Here is an update on my Dad's old 1999 Bennington Pontoon.
My dad died in October and left me his prized pontoon boat. It looks like Dad had a few encounters with the rocks (and boat dock) at his fresh water lake in Kentucky. His eyesight was failing, so his depth perception was kinda off a little. If you look at one of the pics, you can see where I cut out a deep and long gash on the left rear. Trying to find exact replacement siding for a boat this old was nearly impossible. I tried to patch the gash, but it look like hell....so I broke out the rubber mallet and went to work....knocking out all the siding for a total skin replacement.
I spent hours doing research on my siding options. I considered using aluminum flashing from Home Depot, but it was much too light I thought....and it was only available in brushed aluminum color. I did find some heavier stuff, but it was only available in white. I kept doing my research. Finally, I found this heavier .20 guage Navy Blue Aluminum and it was exactly what I was looking for. True, it was a little lighter than the original aluminum, but it was also much easier to work with, and made negoiating the curves much easier. I cut my panels ahead of time, and I applied the stripes the night before I started. It worked out pretty well.
This was not a "Fun" job by any means, but I was pleased with my efforts. Considering the boat had blue carpet, blue bimini top, and blue trimmed seats, the blue aluminum updated the look in my opinion. I have to restripe the doors to make some adjustments on alignment, and I have some decal work to do....but overall I think the old man would have been happy.
Next I am re-installing the fuel tanks, live wells and upholstery. The little Honda BF40 has less than 50 hours on her, so that is not a issue right now....it purrs like a kitten. Then, I MAY, just MAY take her out for a little spin in the Sebastian River.
My dad died in October and left me his prized pontoon boat. It looks like Dad had a few encounters with the rocks (and boat dock) at his fresh water lake in Kentucky. His eyesight was failing, so his depth perception was kinda off a little. If you look at one of the pics, you can see where I cut out a deep and long gash on the left rear. Trying to find exact replacement siding for a boat this old was nearly impossible. I tried to patch the gash, but it look like hell....so I broke out the rubber mallet and went to work....knocking out all the siding for a total skin replacement.
I spent hours doing research on my siding options. I considered using aluminum flashing from Home Depot, but it was much too light I thought....and it was only available in brushed aluminum color. I did find some heavier stuff, but it was only available in white. I kept doing my research. Finally, I found this heavier .20 guage Navy Blue Aluminum and it was exactly what I was looking for. True, it was a little lighter than the original aluminum, but it was also much easier to work with, and made negoiating the curves much easier. I cut my panels ahead of time, and I applied the stripes the night before I started. It worked out pretty well.
This was not a "Fun" job by any means, but I was pleased with my efforts. Considering the boat had blue carpet, blue bimini top, and blue trimmed seats, the blue aluminum updated the look in my opinion. I have to restripe the doors to make some adjustments on alignment, and I have some decal work to do....but overall I think the old man would have been happy.
Next I am re-installing the fuel tanks, live wells and upholstery. The little Honda BF40 has less than 50 hours on her, so that is not a issue right now....it purrs like a kitten. Then, I MAY, just MAY take her out for a little spin in the Sebastian River.
