My Cheap $200 Pontoon Boat Project Part 4

In this episode, the boat gets improvements and another test drive. It is better than ever! Put points on the front of the pontoons, spring boating, manatee sighting, had a blast! I hope you love and please share the joy.

[@richardhowe2370]

Price of the boat, $200 dollars. Spending time on the water with your family, priceless! Nice job!

[@daleval2182]

Good comment those little girls will love those memories

[@morsebaittackleco.5250]

I can tell ya the fish don't give a shit how expensive your boat is

[@mrblack499]

L

[@thenoid5131]

Your kids are so lucky to have you as their father looks like a lot of family quality times will be spent and remembered on that boat, greetings from sunny Southern California sir and family.

[@chud327]

Thanks so much and that they remember is the goal, that and fun. Thanks so much for the awesome comment and for watching.

[@garygrose6351]

Can't get over how clear the water is. Incredible.

[@theknob1]

These pontoon videos reminded me so much of my younger days. Boy Scouts building a 32 foot pontoon boat from steel drums and taking a two week trip up the Tennessee river and it's tributaries like the Little T and Hiwassee. Thank you. Good memories and your kids will remember this big time. Also when I was 17 I paddled the Swanee river for a week on a canoe trip and loved it. Good stuff!

[@chud327]

I think your boy scout troop was a bit more adventurous than the one I was in. We did build a lot of cool stuff, towers and bridges. Our river trip was a 50 mile, 3 day and two night trip down the St. Marys river. I will remember that trip for the rest of my life. Would have been even cooler on a homemade 32 foot party barge. Maybe next summer I can do an extended trip down the Suwannee River hitting several spring on the way down. Thanks for your comment make me want to go boating again right now.

[@frednot809]

This video brings back so many memories growing up in Branford on the Suwannee, I spent many a day swimming in little river and Troy springs, great job on the build and thank you for sharing

[@chud327]

Thanks so much, I love this boat and the springs... BTW, I am about to start build #2. I hope you will be checking it out. Thanks for watching.

[@strayfiftynine9151]

Who says you need money to be rich. 200 dollar boat 2 million dollar yacht. This family is truly rich.

[@chud327]

I couldn't have said it better. Thanks so much for watching.

[@HenryGoRui]

Very rich family,they can enjoy everything cause they aren't in truobles,right?

[@chud327]

Enrique Gomez yeah, we try to stay out of trouble...

[@jmrichsonsr]

That’s pure fun. Inexpensive, very functional, low maintenance, easily repaired, care free and just plain fun. Thanks for sharing!

[@chud327]

Yes to everything you just said, thanks for watching.

[@paulruss7187]

Some diagonal metal strapping bracing under the deck boards would help firm it up structurally and increase the service life of the boat I think. Great project. I had fun watching it.

[@chud327]

Thanks so much for watching. I was a fun build and fun to use!

[@airborne501]

I am really fascinated by this boat. It is such a cool idea.

[@chud327]

Thanks so much and I am about to build boat #2, I hope you will be checking it out. Thanks for watching.

[@Myeyeofthebeholder]

This seems like a bunch of fun. Im sure the girls love this.

[@chud327]

It was great fun and the girls love it. Thanks so much for watching.

[@jimlangley840]

Thanks, Chud, I live in S. Florida, & wanted to build a pontoon boat to live on. It's amazing you were able to register it so easily & cheaply !

[@chud327]

I was shocked that it was only $32! I figured they would hit me for about $100 just for the title... Thanks for watching.

[@tamaraweber3296]

"Family Fun Day" and Awesome Pontoon. Underwater footage "Rocks"

[@chud327]

Tamara Weber thanks so much!!! BTW, I am supposed to go back tomorrow, hope you can check it out.

[@sheilapalmer6822]

I wish I could be out on the water with you all. It looks so nice and relaxing. Much love to you and your family. Great job on your boat.!!!😘❤️🙋🏻⚓️⛵️🚤🚣🏽🏊🏽🐸🐳🐬🐋

[@chud327]

That would be cool, it holds a pretty good bit of people. I almost went back there today, but I had an issue with the trailer. I hope to go sometime soon, I will make you a video. I also put a sealer on the deck today, that video will be coming out soon.

