News — DIY

4 Tips for Restoring Your Pontoon Boat | Pontoon-Depot

By: Ejectomat

It may be more affordable for you to restore your old pontoon boat instead of replacing it with a new one. This article discusses the components that you should pay attention to during that restoration project.

The Deck

The deck is arguably the most essential component of any pontoon boat. Inspect the deck carefully so that you identify any defects that can shorten the service life of the restored pontoon boat. Check for signs of rot, such as sponginess. Use a flashlight to look underneath the deck to identify damaged sections on the lower side of the deck. You can even pull up parts of the carpeting to take a closer look at the areas that seem to be affected by rot. Replace the damaged sections with marine-grade plywood.

The Pontoons

Check each of the pontoons carefully for any signs of leaks or corrosion. Remember that a previous owner may have masked a corroded section of a pontoon by painting over it. You should, therefore, be keen and spot any painted areas that don't look identical to the surrounding areas. Use an appropriate material, such as putty, to fix any holes that you see in the pontoons. Weld any areas that are corroded.

The Furniture

Pontoon boat furniture plays a vital role in the aesthetics and functionality of the boat. You should, therefore, give this feature sufficient attention during the restoration project. Pay special attention to any furniture that has wooden frames since wood rot may have affected them. Check the upholstery for rips and tears. Base on the inspection results to decide whether to replace or conduct repairs to the furniture. Remember that it may be easier and less costly to replace the degraded furniture instead of trying to fix numerous defects in it.

Customisations

The restoration project should be regarded as an opportunity to add the features and adjustments that will make that pontoon boat to be better suited to your needs. For example, you can add ladders, an audio system and extra table space to make the boat more user-friendly. A lot of careful planning and budgeting should be done before the restoration project begins. This will save you from spending more money trying to restore an old boat than what you would have spent if you had opted to buy a new or used pontoon boat.

Consult experienced pontoon boat owners or repair professionals about the suitability of each major decision so that you don't make a mistake during the restoration project.

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Hot Springs Expanding Pontoon Boat Production

Pic By: Xpress Boats

JONES MILL, Ark. (KATV) — There's an abandon plant of highway 270 in the small community of Jones Mill.

But it was announced early Monday, that that's about to change.

"When I moved out here a long time ago, there was all kinds of stuff," Throne said.

Like the General Cable plant, which shut down production a few years ago.

"I was hoping we'd see something go in there," said Throne.

Well, Monday morning, it was announced that Xpress Boat Company will be bringing roughly one hundred new jobs back to this plant and jones mill, to help with production of their Veranda Luxury Pontoon Boats.

"It's an exciting opportunity for our company, it's an exciting opportunity for the community," Rory Herndon, president of Xpress Boat Company, said.

"Any time you have the expansion of a local business, it's a great day," Pat McCabe, mayor of Hot Springs, said.

Mayor McCabe says the Garland County based company will drive more revenue for the area, after investing nearly $10 million in the General Cable Plant.

"We're going to have people coming from Hot Springs, Malvern are going to have people employed," McCabe said.

Something Throne says will put the abandon plant back into good use.

"I think they'll do really good right there," she said.

General Cable had left Jones Mill in 2015.

The plant itself in over 375,000 square feet.

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

BASIC BOAT MAINTENANCE | PONTOON-DEPOT

By: Pontoon Living

When it comes to your pontoon boat or fishing boat, nothing is more important than safety and maintenance. The good condition of your boat is heavily hinged upon the achievements maintained and the grade of its upkeep. All through the year, taking good care of your boat is vital. Discussed below are several techniques to do this.

Leave the Drain Unplugged

When leaving your boat out with the landing you will need to just be sure you pull the drain plug leave it removed. This will be significant since in the event it rains, water is not going to collect and accumulate inside the bilge. This can be dangerous as it could ruin the boats mechanical parts like the starter the risk is compounded through the indisputable fact that the bilge pump only works for a short while and it may not be as helpful in clearing accumulated water.

