[FSHKPR]

just picked up an older pontoon boat. that I plan on making a project out of. the deck is in great shape but needs new carpeting. any suggestions on the best kind, grade and place to purchase,and tips on installing would be greatly apprecitated. would also like to hear any tips or suggestions from other people who have taken on a similar project. as far layouts. furniture types. best places to purchase all this stuff. will mainly use for fishing so i have decided on a nice comfortable fishing chair on all 4 corners. with power pedistals. would still like to use for pleasure cruising on occasion so the rest is still undecided. its a 20 foot pontoon with a 16 foot deck. came with a 1989 50 horse mercury.thanks in advance!

[jollymon]

I will start with the carpeting question. I would recommend that instead of carpet, you use vinal. It cleans alot easier the carpet. If you still want carpet, you can cut carpet to fit around the furniture, and use snaps to hold it in place. Second, you can look at Overton's or Boat U.S. they both carry furniture for pontoon boats.The layout question is one only you can answer, I would look at what you what to do with the boat. You can try looking at a couple of pontoon Manf. web sites and look at the layouts that they use, and take the best from each.Good Luck

[rogerwa]

If you are doing a strip down to the deck, I would also recommend replacing the deck itself. For a little extra cost, you have assurances you won't have to pull off all that stuff when it expires in a few years. It also might be easier to do that than to scrape up the old carpet to get it smooth.I bought my pontoon furniture a couple of years ago from bass pro shops. I did it online and got free shipping at that time. Worked great.One recommendation though, go for the plastic bases. It is worth it.