Pontoon Restoration on a SHORT Timeline

This project was high pressure with a short timeline, but we got right to work on it, put in some long days, and were able to deliver it a day early for the customer. They loved the outcome of their old pontoon and the fact that they saved well over $10K compared to buying a brand new boat. This 2000 Crest got all new flooring, seating, electrical, and even a brand new Mercury 60 hp Four Stroke!
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Music By: Patrick Patrikios, Anno Domini Beats, Verified Picasso.

[@dtpgoose]

Tom, This rebuild looks great. I redid my 2000 Landau BT20 in 2015 as therapy for almost a year after my Mom Died (I just had it in the garage and worked on it when I could, it was essential for me to get through losing Mom) I did away with rear fishing chairs & in the place I put a Full width Sundeck (Swim ladder was on side already)and I added a 3rd Pontoon and Love Love it, I did make the mistake of putting carpet in even though my wife wanted Viny, I thought the vinyl would be too hot for our Golden Retriever to lay on. One of the problems I have had is the Sundeck Lid had come open a Few Times on Interstate (we pull to Alabama Gulf Coast 3-4 times a year and I never run more than 65 yet the few basic ways to tie it down doesn't always work. I use 2 rubber tie downs now that are replacements for a Yeti type cooler closure they work they just get cracks in them in a year or so and fail. I see on your sundeck in this video you have a latch piece on each side but i cannot tell what they are. Can you offer me some ideas that you like for holding the sun decks from opening. I tow in covered and I just got a new cover that was 900 Denier and it has trailering vents and it did great last month on our trip. I appreciate your answering this question. Thanks Tom

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching! I use a piece of nylon strapping that’s attached to the sun deck and snaps to the railing with a typical upholstery snap. I make it tight enough so that no air can get under it when in the down position.

[@pinkladybikermamma3603]

DOESN'T EVEN LOOK LIKE THE ORIGINAL. IT'S WAY BETTER! GOOD JOB, MATES.

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you! That was our goal!!

[@tomireland6096]

Did a bit of an update on a 1988 Manitou this summer. New Decimate seats and helm, 70 HP Yamaha and Decimate wiring harness. Your tutorial on the wiring harness was most helpful. I'd love to replace the carpet with marine vinyl. But at 72 years old, that may be a pipe dream. I loved the final appearance of this project. Keep the tutorials coming,

[@tomspontoons]

That sounds like you made that old boat MUCH more enjoyable! We're not stopping with videos any time soon, that's for sure! Maybe find a marina local to you who will tear it down and redeck it and add vinyl in the off-season. Sometimes they'll keep mechanics on staff to do those jobs so that they don't lose them to other work in the off-season.

[@tomireland6096]

Is the decking three-quarter inch plywood, treated or untreated?

[@tomspontoons]

It’s 3/4” treated. It’s the same CCA treated that the big name brands like Bennington and Barletta use on their new boats.

[@glennmacintosh4071]

What a fantastic upgrade to an old pontoon boat. Tom’s Toons does great work!!! Keep it up!

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks! It was a fun project as usual!

[@anthonyrella922]

You certainly performed great work! Its nice to see more restoration instead of just buying new. I am trying to restore an 1977 sylan and nervous about doing it right the first time. Do you have any more videos regarding the manufacturing of the sun deck and proper ways to run the steering cable, electronics under the boat?

[@tomspontoons]

The sundeck was upholstered by someone locally, so I don't have anything covering that topic unfortunately. We do have videos showing steering installation, as well as lots showing running wires and installation of electrical accessories. Check out our playlists for those topics. With well over 200 videos on the channel you should be able to find something for each topic!

[@PaycheckToPaycheckOffRoad]

Replacing just the paneling on the railing is prolly the hardest thing I’ve done on my pontoon. But all my tabs broke so I had to rivet mine. Turned out nice but definitely a huge labor intense job

[@tomspontoons]

It's a serious task. We schedule an entire day just for the paneling (not including reinstalling the railings on the boat).

[@skylark4901]

Ha, I'm here just for that specifically! I'm a machinist and work alone in a prototype shop but I'm not entirely excited to start this!😆

[@tomspontoons]

@@skylark4901 I talk to a lot of folks who are handy in a number of ways that I'm clueless, and they're apprehensive about tackling a boat project. That's why I'm here...helping DIY folks with those details. Pontoon projects are pretty straight forward once you know how to approach the wiring and the motor rigging...then it's just blood, sweat, and physical labor from there!

