The Ultimate 2 Story Pontoon Boat - Episode 9

[@landgarcia2569]

On the back left where you have that open space, on the other side of the motor you could put a swiveling grill. Trust me it’s worth it!

[@johnnyrocket6588]

Oh yeah, he should absolutely do that

[@TugBoat_Adventures]

Ya deff put the grill out back out of the way!!! I love mine

[@kevinjolly4584]

I built a grill on a swivel arm for my buddy’s pontoon, it’s perfect. Swing it out while it’s cooking, bring it in to flip, then send it back out.

[@chrisk1168]

I'd be a little concerned about having no angle bracing on the upper deck, depending on how much weight you plan on having up there at any given time. Can almost imagine it bending over to one side.

[@deanlindholm8663]

Agreed. There should at the very minimum be a 2' peice in each corner on a 45 degree. I'm not a fan of the way it is now.

[@maximilianobesso7732]

I was ready to make the same comment, it looks amazing but the upper deck swings a little bit side by side and with 3 or 4 people up there it may become dangerous. Keep rocking !

[@iVolkswagen]

Agreed! Looks like a liability. Unsafe in many ways.. slippery when wet, likely going to get insanely hot in the FL sun, no railing on the rear end, and also just flimsy construction with no account for structural integrity. Younger me wouldn’t care about any of that but current me gets nervous… lol.

[@calcanecorso]

Please add bracing, proper burned in bracing. I imagine a side to side roll due to a wake and 200 pounds of weight trying to keep its balance would at minimum fatigue what's there causing premature failure

[@bradwayne20]

Best decision made in my opinion to leave the seat out and install the gate. Only about 1 person could sit in the center anyways. Looks great and I applaud your hard work and dedication.

[@tallpaul8880]

There should absolutely be gussets between the uprights and the top deck. Also at the bottom mounts. If it is wobbly it will fail no matter how well it was built. It looks great, make it last. 🇺🇸✌🏻

[@carlmcrobcustomgoldsmith11]

Corner braces will compensate for the lateral movement on upper deck….a couple of small curved tubing pieces welded or bolted to top corners should look good and remove that sway.

[@dunebuggymike]

I was thinking the same thing. Some diagonal braces in the corners would fix that right up. You need some triangulation!

[@gsh341]

I just commented about the same thing. Done right it would solve the problem and look fantastic.

[@jamesn.4892]

Maybe incorporate speaker brackets into the corner braces as well.

[@cobravenomX1]

run a hoop right to the floor the tubing is not strong enough on its own. i seen it moving when he got on it and put more Joists as that wood is very soft when it gets hot in the sun.

[@capicolaspicy]

Definitely like the thoughgt of leaving the center seat out and having the gate up front. If you have a larger than usual group going out, you can always put the center section in for that event! Looking amazing - wow!!! LOL - Love the "SEND NUDES" on the garage roof...

[@suebrownell5952]

The grooves on the bottom of the deck might be perfect for led lights

[@martingoudron1417]

Very smart !

[@JeepBoiFL]

Get outa my head!

[@OneManSays]

I love watching you sit and enjoy your progress… just dreaming of the good times you’re gonna have out on the water! Good job man!!!

[@chuckgolds7]

Definitely a grill in the back left corner. Perfect location behind the bar and outside of the fencing.

[@antonenberg]

Soooooo nice with the upper deck. Matches nicely with the whole look of the boat! You could put LED-strips on the underside of the upper deck and hide them along the aluminum-bars.😃

[@tman1129]

Amazing! I will say, you may want a solid piece of vinyl on the underside of the overhead platform to prevent swimming drips, drinks, and downpours from coming through to the captain and bar areas. Great work!!

[@rayp44]

Looks great as always. I have a pontoon with a top deck, you will need to put some grip tape ( Tape King Anti-Slip Tape) on it where people will be jumping in from as that decking will be slippery when wet.

[@TrumpsGold]

I'm pleased that you'll be addressing the upper decks lack of stability. It looks amazing! Great video!

[@jackchilton7718]

Nice painting on top of your workshop roof @16:25 😂😂

[@dj_spaulding]

I noticed that too 🤣🤣

[@damianhendricks818]

Yeah, I don't think he'd want mine... lol

[@danielnolte9244]

You could always make a metal frame for the front middle seat, attach the seat and back to the frame and not use the base. Then you can put a channel on each side so you can add or remove the seat when you want. Then you can have your seat and front door access at the same time.

