I Bought the BIGGEST and CHEAPEST Pontoon to Rebuild - Episode 1

[@mortenleinan]

If the pontoons are identical, you can swap sides and get the dented side in ;)

[@kylefelkner]

This is an awesome idea

[@berrystrim]

No kidding that is a really good idea 👍🔥

[@ultimaterebuilds7127]

Wish I didn’t read this comment, now I have to do it. 😂 GREAT IDEA

[@mortenleinan]

@@ultimaterebuilds7127 hehe you welcome man 😁👍

[@jcid0515]

Damn dude, you pulled some nasa thinking, lol

[@robertbrander2074]

Hurray ... Another Project ! ...... Braising Rods were tested on Project Farm and Fish-n-Stuff and some were stronger than the Aluminum ... Grammar : "Everything was ran from the console ..." The Past Participle of Run is Run ... so , "Everything was run from ..." Moving the Console from behind the Bar is a Good Idea ! .... An small Upper Deck would give a great view and could provide shelter for the Console and Passengers ...... All your Ideas sound Awesome ! .... Can't wait to See it ! :-D

[@rick55fla]

I was driving past your place the other day and saw it and thought, "Great! Zack's going to do another Toon Project !! Looking forward to the series.

[@epicfarmer842]

I would rather go for mercury but if you like Suzukis then I think it’s A good motor Of what it looks like

[@joshslama1515]

Use plexiglass for bar top and light it up with LEDs at night it would be a lot lighter and you could run a sander over the inside part on the bar to frost it so you could hide inside of bar

[@blamhokje]

Would be cool to keep this baby on a budget, and show us what you're spending while you're at it. Good luck with the build, I'll be keeping track. I'm curious what you've learned form the first pontoon and what you will be doing differently :)

[@survivalfreek]

I just bought a 1989 24ft Tracker Party Barge with a 90 HP Evinrude for $3000. Needs some work but I think I got a good deal. Can’t wait to see more of these videos for inspiration! Rock on dude!

[@joshsmith7640]

Looking forward to what you come up with. Just build the boat the way YOU want it, not what others want. It’s your boat.

[@chuckfry1227]

I put 4 pontoon logs under my 22’ and added 150 hp Johnson ocean pro. Super stable and sink proof for the Gulf. No pontoon furniture, a pair of white leather rv power reclining seats and a deck box to sit on. Apt. refrigerator, 2 burner stove. Electric down riggers out riggers, minn Kota riptide 80 lb. salt water trolling motor. Power gen. inverter, 40 gal bait tank. Soon maybe boating from Wi. to the Gulf of Mexico.

[@vdrivegary]

salt water pontoons in that condition are very prone to many pinhole leaks developing,also do your homework on motors before buying as suzukis have problems with internal rust & corrosion isues that turn them into scrap,let alone other problems, there is a reason that they are so cheep used.Good luck on this build,youre gonna need it!

[@SoupyUnicycle]

Not necessarily. Though a good portion of second hand suzukis have compression issues doesn't mean a cheap motor is a bad motor. I literally buy and sell outboards as a full time job. None of them in running condition during purchase. With a little time and work nearly all of them are fixable and well worth the time.

[@BryanRegister]

Id add a gate and a swim / dive / fish platform on the back. Its nice to have a walk area platform on bow and stern for anchoring and docking and at boat launch.

[@jnmcalexander]

It would be cool to have a projector screen come down off of the top deck to bottom with a projector underneath to watch movies or games on the bottom deck. You could run the sound through the radio.👍 Looking forward to seeing the build!

[@BellyLachlan]

couple of this to know, welding aluminium is nothing like welding steel, its so easy to melt holes in so I would definitely either hire someone to do it for me or have lots and lots of practice before attempting on the pontoon, also for the upper deck, you're going to want that to be aluminium too. I've worked with a lot of stainless and weight can add up fast having that plus the bar, fuel and people on the back half of the boat could make some problems even with a tri-toon (I'm no expect in any of this, but these are things i would keep my eye on if I was doing what your doing) Absolutely love the channel and I can't wait to see this build come to life! Keep it up

[@artlife6210]

kegerator, hydraulic steering, livewell....lets roll! 😎

[@isaiahelisaia3165]

Looking forward to this build. Really liked the last build.

