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  1. 05-12-2012, 09:16 PM #1
    in-d-boat's Avatar
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    Default My scratch built Pontoon

    This was something fun and different to build. Looks cool on the water. Just need some people drinkin' some beers on deck then it'll be complete!
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  2. 05-12-2012, 09:41 PM #2
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    I love the detail, looks great mate
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  3. 05-13-2012, 12:01 AM #3
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    Thank you, my friend!
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  4. 05-13-2012, 12:55 AM #4
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    Very nice...................got any more pics???

    I blew up yours so i could see it better...................
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  5. 05-13-2012, 09:17 PM #5
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    DSC00584.jpgYup, a few more.DSC_7860.jpgDSC_7853.jpg And thank You!
    Last edited by in-d-boat; 05-13-2012 at 09:25 PM. Reason: more pics
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  6. 05-13-2012, 09:25 PM #6
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    Looks very scale!!! Great job.
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  7. 05-21-2012, 11:57 AM #7
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    how did you make the pontoons? I think this is one of the nicest pontoon boats I have seen.
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  8. 05-21-2012, 12:22 PM #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by hazegry View Post
    how did you make the pontoons? I think this is one of the nicest pontoon boats I have seen.
    Yes build pics please. whats the LOA? How much did it cost in materials?
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  9. 05-21-2012, 06:25 PM #9
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    Thanks, guys!
    I made the pontoon logs from 2" phenolic rocket tubes. (actually 2.153 w/ 1/16" wall thickness) Then went over them with 3/4 oz. glass cloth. I left them hollow, no flotation, as anything added to the inside wouldn't do anything but add weight.
    I chose 2" because it made everything easier to figure the scale out. 1"=1 foot. Most logs are 2'. LOA, from the prop to the points on the 'toons is 34". I'm guessing I have about $40.00 in it not including the EP-1 and the Tatic radio and the battery.
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  10. 05-21-2012, 06:33 PM #10
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    Default Build pics

    I made 1/8" lite ply plugs and glued the balsa blocks to them and rounded them off to make the backs of the pontoons. Then domed them a litlle.
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  11. 05-21-2012, 06:42 PM #11
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    For the front of the 'toon I used 1/8" lite ply for the keel and added 1" thick balsa blocks to each side. Shaped them on my disk sander and final sanded them by hand. Also made the 1/8" ply plugs, same as the rear. The stubby tubes they're mounted on are just to get the right O.D.DSC00460.jpgDSC00461.jpgDSC00462.jpgDSC00475.jpgDSC00476.jpg
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  12. 05-23-2012, 06:39 PM #12
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    Very good work!!!
    NEED PARALLEL CONNECTORS?? QUALITY 5.5MM, 8MM, 8 AND 10 AWG, GET THEM HERE: https://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...est!&highlight=
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  13. 05-23-2012, 07:19 PM #13
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    I made a couple of "life jacket" storage boxes for the rear deck. One has the receiver in it, the other one has the ESC. It's a box over another box type of thing. All the wiring is routed above the center pontoon and never gets wet.DSC00548.jpgDSC00549.jpgDSC00550.jpgDSC00551.jpg And thanks again Make-a-Wake.
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  14. 05-23-2012, 07:26 PM #14
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    The battery compartment needed to be towards the bow and below deck. Also shows the rectangle channel for the battery wires to the center pontoon, through that to the ESC. A long lead doesn't seem to be a problem. It has room for 2 batteries but 1 runs forever. Not a speedy boat. Part throttle=looooong run times. DSC00552.jpg
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  15. 05-23-2012, 07:33 PM #15
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    Then I made a Bimini top for it. Used 1/8" round for the frame work. A couple of 1/8" square for the rear stationary supports. And 2 .010 thick "straps" for the front.DSC00558.jpgDSC00559.jpg
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  16. 05-25-2012, 09:01 PM #16
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    The whole boat was painted aluminum, 4 coats. I used Mono Kote trim sheets for the white and the designs. Sprayed Windex on the cut out sheet first, then "floated" them into place.DSC00560.jpgDSC00565.jpgDSC00568.jpgDSC00584.jpg The floor (carpet) is 2MM foam stuff I picked up at a Hobby Lobby craft store. And what pontoon boat would be complete without a grill? That's made out of a fishin' bobber and some leftovers. The tables are out of pizza boxes, I guess so the pizza doesn't stick to the lid. LOL.
    That pretty much covers it. Thanks for all the positive comments, guys! DSC00617.jpg
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    Last edited by in-d-boat; 05-26-2012 at 11:25 AM.
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  17. 05-27-2012, 10:12 PM #17
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    I hope you dont mind but I am so going to replicate this and build one for myself.
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  18. 05-27-2012, 11:52 PM #18
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    Heck, no. I don't mind in the least. I would consider it a compliment. I just wish I had some plans to pass along, but I don't. Sorry. Do you have an EP-1? Any outboard heavier would probably make her a little tail heavy. (or increase the lenght of the center pontoon and lower the center some for some extra flotation ) I have some 2 1/4" tubes that if I make another one I might see about the Stilleto outboard for that. But that would be down the road some. Thank you!
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  19. 05-28-2012, 05:41 PM #19
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    Excellent job Keith!!!....you never sent me the pic with the grill on it!!!....you are the best!!
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  20. 05-28-2012, 07:49 PM #20
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    Ah thank you, thank you very much.
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  21. 08-28-2012, 07:13 AM #21
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    I think I see the problem, you need some beer holders! whats worse than hanging out on the party barge and having your beer slip off into the drink?
    great work, very innovative!
    cheers
    J
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  22. 08-28-2012, 10:13 PM #22
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    Thanks Jesse J! I'll have to get busy and make some holders. If I ever find the right people for the pontoon I'm gonna have the beers duct taped to their hands, so they don't spill any!!! Hahaha
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  23. 05-04-2014, 03:57 PM #23
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    Very cool! If you ever decide to sell it please let me know.
    Gus
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