[@blackmarketinterviews4173]

That thing is totally badass. Looks like a $100,000 pontoon and it’s not even done. I would add LED strips under the countertops and under the upper deck and grip tape to the ladder steps

[@abbyblack8144]

The build is coming along great! I do some carpentry on the side and the recommended joist spacing for composite decking is usually 12-16” on center. It looks like the top deck supports are spaced farther than what’s recommended. This could become an issue in a couple of ways, I have seen the composit deck get wavy, and I have also seen it get bouncy when walked on between the joists. Keep up the good work, hope this info is helpful!

[@gunningopher]

That was the first thing I thought when he bought composite. It will sag, especially in the heat. Definitely the right choice from a maintenance perspective, but need to add some joists.

[@TheRealChetManley]

I was thinking the same when watching him install it. Supports look too far apart.

[@bionaraq]

As others have said, that was my first thought. Unless you use a product like nylo deck which has a span requirement of 2’…

[@jameskrivitsky9715]

Hey Zach, it is progressing nicely. As far as recommendations....have a "PERSONS LIMIT" sign so that the upper deck is not overloaded when you are not supervising and advise not to DIVE or JUMP which may stress the structure. Also, be cautious as to what is placed under the upper deck ladder. Wet bathers with dangling arm / legs may drop sand, water, or objects on a grille, sink, or food prep area below. Not to mention flames or hot grill will cause injuries to unexpected passengers on the ladder / rear boarding area. I'm not a party pooper but just taking precautions once the alcohol is served. Be safe and smooth sailing my friend. JwgK

[@blackhat4968]

re: "Also, be cautious as to what is placed under the upper deck ladder." (And upper deck since its not solid, there are gaps between the boards). Very good point.

[@ronaldheit196]

Definitely a freakin' killer build. You have great taste in the choices you make as per your design concepts. Easy way to make it so the front gate seat can be there with the gate openable is to put two tabs where the back of the seat would rest with matching tabs on the seat that slip into the deck tabs. Then use aircraft type push/twist cowling clasps (41 years since I flew/worked on Coast Guard helos so I forget the name of them) ) to lock down the from of the seat. Absolutely beautiful build Zach. You should definitely get a very high price for this one. Don't sell yourself short on the price. Your labor should earn at least 30 dollars an hour.

[@stevenknight3287]

The thing about composite is it will expand and contract. It needs to be supported every 12”. When the composite get hot it will sag between the supports which is why they suggest supporting every 12”. We work with composite allot. It really looks good though when the projects are finished.

[@stevenknight3287]

They make plugs that are the same color as the composite that will hide the screw tops.

[@joelfarley8654]

The composite decking is a great idea especially in Florida and some thing that will be around water all the time it will last forever

[@mibengal]

I'd have your upper deck fabricator add 3 small diagonal braces, one on each corner that isn't the ladder corner. They shouldn't be in the way of people walking because they'll be over the Captains console, the Bar and the Back Fence. They would stiffen it up exponentially.

[@m2kkillshot]

Get some metal pipe clamps and tie those uprights into the side railings that would help to stiffen the structure up I also like the idea of attaching it into both the bar and the kitchenet as well that would give you some more structure and would help to make it less wobbly.

[@williamireton7563]

Definitely get some floor door stops for the front door and any other doors. that way it can stay open and out of the way. Bennington uses them, life saver for knees and toes.

[@johnnymann5679]

16:25 “Send …..”. Bwahaha that’s amazing!!

[@phodough7201]

i like the groves on the bottom of the decking , adds a nice astetic

[@401Impala]

If the upper deck is wobbling, get some flat stock 1/4" steel and make the footings bigger. They look pretty small. cut the steel in 3x3 or 4x4 squares, unbolt the footings, slide the steel footing under, mark the holes, bolt the upper deck footing to the steel footing then the steel footing to the boat deck.

[@enigma9789]

Maybe stainless steel, but you risk galvanic corrosion.

[@401Impala]

@@enigma9789 whatever the material, the footings should be made larger, that's why it's wobbling, that upper deck has a tiny footprint

[@enigma9789]

@@401Impala It really needs some triangle bracing up top. But I do agree that the footings should be bigger. Right now its sized for a bimini, not a deck.

[@401Impala]

@@enigma9789 I agree on the triangle bracing, i suggested the footings first because i figured he didn't want to compromise headroom.

[@jonbartosch1903]

Since there is going to be a bar on one side, he could even put down a diagonal support on that side, hidden by the bar.

[@richardgooding498]

Great job man. I think a metal screen mesh over the flame area would help control the flame from being blown out and would be more of a controlled flame. Great job guy

[@DavyOordijk]

You should def put a curved bar at the top front of the deck. Its just above the cockpit and bar, should add some structural support too!

