News — DIY

How to Remove Carpet and Glue from a Pontoon Boat the Easy Way!

By: PontoonPedia.com

One of the more common projects undertaken by pontooners is removing the old carpet. Perhaps you want to replace it with a new carpet, or want to switch it out, either way, it’s tough job and can be very labor-intensive, not to mention the annoying glue residue and marks that can be left on the deck.

The reason I decided to write this guide on removing carpet from a pontoon boat, as well as the actual glue (which can cause massive issues) is because I received a few questions over the last few months, including:

“Hi Bill, what can I use to get the carpet glue to come loose from the wooden floor of my pontoon deck? Some of the carpet won’t come up and is stuck on fast.”

“Do you have any tricks or tips for getting the old carpet and glue off my pontoon? I’ve taken everything completely off the deck and am struggling to get the carpet removed”

“What is the best way to remove old glued on original carpeting from a pontoon boat? I am completely re-doing my 1996 Crest II and I am already worried about this part of the project.”

“I have 1999 party barge with an aluminum floor. How to remove boat carpet from the aluminum floor is my challenge. The carpet is pretty bad.”

With those questions in mind, I am going to address removing glue and carpet from a wooden pontoon floor, and an aluminum floor, so read on to find out how you do it, what you need, hacks and tips, and also advice from other pontooners that I trust.

I use a craft knife or Stanley knife to do this, which I assume you will already have in your tool box. Press the blade into the carpet and start to draw lines up and down the carpet to create the strips that you are going to pull up.

This will be so much easier than trying to pull up the carpet in one go and will also mean it’s easier to get the carpet off the deck, and in theory should lead to less ripping which can leave nasty glue marks on the floor.

What Tools You Will Need
Gloves to stop blisters
Stanley knife or craft knife
Vibrating multitool with oscillating blade
Random orbit sander tool
Goo Gone adhesive glue remover
Heat gun tool
How to Remove Carpet from a Pontoon

Step 1: Cut the Pontoon Carpet into Smaller Strips

To prepare for the removal, firstly cut the rug and carpet up into 6 to 8-inch strips. This will mean it will be far easier to pull up, even if stuck on fast with glue.

Step 2: Pull the Carpet Strips Up

You now need to pull the carpet up, and with my boat I used my knife to get a little leverage under each strip before pulling up slowly. I do advise you pull as slowly as you can, as this will help you to reduce the amount of ripped carpet and fibres that can remain on the deck floor – but you are going to get some remaining, it’s just a fact of life unfortunately.

Please Use a Carpet Scraper Tool
If the carpet strips are still really hard to get up and are stuck on fast, then there is a tool solution which I recommend you use. It’s a vibrating multitool with a scraper blade like this one that you can buy on Amazon.

I use the Rockwell product and swear by it. If you have cut the carpet into strips, then you can use this tool to get underneath a section and then work through the whole of the deck until you have all the carpet removed.

How to Remove Carpet Glue from Your Pontoon
Now to removing the carpet glue and left-over pieces of fiber and carpet that will invariably still be there.

It’s important here to recognise that there are two methods here. You can combine the two, but I am going to start off with my preferred method and why.

Method 1: Use a Floor Sander Tool
To get the remaining glue and torn carpet off the pontoon deck floor, you should use a tool. It will dramatically cut down the effort in time you are going to be spending when compared to a more manual approach which I will come onto in method two.

There are industrial level type tools that will do the job very quickly, but they cost 100s of dollars, although it is possible to rent them.

If instead, you want to do things for yourself cheaply, then I would recommend a floor sander tool. There is one that I recommend and used on my own project which is the Bosch Random Orbit Sander on Amazon – the Bosch brand is great, trust me.

In fact, you could use this floor sander to even remove the whole carpet rather than cutting strips into it using a knife. I imagine that if you use a 30-grit head straight onto the carpet that could work quite well, and then switch over to a 100 to 120 grit head to remove anything left over and leave a smoother finish.

Method 2: Use an Adhesive Glue Remover
If you don’t get the desired results, then you could complement the above method with an adhesive glue remover.

But, before you consider this, let me make things very clear: many of these types of products will soak into the wood, and prevent glue from sticking when you come to putting down new flooring.

