Dragfluid's Pontoon build

Dragfluid

Cadet
Joined
Jun 21, 2023
Messages
13
Hi folks! The new kid here. Will be talking about the 16' pontoon that I'm "building".
Basically started off with 2 tubes and the crossmembers. No idea what make it was. It's steel. Yea I know, but I want to try it. Checked for leaks, fixed them. Had an adjustable transom, which is now in the scrap metal pile. Received a "junk" 20' Weeres, Sport 20. The tubes were crushed due to the original owner going to Florida and leaving the boat in the water. (Minn) Some people aren't too bright, I guess. Anyway, that boat supplied the steering, a perfect fence, and a nice solid aluminum transom, which I had "tuned up" at my metal supply shop. Added some plates and gussets. I have the title to the Weeres and it said 40HP max. I'm using a 50HP Johnson. Like some said in another thread, your right hand is a good regulator for the throttle. I bought a used tilt/trim assembly, so as to make it easier on the body (mine) during loading/unloading and rock dodging. I feel that with the improvements I had made to the transom, that I should more than handle the extra stress. Frequent inspections will be made. I'm a retired auto mechanic, who specialized in automatic transmissions, and I like to experiment, but not reinvent the wheel. Getting close to getting it completed. One thing I would like some opinions on is console placement. I looked at the other threads on this, but all were for regular boats. I guess I have to make a few more posts before I can put up any pics, so hopefully that won't take long. The boat will be used primarily for fishing on the river and cruising up and down with my bride of 43 years. :)
 

Dragfluid

Cadet
Joined
Jun 21, 2023
Messages
13
Here's some pics showing the console with the front on top of a cross member, where I think it would be the most secure, and it would place my fat butt just a little aft of center. If placed on top of the next cross member aft, I was thinking it may be too far back. Opinions?
 

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Dragfluid

Cadet
Joined
Jun 21, 2023
Messages
13
Forgot to mention, on the aft port side will be an 8 gallon fuel tank, and on the aft starboard, two deep cycle batteries. Passenger seating will be moved around, pending on reaction of the craft.
 

1960 Starflite

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 23, 2011
Messages
377
This is my layout, 24 ft, helm is 5 ft from stern on starboard side. 850 Merc long shaft. 22 mph with 2 aboard.

Go with vinyl flooring and mount ALL structures with half inch spacers along with railings.
 

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Dragfluid

Cadet
Joined
Jun 21, 2023
Messages
13
This is my layout, 24 ft, helm is 5 ft from stern on starboard side. 850 Merc long shaft. 22 mph with 2 aboard.

Go with vinyl flooring and mount ALL structures with half inch spacers along with railings.
5' from the rear of the console housing or 5' where your butt sits?
 

captmello

Captain
Joined
Jun 30, 2008
Messages
3,845
welcome, thanks for sharing your project.
I feel that with a toon as small as yours, weight distribution is going to be critical. The helm shouldn't need to be placed according to the crossmembers. The decking should support it. I would suggest looking at other 16' pontoons to see how they're laid out. if you're planning to fish a lot, you may want to consider a center console, maybe a two person helm chair for you and the bride.
good luck!
 

Dragfluid

Cadet
Joined
Jun 21, 2023
Messages
13
This is my layout, 24 ft, helm is 5 ft from stern on starboard side. 850 Merc long shaft. 22 mph with 2 aboard.

Go with vinyl flooring and mount ALL structures with half inch spacers along with railings.
Ah, that's brand new carpet on there.
 
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