[@NicoSuaveee]

Maybe try keeping the seat in front of the gate on the front of the boat but don’t bolt it down, just slide it out of the way when you need to, or better yet make a seat that folds out of the way like at the end of a bar where they have a hinged section to get in and out

[@jordanhendrickson1484]

Some lights under the top deck would be sweet and maybe some on the top deck rail shooting forward! Would also look cool with tower speakers just some ideas. Keep it up enjoying these videos!! Only other thing I can suggest would be making some stairs lol I see you lifting and climbing up. Might be easier having stairs you can move to a side to get up on the boats.

[@RelaxedEZ223]

I would leave that area open! Maybe a small bar/grill area. You need a place for coolers, at least for ice. Plus you want to be able to come in and out of the back easily.

[@jjswimmer2014]

PUT A BIMINI ON THE TOP LEVEL AND HAVE THE TALLEST PONTOON EVER! Also I think some lay flat sunbathing cushions on the top level would be sweet. And PLEASE center the fire place with the floor locker ha. This thing looks SICK!

[@vickicuzzone4223]

any brace with a triangle effect for the upper deck sway, an inverted V attached to the middle of top rail then down to the decking angle maybe. the guy welding it up should have given some suggestions. a lot of people on the top deck will bend it over, the only thing bracing it now is the ladder and it would twist side to side with a lot of weight. Boat looks SUPER!!

[@burnair1608]

On the back corner put a seat pedestal with the grill on it. Spiffy looking rig!

[@matt060383]

chuck some aluminium poles down the end where the couches are then a pull out awning attached to the front of the upper deck, you will have shade over the bottom level of the boat that way.

[@chuckgym]

So glad you took the front seat out in the front. I am not a fan of the fire pit. Everything else is amazing. Can’t wait to get started on my tri-toon👊🏻

[@tony_25or6to4]

Upper deck looks wobbly. I'd limit it to 2-3 sunbathers.

[@benrichards9667]

Looking good. I'm torn on the fireplace. Ita cool but takes up so much space imo. Top deck is cool. Add a BBQ somewhere. Add LED lights both inside and outside. 👍

[@hanscombrinck1481]

That upperdeck is looking sweet.

[@bikemancody2752]

Man, sweet work. Love my projects in the shop. Maybe some cross bracing or gussets on the deck for some anti-wobble.

[@gsh341]

Your upper deck wiggles because you need corner bracing from the side posts to the top and to the floor. It doesn't have to be much to make it stronger. As it is right now it's just the welds on the sides keeping it stable and eventually those will break due to the constant flexing. Corner bracing will spread the load and prevent the problem.

[@nicz1984]

Looks great! I would suggest a drip pan under the upper deck. Anyone wet that climbs up there will drip down on anyone below. Just a thought. Keep up the great work!

[@lelandlove5472]

You need to reinforce that upper deck for sure. I would add a zipper style room under the upper deck for not so great weather days on the water and take it off for the awesome days.

[@lelandlove5472]

strange i had to re=subscribe.

[@hellrazor2u673]

Upper deck looks awesome ...I think I would have used bolts and nuts as hold downs, with lil plastic acorn covers .over nuts ...........or even alum rivets....think it would be a better finish. Keep up the Great work.

[@2strokesimdone833]

Wild to see someone else with a purple turd. I had 2 of those same spec mirages. A 19 and a 20. I put about 30,000 miles on the 20 and sold it to carvana for $1160 more than I paid. Still got the 19. Love those mpgs right now especially.

[@murseantonio7350]

Love it! Looks awesome! One little thing that comes to mind is somehow making the upper deck sealed somehow so when it’s raining you can actually stay dry under it!

[@chadc31]

I was thinking exactly the same thing. You will probably have people jumping off of it and getting wet and climbing back up there. Not to mention if anyone up there spills a drink. Anything wet up there is going to drip down on people and food or drinks or anything else going on underneath it. Looks awesome though. Love your work brother.

[@00000005547]

Could probably seal the bottom part with painters tape and then caulk between the boards. Not sure how it would work as honestly to me it looks underbuilt, it should have at least twice as many supports especially for composite which gets soft in the sun. Not to mention there's no angular support up top, 3 people up there moving in the right way can probably make the roof bend and collapse. Easy fix though, just needs 2 maybe 2' pieces of pipe added to the rear corners to form triangles.

[@tristandowns7272]

Looks great so far. You should put color changing LEDs under the upper deck to light up the lower deck.

[@53Oldude]

You may regret the composite decking in a few years. The framework under a normal deck is 16" on center and it may start to sag over time. Just something to think about. Very cool build!

[@mercmanwon]

The instructions state 16” OC. This won’t take long to start to sag in the Florida sun. Looks good though.