[@gbaileyo7]

Looks great!! You've got me excited about my restoration now!

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you! Restoring a pontoon is a super cool project because you will get to see it go from worn out, to bare bones, and then everything refreshed as it comes back together. There are lots of big moments of seeing progress start to finish which keeps it feeling rewarding along the way!

[@frankwolf389]

If you could pick up an aluminum brake, that would probably make your job a lot easier. I used one for eaves capping in alum. and all I did was score it with utility knife and snap it.

[@tomspontoons]

It would be amazing for parts and pieces, but sometimes there are runs of 12+ ft needed for certain panels. We don't do enough repaneling to make an investment of that size to be honest, but I like where your heads at for making the project quicker and cleaner!

[@Formerlywarmer]

I just bought A 96 crest in good shape for its age. I’m gonna do a make over like this minus the motor swap. Doing research now glad I seen ur video. Thx for the tips and wish u guys were closer to me.

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching! You've got a great candidate in that 1996 Crest. We hear that a lot, and we wish we could do the work for more folks too! Hopefully we have videos on everything you need to make your project go smoothly. Make sure to use our discount code if you shop Pontoon Stuff. Just enter "TOMSTOONS" at checkout to save 5%...saves you money and helps our channel!

[@Formerlywarmer]

@@tomspontoons I certainly will as I’m shopping making a list now comparing replacing to recovering all seating and storage. I’d imagine shipping will be a huge factor but I have trailer will travel !! if I can find a interior package deal. I figured spending 10k or so is better that spending at least 40 on a new one.

[@tomspontoons]

@@Formerlywarmer A couple big factors...recovering/reupholstering seats can sometimes be cheaper, but if they're wood bases they will rot, and if they're recovered and something happens to the vinyl (rip, burn, etc) it will be much harder to have just that piece fixed (and cost $$$). Buying new Deckmate Seats has been a huge advantage for my customers as they have a 6 year warranty, no wood in the seats AT ALL, and if a seat is damaged you can simply replace it with a new one from their website and swap it right out. I'm bias, but it's been a great offering!

[@Formerlywarmer]

@@tomspontoons I like the sound of that I want modern Thx

[@tomspontoons]

Happy to help!

[@meangene67]

Great Video, would've liked some more deep dive into the work. But very inspiring. The cost had to be on the high end. But it's a whole new boat. My crest has a lot of water rush the back, I'd be worried about the battery placing. Video on cleaning the toons?

[@tomspontoons]

This video was more so to show what's possible on a shorter than usual timeline. Check out our playlists and videos for more in depth how-to videos...we've got lots of those covering a wide range of topics. A new 60 hp outboard installed with all new components is close to $10,000 alone which really spikes the restoration costs...however it still came in at just over half the price of most comparable new pontoons. Believe it or not I've seen pontoons that have the battery down in the transom. This one we moved up onto the deck where it'll be high and dry! I haven't done a video on cleaning the pontoons, but I will one of these days. Simply use and acid based product like Zing or Aluminum Brightener products diluted in a garden pump sprayer. Work in small sections spraying bottom to top (to prevent streaking), let sit of 30-60 sec, and then rinse off. Remember that the acid will impact whatever surface you're cleaning them on, and to rinse the trailer well if cleaning while on a trailer! It won't get them sparkling clean, but it helps get rid of water lines and some of the mineral buildup.

[@bcarss1970]

I bought a used 2006 Crest Sunset Bay 19 a few weeks ago because I read about the "beefiness" of the cross members and the bolting down of the deck. It has a Honda 50 4-stroke on it but is rated for 100. I am guessing the the stronger framework might have something to do with that. A Yamaha 100 is in its future.

[@tomspontoons]

Yep! Those crossmembers can handle a lot! I’ve seen older Crests with newer 115 hp four stroke with zero issues.

[@MelissaGarland-vh2se]

I watch every single video you post and it gives me great ideas for my own pontoon boat. Wish I lived closer because if I did you would have my business.

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Our goal as a channel has been to give instruction AND ideas to all the DIY folks out there. We've had boats come in from 10+ hours away from folks finding us on KZbin, but most of our business is local here in West Michigan.

[@UncleMike87]

Awesome transformation!

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you!! And thanks for watching

[@alsellers5657]

Awesome video and restore !!! It would have been neat to see you steaming down the lake with the new power plant....