[@50AHenry]

Congratulations on the project and a nice easy-to-listen-to style in your comments. ALSO, especially enjoyed the underwater footage !!! God Bless (from AUSTRALIA)

[@chud327]

Thanks so much for the awesome comment. I think this is my favorite video so far. Thanks for watching.

[@timallbritton3716]

Wonderful project and its one your kids will cherish for a lifetime. I also built a homemade motor using a 35 Johnson lower unit. I put a new propeller in the water pump in the lower unit and used it to wash down the boat while the engine was running and also used it to clean fish...Just an idea for you to possibly add to your wonderful pontoon boat....

[@chud327]

That is so cool and the water pump idea is a cool one too. Thanks so much for watching.

[@rogerrapp2170]

That is Super Cool, Great Job, Buddy, Enjoy Your Wonderful Project and Family Funn !

[@chud327]

Excellent comment, that helps a bunch! Thanks so much and thanks for watching.

[@darkside0914]

it looks like it moves easier with the end cones on it, but it's hard to tell in the video, looks like you and your family are having tons of fun with it, who needs to spend 20grand on a pontoon boat when you can build it yourself for 100th the cost, and it's far easier to upgrade if you need a bigger boat in the future

[@chud327]

All excellent points and thanks for watching.

[@TacticalHandyman]

I know this is an old video but I'm using your idea for my work barge build. 55 gal drums but metal frame with plywood for the deck. I already have it built but with dock floats but they are delicate (can't bump rocks or they will break) 55 gal drums will be much more durable. Love that you are having fun with your family 👍

[@Shaweweweeewah]

Decided to take up this project here in Missouri. Got 4 of 6 barrels from my work and a few pallets in good shape for deck boards. Your videos have got me beyond excited. Hope you and yours are doing well!

[@chud327]

I love hearing that and please be sure to check out build #2, I feel it went much better. Good luck on your build and thanks for watching.

[@davidbean5807]

One more thing I'd like to share with you. If you are ever looking for a cheap weedless prop for a homemade trolling motor you will find them in scrap whirlpool refrigerators in the ice maker unit . You will also find a good stainless steel rod holder. I worked in a plastic injection molding plant and the machines I worked on made parts for Whirlpool. Rip apart an old unit and put the propeller looking part on a weedeater and it has quite a bit of thrust . I suppose because the blades are built into a narrow cylinder. I made one once but only tried it in a large metal trash can and it emptied it in no time.

[@chud327]

Good tips...

[@rjp194]

The compartments could also be used as a live well for fishing

[@SilverShadow2LWB]

Fun video to watch. Love you ingenuity. This has more fun per dollar than any other boat. Great use of your camera both under water and above the boat. Thanks for sharing.

[@chud327]

I agree on the fun / dollar ratio! Thanks, filming boats are kinda hard to do. Thanks so much for watching.

[@wolf1066]

That is some awesome stuff there.

[@theMekanik]

I think this is your best build yet

[@chud327]

I think it was too, until I build the second one. Have you seen it? Thanks so much for watching.

[@davidschmidt6013]

Wow, I like that boat. Don't forget to take off that sharp point protruding into your 'storage space'.

[@chud327]

I am almost finished with boat #2. Video coming soon, I hope you will checking it out. thanks for watching.

[@rubenmejias7302]

Great pontoon really adds to it when u build it yourself

[@chud327]

I 100% agree and I should be starting build #2 real soon. I already have the material to start, i just have to finish up some other projects first. I hope you will check out boat #2 when it is out and thanks for watching.

[@paullarsen1330]

This is about the size I want for a pontoon boat, I have a 5 HP 4 cycle Honda boat motor looking for a boat and this design would be ideal and so is the budget. Just need to locate some plastic drums and find out the cost . I like the storage wells and a great place to sit when operating the motor , so not hunched over like I was when i had my aluminum boat. I may use 3/4 pressure treated wood for the decking . the points on the front of the pontoons would make great coolers ( water cooled ) Now you got me thinking :)

[@chud327]

I wish you would just buy mine so I can build a bigger one... Thanks so much for watching and good luck.

