Some Pictures of my Wooden Pontoon [Archive]

WoodenPontoon

02-24-2009, 10:24 PM

Here are some pictures of my boat which I have been working on for 11 years. Seriously planning a launch this year.

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_1779-1.jpg

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_1777.jpg

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_1782.jpg

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_1784.jpg

I'll post more later.

Yeadon

02-24-2009, 10:31 PM

A strip-built party barge. Amen brother.

DGentry

02-25-2009, 07:56 AM

Every boat should have a couch. Nice!

scooter24

02-25-2009, 09:42 AM

This will be one fine looking pontoon, the woodpattern is impressive, please post more pictures as it progresses.

PaulT

02-25-2009, 11:49 AM

That is way cool!. Beautiful work. I'll join the chorus..More pics please!

WoodenPontoon

03-22-2009, 11:30 PM

Thought I'd add a few more pictures of my boat. I'm currently working on the fences and gates.

Forward Fence with Veneer blocked in.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/4_Port_Fwd_Fence_2.jpg

Forward Fence Framing.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/8_Inside_Port_Fwd_Fence.jpg

Fitting Forward Gate.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/6_Fwd_Gate_Port_Fence_1.jpg

Vacuum Bagging Forward Gate.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/10_Vacumm_Bagging_in_Process.jpg

Veneered Rough-Sized Panel.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/11_Vacumm_Bagging_Complete.jpg

Panel Fitted into Gate.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/12_Fwd_Gate_w_New_Panel.jpg

WoodenPontoon

05-21-2009, 11:41 PM

Started working on my console recently. Thought I'd post some additional pictures. I'm working very hard trying to have it ready for the Wooden Boat Show in Mystic at the end of June. I will be showing it in the "I Built it Myself" area.

Fitting my Helm Seat against the Starboard Rail. The Cup Holders help define lower boundary of console.

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_2551.jpg

Getting a feel for the arrangement of the Console Components

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_2274.jpg

Close-Up of Gauges and Panels

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_2539.jpg

Decided that I didn't like original panels for small gauges. Made new ones!

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_2556.jpg

Lower Panel with Steering Wheel mounted in place.

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_2583.jpg

Trying to add depth to upper guage panels.

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_2584.jpg

24hacker

05-22-2009, 01:59 PM

Too cool!! Very nice job

Tom Robb

05-22-2009, 03:18 PM

While I'm not a fan of pontoon boats, I certainly wouldn't be ashamed to be seen on this one. ;)

Lew Barrett

05-22-2009, 03:36 PM

My thoughts, Tom. You read "pontoon" and think; "I can afford to skip over this thread." But when you see what Dan Williams has wrought, you think again! Nice job, Dan!

WoodenPontoon

05-22-2009, 09:10 PM

Thanks for the compliments guys. I appreciate your interests.

As you can tell this is a boat like no other pontoon boat, anywhere! I will post more pictures soon.

See you at the Wooden Boat Show in Mystic in June.

Captain Blight

05-23-2009, 11:07 PM

I'm kinda impressed! Very nice work.

I've always thought that pontoon boats were a good idea done badly. They're usually grossly underpowered, enormously heavy, and the round hulls are unhydrodynamic as hell. What might make the concept work better is a big infusion of lightness, properly shaped underwater sections for the hull, and a small inboard engine in each hull. Maybe like the Kohler Aegis water-cooled twins, which are appropriately sized and quite economical.

donald branscom

05-24-2009, 12:46 AM

Very impressive wood work.
In the photo of the dash board it looked like the washing machine dials were part of the display. HAHahahhah ....almost fit.

05-24-2009, 02:29 AM

Nice work.

WoodenPontoon

06-29-2009, 08:48 PM

Hi All,

Been so busy trying to get ready for the Mystic Boat Show that I haven't had any time for the forum. Thought that I would post some pictures from the show. It was nice meeting some of you guys at the show as well.

Front View
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_2697.jpg
Back View
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_2698.jpg
Left Side
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_2696.jpg
Right Side
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_2695.jpg

Console
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_2710.jpg

ShagRock

06-29-2009, 10:01 PM

Impressive work and unique design! The recent photos very nice, indeed!

JimJ

06-30-2009, 02:28 AM

This one could join the Mighty Pippin in a glass case in the lounge room.
Very impressive. i do like the veneering.
Congratulations
I do hope you have a fridge for a coldie.
Jim

The Bigfella

06-30-2009, 04:55 AM

Yep, looking great.

What's the weight on the drawbar like with the wheels all the way back there on that trailer?

WoodenPontoon

07-01-2009, 08:47 PM

Yep, looking great.

What's the weight on the drawbar like with the wheels all the way back there on that trailer?