[@mikshepherd]

Could you use a winch/ratchet mechanism to raise and lower the upper deck? It would mean it could be a 1 person operation, and using a winch means it could be just the press of a button. Also maybe get some solar panels on the back and you can generate your own electricity to run stuff… really looking forward to it, your first pontoon was when I found your channel!

[@trevormiller1366]

No mention of a toilet so I guess that has never been a problem? Love the folding upper deck idea, I've thought about building one myself too. Looking forward to watching the build. 😉👍

[@UBBERTANKER]

you can save that rim, dismount the tire and use a vise grip to bend the lip back. Do it all the time at my shop, may not look new but it will hold air and work all day long

[@vettepicking]

Do a compression test on the motor before doing any work on it. You may need to return it if its bad ...... .

[@Bobbywolf64]

Also need to pull the plugs and crank it over first. You will likely have oil in the cylinders after laying on its side for so long. Not a big deal, just get the oil out, check the crankcase level, and its all good.

[@michaelkelly8955]

2nd level deck! diving board!! it can only end in tears.

[@peterg.8245]

Won’t fit under bridges

[@nchomestead7860]

I have this exact boat and will be remodeling it in a year or so. Excited to watch this.

[@NickC_21]

you should make the back have a foldable bed type of thing. It should have a bench seat look at a Godfrey Monaco they have bench seats that are also storage It could be the seats for the bar and it could hold a lot of people and things. I also recommend getting a electronic dept finder, speed gadget, and map it is so useful. Ready for the build!!!

[@tony_25or6to4]

Instead of a folding deck, how about straight up and down using either electric motor or hydraulic rams?

[@brandonlempar1195]

Welding aluminum is hard you can melt a hole in it easy if u get it to hot. You start full on the petal and you have to just back off it as u go

[@windjammer1958]

To add to what Brandon said, add in the fact the pontoon will have moisture in it which will make welding that much more of a challenge, practice on a aluminum tank first... I've seen welders blow big holes in pontoons when welding them, when the heat hits the water it will blow steam holes in the pontoon.

[@Hooligan6]

Hell yea, just found the channel recently from the last Pontoon Build, was so sad when I got to the part where we let that majestic beast go. So so hype for this build.

[@T.S.T2014]

Love the way you are workshopping the build with us.

[@slaunts9453]

Just an idea for the tabletops. You can do a carbon fiber veneer over wood. It's a layer of black gel coat on wood / single carbon fiber layer / epoxy coated. I have seen it on a few high end custom boats. It looks very nice if it's done right.

[@Bicketybam68]

A few ideas, considering most people are on their phones most of the time, what about when sitting at the bar they have a place either near their drink holder for a usb/phone charger system or even a communal one. Maybe even add a solar panel that can fold out to help power it rather than taking that power from the boat itself. Bar seating, still think attached seating to the bar that swings out could be a good idea. And finally, love the 2nd level option, but if you are already getting someone else to build it, would it be possible to add in a hand crank of some sort to raise or lower it (in case you are alone)? Either way, cheers for the great content mate. Looking forward to this build.

[@marvinthomas8165]

I would go with actuators personally right at the captins 💺 becuase once its down getting in front to pick it back up would have you to be climbing over the second deck to get in front to push it back up. Just my thoughts.

[@Bicketybam68]

​@@marvinthomas8165 There would be better options that's for sure, I was just thinking (and I have no actual knowledge about this) that having something that he could do on his own would be the best option (and cheaper). Even if he planned to keep this one, making a system for a future buyer (who may not have help) is a good idea. Doing it electronically is of course a much better option.

[@brianspalding7693]

Aluminium is easy to weld, as long as your metal is super clean.....clean clean clean!

[@melissabreedlove8211]

I’m so excited for this build!!! The back cld be used for a giant cooler.. for food for the grill.. and LOTS of adult beverages.. I know the kitchenette will potentially have a mini fridge but u cld always use more cold storage… Also.. maybe a small little toilet?? Keep up the great work Zack!!

