Installing an Aluminum Center Toon on my Pontoon Boat - Episode 3

[@Edge70563]

When it comes to panting aluminum sand clean then the most important thing is self etching primer for aluminum without this step it will peel. Then you can use normal two part automotive paint. Just keep up the good work enjoy watching your builds.

[@BBuford]

I would suggest using a marine grade coating instead of a automotive paint. May help with durability and prevent corrosion on the air/water line better.

[@rumplesmootheskin586]

Etch primer and two-pack marine coating is the way to go

[@MIUBHI007]

Most etch primers are one part and even when cured (for a year or more) lacquer thinner will wipe it off like you just sprayed it. If anything use a 2 part acid wash. It won’t come off like that as it actually etches into the metal. Rattle can etch primer is very deceiving.

[@MW-gv9vz]

Look up gator glide for painting pontoons. Tiny boat nation has good video.

[@icreatemyowngoodluck]

Thank you for the advice . I was thinking about that also

[@waltercadwalader5754]

for future reference next time you want to paint aluminum go to sweets paints over off 42nd street Winter Haven and get an aluminum etching primer then you can use pretty much any paint you want over it. hope that helps for your future endeavors

[@jimmywinkelman7899]

I really enjoy your channel. You're the only genuine KZbinr I follow. One request, stop apologizing for your mistakes. Shit happens. Laugh, learn and move on. God bless.

[@longjohn77]

@@Anne6621 you can tell he was brought up right.

[@ClaytonH1975]

Maybe he was close to some Canadians when he was brought up. We apologize for everything lol

[@tonygresham2634]

When you use aluminum bright do it small sections and have you a bucket with soapy water and spray the brighter on it and use a brush scrub it and rinse it you will have better results

[@trbstang]

Could you do a curved or angled front on it to use the extra length from the third pontoon? That might be a neat idea. Great job so far Zach!

[@sjkmpz]

I like this idea. Larger front deck and it won’t look weird with 1 toon hanging further out. This comment needs more likes. Hope he sees it

[@ziolan8970]

I came here to say this

[@jacobellis8135]

I painted my aluminum jon boat with Rust-Oleum and made sure to use their primer first and just rolled it on with a paint roller and you didn't even have to spray it and it worked out fantastic. I floated that Jon boat through some pretty gnarly stuff and it never peeled. Obviously if you hit a rock it'll scratch but that's just the nature of the game.

[@fredericrike5974]

Rust- Oleum also akes a line of "machinery paint"- I've scratched with a hammer but it is tough! Put it on by the label! FR

[@mike8818]

Note to self, never buy an older pontoon from anywhere close to sea water. My 88 Harris don't even have pitting like that.

[@anthonycollins6353]

That’s called T-Tracks and you would use T-Bolts in the T-Tracks then use a nut with washer.

[@luisaraujo4708]

Watching you do all the cleanup on those pontoons gives me a whole new appreciation for not living or boating anywhere near salt water.

[@jimf5160]

you need marine grade paint and primer made for aluminum. the broken off fins were probably weakened by corrosion and would have broken during use.

[@davidlarson2534]

Really enjoying this and learning a lot. At 67, still learning. Moving from CA to NC/SC and now my wife wants a pontoon. We have friends on the Colorado River with one. My wife fell in love… it’s her style after growing up on sailing yachts. Would it be better to buy good, used toons and start from scratch? Finding a pontoon craft with good pontoons is not easy nor cheap. And yes, I’d like a tri-toon. Regardless, I don’t mind the labor. I just work slow. Wish I was your age again. Last question: What is a good width for a pontoon boat that works well towing on two-lane mountain highways? Keep putting these on utube. I love watching other people work, watching grass grow, fishing bobbins lay still…

[@BHG1558]

Zach, I agree with a lot of the comments here about the primer and paint. It needs the proper primer or it’ll fail every time. It doesn’t help that the previous owner left it in the water 🤦🏽‍♂️... I agree that spray-on Bed-liner would add more drag than what you’re already going to have so use that filler to smooth it all and then prime and paint. Good luck with the rustoleum.