[@tomspontoons]

It cruised nicely! A 20’ with a 60 hp does around 20 mph, but it putted around smooth and quiet which is the best part about that motor.

[@alsellers5657]

@@tomspontoons Thank you !!!

[@tomspontoons]

@@alsellers5657 happy to help. Thanks for watching my channel!!

[@hmfic9150]

Nice transformation and work! Unfortunately the old seats are way nicer then what I'm using 🤣but boat ownership isn't cheap. Hopefully someday I'll be able to redo mine and I can only ask for half the quality you guys perform 👍

[@tomspontoons]

Between upkeep and operating costs it’s definitely not a cheap hobby! Lots of folks start with new decking and flooring, and then add in new seats over time. The beauty of Pontoon Stuff is that they keep making the same seats so you can add as you go, even over the years!

[@topguncg47]

Great job. Nothing better than to me your commitment to to owner.

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you!! We accepted the timeline challenge so we had no choice but to get it done.

[@chrisappice8462]

Man no seat covers are fire wish I could get my hands on a set for mine

[@tomspontoons]

Our seamstress makes them custom to each boat as each seat and railing setup can be quite different. You could check with a local upholstery shop in your area to have them made!

[@faronmastin8683]

Thats a super nice pontoon and a great job rebuilding it.

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you!

[@draganjovanovic7104]

Wery well done, nice to watch 😊

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks so much!! Thanks for watching

[@skylark4901]

This is great I was looking for how-to videos of changing out the paneling on the fences, I found a few but I was hoping you had one because I know you guys have some serious everything pontoon boat experience and somehow without trying I stumbled on this video right off the bat! 9:36 Thanks Tom!👍 (I'll be checking out you wiring harness vids next!)

[@tomspontoons]

Glad you found this video! I have it as it's own how-to video as well that I'll be sharing too instead of being included in the middle of this restoration project. Hopefully we've got everything you need to help with your project!

[@skylark4901]

@@tomspontoons Thanks, I'm sure you do!

[@curtislewis5437]

Wow, the boat looks great! Editing was awesome. Good job, guys!

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you!!!

[@andretullier3469]

I love watching boat restorations. Love restoring then myself also. You just earned a sub. Good stuff

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching and subscribing! We’ve got endless videos to come!

[@fishbone856]

I worked for maurell products in Owosso MI 3 different times back in the early 90s building crest pontoons ...was a seasonal job back then.

[@tomspontoons]

Very cool!! I drove by their facility this spring, they make a good number of boats!

[@fishbone856]

@@tomspontoons we put out about 60 a day back then...I know it's way more now

[@tomspontoons]

@@fishbone856 that’s so impressive! Assembly line work practically.

[@fishbone856]

@tomspontoons it is...I did upholstery one year then I did final assembly the other years putting in furniture and the helm and shrink wrapped them and off to the dealers they went! They were never shipped with engines because the dealer would install them

[@tomspontoons]

Fun to learn about the processes the big manufacturers use!

[@bethlong-williams6972]

Great remodel!

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@victorfebo2672]

Outstanding job bro! Thank you for sharing!

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamestaylor8860]

What a great video! Thanks

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you for watching! And for the kind words!

[@tritownnow]

What a difference you all made to that boat! Wish I had a slow motion button to slow down you working on removing the panel with the tools you used? Does Holly record making the seat covers? Have her own channel? I’d like to see how the covers are fastened to the seats on next video? Great work!!

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks! I just slide the scraper in (sometimes give it a tap with the hammer) and lift the handle upward to bend it up gently. Next time I'll do a more in depth tutorial on it. This one we just had to get done!! We haven't done anything covering Holli's covers in depth simply because we only do the seat covers on boats in house. They're custom to each boat and snap on the railings and the seat bases. We stick to non-trailerable seat covers so that we can do less snaps making the whole covering process as easy as possible.

[@skylark4901]

Ha, that's funny what you said about slowing down the process of removing the panels, I actually went into the settings and picked the slowest speed which was still fast but it was funny when Tom started talking in super slo-mo about the corner! Also, that's a good idea and would be interesting of getting at least one video of the seat covers being done.🍻

[@earlday3487]

Great video! You all do an amazing job!

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you so much!

[@fingerlakesdiet560]

Great video. Excellent editing & sound quality. Somebody may have already asked this question. As a percent how much did the owner save by not buying a brand new pontoon?