Outboard Motor Care

An outboard motor, perhaps the most common feature in fishing boats, limits one from leaving it unattended for very long spans of time. For the reason that in the event the fuel-oil mixture stays to take a seat within the carburetor, the fuel evaporates leaving the oil to clog the carburetor causing unwanted and expensive damage. In order to avoid this, it really is advised that one should add stabilizer for the fuel and run the engine for approximately ten mins, this prevents the carburetor in form and prevents an overhaul.

Inspect the Boat for Leaks Over the Water Line

A leak higher than the conduit just isn’t as lethal together below but this does not mean it’s not at all problematic. To identify these you need to inspect the deck hardware, the windows and portals for almost any leaks or possible cracks. Tighten the bolts and screws or simply tighten them anew just to be sure.

Use Recommended Parts for Replacements

Unfortunately, it is inevitable for boats to age. In addition to possibly losing its exterior luster, some of your boat parts will degrade and need replacement. If you are planning to list your boats for sale, make sure you replace broken down parts. Use parts approved by the manufacturer and steer clear of using cheaper substitutes.

Regular maintenance You ought to make positive changes to oil every now and then, wash the boat after and get rid of the engine after every use. With a nice windy day, open the windows and air the boat to prevent accumulated moisture and corrosion.

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

5 Big Advantages to a Pontoon Boat

By: JetDock

When it’s time to choose the right kind of boat for your lifestyle, there are several things to consider. It’s important to understand the experience level that is required with certain watercrafts as well as affordability and ease of use.

Pontoon boats should always be part of the conversation when choosing what kind of boat to purchase. Among the different kinds of watercrafts on the market today, a pontoon boat can be the ideal choice for just about any boater. Here are 5 advantages of buying a pontoon boat compared to other watercrafts.

Ample Storage

Because pontoon boats are more spacious than a traditional watercraft, it makes storing important items much easier. If you choose to boat during the fall and into the colder months, it’s inevitable that passengers are going to bring jackets, blankets, and other bulky items. On top of these, you always need extra life vests, snacks, an extra pair clothes, an ice chest, and the rest of your safety equipment. Small power boats simply don’t have the square footage to store important equipment and accommodate more than two people without feeling like your stuck in a  sardine container. A pontoon boat on the other hand, gives you the space you need for extra people and and extra essentials, usually seating a minimum of 11 passengers.

Beginner and Family Friendly

Pontoon boats are the ultimate beginner friendly watercraft. Regardless of your experience, a pontoon is extremely easy to use and maintain. It features a stable platform and controls that are a cinch to master. Because of the sheer weight, pontoon boats are easy to drive and handle, making them unlikely to flip.

Pontoon boats are also great for families with small children. Because pontoons are so spacious, this gives small children the freedom to walk about the boat without “getting in the way.” Older kids can also invite their friends aboard, still leaving plenty of room for everyone’s gear and a make for a more enjoyable trip all around.

Cheaper to Insure

Typically, pontoon boats are less expensive than a power boat, making them cheaper to insure. Pontoon boats under $30,000, can be as little as $20-$30 a month for good insurance coverage. They can also be much cheaper to fix when an accident does occur, making them more appealing to insurance companies. Even a pontoon boat with a souped up engine can carry a cheaper insurance policy than that of a typical power boat when you’re using it for recreational use.

Easy to Dock

Trying to dock your boat can be a stressful experience but with a pontoon boat, it doesn’t hate to be. Because pontoons are easy to drive, they’re also easy to dock. The ideal boat lift is low profile, making it easy to drive onto without backing in and even easier to launch from. You’ll still need to practice docking, but a pontoon is the best way to master the art form.

Long Lifespan

Unlike ski boats, pontoons don’t change much, so there isn’t a need to always upgrade to the latest and best model. Pontoons have a timeless design and are often much more customizable after purchase, making them more appealing for long-term use. For this fact alone, pontoons can last well into the next generation of your family when taking care of properly.

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