[@dukesworld3020]

I worked at a shipyard and used epoxy paint on the hull of some ships that had aluminum hulls. It was also used to keep barnacles off too. I bet this one will look twice as good as the other one.

[@Cassandrea007]

Yes I agree. Saw a video the other day where a guy used this on an aluminum jon boat in Florida. They also make a super slick epoxy paint and that boat went on and off trailer like one push was all it took. Also color options available.

[@JeanReol]

I would have taken advantage of fixing the trailer since the boat was completely disassembled.Keep those videos coming!!! Cheers from Panama!

[@ultimaterebuilds7127]

Future episode

[@cap2c484]

Looking great! Really enjoying this rebuild series. I am really interested in finding out how that center storage stays dry or drains.

[@brentrichards1200]

Rhino Liner is pretty easy to put on there and works great in truck beds.

[@Mechie980]

Cool thing about using that rustoleum paint is you can always re-hit a spot when it scratches, BAM, back in black! Nice work!

[@carson_brooks]

You need to do a pop up camper remodel next!

[@robertmcgrath8581]

Install one on the pontoon lol

[@8squarefeet190]

"Centertoon" - that gave me a chuckle. :) As others may have said... etching primer and two part automotive paint. Looking forward to the finished product!

[@elliotowens8033]

Silver/chrome Paint as a cover up might work.

[@Aguilarg93]

I live In the City far from waters. I don’t fish. Never drove a boat. BUT I’m super intrigued by this build!! Can’t wait to see it finished!

[@Sr.406]

There's an aluminum wheel cleaner for non coated aluminum wheels and it'll make if shine just like new one. I don't remember brands we use to use, but most gave the shiny aluminum look, a few gave to dull results like you got. There was no scrubbing or polishing needed either. It was spray and rinse.

[@tman1129]

Star bright is a great brand for algea removal products, great videos as always!!

[@cdzydec0delcambre335]

You should install sacrificial anodes on the toons if they don't have any. Especially in salt water it helps prevent pitting. I worked on aluminum crew boats for years in the Gulf of Mexico and I know from experience that anodes work.

[@travisharrell7805]

Add a product called gator glide on the pontoons. It’s made for aluminum boats and should stay on there for a really long time. A lot of airboats and mud boats use it to make it easier to slide across vegetation easier so should work awesome for this application. I have it on my own boat and have no complaints.

[@uscjake868]

I like the idea of the bedliner spray. Maybe they have that thick paint that they use with ocean vessals to prevent barnacles.

[@nathanielsbrown]

Star Brite isnt an off brand. They actually have really good marine products.

[@cup_and_cone]

Ya, they're one of the few companies that isn't owned by a huge conglomerate.

[@spencercolgan]

Your energy and determination is amazing. You are going to go places, young man

[@nickcerelli5903]

The longer middle pontoon makes it look super cool. Like a triceratops or something

[@fredericrike5974]

Make sure to use an etching primer that is specific for Aluminum. Then follow it with a paint mixed as a "high build" to help fill and level the pitting. Getting a few IR lamps and "baking it" a section at a time, as your paint it would likely improve your paint life and the coverage quality. Color is a choice of the paint buyer- wouldn't touch that with your ten foot pole! Prepaint the areas where the "thwarts" are mounted along the pontoon and try for as much paint under them as feasible- the best deal would be to think about "encapsulating" the aluminum to slow the corrosion. Check with a marine chandlery for some small anodes to affix to the pontoons as in "sacrificial anodes". When you redeck it, use real marine grade plywood if you can- it will out last the rest of the pontoons life- the decking you took off was "treated for use in damp or wet areas", not marine grade plywood. For power, I'm thinking an American V8 driving an 8' air prop- ought to go like stink, keeps all the power out of the water and will travel on wet grass! that honking big pontoon boat would look wild sailing through a lake of saw grass! Up the Algorithm! PS; you already have a bunch of "thin spots" in the sheet aluminum- including above the water line. Paint it all and do what ever you can to gain corrosion protection. Paint to the water line is purely cosmetic- you need the lowest edge of the finish well above the "wet line"- a vey likely reason you've had peeling issues. FR

[@billymathis3142]

Before you paint aluminum you should use vinegar on the aluminum to etch the aluminum so that the paint sticks better. Also rhino liner will tear up the banks on the trailer. You do a really Good job on every video you've done. Keep up the Awesome work.

