My (new to me) Sweetwater

[XJ99]

About a week ago, I bought a 1986 20' Sweetwater with a
48 SPL Evinrude. ('93) She needs a lot of TLC! Besides cosmetics,
the engine is starving for fuel. I hope the fuel pump and primer
solenoid rebuild kits I ordered do the trick...

It's not half the boat you all have, (you guys have some really
nice boats!) but she runs, and floats. I was on a really tight
budget, and did the best I could with $3,000...

This year the plan is to get it water ready, and reliable.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

Thats a good looking boat, MY first toon was the same way,A few fold up chairs and your good. In some ways a open deck is better. I got 2 of the out door storage bins that you could sit on as well and use it a lot .

 

[XJ99]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

The out door storage bins are a great idea! I probably
won't be able to replace the rear bench, and add new
seats until next year.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

So long as the deck and the toons are good, which the toons look pretty good from the pics, you can enjoy the boating lifestyle while not feeling the angst of getting it scratched or feeling that you just plunked 15, 20, or even 45K on something that spends a good portion of time idle.

Even the carpet looks decent. Get the motor in shape, have fun and add to it as you can. The one thing I will recommend is to somehow rig a cover that will deflect the elements off the deck. If you leave it open, it will deterioate much much faster and you will need to a rebuild sooner than you may want.

 

[XJ99]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

I actually just got a cover for it from vortexdirect. (Hope it's decent)
I haven't put it on yet, because I'm working on it trying to get it ready
for Spring. Trash bags are only temporary since it was raining.

The toons are in great condition, no soft spots on the floor, (solid)
had it out on the lake and the engine does run, but was bogging
up and down past half throttle. Over all it needs a little work, and
a good cleaning! The other 3 seats are in good condition as well.
They fit in the 2 holes up front, and at the console.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

Nice boat. Nice Jeep. Looks like you play football on the deck.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

My favorite pontoon was all open as well. Only fixed items were the console and captains chair. My uncle built two large wooden storage boxes with padded lids, one for each side and supplemented with a couple deck chairs. Floor was sanded paint so cleanup from a day of crabbing/clamming was a simple hose off. It was great.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

The vortex stuff is very decent for the price, I have one of their bimni tops and while it wasn't a top price one it has been decent and has held up ok. this year will be the third season and it should be good for at least 2 more before the fabric needs replacing. I rebuilt mine over 2 years a bit at a time. While its not a 45 k boat , it was paid for on day one.

 

[XJ99]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

Good to hear about the vortex! I was going through
you're build thread, and it looks good. Now I'm thinking
of getting the support brace for the rear of the bimini
like you have, and ditching the rear straps. Also really
liking the grill!

Very true, at least I own it!

 

[rogerwa]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

Oh BTW, if you don't know the history of the motor, I would recommend pulling off the carbs and cleaning them out the right way, installing an impeller, and changing lower unit lube.. All told the parts should be less than $75 and you will have saved yourself from the most common preventable engine failure causes..

 

[XJ99]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

They had a shop rebuild the carbs, replace the water
pump, and I changed the lower unit oil. (Looked good!)


They look good.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

Oh man, just think of the posibilities "XJ". A couple of deck chairs, a BBQ pit and a stripper pole up front, and you're ready for springtime !!! Just 8 more years to go and I'll own my barge like you & James. Good luck !!!

 

[XJ99]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

Looking foward to it! Only problem is it doesn't have any side gates. I have no idea where to put a swim ladder???

 

[craigmack]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

They make ladders for the bow. As an exanple: Pontoon Ladders

 

[dls322]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

You could "make a side" gate. They sell the hinges for them, could could modify yours depending on your ability. Or you might be able to swap out the pen from another boat...endless options with a pontoon!

 

[XJ99]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

I took off the other fuel tank bracket, and I'm thinking
of adding a small swim platform on the back.

Not sure how to actually mount it to the toon itself.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

You can fix one to mount off of the side on the front easily, that's where I would put one. This is the one I use, it has two mounts that go into the deck and when not in use you stow it. You should be able to find a better price, the link was for reference. Mine was like 65 , 2 years ago.

Amazon.com: 4 Step Aluminum Folding Pontoon Boat Swim Ladder: Sports & Outdoors

 

[XJ99]

Re: My (new to me) Sweetwater

I have those fins on the front, and think they may get
in the way. Is it hard to install a side gate? Seems like
you'd have to do some hacking. I've seen gome gates
on ebay for around $100.