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you! Getting the all around video quality better is always something we’re after, so those compliments mean so much. Generally, a complete restoration like this with a new four stroke ends up about $15K less than a brand new boat. Still get the outboard warranty, plus the warranty from Deckmate materials…and a huge bonus is if there’s ever an issue or damage to seats the seats could be swapped right out. Sometimes that’s nearly impossible with new boats once they’re a few years old

[@0778drz110]

Great job!

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you!!

[@toewstelevision]

Another awesome video. Good work. Love the channel. I have 2 pontoons I'm re-decking. And I found a supplier in Canada for deck mate vinyl. So happy. Can you do a video on how the upper decks are fastened to the floor?

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching! CanadaPontoon.com sells the same products as Pontoon Stuff. Different companies, but as far as I know Canada Pontoon is the only way to get Deckmate in Canada. I try to add a big aluminum backing plate or oversized washers depending on how the upper deck is fixed to the floor and tied into the railings. One double decker we tore down had just standard fender washers under the deck...and some of them didn't even had the nuts tightened fully (probably years of movement loosened things up).

[@toewstelevision]

@@tomspontoons Thanks buddy. Yes Canada Pontoon is. Ok I will.

[@brybino]

Thanks!

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you so much for the contribution!

[@richardowens9061]

Very cool restoration! Thanks for sharing it with us! I was wondering, do you guys ever add hard upper decks/solid biminis on pontoon boats? And, if so, what sort of ballpark cost is there to add one? Thanks!

[@tomspontoons]

We've restored a few now that had them from the factory, but I haven't built one from scratch. The tops are usually pretty intricately made from custom extrusions and sheeting. Not impossible, but just not something I've tackled yet. I'm sure it wouldn't be cheap as it would have a lot of time into it and aluminum doesn't seem to want to get any cheaper...probably $3K to $4K if I had to ballpark off the top of my head.

[@richardowens9061]

@@tomspontoons Thanks for the response. I've seen some of the upper decks/hard biminis on both pontoon and houseboats. About 20 years ago, I rented a 24ft pontoon boat for the day that had a hard top that covered about half the main deck and it was nice because it offered shade and a place to get out of the rain if a summer shower popped up. And, I've never been much of a sun worshipper, myself. So, I liked it having the hard top. I've also mused that, if I had a pontoon boat, I would want it to have a hard top so I could put solar panels on it and use an electric motor, rather than gasoline engine, for limitless range and no fuel expenses. Given the cost of things like railings and seating, I think $3000-$4000 would be worth it for such an add-on. And, I'm a bit surprised that it isn't a standard option that manufacturers would offer on their boats. Thanks again!

[@tomspontoons]

@@richardowens9061 It's sort of a retro style that has made a comeback in recent years. Your use for solar panels and wanting constant shade makes it the perfect fit for you. A local fabricator could probably work one up for you custom to your boat.

[@derekpotharst7419]

My restoration only took one day. Traded in my old boat bought a new one and it probably cost me about the same as you restoring my old one

[@tomspontoons]

I sure hope we’re not that expensive!! All depends on what you got for a new boat though I suppose. All the dealers around here have told us a new entry level 20’ pontoon with a 40 hp is $40K.

[@Eighty8Fitter]

Have you guys ever powder coated the railings then installed new paneling? Thinking about this for my project! Also instead of a grinder, use a utility knife to score the aluminum, then bend the panels. An old construction trick I learned from another guy!

[@tomspontoons]

I contemplated trying it with my utility knife, but wasn't sure it would get in deep enough to put an easy to break line in. Good to know though! I haven't powder coated then paneled. My only fear would be losing some of the powder coat on the tab all the way around the boat. If it was a rivet on type scenario I'm sure it would work great.

[@MolsonB]

@@tomspontoons Sharp utility knife will work.

[@tomspontoons]

@@MolsonB will definitely give it a try next time...while the grinder was easy and fast it would be a lot cleaner with the knife!

[@alanshaw4655]

very nice work !. only issue i seen was when you put the plywood down ? , you should have treated the underside for water splashing up on it BEFORE you bolted it down, now you have untreated plywood exposed to water splashing up onto it. other than this ?, you did an outstanding job !.

