Pontoon rebuild / redesign

[GT1000000]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Man o Man, that right there is looking real slick, heck it already looks like its haulin butt!

I like your ideas about sloping the side railing alittle more.

Just my 1/2 cent worth, I wouldn't slope the bow anymore, like you said it would cut into your available party space, and the same for tapering the sides, as it might affect your lounge seating...

otherwise, KOOOOL!

Threw in a couple of pics for possible inspiration...

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

That is really weird Oops, I Googled adding a 3rd pontoon and found that yesterday......My freind David K helped a friend put one on this summer. He said the guy gained 8 mph.

Thanks for the inspiration GT1M, am I supposed to look at the boat? I found the girl way to distracting, lol!

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Actually, I really like the distraction. The color contrast is great. But then I'm an old demented guy too. LOL

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

That looks killer Bobby. That shape reminds me of the Utlramar Ultra-jet ferry in MX.

http://www.granpuerto.com.mx/EN/index.html

 

[sqbtr]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Diggin it, taking it to the next level!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Thanks guys! Took today off, had to watch OU play......but I have a few ideas to work on tomorrow. By the way Matt I don't see this one moving real fast, lol! Bob stay with us, just don't let you wife find out, lol!

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Ok I decided to put together another mock-up with the flater bow. I have been toying with saving space and trying to figure out how to have one that I can stow away. I got to thinking about modifying something like this.....where you can fold it up and store it below deck when not in use. I'm thinking about putting the bottom of it on hinges, so that it doesn't move around when in use. Any thoughts?

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Ok I decided to put together another mock-up with the flater bow. I have been toying with saving space and trying to figure out how to have one that I can stow away. I got to thinking about modifying something like this.....where you can fold it up and store it below deck when not in use. I'm thinking about putting the bottom of it on hinges, so that it doesn't move around when in use. Any thoughts?

Seems like you may be reinventing the wheel on that one. I have seen ladders that fold in half and then the hooked upper portion rotates to lay flat. It seems to me those would take up the same or even less space without modifying anything. The one I had for my Pontoon took up very little space when collapsed.

http://www.basspro.com/Deck-Mount-Folding-Ladder/product/8912/120192

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Matt the problem is that it will be 6'-6" from the lower deck to the upper deck. I haven't seen one that long....but I like the folding idea.

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Ohhhh. I was thinking you were going to use it for a boarding ladder. Now I get it. I would think you would want something attached fairly solid top and bottom. You wouldn't want that thing to move with people on it if a stray wake comes through.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

What I was thinking is it would be permanently attached at the bottom, on hinges. When folded down it would be below deck (under a hatch), but when you need it, you fold it up and extend it. Then lean it on the deck above, I agree on the attachment....I was thinking it would have some sort of lock on the top. I don't think it will get a lot of use, but a sunbathing option for the Chic's! I'm flying through the new mockup, its a lot easier once you've figured out the drill.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

How about something similar to an attic step ladder that folds up in to the upper deck, but made of aluminum or stainless??

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

How about something similar to an attic step ladder that folds up in to the upper deck, but made of aluminum or stainless??

Now your getting somewhere. How about taking that collapsing ladder and instead of collapsing it down, collapse it up. Attach it permanently on the top and inset a couple of sockets in the deck to hold the bottom stationary when it is down. Maybe even put a couple of slides on it so when it is up you can slide it flat under the top deck. Similar to how a flipper door works on a cubicle upper cabinet.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Good idea, but it would have to slide under the top that way I could secure it. That might require me to make the top taller, which I'm already just squeaking under my dock.....well I'll have to study the details once we get closer. I made good progress on mock up 2 today. I started on the planking, but didn't get it finished up.....I should be able to wrap it up tomorrow night. Here are some pics of what I got done today.

I've almost gone through 10 4'x8' sheets of cardboard at this point, but a good use of 25$ to figure this deal out.

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Arch,
The mock ups are looking great. If you watch the construction you could end up with some mega storage your design.
Great Job.
PS. I plan to stick around too.

Take care
Bob

 

[zopperman]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

I'm gone for two days and this all pops up!?!?! Looking great, arch.

Are you just gonna glass over the mock up?

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Hey arch - great to see you back for another adventure. It's funny -- I had skipped right over this thread several times til I saw your name attached to it. Then I just knew we'd be in for a treat and had to drop in. So glad I did. That cardboard mockup work just left me with my jaw hanging. Brilliant work and I'm sure you will coax it into just the right setup.

Regarding your comments about the (LOL) refrigerator consoles on these boats, I was over in another discussion thread started by headlight out of the UK. Get a load of the console on the fishing boat he's considering. Now don't that seem like a design that you could work right into your side fairing with a little thought and planning?

Wouldn't be too much trouble enclosing the backside I'd imagine and voila - almost perfectly integrated side console with a very modern, light look for your very modern toon.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

zooperman, the mock-up is just a way to work out my ideas in 3-d. Once I have them worked out I will build a mold, then create the parts with glass.....I still haven't decided what mold method I'm going to use.....

Scoutabout, I agree with you on the console molded into the gunnel....I was even toying with making it fold away at one point. Right now I' focusing on getting the bow and gunnel shapes sorted out, once we have that then I can work the console into it.

Speaking of the gunnel bow issue, I worked on the latest mock-up tonight. I'm not to happy with it right now. I failed to consider that moving the two radius's farther apart would create a "dent" where the two come together.....

Once I thought about it, it made sense.....the curves of the radiuses are heading away from each other, creating the "dent". I could fill it in and round it out, but I'm still not sure I would be happy with it. I was looking at the other mock-up thinking the geometry really reminded me of the Art Deco trains. I thought about using that as a theme eariler, but blew it off. Maybe I should re-think that.....how many Art Deco style pontoon boats have you seen? I can answer that, 0

This website had some pretty good images that might give you the idea....this thing is sort of like a train....

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2010/07/trains-and-railways-extravaganza-part-2.html

Let me know if you think I'm loosing it, lol!

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Let me know if you think I'm loosing it, lol!

LOL, Nope, too late for that, you have already inhaled way too much fiberglass and you are on your second boat rebuild/resto...you lost it a looooong time ago my friend...

And now you have struck a nerve in me...I went to the website you found and I could almost tell you the road name and type of almost every American Locomotive and train they show there...I think I mentioned I am into Model Railroading and some of those art deco trains are my favorites...:redface:

And I must also truly commend you on your perseverance to create a truly unique floating sculpture that should eventually attract chicks from all four corners of the globe...

Keep up the great inspiring work...

 

[wa_ssv197]

Re: Pontoon rebuild / redesign

Here is an art deco ferry that is famous here in the Puget Sound.
Kalakala