[@uscjake868]

For the upper deck idea, have it in 3 separate pieces. The center can fold down flat on the pontoon floor. The sides can fold up.

[@sterlingthibodeaux3690]

Good ideas... putting them into action is always the hardest part.. lol.. Removing the pitting, corrosion and repainting the pontoons, even though it's quite laborious, is a must.. you'll regret not doing it espec. when everything else is brand new and looking sharp.. As far as the upper deck goes, how about putting it above the front seating area so there's upper lights and coverage while you sit and "socialize" with eats and beverages? it's going to be tough to implement all those attributes i.e. kidney bar, upper deck (espec. in the down position).. I'm sure you'll figure it out.. Good luck and great content!!.. CHEERS!!!

[@glassvial]

I'm still a landlubber myself, I enjoyed watching you learn a lot during your last pontoon series, I'm sure you'll work this one out and make it even better than the last one. Seems to be some good suggestions already in the comments, too. 👍

[@johnbennett7501]

Have the same bar that u like with the bean shape it’s great. It seats people comfortably and also allows for plenty of room to go from stern to bow. Another plus is it has lots of storage inside and around the sides of the bar would be cool to see some wireless phone chargers their.

[@luisdasilva2324]

Just watched to first pontoon video and a the end of the series he said I really wanna do another pontoon I was like please do another !!! Yesssss I love your work brotha 🙌

[@jacobdurand4347]

A double wide day bed/swing back lounge in the stern would be a good idea. It’s a more common feature on new pontoon boats like Benningtons. It provides a rear facing lounge for relaxing/sleeping or a rear bench to sit on if you decided to pull tubes or something.

[@jeweldey3699]

The seats are hilarious. It's like there was a super squirrel attack. The transformation will be epic!

[@DougsMessyGarage]

Looks like a great project Zack. Remember to keep the weight down while you are building. The bar on the last pontoon project was way overbuilt and was a significant source of your issues with sitting low in the water. It is easier to not add weight than it is to have to compensate for sitting too low. I'm looking forward to seeing where you take this build.

[@briangott]

Would love to see a couple of chairs that swing out over the water. I know not enough brace on your other, but maybe a couple out at the front corners or the back.

[@briancormier8189]

I saw some newer pontoons with a large rear facing back seat. Maybe you can find one that can flip to the back or the front. It will help when towing skiers or other boats. Maybe you can add effects like a small fog machine and light it up somehow.

[@1coppertop]

You may as well add a slide out deck and railing. Much like a motor home. Just for more space when you barbeque and party

[@tomrobinson982]

I noticed you pulling your jet ski behind with a rope. What about a more permanent bracket fixed to the pontoon on the rear. I'm not sure if you pull the jetski through the canals but this seems like it might work To keep the jetski in a fixed position

[@johnathandietz615]

I like the idea of a folding deck, but is there a way to make it fold both ways? Fold it forward for storage and towing, but backwards for when people are in the boat. This way, people aren't uncomfortable going under the bridge. Just an idea

[@uscjake868]

You could have both options. You can have the u shaped bar where you can flip up or store the center to access wet bar. Then the table folds down for the card deck table.

[@mackdenn]

The low fixed bridges in your area dictate that you don't add an upper deck. Please think of how it's going to be used/dropped/raised with it full of people. It think it's a cool idea if you didn't have the low bridges to worry about. But I look forward to watching your build progress, you do great work and I'm sure it will be awsome. Have fun and thanks for sharing.

[@matthewnunn79]

Just build a bar straight down the middle of pontoon and integrate a fire bit and captain seat area, in that way people can sit down both sides of the bar and it should allow 6 to 8 people down both sides all facing each Other.

[@johnhill4481]

Jet ski boat and pontoon builds are my favorite you do. Thanks for doing this!!!

[@javasoccernut]

Can't wait to see what you do with it

[@puirYorick]

I'd worry about those pitted aluminum pontoons. They seem like they're on the verge of becoming leaks in multiple places. I can only wish you luck on that Suzuki motor for the price. It's a lot of money to gamble. Looking forward to this build.