[@guyfrom8659]

@@chud327 what would you sell yours for ?

[@imonlyhalfnutsreally2113]

my god, those wadervirters fit like a glove. the truest cuts and tightest fits I've seen in seconds. You sir should be a high end cabinet maker.

[@hillbillyhobbies6644]

I want to build one of these for real! That water man is so clear.

[@chud327]

That is one of my favorite water holes.... Thanks for watching

[@liemh9290]

That's a Priceless Yacht!

[@jmccracken491]

Wonderful I am really pleased to see that you are doing things more people should do. Spend time with the family and it is paying off.

[@chud327]

Family is what it is all about. Thanks so much and thanks for watching.

[@a.yhprumnadia5646]

WS convinced that you just went to an aquarium, that place is too beautiful

[@chud327]

I loved it, but now, every other body of water is going to look nasty... I am planning another river trip, but they won't let you take you boat very far up into the spring... Thanks for watching.

[@ShadyNationGaming]

The water towards the end looks much better

[@doonular]

I would imagine that those "diverters" as you called them, probably made a noticeable difference in speed and/or fuel mileage since the front of those barrels are no longer plowing the water. I was hoping you might comment on it, but unfortunately you didn't. I've been toying with building something similar and I had been wondering why you didn't do something like that with the initial build. Looks like a nice little boat though. Congrats :-)

[@chud327]

I had planned to do something initially, but just had to figure out what I wanted to do. Thanks for watching. BTW, if you build one, I want you to send me pictures as you go...

[@jbkaufman3621]

Very cool chud327, can't wait to see what else you think of!

[@antoncolbo]

I wonder if you could put a tire valve in those barrels somehow to add a couple of pounds of pressure to help them keep their shape? Adding another piece at the back of each pontoon like you added to the front would help streamline it even more.

[@chud327]

Thanks for the suggestions and on my next build, I am going to try to get a little pressure in them some how. Thanks so much for watching.

[@richardlentner8619]

Good job as always my only concern is that is somebody falls through the hole in the middle of the boat while in motion the engine/prop would chop them up, just a safety concern. love your videos...

[@clemmiller6464]

I really enjoyed your videos! Thanks for sharing them.

[@chud327]

And I enjoy your comments! Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching.

[@ronduck2812]

Looks like a lot of fun

[@chud327]

Be had a blast, be sure to check out built number too. It is a better boat. I hope to go back there soon and thanks for watching.

[@ianmooresguard1721]

Beautifully clear water

[@chud327]

I love that clear water/place! Today video had almost as clear water. I hope you will check it out. Thanks for watching.

[@ashdoodge4325]

I love all the Natural Springs in Florida awesome place to visit With or without a boat. But I think your homemade pontoon boat is totally off the charts awesome 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@chud327]

I love springs! I love the boat! I love your comment. Thanks so much for watching.

[@ashdoodge4325]

chud327 keep spending time with those kids and building cool stuff and I will keep watching. I started following a guy named Jamie who built a solar pontoon boat look it up on KZbin awesome.

[@ashdoodge4325]

This is a good guy for ideas kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnOphZmYbNOpaJo

[@ashdoodge4325]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGjJnYVmhJKWpbc this is the seller pontoon he made, Really cool way out of my league. But I understand the concept.

[@sergiitkachenko8976]

A great idea and a very worthy decision

[@chud327]

Thanks so much, I am in love with it. Thanks for watching.

[@daleval2182]

Use the diverters to fill up and will airate as a fish box, I may build me a barrel pontoon, I live on a huge lake. Be comfy and real stable to fish off, unlike a canoe or aluminum boat, good video dude. Thanks for the inspiration. I can get 5 gallon heavy wall water jugs for a buck, may design and use bunch of them?

[@chud327]

I love it, keep me up to date if you build a boat. In fact, I have a Facebook group called "homemade barrel boats", I hope you will consider joining and sharing what you build. thanks for watching.