[@jman490101]

Instead of bolting the center seat down just make it so it's removable. I think that'd be even more convenient. Be able to put it by the gate or wherever else on the boat. That's what me & my dad had chosen for out Premier Tritoon.

[@janmartens7954]

Looks great!! Maybe putting a liner between the floor and the frame, so no water drips down on the bar?

[@shaundizzle15]

I like the ideas of the swiveling grill in the back or at least put it on the opposite side of your captains chair that way your not leaning back to a potentially hot grill

[@chugaaa]

Sharing my concern about the Upper deck it is looking amazing unfortunately I have to agree with other people in regards of how dangerous it looks, for me not having a rail in the back (stern) and having the structure just anchored by screws (to plywood without a mechanical fastening to the frame) and having a Bar with people having fun is not a good mix, safety first. I honestly think you are in the right track just have an open mind when reading all these comments, some may have good necessary ideas to make this project a huge success, good luck and looking forward to see it on the water. (With all things fixed 😉)

[@djrose3]

All I can say is WOW! Awesome job. Many hours of friends and fun to be had. Enjoy! Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@joelfarley8654]

Glad to see your leaving the seat out it’s more practical to have the gate to get in and out !

[@thatoneguy6725]

I think a support pole from the middle front of the deck wouldn't be a bad idea. It would go down in my head just to the left of the console. Out of the way but would add a ton of support... Maybe? Just some thoughts rolling out of my head for the sturdiness of that dope ass deck

[@martinrees9756]

Build looks great so far. Glad you put gate in at the front. Looks good and makes more sense.

[@blainerohlfs]

I wouldn’t put the grill under the ladder to the upper deck, might make it too hot to use! Looks crazy good! Makes me want a pontoon!

[@blackhat4968]

That fireplace still scares me. You ought to try putting some plastic bottles/cans/dixie cups in each holder and see if they get too hot from the flames, or if you hand gets to close on the down wind side when you grab your drink.

[@russ5131]

Must be nice to be able to get ahold of the deckmate luxury line furniture. I've been attempting to get it for my project since September 2021. They keep giving new release dates and now they are saying 2023. I'm very disappointed as I had my heart set on it since I seen your first build. Great job!

[@grantcrockett9547]

#1 make sure your boat on the trailer is less than 12-feet tall, or you might have some problems with low overpasses and such (and DOT wants a special permit). #2 you need some side bracing on that upper deck; front to back you have several tubes, but there's none to help the side-to-side sway. I know you want to keep the space open for people, but at a minimum you need to add some small angle braces in the corners.

[@xFlow150]

The upper deck looks a bit wobbly indeed. Also, the fact that the rear of the upper deck where the ladder is, doesn't have any fencing, worries me somewhat. If someone's up top and the boat accelerates while they are looking over the back they have nothing to hold on to.

[@ryanjohnson8340]

You don’t ride up there while the boat is moving

[@jimpalmeri5428]

You are an inspiration! Now you have me wanting to restore my pontoon. Great job 👍👍👍

[@danielcucinotta9722]

I can imagine that ladder is going to get either hot or slippery when out on the water. Maybe some kind of tape or covering to help limit heat transfer from the metal to someone's hand/foot. Something like the tape that is used to wrap a hockey stick comes to mind because it is a little abrasive and provides grip. Just a thought. Love the videos!

[@dhovat]

I think the decking looks awesome. Maybe some led lights in the space under the deck boards. Also a suggestion when building the bar area ... Maybe you could come up with a support from the lower deck to the upper as a support to stabilize it. I am looking forward to seeing what you do with the Blue pontoon boat.

[@gsh341]

100% with you on the LED lights.

[@nanoreaper5002]

That upper deck is great idea. you could use it as place too mount speakers

[@jjdabom]

you should find a way to make the upper deck water resistant so that you can stay dry underneath in case it rains.

[@gunningopher]

I think a snap-on leakproof/waterproof carpet up there would be perfect.

[@nodds0012]

Its looking great so far. Maybe DONT put food prep or cooking surfaces under the ladder where wet dripping feet will be climbing though.

[@scottydntno]

I think you should of really stuck with the foldable upper deck. That would of been amazing and one of a kind. Would be an amazing selling point.

[@ix0s]

Nice garage roof message!

[@bryandean9560]

Totally need to add a slide from the 2nd story!

[@cdnbuilt]

You can do a nice LED lighted headliner on the second level so the underside isn't so exposed. Incorporate the same material as the seats and add a weatherproofing barrier in between to manage water runoff...