She seemed a little heavy on the trip to Mystic. Fortunately, I live only about 20 miles from the seaport. I assumed that was because there was no weight on the aft end. I would guess that when she's ready for launching, there will be an addtitional 600 pounds behind the wheels (engine, 2 batteries, port-a-potti, gas tank, fresh water tank) and very little more on the forward portion.

If she's still heavy then, I will have to move things around.

brad9798

07-03-2009, 07:01 AM

WOW!

Party Barge meets Victorian design!

Great job, seriously!!! :cool:

brad9798

07-03-2009, 07:02 AM

I never thought I'd use the words 'pontoon' and 'elegant' and even 'wood' all together!!!

Again- cool boat!

gert

07-03-2009, 08:49 AM

You sure can't judge a thread by it's title, can you?

Pretty impressive.

WoodenPontoon

07-03-2009, 09:01 AM

Thanks for all the great compliments Guys!

I appreciate your interest!

KMacDonald

07-03-2009, 11:10 AM

If only Nathaniel Herreshoff were here to see her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WoodenPontoon

07-21-2009, 09:59 PM

Have to make a choice between a 50 HP and a 70 HP motor. I originally bought and paid for in full, a rebuilt 50 about 10 years, but never took delivery because I wasn't ready for it. Now the rebuilder says that he can fiinish a 70 easier than trying to put together a 50. I think I'm going with the 70. Good Choice????

I put my bimini on this past weekend. It's really starting to look like a pontoon boat .......... except for all of the wood!

arrowdog

07-21-2009, 10:34 PM

Unbelievable. I've never seen anything quite like it. Awesome work. I can't wait to hear how the maiden voyage goes.

Tom Hunter

07-22-2009, 06:55 AM

50hp or 70hp isn't that important, but the weight of the engine might be. So I would just ask the guy what the two engines weigh.

WoodenPontoon

07-22-2009, 07:53 PM

Unbelievable. I've never seen anything quite like it. Awesome work. I can't wait to hear how the maiden voyage goes.

arrowdog - Thanks for the compliments. I don't believe there is anything like it either, anywhere!

This is a very, very untraditional boat, but at least it's wood!

I'm planning to launch Labor Day Weekend. I'll be sure to post some more pictures.

Tom - I talked to the guy rebuilding my motor. The 70hp is only about 65-70 pounds heavier than the 50hp or about 270 vs. 200 lbs. My transom and center hull should be strong enough to hold a 115.

oakman

07-22-2009, 10:02 PM

All right, lets get one thing straight here. Even though it's a pontoon. . .it's still port and starboard. . . ;) :D

Lovely work!

Oakman

Concordia...41

07-23-2009, 04:44 PM

Scot L T

07-23-2009, 05:18 PM

WOW! A few years ago I did some work restoring the vaneered dashboards of classic British and other European sports cars...the dashboard in the last photo reminds me of those. Next one I get, I'm sending to you. You've got the knack.

You've got to be complimented on a job well done. Cannot wait for the launch photos.

WoodenPontoon

07-23-2009, 08:39 PM

I just wanted you to know I was one of the many folks milling about and admiring your work at the WBS. You seemed to be constantly engaged and answering questions, so I never got a chance to congratulate you on your amazing work.

Anyway, just wanted you to know that for every person that came up and said something, there were probably a dozen that just stood there silently.

- Margo

Thanks for the compliments Margo. I really wish you would have said something to me at the WBS. I was hoping to meet more forum members.

I was, indeed, very busy talking to people at the show. I went home hoarse on Friday and decided to make a sign that answered the most common questions. It sure helped for the rest of the weekend. I estimate that about 3000 people stopped to look at "All Spruced Up" over the course of the show.

Next year I will try to show it again. Only this time it will be "done" .... if that state ever exists!

WOW! A few years ago I did some work restoring the vaneered dashboards of classic British and other European sports cars...the dashboard in the last photo reminds me of those. Next one I get, I'm sending to you. You've got the knack.

Scot L T - The dash is actually not veneered, buy instead boards that were resawn and opened like a book. The wood is curly maple from my Grandfather's tree in Washington State.

I'd love to help put your next dashboard together!!!!

Scot L T

07-23-2009, 09:32 PM

Book matched SOLID maple dashboard! Even better. And from Grandfathers tree...gotta love that.

It must be Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) if from the Pacific North West. I love that stuff and use it quite a bit in my guitar building. It can get a pretty crazy figure going some times.

Haven't done any dashboards for a couple years as my buddie has moved on the redoing Mini's. But, for sure, if I get another request, I'm a calling ya.

WoodenPontoon

07-28-2009, 09:59 PM

Finally set a launch date for my boat, "All Spruced Up", this Labor Day Weekend!