You will need to make sure that everything dries out completely before you even consider putting down and gluing new carpet to the deck. If you don’t let it dry, then any new glue probably won’t stick properly – so make sure your wood floor is dry and smooth before laying new carpet on top.

So what product should you use?

It needs to be solvent-based product or you’re probably not going to get all the old remaining glue up. If you pick other solvent-based adhesives that are not meant for marine carpet you will destroy the back of any new carpet you are planning on using.

My choice here would be to buy a couple of bottles of Goo Gone Pro-Power.

You are going to need that much in order to get rid of any stubborn glue marks on your pontoon floor. There’s a YouTube video below which gives a very brief overview on how to do this part.

How to Remove Boat Carpet from Aluminum
Removing boat carpet from aluminum is infinitely easier than doing it from wood so I am not going to do a stepped approach here, as all you need to do is follow the guide above.

It’s essentially the same steps, but you might be able to pull all the carpet off in one piece so try that first before you go to the trouble of cutting strips into the carpet.

You can then use a good sharp scraper and heat gun (here’s one on Amazon). Heat up the carpet, and then start to lift off by hand and with the help of a scraper.

Once you have lifted up as much of the carpet as you can, use a sander or grinder to get rid of any patches of glue. Sand the entire deck area for a smooth surface.

As with wooden flooring, some small fiber pieces could still remain. But just take a while with your grinder or sander and you will soon be able to get it clean and smooth.

Useful FAQs & Potential Issues
Whilst the methods outlined above will work the majority of the time when removing the glue and carpet from your deck, there might be some curve balls you need to be aware of. I have tried to answer those below.

Not Happy with How the Wood Looks or New Glue Not Sticking?
Despite your best efforts, some of the advice given in this guide to removing carpet from a pontoon boat might still leave you with wooden decking that you don’t like the look of.

It also might not give you a smooth surface to work with for the new carpet and glue, or you might find the glue doesn’t stick as well as you want. You have a number of options available to you.

Other boat owners I know have unfastened the old wood and flipped the deck over to use the underside for the top. It gave them a much smoother surface to work with. This was a larger project obviously and did mean that he had to relocate some drill holes and do some re-wiring, but for him it worked well.

For the best results, I would recommend buying new wood as you can never truly completely dry wood out. If you remove the old wood, and install new wood, your carpet or vinyl will stay down longer. Older wood can retain moisture which will possibly affect how well the new glue works.

Another consideration is that if you are laying vinyl down onto existing wood where you have stripped carpet and glue off, then vinyl can show up any imperfections. Which is another good reason for replacing the wood completely.

What If You Have Flat-Headed Through Bolts?
Some pontoon boat carpet will have flat-headed through bolts which secure the carpet to the deck. These can be very hard to get out, but you can do it.

There’s a great online guide which I recommend you take a look at which will give you a stepped process on how to remove flat-headed screws and bolts. You can read that on the Craftsman Blog.

What Products Not to Use to Remove Carpet Glue
Whilst looking into this topic, I hopped onto a lot of boating forums to see what other owners are recommending for removing glue from their deck. One tip that commonly popped up was to use something called MEK (also known as methyl ethyl ketone and butanone).

It will work, but it’s an extremely hazardous cancer-causing agent. I would never use that on a pontoon boat as it will soak into the wood and you will never get it out. My kids will never sit there if it had been used.

So, if you do hear or read this advice online, please ignore it completely!

Comments from Boat Owners
To supplement this pontoon carpet removal guide, I also spoke to other boat owners to see how their experience went after taking my advice, or with previous projects that they have done. Here’s a selection of those comments.

“I don’t know how we got so lucky, but our glue was pretty much gone. The carpet pulled right up really quick like you said it would. But I think the previous owner had used a water-based glue, so it was gone with no need to remove it. We just replaced our carpet and it looks great. The worst part for us was taking everything apart and unwiring.”

“I have a red neck solution to removing your carpet which I used last year. Get a section loose and lifted up, hook it into a tow rope, and the pull it clearly off with your truck, but make sure you go slowly! It left loads of rips, and next time I will be using your guide.”

“To remove carpet glue, I’ve used denatured alcohol which worked okay after sitting for a few minutes, then tried carb cleaner which worked a little better. I then I tried a heat gun (on a dry separate area of course) and that seemed to work the best, but certainly not as well as the guide above.”

