1977 playcraft p24 pontoon

ok I spent my 4th running the lines and wires for the 85 evinrude on the pontoon. so tonight I decided to see if I could get it to start. so I added gas put the choke on and after about 10 turn revolutions the motor fired off. not bad for sitting for 6 years. it already starts and runs better then the 50hp force.

 
I am planning a water trip this weekend. I had to add extra support to help with the weight of the bigger motor. we planned to add a few motor c channel cross members to add to the deck on the rear. so this is a temporary fix so we can use the boat. but it is holding the motor up better than the little engine was without it.


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it is amazing the difference that 35 hp makes. or is it just the difference a good motor makes. took the pontoon out today for a quick run as we were dodging rain. the boat came off the trailer easier, had a lot more pick up, and best of all it turns a lot better. next weekend we will take it out for an extended run. I am very happy with the performance so far. I put more work into the force motor with less improvement.
 
well I am bring this back up to the top because my parents and I were talking this weekend and have came up with a plan. that plan is that instead of starting on the cruiser right now we are going to redo the pontoon. The pontoon needs a lot less work. I will redo the deck, build some seats and just make everything new. I am happy about this as it gives me time to find better stuff for the cruiser or talk my parents into selling it. as always I will take pictures and keep you guys updated.
 
"Party on Wayne, party on Garth!!!"
As long as you're busy with a boat the rest is gravy.
enjoy yourself.
 
the funny part about what you said is that my dad's name is Wayne. :rof:

I am hoping to talk them out of the chaparral while I am redoing the pontoon. my parents decided that we should make the pontoon new that way it is done when I start on the chaparral that way I will not have to stop that project and fix the pontoon. what ever I am looking forward to working on it more than the chaparral
 
Sounds like a plan... And you can still plan the chaparral (or it's replacement) in the mean time. besides, the parents will probably pay for the pontoon resto and you can save your $$$. :)
 
so I have started the rebuild on the pontoon. I am taking it apart to see what all it needs and I will start rebuild it have the new year. so here is where I got after the first night. only worked on it for about an hour. side rails off and front fences.



 
I went out with the family around mid day and this is what I got done Saturday afternoon. seat, console, wires, steering, controls, and carpet off.











 
just depends on my parent pocket book. they are paying for it as it is their boat now I am just doing the work.
 
If it were me, I'd build what I think is right and then just "bill 'em"... lol

I'm sure they trust you to make them a cool pontoon ride'n'glide for the whole family.
 
Not all cool mods cost a lot of dough.... and you're replacing the old look anyways.

For example, I know it's a lot of labour but, it would be really cool if you got some compound and a decent buffer so you could POLISH those pontoons! Instant class. Of course it might make you scale up what goes on top of them... lol :)
 
I worked more on the decking today. all the screws are wasted. they are rusty and filled with glue. so I took out my saws all to cut the screw for the 2X4s at the edges. I then used my skill saw to cut the wood out between the cross members. next time I work on it I will be working the screws out from the bottom.





 
Wow...
You're starting from bare pontoons! I didn't thing you would be pullin' her apart that much. You really can use your imagination and build something spectacular.

That's a lot of work you have done....good job for a great start.
 
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