If anybody's in the area, come on down! We're going to have a big party.

kilted1

09-03-2009, 05:59 AM

AMAZING..Simply AMAZING

Cheers on a great job mate

NYCKiwi

09-03-2009, 07:52 PM

Nice job - I'm looking forward to pictures from the launch.
John

floatingkiwi

09-03-2009, 08:08 PM

Powerplant?

htom

09-03-2009, 09:38 PM

That's, that's, ... that's a PONTOON BOAT! Wow! Not at all what I expected. Fantastic.

WoodenPontoon

09-08-2009, 08:18 PM

Thanks for all the good words guys.

90 HP 2-Cycle Evinrude Out Board

Finally Launched on Saturday Afternoon:
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/DSC02463.jpg
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/DSC02465.jpg
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/DSC02478.jpg
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/DSCF0799.jpg
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/DSC02486.jpg

Big Woody

09-08-2009, 08:35 PM

Congratulations! Have fun! :)

essaunders

09-08-2009, 09:28 PM

Congrats on the launch! Sorry we couldn't make it down.

Woodenboat dreamer

04-17-2010, 10:38 AM

Awesome pontoon wher can I find plans to build something like that it's exactlly what I want any help please

wizbang 13

04-17-2010, 10:52 AM

wow. can I get the name of your drug dealer?

WoodenPontoon

04-18-2010, 12:59 PM

Awesome pontoon wher can I find plans to build something like that it's exactlly what I want any help please

I don't think there are any plans. This was my own design. I'd be happy to help develop some plans with you for your boat.

Be warned ---- Its a HUGE UNDERTAKING! I spent almost 12 years building mine (part-time of course).

Ian McColgin

04-18-2010, 06:14 PM

Follow the dream.

Peter Malcolm Jardine

04-18-2010, 08:23 PM

A great thread Dan... congrats on your launch..! :)

WoodenPontoon

04-18-2010, 08:55 PM

Thanks for the compliments guys. It was sure a great feeling when she was FINALLY launched. I can't wait to put her in again later this spring!

Sometimes dreams do come true! Don't ever give up on yours!!!!!!!

Woodenboat dreamer

04-18-2010, 10:01 PM

WoodenPontoon

04-18-2010, 10:08 PM

Hanks any help would be greatly appreciated I know it's gonna be a very long process but I have always loved the art of a wooden boat and a pontoon like that would be perfect for my family and myself, my first step for me is to develop some form of plans to study then start the build, there is no way I could build something anywhere near that nice without them. So again thanks for any future help.

The first step is to determine how the family will likely want to use the boat (e.g. fishing, cruising, towing, camping). Take a look at the commercial aluminum versions to get some ideas. Work the best ones into your boat.

P.L.Lenihan

04-19-2010, 04:18 AM

Beautiful! Lots of good solid comfort on board for friends and yourself to luxuriate in. Brings pontoon boats to a whole new level.Fantastic!!

Cheers!

Peter

kazeai1969

04-19-2010, 05:17 AM

I didn't see any pictures of the beer cooler, but am assuming.....

George Ray

04-19-2010, 06:46 AM

Congrats on both dream come true and great craftsmanship.

Woodenboat dreamer

04-19-2010, 08:27 AM

WoodenPontoon

04-19-2010, 10:27 PM

Mainly the boat would be used for fishing and cruising but with the occasional day of water skiing tubing ect... I have a large family so I do need atleast a 25' or larger capable of roughly 50mph or more if possible. I know this seems like alot to ask for in a boat and I would probably be better off to buy one but where else can you find this kind of craftmanship and beauty together.

Sounds like a real big boat with a large engine (maybe 200 HP or twin engines). Go with 3 full hulls of at least 26" diameter. Recommend that the center hull be larger than the outboard hulls.

What type of wood working have you done previously? Any boatbuilding?

Woodenboat dreamer

04-20-2010, 07:20 AM

I've done construction work for about 12 yrs and small woodworking crafts are a hobby of mine but I have never built a boat but have always wanted to. I know that building houses and crafts are completely differant that's why I'm gonna pretty much have to have step by step plans to accomplish something like this. This is going to be a long term project for me just working on it very slowly but try to everyday. I want to build something that I can be proud of.

Michael D. Storey

04-20-2010, 07:27 AM

The first step is to determine how the family will likely want to use the boat (e.g. fishing, cruising, towing, camping). Take a look at the commercial aluminum versions to get some ideas. Work the best ones into your boat.

Suggest you also consider what your family make-up will be at the time of completion, if you are looking at a several-year project. The Boys & I started a house on the River 7 years ago. One is in California, one in Florida and the most useful one of all un-accounted for.