[@Animosus08]

i'm not sure what the cleaning chemicals you bought contains, but where i live, we use oxalic acid, it works wonders!

[@hugokist9129]

The painted toons look badass af. turned out amazing

[@discingaround]

'2 Tri-Toon 2 Quit' would be my name for Party Barge 2.

[@slaunts9453]

Check out Vantage Pontoon Guards or pontoonguards. You can also add vinyl under them. I was trained by vantage to install them. I can say first hand they look amazing, and only take a couple of hours to install. I believe vantage is only available to dealers, but the guards and vinyl are manufactured by 3M, and are available elsewhere. For sure a great alternative to painting the aluminum.

[@paulrybarczyk5013]

I think it would be extra cool to add a HydroFin system to make it get up and fly! Up to 50% speed improvement! Then for your next one, make a slow-speed electric pontoon powered by a full-length solar canopy and battery-bank with an Elco outboard.

[@TJLawrence254]

Total boat makes an aluminum anti-fouling primer and paint for pontoons. The primer is a two part epoxy that fills in pitting an imperfections.

[@mrxd7953]

they make "gel coat" in any colour for aluminium. copper and marine steel. Then any old marine paint over and a clear coat and you have a nice 10+ finish that only needs the paint layer once in a while, as the "gel coat (epoxy marine compound)" well last a very long time.

[@eprofessio]

I see way more ppe on KZbin than I did ten years ago and it makes me very happy.

[@libertarian1637]

After cleaning an etching primer followed by a two part, catalytically cured, epoxy paint would last much better than a single part spray paint. Even two part auto paints would work better than a single part paint like the Rustolium and there are even two part paints that come in spray cans; you simply pull a popper on the bottom shake to mix and spray. A two part clear coat would also add protection over the spray paint but wouldn’t aid in initial primer bonding. Some aluma-well sticks could aid in reattachment of the forward aluminum pieces, or Tig welding if available would be best, if you use the weld sticks just make sure to get the surface oxidation off as unlike AC Tig it won’t be removed during the process and will lead to a bad joint.

[@meco72104]

Wow looking really good.But IMO the bed liner is a great idea. Flex Seal paint would be good to and should last.

[@ElleDelSol]

Bedliner is REALLY heavy and the drag would slow you to a crawl. Like not just slow, REALLY slow. TotalBoat makes a paint specifically for aluminum in a marine environment. Probably twice as expensive as automotive paint, but I've never had a bad experience with totalboat products. Plus, they hand out sponsorships like crazy, maybe you could work something out :)

[@tnorman1065]

Nice job! Looking good so far. BTW... Your help will show up when you are ready to put her in the water for her maiden voyage!!!

[@gladiatorgaminginfo5053]

If your going to paint the pontoons paint in with silverbrite it’s a marine aluminum paint by sherwin Williams. I used it a few times painting my trailer and it looks good every time. Make sure you wear gloves it’s a pain to get off your hands. But I highly recommend the paint

[@RMassey86]

If that paint doesn't hold up, look up gator glide epoxy coating. It's meant for aluminum boats and comes with an aluminum primer. It's super slick and perfect for a boat that is going to run into sand

[@ronaldheit196]

Absolutely no doubt this one will be even better than your first Toon. Can't wait to see the new ideas you'll come up with to her to maximum party barge condition.

[@KTHActual]

Black pontoon with gold flake pin stripe would look amazing

[@artlife6210]

my two cents...zinc chromate two coats then either a nice topside two part polyurethane and your bottom paint overlapping that ...cool boat looking forward to seeing what you do for the interior!