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching!! However, no pontoon manufacturer treats the underside of their plywood because, like us, they use a CCA treated marine grade plywood. Sealing or treating the plywood any further would compromise its ability to dry out when wet and would thus create more rot issues. We stick with what the big name brand boats are doing and it’ll keep our projects from having issues for decades!! Lots of misinformation out there about what to do with pontoon decking…the only proven way to go is with CCA treated marine grade plywood like what we install from Pontoon Stuff.

[@alanshaw4655]

@@tomspontoons ah..ok..i did not recall you saying it was marine grade plywood ?, if this is what you installed ?, then you did it the right way !. again..well done on the restore !.

[@tomspontoons]

@@alanshaw4655 My bad! I may not have stated it in this video. All we use is the marine grade CCA treated plywood from Pontoon Stuff on all the boats we restore. We've got quite a few videos talking about it and even comparing it to the untreated marine grade stuff you see from big box stores!

[@darklyLucky]

Boat looks good, But I dont think that windsheild is going to do much

[@tomspontoons]

Haha, I sure hope no one is counting on it working to shield any wind!

[@kentserig1495]

great work thanks

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching!

[@FishingNOutdoorFun]

Great work 👏 👍

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Justamedic77]

Are those nav lights even visible from the front? Im getting ready to do my boat in the off season. Love your channel. What a wealth of knowledge

[@tomspontoons]

Yes, they glow up super bright…the whole sides glow the green and red to be honest!!

[@stephenweston2973]

That was what i thought about also... Whether they would be visable and legal to use.

[@timcortright9796]

Really appreciate your videos. Do you ever have to clean the toons and if so what do you use? Thanks

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching our channel! Your best bet is using a muriatic acid product or aluminum Brightener. I don’t usually mess with cleaning them as the build up will come back quickly if it’s put back in the same water over and over.

[@bdubz_det]

Nice work! Its my goal to buy a beater and do something like this. Do you mind if I ask what type of budget would be needed to do something similar to this myself?

[@tomspontoons]

After the boat purchase, $10K would get you most everything you’d want to make an old boat look new.

[@karlzink3708]

Where is the fuel system/tank from? I’m looking to replace everything above the pontoons and switch to a permanent tank with fill tube and cap with fuel level sender to a gauge on the console. It’s an 1987 crest III 25’. Newer 4 stroke mercury.

[@tomspontoons]

In most cases we reuse the fuel systems from boats including the old tank (as long as it'll fit in the railings if we reconfigure them. When I have to replace fuel tanks I go with Moeller brand permanent tanks. I've got videos showing how to install those systems, water/fuel separators, and fuel gauge. kzbin.info/aero/PLITodywysCqTQ2Kc4lij2Nycua4Y-bOSm&si=pgnJqnMmISH4mZj2

[@Veemack21]

Amazing job you absolutely tell y’all do great work an are very knowledgeable! How much did this job cost the customer?

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you for the kind words! Most projects like this that receive every option including Luxury seats, new flooring, electrical, AND a new outboard (alone almost $10K), we end up coming in somewhere between $20K and $30K...just depends on exact details and the motor chosen. A new 20' pontoon with a 40 hp is around $40K to $45K for an entry level boat. This way they get the new motor warranty, PLUS the 6 year warranty on their seats. It's as close to a new boat as you can get while saving $15K+. Some folks will go buy a new boat, but some like to save themselves the cash!

[@fishmaster797]

How do y’all get the pontoon from the trailer on to the shop floor? And then back on the trailer? Some sort of fork lift involved? I can see the benefit of working on it ground level

[@tomspontoons]

If they come in on a crank up trailer we drop them on our carts (like in the link below). Otherwise we work on them up on the bunk trailer if that’s how they come. We don’t have a way to get them off the bunk trailers to the floor. There are advantages and disadvantages to both situations.

[@fishmaster797]

Oh okay, thanks for answering! I’m going to restore one soon and I see y’all typically work on the floor (as far as I’ve seen but I’m new to the channel), so I was wondering if that was advantageous. Really enjoy this channel it’s so helpful!

[@tomspontoons]

@@fishmaster797thanks for watching!! Tear down and flooring/railings is easier on the ground, but then running wiring, tying stuff up under the deck, etc is much easier and more comfortable when up on a trailer.

[@grobertson2008]

Curious what you charged to do all of the work. I have a 16’ pontoon and would like to add lounge seat.

[@tomspontoons]

Boats that get all the bells and whistles like this are usually in the $15k to $20k range, plus a new outboard and it can get up to $20-$25k quickly. Still well under the $40-$45k range of a brand new one!!