[@tigattac]

Greetings to you chud327 Very cool concept this pontoon boat, brilliantly made. How much fun can one have, without spending a fortune? Watching you, gives away some of the answers, I think. May I suggest that you gear up that motor, so the prop runs twice as fast. Easy to make two pulleys, with a short belt between.

[@chud327]

Thanks so much and I have been wanting to gear it up for years. I was thinking of taking a timing chain out of a small block chevy, that would make it turn twice as fast, or half as fast if you don't know what you are doing... I will think on this an let you know. That could be episode #5, I am about to run out of things to do on the boat.

[@tendertears2001]

I love the whole concept, boat motor was ingenious and the pontoon boat is brilliant !!!!! do you have a video on how you did the motor?

[@chud327]

I think there are a couple old video of it. Search "chud327 homemade boat motor" and something should pop up. Thanks so much for watching.

[@modelnutty6503]

decades ago now, took a steel lawnmower blade hub, heated the seized 2 stroke crank output shaft over the stove to soften just enough to cut it off. chucked up both parts in a lathe (instant alignment) to weld them together. after that it was just pipe spacers and bolts to mate engine to lower unit. a 4hp briggs will run for many hours on a quart of gas

[@helloandgoodmorning3596]

"it's half a baby gator...the front half!" 😆😆😆

[@chud327]

That was a fun trip... Thanks for watching.

[@lowellirish]

Get in the water kids! Enjoy!!

[@captainmorgan2314]

Love the video the deflectors look like it made the pontoon a little bit faster

[@chud327]

I would think they would have to, but I didn't do a speed check. That could be my excuse for the next trip. Thanks for watching.

[@boyfromdabayou]

You saved a ton of money frankensteining that boat together won't you break down and go buy those little girls some comfortable vest's.....i like you're rig keep up the good work

[@chud327]

That is a good suggestion. I plan to build a bigger and better barrel pontoon boat soon, I will try to get a couple of better life jackets for the little spring hoppers. Thanks so much for watching.

[@abiermonier1193]

Huao I liked your pontoon. I will start to make one. Thank you. for the video. beautiful the place.

[@chud327]

Sweet and I hope to have part 5 out in a week or so... Thanks so much for the comment and for watching.

[@noahstevan6664]

whoa cool boat.. and the water very clear.

[@chud327]

May be my favorite video so far, thanks for watching.

[@jerryartis7678]

I enjoyed you using your mind👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@chud327]

Thanks again.

[@Myeyeofthebeholder]

Nothing like ravioli straight from the can.... When my kids were younger and i made their lunch, i always got the one, 2 or 3 😆 stuck at the bottom.

[@chud327]

We take them ever time, but can't remember to take a spoon. thanks for watching.

[@a_user_lol1054]

this design is awsome you inspired my project with my aunt we will try it and fish off of it

[@chud327]

Thanks so much and have you seen my second build? It is even better. Thanks for watching.

[@robsycko]

After watching you other video I had this same idea and I was going to post but when I was looking for the video I saw this video so you beat me to it. I built a boat motor the same way 30 years ago.

[@Tripsolo65]

Originally on the water diverters, you had talked about foaming, or bottles, etc. for buoyancy, then something that would matter if it got wet. What about life jacket storage? It serves all the above.

[@chud327]

That is a good point and thanks for watching.

[@trvsnch]

So cool!!! Got me wanting to build one now!!!

[@chud327]

Sweet, let me know if you do. Thanks for watching.

[@Slumberjacksix]

Great job. Excellent video.

[@chud327]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching.

[@Cowboys-bm4wh]

It’s amazing to see all that wildlife in such clear water. Here in Kansas ware I’m from you can’t see your hand in front of your face under water. Do you ever have any problems with gators in those waters?

[@chud327]

Love that clear water! Never seen a gator there, but once saw half of a baby gator floating around. Must have happened during the night. Thanks for watching!!

[@dereksuddreth8672]

A compartment for things that can get wet? BEER! BTW, expandable foam will prevent drums from collapsing in cold water, and is great if you have a puncture!