[@JudithStOnge]

I think a roll around engine hoist would be generally helpful in your shop. An essential shop tool!. Just general lifting jobs!

[@mickeydavies1229]

Or a tractor with forks......

[@andrewstanislowski7515]

Self etching primer is amazing I use it all the time on aluminum. Just lite fog coats not solid coverage

[@EasyModeCheck]

man you are a hard worker! You switched the pontoons by yourself, how long did it take? They look really heavy.

[@bobbyvanderwerff5879]

Great job on clean up ,paint them.patients always ask for help.

[@garyolsen5790]

Looks great so far! I think a small bow sprit and an anchor windlass would fit nicely on the front of the center pontoon.

[@paulg998]

I would paint Bottom half polish the top

[@paulg998]

I think it would look good

[@longjohn77]

Anti fouling paint on the bottom and he's good to go.

[@2fast4you25]

Actually most boats are painted with a coat of Antifouling at the bottom, up to where water line is at, but its maily if you ride at salt water. Its a good product and it should last for at least 2 years. Its made to withstand harsh waters.

[@freddynews6478]

Paint the pontoon pods two tone and they make s neat low profile rub rails for pontoons that you can separate the colors. It also will cover those pitted area at the water line. The material is vinyl if some sort.

[@NakedPigeon]

Those fins would have fallen off any, as soon you would hit something while you were on the water. So good thing they did now.

[@jakejakubson7057]

i like the pontoon rebuilds. looking to get one. to see the basics if need done. mine will be fishing not party but from bottom to deck is good to see! look forward to the next one!!!

[@hornet7288]

The painting time lapse brings me great satisfaction haha

[@carlosg1165]

You are a really hardworking person keep them coming sir 👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@holla4duke213]

His attention to detail is pretty amazing. Good work!

[@snapfish89]

Painting the toon. Never seen painted toons, but I wonder how it would turn out. People paint boats. People paint aluminum. I would do it!

[@lumpialife]

You hooked me! Love your vids man! Keep up the great work! Love the honesty and trial and error.

[@mtcisneros5]

There is a marine grade paint you can buy that is used on the bottom side of boats to help prevent corrosion and anything growing on it but it does rub away slowly over time and that’s what it is made to do.

[@thekirch]

Bed liner is a good safe bed just very time consuming.. it would help with corrosion and discoloring. It would all around protect it. There’s a place online monstaliner they sell different colored bed liner if you didn’t want black maybe a grey or silver color

[@properfunny]

Never hurts to have a friend over for an extra set of hands.

[@biggieb099420]

What made you go with aluminum pontoon vs using a plastic one like u bought on your first boat….. I’m seriously thinking about adding one of this pontoons

[@handymenprotv5510]

Love these boat videos! Keep it up your doing great 👍

[@billsales3235]

you've restored every tiny piece of this thing... great work.

[@rockyaev8287]

If I missed it I’m sorry, but where did you find a third toon? I need to convert mine to a tri toon desperately

[@floridamanlogan6011]

I’ve been waiting for this vid! Keep up the good work

[@paulzent3646]

Great video! You are doing great work, only why didn’t you paint them silver? Scratches won’t show as bad. I have an old 21 foot Tracker that has an aluminum floor under the carpet, no wood! I ordered the boat new in 1998 and never regretted it. Sure slightly more noise but it can’t rot. It time to re-power from the 60hp Mercury to something bigger (115 or 125?). Hat do you plan on powering with? There is a new electric outboard coming out I might consider it.

[@wills4510]

Dude… I give you a ton of credit for figuring all this out. Great channel.

[@TwistedEngines]

Should look into using* sharkhide metal protection! Used it while I was in the Navy . And building a few projects myself!

[@MIUBHI007]

I know you don’t want to paint them but if you do end up doing that, why not paint it silver so it doesn’t make the center pontoon stick out so much since it’s longer. Plus, if you get the pontoons smooth, silver will hide ripples and dents better than black will.