[@GreatLakes247]

I bought a 2000 Mercury(Yamaha powerhead) 50hp Bigfoot 4 stroke. Ran it for 2 weeks with fresh oil, filter, plugs, impeller, everything. Then starts blowing oil out of exhaust and smoking. Then locks up.... I paid more than he paid too and that was a great deal until it blew up.....

[@puirYorick]

@@GreatLakes247 Unless you're set up to do a professional rebuild, buying a used engine of unknown history is very sketchy. Just have to hope you get lucky somehow.

[@billhorterjr1982]

You can buy a lot of square aluminum tubing from your local steel supplier, you can get nice aluminum angle pieces too, they usually sell them 22 feet long, people have trouble hauling them home but you could use your pontoon trailer, you would be amazed how cheap you can get 22 foot sections for.

[@evazumokennedy433]

We have a pop up Changing/Toilet area w/curtain at the back of our pontoon boat. The ladies really appreciate that!

[@dhurt8955]

Not sure about the boat market where you are at but where I live that’s a $500 pontoon at most and that’s mostly for the trailer.

[@chipbhi]

I’m excited to see you work on another pontoon boat! Yay!

[@ralphhowes]

Sounds amazing, looking forward to the series. The folding deck sounds e x p e n s i v e !

[@DrJoeHandsome]

For the folding top, look at linear actuators. Also for aluminum welding, look at oxy-acetylene welding very cheap

[@MrNightpwner]

Get a hoist on the boat, a hole through the floor you're replacing, and jack it up into place and drill/install.

[@MikeMcCormick1325]

Very ambitious- looking forward to seeing it! Keep the videos coming!

[@bradym8476]

This will be SICK!!

[@chrissibersky4617]

I'm quite sure that thing has nothing to do with the car brand Bentley. 😂

[@kidjeff4304]

use a couple hydraulic actuators and lock pins to automate the deck/cover.

[@peterg.8245]

Nah use linear actuators. One on each corner and you can raise or lower it with the touch of a button. Make sure it’s 12V so your truck can jump the battery so you can lower it anywhere!

[@kidjeff4304]

@@peterg.8245 yes. thank you. linear. I have been out of the loop for a while.

[@kaydonahue]

Thinking the free area in back could be used for the convertible upper deck, that could fold down to back, and up toward front!

[@2fast4you25]

Trailer is prety good.....BUT IT WILL NEED, NEW WOOD, SPRINGS, BEARINGS, TIRES, GET THE RUST OUT, PAINT, NEW WINCH, STRAP, BUT YEAH ITS GOOD. 🤣🤣🤣🤣👌👌👌🤭🤭🤭🤭

[@ROD59]

Looking forward to this build , I'm excited to see how it comes out

[@davidhillman1066]

Ok. I’m hooked! I enjoyed watching the last one and this one looks to be great as well!

[@paulechols]

Exciting plans, this week be fun to watch getting pieced together 🤠

[@benrichards9667]

Got damn love the new series! I've got a 27' and it's a monster! Lucky for me the floor is actually aluminum not wood! Lmao. Saved $$$

[@conmancollins1176]

Loved the last one, can't wait for the second!

[@ronaldheit196]

I've no doubt you're going to exceed your last Toon build in both qaulity of awesomeness. You definitely should build the top deck out if aluminum. Stainless steel would be a better material corrosion wise but it'd make the boat way more top heavy making it roll a lot when there's wakes or waves. Plus the added weight of stainless would decrease would increase your fuel cost.

[@lewislambert2363]

Very ambitious, you'll get it done in sure. Can't wait for the ride you'll take us on!!

[@chriswenberg4823]

I can on imagine the cool stuff you're thinking up! Looking forward to this one.

[@alexpace7439]

Can’t wait to see this being built

[@7094spanky]

Ambitious project. look forward to another successful project!

[@dwtrksvc]

Definitely looking forward to this build!

[@keithboyer3210]

Looking forward forward to this series. You have alot of really cool ideas for this build

[@MudHere1]

Excited to see this one happen the last one was fun to watch!

[@jmmustangs3078]

24’ perfect size! Can’t wait to see more

[@piekoap]

115 hp will not be enough to push that much weight. Most newer boats with all those options have 300hp. Once you prove out the top design, I would love to work with you to manufacture and sell them through pontoon stuff.