[@jamespetty9545]

Nice Tom

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ruggedcountryusa]

i have that same boat except mine is a 18 footer, awesome job on the upgrade. awesome channel. i want to upgrade my mercury 50hp 2 stroke to a suzuki what are your thoughts on that.... greatful army veteran

[@tomspontoons]

I’m a huge Suzuki fan. I have a 200 on my tritoon and will be putting a 140 with jet pump on my fishing boat on a month when it’s built. Thanks for watching my channel!!!

[@loganwelch5791]

I have a 08 northwood Supreme 22ft. I noticed it twists in the front going over waves. Can i add something to the cross members to stiffen it up?

[@tomspontoons]

Adding more crossmembers would be your best bet if you’re rebuilding the boat with new deck boards and all. Otherwise gusseting the crossmembers by welding in support might help, but the pressure and torque has to go somewhere so I’d guess you’d get some stress cracks at the brackets that the crossmembers bolt to. Adding brackets and/or crossmembers would be the best option to distribute that force better

[@jacobwallace5674]

Looked heavy on the stern.?

[@tomspontoons]

Most pontoons will sit a little stern heavy when empty. This one was at the dock because we had just topped off the 26 gallon fuel tank before delivering it. On the water with just a couple of people sitting mid-ship it balanced out nicely.

[@reynoldsautorepair173]

I need some help finding a hinge for a bending seat. Can you tell me where to look.

[@tomspontoons]

What kind/brand of seat is it? You may have to get creative and find something similar to modify to make it work just right. A lot of marine industry stuff was made for one seat only and never manufactured again.

[@reynoldsautorepair173]

@@tomspontoons They are off a Bennington Boat

[@tomspontoons]

@@reynoldsautorepair173 Definitely reach out to Bennington and even Bennington dealers in your area. That'll be your best bet!

[@thomasrichmond7989]

What is the ballpark cost for a restoration like this? I have a 2008 Bennington I need to get restored

[@tomspontoons]

Most of our restoration projects end up in the $12,000 to $20,000 range, before talking about repowering with a new outboard. It's a wide range I know, but there are so many options and levels to choose from that the cost can swing quite a bit. We're located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. If it's a project you'd like us to tackle for you head over to our website and reach out for a quote: www.tomstoons.com

[@cgreen1081]

where do you get those fishing seats?

[@tomspontoons]

They are from Millennium Marine. They don't look soft and cushy like most fishing seats, but they are the most comfortable and supportive fishing seat I've sat in. I have them on my fishing boats and love them. We're hoping to team up with them to offer a viewer discount code so stay tuned!

[@KendallIsenhour-ww8wj]

What is full cost if you don't mind me asking. Love the builds and videos!

[@tomspontoons]

Most of our restoration projects are around $15,000 for a full restore. From there the price can vary based on what materials and accessories go into it and what motor we add (if they get a new outboard it can add $6k-$10k very quickly).

[@anthonytucker6155]

@@tomspontoons does this price include labor or parts only?

[@tomspontoons]

@@anthonytucker6155 Parts and Labor in most cases.

[@MikeSmith-hg6hs]

Can you order custom size sun decks?

[@tomspontoons]

I cut the board I need and have a local upholsterer make the sundecks for me using Pontoon Stuff’s vinyl that I order on their website. They do not currently have sundecks to order.

[@mathieusavard]

Great video! I'm about to order with your promo code the DeckMate Woven Vinyl Pontoon Flooring, is it the gray or Tan color in your video?

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching, and for using the discount code for your purchase! In this video we install the tan woven vinyl from www.PontoonStuff.com/tomstoons

[@anthonytucker6155]

What was the total cost of the renovation

[@tomspontoons]

Most renovations are somewhere in the $13K to $18K range depending what all gets replaced and what level of seating and accessories are chosen. A new outboard adds quite a bit to the total really quick, but it's what gives the owner the peace of mind when enjoying their newly restored boat.

[@nathanrichardson1351]

On the skins, why can't you just bend the ends of the channels and slide it out?

[@tomspontoons]

In any railing panel replacement it's very touchy on how far you can bend any of the lips that hold the panel in. If you bend them too far they'll crack and start to break free from the railing. If that happens you're left riveting the panel and not having the lip to cover the very sharp edge of the panel.

[@Crazyreseller]

What does a project like this cost to do?