[@chud327]

I am trying to think of a way to prevent dents for the next one. thanks for the ideas and thanks for watching.

[@TheInventor22]

Definitely gonna have to build this one day

[@chud327]

Be sure to watch and comment on my second build, it turned out even better. Thanks for watching.

[@edwardchance2543]

Very cool boat thanks for the video

[@chud327]

you are so welcome and thanks so much for watching.

[@PatHaskell]

You should add a propeller guard if you boat around Manatee's.

[@chud327]

One thing about the spring, you would see them before you hit them. Plus as slow as my boat is, they would have a chance to move. Thanks for watching.

[@theR0ck]

Very nice boat

[@chud327]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching.

[@theimperfectguitarist544]

Great job...maybe an exhaust extension tube or hose that can reach underwater for little more noise reduction .

[@chud327]

Love it and I have been thinking about that. Thanks for watching.

[@battlebornracing702bbr2]

Really cool looks like a great time!

[@chud327]

We had a blast and can't wait to get back. Thanks for watching.

[@JGF13667]

Great videos!

[@chud327]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching.

[@darrellfrenzel8524]

need a tie off point on the back end for bait buckets and it would be perfect

[@chud327]

Great idea and thanks for watching.

[@robertzumwalt5019]

It would be great for minnows great work 👍

[@chud327]

Thanks and thanks for watching

[@litchking01]

I saw you out there Sunday just now getting to the channel love the boat man

[@chud327]

So glad you found me on here and thanks for subbing.

[@discedoce1827]

beautiful river

[@chud327]

IKR, I love that spring. I want to go back in a month or so to see it full of manatees. Hope you are subbed so you don't miss it and thanks so much for watching.

[@roxastherogue]

It would be cool to see how you make that compartment watertight. Good video

[@chud327]

I thinks I will leave them like they are for now. Thanks for watching.

[@sargintrock2538]

Nothing like good old american ingenuity!

[@chud327]

Yes and thanks again for watching.

[@blech71]

Oh damn u did better bow bulbs than we did. We shaped aluminum and while it works for us it looks like shit cuz we aren’t benders. We should’ve asked some help form someone that does a/c vent work

[@chud327]

As long as it works I guess... thanks again for watching.

[@BMcGhee-t5v]

That sure looks like Crystal River, Homosassa, or Weeki Wachee. I love manatees and cheap pontoons!

[@chud327]

It was Fanning springs, I need to find other springs I can ride up into. Are the ones you mentioned open to boats? I love the manatee and the cheapness too. Thanks so much for watching.

[@bradfordsmith5942]

Outstanding Job!! 👍👍👍

[@chud327]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching.

[@RUS_US]

a wet suit and rope should become stinky if you will keep it in the water compartment thanks for the idea. will do it next time instead of buying a boat. Maybe to avoid dentin because of cool water/air you can drill a small hole on top of barrel.

[@chud327]

i always take the wet suit out and wash and dry it or yes it will become stinky quick. I would only put it in that compartment on spring day after wearing it. As for the dents, I want to make holes in the tops and run a pipe through to keep them from rotating. Thanks for the tips and thanks so much for watching.

[@NH-ny8ot]

My question is can it be registered

[@RUS_US]

@@NH-ny8ot you put your question under my one. So it is directed to me but not to author. But i know the answer. Check regulations. Anything powered by any motor has to be registred. Even kayak or padleboard. Even electric motor. Any hp.

[@chadfolmar5900]

I love this boat.

[@PrincipledNaturalLaw]

Brilliant build!

[@chud327]

Thanks you so much and thanks for watching.

[@starpilot101]

There's so many fish. Don't see that in Canada often. Fishing has gotten slower and slower over the years, weather patterns worse and worse.

[@timmorris3056]

Ok??? You're in a territory where BEASTS Chomp Gators in HALF, and yet there's people Swimming????? That's Livin' on the Edge!😁👍

[@chud327]

True, but the gators usually only come out at night. Plus, the water is so clear you can see them coming. Thanks for watching.