[@JNis1ger]

Sounds like it’s going to be another Ultimate Rebuild! Looking forward to it!

[@alexandervaughn6434]

this should be another great build... thx for bringing us along!!

[@willr69420]

*Cool! This is going to be your most ambitious build yet!*

[@onion7985]

A bathroom (or head) would be good…or a swim ladder. Same purpose on a party barge :)

[@Tyhrone]

This build is going to be sick

[@jeffedwards8760]

I built a folding down upper deck for my 25 foot Godfrey recently. It’s not super easy up and down but I can send some Picts of it if it helps.

[@jeffedwards8760]

I also made my own table top out of 1/4” marine ply reinforced with fiberglass on the back and then used StoneCoat countertop epoxy on the top to make it look like granite if your interested in seeing that.

[@cogman62]

At @18:52, I love the onboard herb garden.

[@bobbyvanderwerff5879]

What an awesome boat.you have great idea as can't wait.

[@StephenBurk42]

Awesome. Looking forward to this build and sharing it with friends. Keep it up!

[@jacobellis8135]

There's a company in Racine Wisconsin that sells all kinds of center toons for pontoons. I believe the company is called Great Lakes Skipper. And they sell every toon log you can imagine.

[@berrystrim]

My thoughts are pretty much like everyone else’s 😎. Another beautiful creation coming our way 🤙

[@jacobchudy5712]

Sell the 115 and put like a 200 trust me it will be way nicer

[@surf2257]

125hp max for those transom

[@jacobchudy5712]

I’ve seen these boats with double or even triple 250 and no problems a single 200 wouldn’t hurt anything

[@surf2257]

@@jacobchudy5712 but this is a 2005, those youre talking about are only recent ones it seems. i may be wrong tho

[@jacobchudy5712]

It would be mounted on the 3rd pontoon that he’s adding which as long as he gets a sturdy connection between its mounts and the cross members then it should be plenty strong

[@tedschmitt178]

Pontoon boats don’t need much power since they aren’t built to go fast anyway.

[@joshuabriones8990]

You could try abrasing aluminum I played with it on my pontoon and it worked awesome and cost about 60 for tank set up and rods! But welding is the more preferred way.

[@bensmith4502]

I love what you do. I do believe you will find yourself a bit underpowered with that OB.

[@benmurtagh4537]

I don’t know that much about motors but I would definitely recommend that you get a licensed mechanic to take a deep dive into the motor and check that no internals are corroded. In my opinion, I think you should just scrap the lower unit.

[@jamesbutson6347]

finding a used lower unit can be hard tho. A new lower unit would bet more costly than the engine.

[@ZurlHammerdoom]

I am really surprised no one has mentioned this yet. They make magnesium anodes. They are the size of an oil filter removal cap. You drill a hole in the 90 degree anchor points on the back end of the pontoons and then bolt the magnesium anode to it. They prevent pitting and corrosion. They will add years of life to your pontoons. Sandy Williamson of Wordboats.com is an excellent source of knowledge concerning boats and trailers. These days he focuses mostly on pontoons, pontoon boats, and after market aluminum trailers but he has a wealth of information in his head on all things boats. He lives in WA but travels quit a bit.

[@Shiftheads]

I wish I could find these deals by me. Excited to see what you do with it!

[@Shiftheads]

Correction* I actually just found a 28ft party barge with good floor for 2k! Maybe I should do it

[@JohnSmith-gb5vg]

Nice ready to watch it happen, I like the second deck idea😁

[@j.brewer7552]

Using a hydraulic shock to help assist the lift. Like a lift up tailgate on a SUV.

[@DavyOordijk]

This build is gonna be sweet love the ideas, do with it what you want cause you creative af

[@andrewpepin2186]

Going to be another amazing build from you!!!

[@1abdullahjabbar]

We love the old music in your videos. Please bring it back.

[@webberfan1234]

Put the ultimate stereo system in it. More speakers, subwoofers, multiple amps and LED lighting.

[@jacobellis8135]

If you truly want to make this an "ultimate rebuild" you should figure out how to install jet ski motors inside the pontoons themselves and just get rid of the outboard altogether!!! That would be Ultimate!!