[@tomspontoons]

The new motor cranked up the price fast, but most restorations are anywhere from $13k to $18k depending on options chosen. That’s with us doing the labor too! Go to PontoonStuff.com and you can price everything out with their deck designer. And if you buy anything use TOMSTOONS at checkout for 5% off

[@mrchadlab]

Is there no back panel where the batteries are? Just out in the open?

[@tomspontoons]

Correct. Super common on this style of sundeck. Believe it or not, this boats battery was down in the transom!! The battery box was full of water all the time. Moving it high and dry and under the sundeck cushion should be a big improvement and far more accessible.

[@tyarmas]

how do you get the boat on/off the trailer?

[@tomspontoons]

We use our center lift trailer: Pontoon Trailer & Storage Tips kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKinoZ1vepyIl6s

[@josephmeade9595]

How much does a full redo like this cost?

[@tomspontoons]

Most cosmetic stuff like flooring and furniture ends up around $12,00-$15,000 depending on exact options. Adding the new motor and railing work adds quite a bit real quick!

[@josephmeade9595]

@@tomspontoons thank you!

[@tomspontoons]

@@josephmeade9595 happy to help!

[@markwoods7237]

How much did this cost the customer?

[@tomspontoons]

Most of our big projects like this end up between $15,000 and $20,000 before factoring in a new outboard. All depends on exact details.

[@tptwk]

what lake is that?

[@tomspontoons]

It’s from a chain of lakes in NW Michigan.

[@randyblazina7133]

How wide is that large console? I have 36 inches from side to center floor hatch. Also ever done a Hurricane fun deck?

[@tomspontoons]

This helm is 41” wide, but they have other options at PontoonStuff.com for helms. We just stick to pontoon boats, the fiberglass world has a whole additional skill set that comes with being a one stop shop!

[@randyblazina7133]

@@tomspontoons thank you. Got myself a project boat. Seats are sunburnt, so looking for options. Just dealing with the 4 inch inset of floor to sides. Seeing if bases will work with new cushions.

[@randyblazina7133]

Really enjoy your content. Informative and pretty easy to follow.

[@tomspontoons]

@@randyblazina7133 Thank you!

[@TTJustin12]

How much did it cost to rehab this boat?

[@tomspontoons]

This boat came in around $25K, but the brand new motor adds upwards of $10K after all of the new rigging components and installation…still $10k-$20k under a brand new 20’ pontoon. And this boat, being a rental, can have seats easily swapped out in a few years if one is damaged. A new boat from one of the big manufacturers would be a pain and extremely expensive if one seat cushion needed replacement or to be reupholstered.

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

IS THAT 90HP FOR SALE AND WERE ARE YOU LOCATED

[@tomspontoons]

Sorry, already gone. We’re in Grand Rapids, Mi…but don’t get many trade in motors to be honest.

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

@@tomspontoons thanks

[@vicesparis]

Nice joob

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks!!

[@anthonydabs7104]

Hey bro reach out to me I could use your help I just came across a old boat I need help figuring out these wires

[@tomspontoons]

Hey! What are you working on exactly?

[@markweiner4430]

we didn't get to see it in the water under way. Boo!

[@tomspontoons]

Sorry! It was wonderful, I promise!

[@henrycole8705]

60 horse is a dog. go 115

[@tomspontoons]

A 115 would definitely get their renters in trouble!!

[@jbgood2209]

Talk too mush

[@tomspontoons]

I'm always trying to find that balance! Thank you for the feedback!

[@RedRavenInteractive]

Don't listen to anyone that spells much mush

[@kerryclark1926]

I know the floor is covered with vinyl, but what about the bottom, facing the water? How is that waterproofed?

[@tomspontoons]

We use the same CCA treated marine grade plywood that the big pontoon manufacturers have been using for decades. When using this plywood you don't want to seal or waterproof the bottom. It will dry out and the treated marine plywood will not rot. We actually want it to be able to breathe and dry to prevent any rot or soft spots from forming. If you use an untreated marine grade plywood, like what Menards sells, it is not treated against rot and in that case a sealant should be used. That untreated marine grade plywood is not meant for use on a pontoon and should be avoided on pontoons.

[@jamespetty9545]

What is your email Tom?

[@tomspontoons]

[e-mail]

[@FishingNOutdoorFun]

Great work 👏 👍

[@tomspontoons]

Thank you!