“I genuinely recommend that people just remove the plywood and start over with new wooden flooring. If you change the decking you won’t regret it for the money, but it is a larger job admittedly”

“I’ve done it also. The floor sander is the only way to go. It will do a good job. But definitely wear gloves as you can get terrible blisters after an hour or so of working on the carpet removal.”

I use a very different approach to pulling the carpet up. All you do is fit a paddle attachment to the end of your drill, get one of the edges of the carpet up, and then try to get a piece of the carpet caught up in the drill bit before pulling up.”

Conclusion
I hope this guide has helped you in cleaning up and removing the glue and carpet from the floor of your pontoon boat. As with all guides on Pontoonopedia, I welcome any feedback from other boat owners who might disagree, want to contribute, or just say thanks. You can do that via the usual channels.

For all your accessories and/or vinyl flooring visit Pontoon Depot's shop site.

Wow! It’s Not Your Father’s Pontoon Boat!

By: SlideMoor

Searching for a new boat for the family can be an arduous task. How do you please everyone? It isn’t easy. Do you need a speedboat for skiing? Do you need something with a lot of room? What about something comfortable for those all-day adventures?

Oddly enough, the big question is, have you considered a pontoon boat? Yes, you think they’re cumbersome. Yes, you think they’re for putzing around on the lake. Yes, you think they’re nothing but a party barge for twenty-something drinkers to float around on. But your perceptions might be dated!

Today’s pontoon boat is NOT your grandfather’s (or even your father’s) pontoon boat! Gone are the days of nothing but slow motion cruising! These fresh, new versions are anything but boring.

The new pontoon boat is speedy, efficient, and exciting! It is often still supported by 2 tubes, but the new tubes are sleek and bear lifting strakes and keels. Many manufacturers now add a 3^rd pontoon which makes the boat handle much like a V-hull boat. Sure, you can still play the slow paced captain of a floating get-together, but today’s options offer a whole different realm of possibilities for fun in the sun!

Do you have the need for speed? Surprisingly, pontoons can provide it! This innovative generation of boats can rise up on plane, and put a kick in the behind of the old version. Some models, with the right outboard, can reach over 50 mph! You can have all the relaxing atmosphere you want with the speed you want. You don’t have to take the slow lane to get to where you want to be. Today’s pontoon boat will zip you to your destination in a fraction of the time!

Can you believe that these new pontoons are fully capable of pulling skiers, wakeboarders and tubers? Amazing, but true.

You have the option of several different, high powered outboard motors to fuel your fun! You can pick many different upholstery and Bimini top fabrics. There are multiple design options available to suit your family’s needs. You can customize the seating to suit your family’s needs. Do you want super storage space? You can have that too!

What about contrasting fabric for the seat cushions and Bimini top? You can have it. What about multi-color flooring? They’ve got you covered. You can even get a wet bar, movable tables and built in stereos. And the cost for all this customization is less than you would imagine.

There are multiple options for storage, shade, and even the possibility for a collapsible changing cubicle to whip on that bathing suit in private. You can even choose to use the extra space to install a chemical toilet to provide a civilized option for your children and guests on a long trip!

It’s finally here—the best of both worlds! Relaxing in style, with room for plenty of friends, with the added fun of a little zoom in your day when you want it. Don’t count pontoon boats out when you’re shopping for a new family craft. It might just be your perfect ticket to fun!

For all your accessories and/or vinyl flooring visit Pontoon Depot's shop site

The Complete Guide to Pontoon Sea Legs

By: BetterBoat.com

What are pontoon sea legs?

Sea legs are basically two portable hydraulic mechanisms that attach to a pontoon boat’s underside, which can lift the boat approximately six feet above water when activated. Even out in the middle of the lake! When you’re ready to head home, you just lower it back down.

Unlike traditional boat lifts or storage systems you normally see on docks, they’re an excellent alternative for pontooners. Because as you’ll soon learn, pontoon sea legs go wherever you and your boat goes.

And you might not even need a boat trailer to haul your pontoon to storage, either.

How Pontoon Sea Legs Work

Attached to the bottom of your pontoon, sea legs are powered by a battery, which lifts the boat up out of the water to a holding position.

