon boats. 🤣🤣🤣

[@tomspontoons]

@@seawench555 pontoons are simply the best!!

[@alwaysvacationing5341]

Great content.

[@tomspontoons]

@@alwaysvacationing5341 thank you!!

[@reynoldsautorepair173]

My Wife and I work together also. We own an auto repair shop so I work on vehicles and she runs the office. We opened full time September 17, 2018. We’ve been married for 41 years and we enjoy spending time together always. Thank you for all your help while I restore our pontoon.

[@tomspontoons]

Glad to help with your project, and thanks for sharing about your business! We like spending time around one another and work well together so we wouldn’t want it any other way!

[@eaglefree160]

Thanks Tom, Corey and River for a look into your background and daily routine!! I have ordered parts from Pontoonstuff and your videos have helped on my projects tremendously. It helps in these days more than you know to have a place to go amongst friends to get ideas and solutions. Bless you!!

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks so much for the kind words! We will keep putting out more and more videos over time to continue helping folks with ideas and their own projects.

[@glennmacintosh4071]

Great video. Really appreciate the background story. It is wonderful that you spend the time to show pontoon boater’s like myself what can be done and how to do it. Great channel, much appreciated.

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks so much. We are having fun and enjoy sharing what we do with all the other pontooners out there!

[@faronmastin8683]

I love that people make it on they're own I have had 3 small business and sold them. Plus you get to work with your wife and that's a plus. Keep up the great work.

[@tomspontoons]

Congrats on your entrepreneurial successes!! We’ve found it’s how we want to live and work and we’re having fun while we’re at it. People wonder how we work together as a couple….all I can say is that some couples are meant to work together while others do best at their own things!! Thanks for watching and the kind words!

[@ronnierowe6764]

Love the videos!! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you. Happy to help and we will continue putting out content covering everything we possibly can boat related!

[@halfcent1963]

Great Job

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks!! Your boat was highly featured!

[@Bennydyk]

shout out to BennyD!!!!!!!

[@tomspontoons]

Yessir! Much deserved as always, and so many more shout outs to come!

[@bobwinne3740]

Cool

[@tomspontoons]

Just out here having fun and fixing up old boats!! Thanks for watching

[@stevenwolf91]

Great video, im in the middle of my restoration. Thinking about starting to do it on the side, any tips on how to estimate projects for the customers?

[@tomspontoons]

It's a tricky business to do on the side due to timelines and customer expectations...they don't usually want to wait months and months for their boat to be completed because you get busy with other stuff. If you can find a few to do in the boating off-season and have the space to do it then it could work great. Best advice is to figure out what your overhead is with business expenses, insurance, tools you'll need, etc. and restore a couple boats to figure out how many hours go into it...then do the breakdown to figure out what you need to charge for each part of the process to make it worth your while.

[@stevenwolf91]

@tomspontoons that makes sense, would definitely need to be in the off season. Thank you for the response, excellent advice. Thank you for all the great videos.

[@kjons76gmail]

how about Poseidon, or tintanic if the dog is a trainwreck.

[@tomspontoons]

🤣 You mean if the dog is a shipwreck?!?