[bayman]

I'm starting work on a 10 foot, 2 person pontoon boat. This will be the third boat I've owned but I've never owned a pontoon boat. I'm wondering what accessories and features everyone likes on their (small) pontoon boats. What recommendations do you have? I plan on using it for exploring, cruising around lakes, and fishing.

[beniam]

baymanAlways liked enterprising projects.Just wondering out loud; 10ft long, one foot diameter (round at .78 sf), 2 pontoons....thats 15 cf. Times 62.4 # per cubic foot,say at one half under water..468 pounds carrying capacity. Not a lot. Just a guess and a thought. Be happy, enjoy life and be safe. Batavier

[Dunaruna]

You'll need 16" diameter minimum.Not much room to add features but here's my list: BBQ, ice chest (under a seat/bench?) and a landing board, a 12" wide board that slides underneath.Aldo

[beniam]

16 inch diameter, 10 ft long...half deep in water,say 1100 pounds.Your deck will be 8 inch plus stringers and floorboard..say 12 inch above water.Sounds like a fun project. Enjoy life, be happy. Batavier

[bayman]

Thanks for the ideas and thoughts everyone!I have started on the pontoons. They are 18" in diameter and all the way to the outside. The deck will be lower than the top of the pontoons so that it isn't too high above the water.The landing board - does this function as a step when beaching? I'm not familiar with the term.

[bayman]

Any recommendations on horsepower?

[Bond-o]

Any recommendations on horsepower?

An Eletric Trolling Motor ??

[bayman]

Would a 9.9 hp engine be sufficient?

[AMD Rules]

Grandfather used to have a home-built pontoon style boat...called "Huff 'n Puff".It was powered by human effort..... both passengers peddling away to spin a single prop (via chain, sprockets, etc.) All Good excercise, and environmentally friendly. An great fishing platform.

[Dunaruna]

Originally posted by bayman: The landing board - does this function as a step when beaching? I'm not familiar with the term.

It sure does. When beaching, you don't have to run up the bank, just gently touch the bottom and then extend the board. The marina I am in supply 10ft toon boats as tenders, they all run 6hp. 9.9hp is ample.Aldo

[bayman]

I wonder if most pontoon boats in the US come with a landing board. It sounds like a good idea but I want to see how some of them make them. I've seen plenty of pontoon boats around but I have never noticed this feature. It seems that it would be similar to a kitchen cutting board that just extends out when you need it.

[Dunaruna]

I've got one, granted it's on a 45ft houseboat but it doesn't matter what size your building, the principle is the same. I'll post a pic if you want.Aldo

[bayman]

A pic would be great, thanks Dunaruna!

[Realgun]

and a landing board, a 12" wide board that slides underneath.

Whre I come form its called a plank and you dont't want to walk it. ! ArgeThat a great idea though. To bad my bowrider is so high in front makes it hard to get on when beached.

[bayman]

Hey Realgun, for larger boats, are ladders like this any good? I've seen them but haven't ever used one.

[Realgun]

That looks insteresting but how does it work? I have never seen 1 before. My boat when landed seems higher than it should be but I can get in an out it just seems higher than the old boat we had as a kid.!

[bayman]

Here is the description of the that bow ladder:Mounts to deck or side of any boat. Angled entry creates Stowaway - Stairway for easy exit from beach or boat. Folds flat when not in use. Lightweight, easily removed for stowage. Hi-tensile anodized aluminum and stainless steel construction. Includes stainless steel mounting brackets, quick release pins and nylon lift strap. 300 pound capacity. http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?prod_id=40550

[Dunaruna]

Sorry Bayman, I thought I had a picture but I can't find it. I'll take one the next time I go up to the lake but that may not be for a few weeks.Aldo

[bayman]

Actually, a few weeks from now would be perfect since I won't get to that part of the boat for awhile. I'm still messing with what little features I want to build into the fiberglass - such as hand hold grips and so forth.

[Dunaruna]

Bayman, here are the pics as promised.This has been way over engineered because we also use it as a diving platform, all you really need is a plank that slides in and out of 'C' channel. pic 1 pic 2 pic 3 pic 4 pic 5 pic 6 Aldo

[Realgun]

Thats a neat Idea you should patent it.

[Realgun]

Bayman how are you doing on that small toon?

[Dunaruna]

Realgun, are you suggesting that houseboats in the U.S. don't have these? I built this myself but to be honest, I copied the design from another houseboat. His was remotely operated (little starter motor type setup, I believe it was actually a wheelchair motor), mine is manual. Are you interested in becoming the northern hemisphere distrubutor? Aldo

[bayman]

Wow Dunaruna, that is a pretty cool setup! I haven't seen anything like this either. It does look to be engineered very well. I got delayed a bit there but I'm back at work on the little pontoon. The current plan is that it will only be barely over 11 feet long or about 3.4 meters.Hooking up some small motors might be cool though. I don't know if I could do that on this little craft or not. Other than the engine, everything will be manually operated at the outset.

[Mike Johnson]

for very interesting small pontoon boats contact Harry Wells dba FloridaCraft Stewart, Florida