Tucked hidden away and installed under a seat compartment, the sea legs’ hydraulic system is activated by a one-horsepower, 12-volt pump.

To work properly, they require at least a 750 cold cranking amp battery, similar to this Optima Deep Cycle Marine (check price on Amazon).

Strong Pontoon Sea Legs Materials

Sea legs are typically constructed of lightweight extruded aluminum alloy tubing, set at an angle to provide the strength for a heavy pontoon boat. The aluminum isn’t bad for erosion prevention, either. At the end of each sea leg is a 48” x 18” pad foot, which supports the structure along the lake bottom.

The four hydraulic cylinders themselves are supported by steel alloy piston rods, which support approximately 6,500 pounds of lift capacity, which should support most heavier pontoons.

Pontoon Sea Leg Manufacturers

Sea legs are currently manufactured by two reputable Minnesota companies. Here’s a brief introduction to each:

Hewitt

Hewitt offers different models for pontoons. One model has a wide base to offer better stability in wind and rough water. But there are also electric and hydraulic sea legversions.

Sea-Legs

Sea-Legs, the brand, has sold more than 10,000 sets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their product offers 3,000 pounds of extracting and retracting power to keep from getting stuck. This is great if your lake’s sediment has sand, rock and mucky areas that could get the legs stuck.

The Cost of Pontoon Sea Legs

The cost to place sea legs on a pontoon can vary, depending on which brand you go with. But here is a general breakdown:

For a two-tube pontoon boat, sea legs cost approximately $4,300. And that’s just the legs.

Installation cost an additional $700, totaling $5,000.

For a tritoon pontoon boat, sea legs are approximately $6500, plus $1000 for installation, totaling $7500.

If you want the average 26-foot lift canopy, expect to pay around $4500, which doesn’t include setup or installation.

And then there’s the bells and whistles! Want a remote control for your pontoon sea legs? It’ll cost around $300 to $400.

The warranty — With your sea legs, you will find a warranty. But they may be different and vary anywhere from a one-year to two-year warranty. Ask your dealer about specific details of your warranty and read the fine print! Once installed, improper use of your sea legs can void the warranty.

Pontoon Sea Legs vs. Traditional Hydraulic Lifts

Sea legs are different from your traditional hydraulic lifts. The most obvious difference is that sea legs are installed to the bottom of your pontoon. Traditional hydraulic lifts, however, are installed onto docks and within storage facilities.

If you’re considering buying either sea legs or hydraulic lifts, consider their additional advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of Sea Legs Over Lifts

• Prevents having to haul your boat to docks/lifts

• Prevents a pontoon from banging against the dock

• Activated by the convenient push of a button

• Protects pontoon tubes from algae and mold buildup

• Deployed anywhere easily without cables and pulleys

• Install works on most pontoons

• Drifting is prevented and without anchors

Disadvantages of Sea Legs Over Lifts

• Affects your pontoon’s performance and towing capacity, as they add ~350 pounds

• Only fits pontoons between 18 and 30 feet

• Pontoon weight affects sea legs. (For maximum performance, the weight cannot exceed 5,800 pounds

• Sea legs are not on the cheap side

Alternatives to Sea Legs and Lifts

Sea legs aren’t a good fit for all pontoon owners. One major issue is the cost. If you prefer not to spend money on sea legs, lifts or even a dock, you can always go with economical ways to protect and secure your boat.

You have a couple of options:

1) Secure your boat to a dock or deck — For starters, learn some of those handy, Houdini-esque nautical knots.

The downside? This method won’t protect pontoons from mold/algae. It may not prevent damage from banging the dock’s side either. If you go this route, make sure you have a good pontoon cover to protect your boat.

To be fair, you’ll probably want to cover your pontoon when using sea legs, too. It’ll still be exposed to the elements, so a good cover is a good idea, like this Pyle UV protective cover(check price on Amazon) that’s mildew resistant and waterproof.

2) Use a trailer — Load your boat up onto your trailer and haul it to and from the water.

When you can’t currently afford sea legs or own your own dock, these are great options! Sea legs are expensive. So are docks. They don’t always fit our budgets … and some folks are simply more budget-conscious.