[@brikt8826]

Zach, I really, really, really appreciate you. I'm in such a weird spot in life right now and your work means so much to me. Thanks

[@timwoods603]

She looks fantastic. Great job bud.

[@vivianfoster6534]

I can see you are a hard-working young man you will go far that Pontoon is looking sweet all the best for the future.

[@Platypus_Warrior]

Maybe add square angles opposite side of the ladder to stiffen the structure? Nice job

[@dgproductionsrc3760]

I like what your garage roof says lol

[@Dazza692010]

M88888 Awesome job , just a thought maybe seal up the joints of the upper deck so if it happens to rain you have a dry place and also get some marine ply to the size of the under decking and cover it with marine carpet , then you can have down lights and anything else ya want to build to it, so far awesome job can waite for the finish

[@CoyoteChris]

Looks really good, can’t wait to see the bar area finished. Also I can’t wait to see the Jetski scooter finished🤘🏼🔥

[@jasonwilhelm3830]

Ive had a crest withthis style of “full U shaped front lounge...loved it! Build foot actuated retracting wheels under the “fill in seat” makes it way easier to move from door area to door area.

[@MrBlack4178]

if you want to match the flooring with the upper deck, you can put a thin bead of whit caulking between each board, it would match perfect

[@Annonnymousse]

If you add any seating on top, it would be nice to recess a couple of speakers in the bottom of your upper deck, concealed by the seating.

[@gunningopher]

If you put any seats up there I'm sure you are going to get hassled by the cops. That should be a sundeck only.

[@MarinosMysteries]

I agree this looks wicked wild.

[@T.S.T2014]

Looks great and that upper deck is a winner.

[@charlesyates6687]

Just cheak that upper deck with coulk that matches the grout lines in the lower deck.then i would use 1/4" corion to shadow box under the upper deck putting a couple hatch doors in it to access inside for wiring or pole storage or a good place to keep your weapon where kids cant get to it . Build a bit of kitchen in the back area and clear vinal certain for the caben area so you can keep dry . Lawnchair hooks kyach mount on the back leaning a couple against the upper deck they make a hanging dooty seat you can hang off the edge of the rails and drop in a bag or right into the lake . Kerplunk .lol

[@outdoorsgamerTv]

You could put a ski pole on the back left side to pull tubes and stuff like that

[@theupscriber65]

The best part is how much you like what you're building. Can we have a slide off the top deck that ends 4-6 feet above the water so you drop in?

[@Sniper269]

I understand it is too late now but you can buy / order composite decking without the groves on the bottom. I ordered some through Lowe's for a picnic table project. Anyway your result turned out great.

[@edpollard989]

Looks GREAT! I think the grooves on the composite look better than a flat finish and agree with others that some color shifting LED"s would look great in some of those grooves.

[@bigtee4690]

Man what's not to love -- GREAT JOB!!!

[@ez68eldo]

Best build yet. I f*cking love it.

[@anything-and-everything-mo8877]

I love the upper deck it turned out amazing

[@chrismartin6544]

Really excited for this video Wow even just the framing looks great You should vent your fire pit so if you have a leak the gas won’t build up and explode. Just a thought.

[@rabbiesteel5469]

Just a tip for the fireplace, i see and i can see its abit windy especially on the sea, you should try to make some kind of shelter around the couch that are easy to just put up or turn up and turn down that is somehow integraded im the couch back that takes abit of the wind, dont need to be high up in the air but so you can make the feeling of being kind of inside a room feeling cold nights on the sea so the fire dont fly around and the cold wind dont catch you while on the sea :) Just a option you can easily choose to have or not if you know what i mean, just a tough 😄

[@Nwaboosted]

Upper deck looks great. Amazing job and it looks really good underneath. Can't believe how good this is becoming. Fantastic job!

[@chuckyost6973]

Gotta always make it easy for Grandma get aboard!

[@HoftsWoodshop]

Yo for that back spot look into Lillipad diving board! You’ll have the only one on the lake not enough people know about this it seems.

[@roscop.coaltrain9440]

Any thoughts in a tri tune camper. That's one of my life goals. Spending the night on the water in a tri tune camper

[@johnathandrake2398]

I think you need some bracing for that upper deck you have all angles foward maybe some straight pools running up from the lower deck to support the weight.

[@RC-fu6hg]

You’ve definitely got a very artistic and creative eye. That’s coming together nicely. Can’t wait to see what else you come with before it’s complete.

[@waynemihills4333]

Looks awesome. The groves on the bottom of the upper deck are kinda cool looking. I'm curious to see what happens when people are jumping and sliding off the top deck if the water or a drink spills, will that be a terrible thing? I think not, your on a boat your going to get wet. Thanks for sharing this process, it really helps.