Adding an upper deck to a pontoon....

Derekcolt

Recruit
Joined
Jul 17, 2008
Messages
4
does anyone have any information on how to do this...i.e., somewhere that sells a kit, a plan, anything?

has anyone done this?

i have a 20ft. pontoon w/a johnson 70hp....

thanks,

derek
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,758
Re: Adding an upper deck to a pontoon....

I've seen it done but it was on a much larger pontoon. While length shouldn't make a great deal of difference, you would be raising the CG (center of gravity) by approximately 6 feet and increasing the weight significantly which decreases the load capacity of the boat. If as few as two people stood by the rail on the upper deck and you took a wake from the opposite side, that boat could easily capsize. It would also depend on where the people below were seated or standing. I personally feel that this is not a safe modification. And the manufacturers must also or it would be an option on lots of smaller 'toons.
 

Big Sarge

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 10, 2008
Messages
47
Re: Adding an upper deck to a pontoon....

you have 2 options

1.) get a much bigger pontoon boat

2.) take a big chance that it will capsize.
 

5150abf

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: Adding an upper deck to a pontoon....

We do top decks all the time at work but as stated they are all bigger boats and they are all 25'' tri tubes.

Never seen a kit, probably too much liability for anyone to make one.

Agree with the others, you get one too many people on top and over she goes.
 

SoulWinner

Commander
Joined
Apr 16, 2002
Messages
2,423
Re: Adding an upper deck to a pontoon....

You could try this place:

http://www.u-fabboats.com/custom/party boat.htm

Or try a google search for other options. There a lot of boats around here with upper decks. People who say you raise the COG 6' don't know what they are talking about. All the weight of toon is in the toons, the fuel tanks, and the motor. these are not prone to rollover, and with all of the decked toons around here (there are dozens if not hundreds) I have never heard of a rollover and I my firend in the FWC has never heard of a local rollover.

The things to be aware of here are the local regulations regarding the operation of a boat with an upper deck. I think that the upper deck cannot be occupied while underway, and the weight distribution of the boat is that same with any boat in that the captain is responcible for the boat, the passengers and the load, so use your head or the water cops can ticket you for wreckless operation.

Have fun with your build! Last weekend we saw a 20' toon with a nice upper deck and a slide for the kiddies. The slide used a bilge pump to pump water to the top of the slide. That kept the children busy all afternoon, while two of the mothers sun bathed on the top.
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Adding an upper deck to a pontoon....

tooning004.jpg
 

BMOLCHANY

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 3, 2008
Messages
224
Re: Adding an upper deck to a pontoon....

I better not let my wife see this because if she does I will have a new project.
 

mthieme

Captain
Joined
Oct 6, 2007
Messages
3,270
Re: Adding an upper deck to a pontoon....

Now that's what I'm talkin' about !!!!!!!!!
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
When I look at that I see the makings for an inclosure. Some side curtains and screening and you have an overnighter.
 
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