How Many Sea Legs Your Pontoon Needs

Your sea leg quantity depends on your pontoon’s overall size in terms of length and weight. Keep in mind, however, if your pontoon’s longer than 30 feet or shorter than 18 feet, it may not be suitable for sea legs at all.

In most cases, however, a pair of sea legs is installed toward each end of the boat. Longer pontoons, obviously, may require more. Check with your dealer and installer to help determine what your pontoon make and model needs.

Sea Leg Safety and Stability

Reports of pontoons tipping over while on sea legs are out there. But don’t let that scare you away. You just have to use them in the right conditions.

Muddy underwater sediment and even high wind affect a sea leg’s stability, so double-check these possible conditions before installing.

They can’t be used in water with rocky bottoms, either. It reduces the safety and stability of the sea legs.

Laws and Permits for Sea Legs

Although sea legs have supported pontoons since 1996, they’re still an up and coming trend and growing steadily.

Check with your state and local authorities to inquire exactly what permits are needed. It’s possible sea legs may not even be permitted where you live. Avoid spending that much money or having to remove them!

As always, it’s always a good idea to double-check. If you’re uncertain where to start, check with the United States Coast Guard to better understand laws and regulations. If you’re still unsure, request a contact in your local area.

Sea Leg Insurance

You need insurance for practically everything these days. And you’ll need insurance to cover your pontoon sea legs, too. Attached to your pontoon’s bottom, they’re not a permanent structure and may require a different type of insurance.

Check on your pontoon coverage, too, while you’re at it. Your current coverage may change with these additions. And your insurance company may need to know how your boat’s being stored.

If you have questions, you can contact the United Marine Underwriters for guidance.

Conclusion

Pontoon sea legs are a promising alternative to traditional lifts, even though they’re unusual and make your pontoon appear as though it could walk on water.

They might not work for every pontoon owner. But if they do, one thing’s for sure: They’ll not only protect your pontoon, but also be a great conversation piece!

For all your accessories and/or vinyl flooring visit Pontoon Depot's shop site.

TOP 5 BEST KENTUCKY LAKES FOR PONTOON BOATING

By: Bennington Marine

There are few things better to do in the great state of Kentucky than head out on the water for a day of fun and relaxation. Looking for the best place to launch your Bennington pontoon boat? Check out our short list of the top lakes for Kentucky boating enthusiasts below!

Top 5 Lakes in Kentucky for Pontoon Boating

Lake Barkley

Created upon the completion of the Barkley Dam, this beautiful lake features more than 100 miles of shoreline. Nestled in a 17,000-acre park that features boating, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, golf and hiking – this is the ultimate destination for a weekend getaway.

Kentucky Lake

One of the largest lakes in the state, Kentucky Lake sits right along the Tennessee River and offers boaters more than 160,700 acres of freshwater to explore. Known for its superb fishing, you’ll find yellow perch, buffalo carp and white bass in these waters.

Buckhorn Lake

If you’re looking for a secluded and magical place to spend a few days out on your Bennington pontoon boat, then this is the spot for you. Tucked back among the Appalachians, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park has activities for the whole family to enjoy including mini golf, swimming, fishing, and hiking.

Lake Cumberland

This is Kentucky’s largest lake by volume, stretching across 6 counties in total and offering boaters a secluded paradise to explore. Locals visit Lake Cumberland to relax and enjoy everything from kayaking, rafting, swimming, waterboarding, fishing, water skiing and more.

Laurel River Lake

If fantastic natural sights are something you enjoy, then it’s time to make a trip out to Laurel River Lake. Located within the stunning Daniel Boone National Forest, this 5,700-acre lake is a popular destination for boating, scuba diving and swimming. If fishing is your goal for the day, you're sure to find everything from rainbow trout to black bass, catfish and crappie in the waters of the Laurel River Lake.

Explore the Best Waters Kentucky Has to Offer

Ready to get out and discover Kentucky’s best boating spots? With so many stunning natural waters to offer, it’s no wonder boating enthusiasts from around the country love to visit the great state of Kentucky. Before you plan your next big trip, be sure to check out the latest selection of high-performance Bennington Pontoon boats and find your local dealer today.

For all your accessories and/or vinyl flooring visit Pontoon Depot's shop site.