[@nicflanagan1697]

@@chud327 where is that water way been searching for water like this to kayak in

[@mishawakapost2681]

Love ❤❤❤❤❤, fist bumps 👊👊👊👊👊, high fives/pats on the back ✋✋✋✋✋

[@chud327]

Thanks for watching.

[@StuffBudDuz]

I'm wondering why the tops of the barrels can't have a small vent hole to keep the temp changes from deforming them?

[@chud327]

That is a good idea, but on my second build I did not have any deformation issues. Hope you will check out that build and hope to start build #3 real soon. Thanks for watching.

[@bluetickfreddy101]

good work

[@lamnguyen6400]

Love your videos and your boat tho, 2 👍 to you. Really awesome, love to build 1 for myself to go fishing sometime, thanks for sharing.

[@chud327]

Sweet and if you build one, I want to see a picture! Thanks for watching.

[@harryfritter8266]

That diverter if it fills with water, you could use for a live well when fishing

[@chud327]

I was thinking that and may have to try it when I take it fishing. Thanks so much for watching.

[@landin3539]

If you go fishing you could use those water diverters as a place for fish. If you don't care about getting it all dirty.

[@chud327]

I sure could, if I caught any keepers. The dirty would wash out easy enough. thanks for watching.

[@jimbob.2299]

Let me add to this video that was left out.. Great build on the boat.. True talent.

[@chud327]

Thank you so much and thanks for watching.

[@jamescooler5089]

Good vid, great fun!

[@chud327]

Thanks! It may be my favorite so far. Thanks for watching.

[@TheGarnerjustin73]

This thing will turn into a yacht by next month with this guy working on it.

[@chud327]

It should, but I can't figure what I want to do for episode #5. Boat seat, lights, or bimini top are the only thing coming to mind. Thanks for watching.

[@coleedits1288]

Maybe fill the barrels with foam, and go to town with epoxy around the lip of the water defector, and the gaps in the barrels

[@chud327]

Too late I already sold it. Hopefully #2 will start soon. Thanks for watching.

[@misterbojangles6205]

Love your vids. I live in Fanning, Welcome.

[@chud327]

You are so luck to be so close to this spring, I have to get back there soon. This was my favorite video so far. Thanks for the comment and for watching.

[@benskai2475akurfishing]

very creative and genius senior how to make the boat I like used drum materials

[@ericlocke8119]

Go with the hinge for your fins. Spray foam th other barrels.

[@chud327]

That would be a good comparison, thanks for watching.

[@ShadyNationGaming]

I plan to make one of these but with 4 barrels on each side now did u add anything inside the barrels such as water or foam to get it to float level?

[@donvernon2966]

Nice boat buddy

[@chud327]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching.

[@gunsquawk4443]

Fill the barrels with expanding liquid foam.

[@chud327]

That would take 330 gallons of foam... Thanks for watching.

[@MagnusDominus1]

That is awesome. I'm guessing since you have a hotel, you are not from Gilchrist county.

[@chud327]

thanks so much and I am about 2 hours from the springs. I am over near Jacksonville. Thanks so much for watching.

[@MagnusDominus1]

I have lived in Florida for 53 years, so know of and recognize these locations. I live in or near some. Jax for 15 years. Currently Putnam county.

[@chud327]

Sweet, I have been north of Jacksonville for 47 years now. Thanks for the reply.

[@Cris-ig8el]

Fantastic vid :)

[@chud327]

Thanks so much, I believe it is my favorite so far.Thanks for watching.

[@antiquecatfishing7068]

Need to add a live well for the catfish you can catch...lol

[@chud327]

Love that Idea, I think the two front boxes would work. I just need to do some fishing soon. Thanks for watching.

[@modelnutty6503]

might want to pressurize those barrels about 10-15 psi. not criticizing the project, its nice. I'd done the 4hp briggs to 6hp lower unit thing, fast enough for how little fuel it really used.

[@chud327]

Next time it will do some pressure in the barrels... I am looking for a little more speed, but it sure is fun just like it is. Thanks for watching.