[@LamboGolf]

I would bring the front piece of plywood to a point so you don't cover the eyelets on the side toons but it still covers the whole center toon. It will also make it easier to nose it into tight places

[@alexc9498]

Don’t you need to install the fuel tank first before attaching the flooring?

[@oogabooga1345]

Why? the fuel tank is in the back next to the Motor and it’s not under the pontoon deck its resting on it

[@buchhorn88]

If I guy was to paint it I would have done it with something like GATORGLIDE or something equivilent. Its really durable and will help with friction. There many colors also. But hey, your black paint job looked good too.

[@alicethecat6]

Every project you do is better than the last. I love it all, keep up the great work.

[@leodanryan966]

Just paint it with aluminum paint and it will look great 👍. But if you plan on using it in the ocean then use anti fouling bottom paint.

[@tman1129]

It would be so sweet if you could radwood graphics the pontoons like the jet skis! Paint them super light gray and then the vinyl? Been thinking about doing this on my 95 four winns Candia 21 ft... minus the paint, of course...

[@jma64930]

Paint/coat it gatorglide. I used it on a Jon boat and its ultra tough, self leveling, and look nice! It brushes on.

[@dcallan812]

Just spray the old toons with silver paint above the W/L have alook for some specialist boat coating. TotalBoat is good stuff.

[@SnSBath]

Bio Kleen has a great aluminum cleaner and it is not so toxic plus safe for marine use.

[@michaelcarter8927]

Wish I would’ve seen this when you did it gatorglide is some badass stuff

[@whistlingdiesel]

Excellent jackstand work! This was a a lot of grindin'

[@edwardannable5468]

Zack the black paint on this pontoon looks alot better than the first one you did I would have done colour on the top half of the black paint

[@thomasdesmond2248]

In order to paint aluminum. You must use etching primer then regular primer. The etching primer bonds to the aluminum. God bless

[@Brykk]

Could you use floor epoxy that you would use on like a garage floor? That stuff is super tough and you can get it in a high gloss version that seems like it would go through water without much, if any, drag. Btw, this thing would be sick with a 250 horse jet ski setup in it. Jet powered tri toons are awesome.

[@pjcombs27]

I had the exact same scum line on my pontoons. Also has the scum from the water line to the keel of each toon. The water line was the thickest. Used Muriatic Acid to clean all the scum for stubborn sports I used the 3M Scouring Pad. the water line took like 5 applications of Muriatic Acid to be removed. have a few spots here and there left. I thought of using that grinding wheel but didn't want to do more harm scratching the toons than refill with what you did.

[@towboatjeff]

Ya I think the raptor liner would be a good way to go

[@jameswallace26]

Raptor liner seems to be a good product if your going that route. You can get it in 15 or so colors.

[@Thewatson77]

I 100% admire your bravery and creativity. Your attitude to find solutions and overcome adversity is just fantastic! Keep up the great work bud 🙌🏻👍🏼

[@casey_6261]

Hey I worked on the aluminum extrusion plant we did paint aluminum there you would want to wash the pontoons thoroughly then use a water down muriatic acid wash and then rinse that with vinegar that’s essentially how they do it on a paint line for aluminum then use a good primer and an Apoxsee based paint being as you’re going to use this in salt water or if you wanted to leave the pontoons on painted you could just spend another $3600 on another pontoon and put the new pontoons on the outside and put the best of the old pontoons on the inside just a thought!

[@teljoundi]

Have access to a sandblaster? Or someone that can. That would clean and make everything uniform looking. And prep for paint as well

[@canescup12]

Can you just wrap it? A lot to choose from with boat wraps, colors, graphics, etc.

[@mshadster]

Just make a curved front when you put the plywood on instead of a straight front

[@adriannicholson8819]

whatever you do make sure you put a really good etching primer on and with tufdeck you can put a clear coat on

[@mikemcgrath655]

Hey great video.You might want to invest in a engine lift. They really come in handy moving jet skis and taking boats on and off trailers.

[@macski6924]

Does this kid work hiss ass off or what??? Great job, I'm totally enjoying this. Thanks for sharing. You deserve every penny you get from sponsors. God Bless!!