Woodenboat dreamer

04-20-2010, 01:42 PM

I want to build it asap and as quickly as I can, but if it takes several yrs that's ok because I don't want to cut any corners on it. This is the only project that I've ever wanted to do and just didn't know how to go about it I don't have a clue how or where to start, I just want to build a boat that I can be proud of and have for many yrs. to come. I hope that you can help because I can't find anything close to this design and a pontoon will be perfect for us. I would also be willing to pay for any plans that you might be willing to draw up, I am a first time boat builder so I definately will need alot of help with this and I could follow a good set of plans but no one in this area does that kind of work, again thanks for any help you can give me

WoodenPontoon

06-25-2010, 05:42 PM

Woodenboat Dreamer - Have you made any progress on determining the needs of your boat? I was wonderingwhat your ideas were.

Peter_Crowl

06-25-2010, 05:53 PM

Thanks for bumping this up - otherwise I'd never have seen it. Your design and work are fantastic!!

WoodenPontoon

06-28-2010, 09:54 PM

Thanks for the compliments Peter!

WoodenPontoon

08-04-2010, 10:09 PM

I'm having a Marine Surveyor take a look at my boat next Tuesday. I'm hoping that he likes what he sees!!!!!

John Turpin

08-05-2010, 08:22 AM

What a fun project. Kudos for building such a beautiful boat.

Antti Alfthan

08-05-2010, 08:27 AM

A Finn couldn't do without sauna included. - Trailing maybe? :D

jrobbins

08-12-2010, 12:22 PM

nice woodwork

WoodenPontoon

08-17-2010, 10:23 PM

Thanks for the compiliments guys!

A Finn couldn't do without sauna included. - Trailing maybe? :D

Maybe not a sauna, ..... but I have had people tell me that she looks like a hot tub........!

Well, I had my survey a week ago. The surveyor loved my boat. He took my application number with him and faxed the report directly to the insurance company for me. They had their copy 3 days before I received my copy. I had insurance as of midnight Thursday, I could not have asked for better service. Both the surveyor and the insurance people did a fantastic job!!!!!!

It is comforting to know that she is now insured. Hopefully, I'll never need to use it!

WoodenPontoon

09-22-2010, 09:37 PM

Hi All,

I'm considering a rebuild/modification of my center transom. I originally built mine square to the deck. I had to build some wedges in order to mount my outboard. I really don't like the look of the wedges and will likely modify the entire transom. What is the proper angle to use for this application? I will also be adding lifting strakes to the hulls over the winter.

Any help will be appreciated .... as usual!

Thanks,
Dan

seo

09-23-2010, 08:42 PM

WoodenPontoon

11-11-2010, 10:06 PM

I grew up in Minnesota, where pontoon boats were a folk-art form, usually involving aluminum and vinyl. This is very classy. This goes way beyond that. I'm amazed by the dashboard for the wood figure, and I like the couch. Your models (or were they crew) on the maiden voyage seemed to find their places without trouble.
As far as the engine goes, I think you'll find that 70 is plenty, but a newer 90 might actually burn less fuel. In any case, the propeller choice will be critical. Once you have an idea of how fast the hull wants to run, you might stop and talk to a mechanic at a shop that has some pontoon boats around, and see what works for boats in the size/horsepower/speed range. Generally, less pitch and more diameter is better for slower hulls.

Thanks for the compliments! My dash has deep family ties as the Curly Maple came from from Grandfather's tree in Washington state. My Dad has built clocks for 4 generations of our family from that same tree.

I will be playing with different props in ths springtime. Right now I have a 13.75 x 15 on a 1985 90 HP Eveinrude.

Woodenboat dreamer

12-28-2010, 10:39 AM

With the motor you have on there what kind of speed do you get out of it? I would love to build something like that with enought speed to water ski and tube behind

Breakaway

12-28-2010, 11:00 AM

I'm considering a rebuild/modification of my center transom. I originally built mine square to the deck. I had to build some wedges in order to mount my outboard. I really don't like the look of the wedges and will likely modify the entire transom. What is the proper angle to use for this application?

12-15 degrees is typical. Are your wedges providing enough "tuck?" If so, just replicate that angle.

Kevin

WoodenPontoon

12-29-2010, 08:38 PM

With the motor you have on there what kind of speed do you get out of it? I would love to build something like that with enought speed to water ski and tube behind

I get about 20 mph out of her so far. Would lke to improve upon that.

12-15 degrees is typical. Are your wedges providing enough "tuck?" If so, just replicate that angle.

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for your input. I'm not sure what enough "tuck" is supposed to feel or look like. I don't have enough experience with boats to know what is right.
The wedges that I have are between 10 and 11 degrees. I guess that I didn't miss too badly for cutting them, without having a clue as to the proper angle. I think a little more angle won't hurt. I think I might experimernt with some different angled wedges over the upcoming season, so as to make a better judgement about how to adjust the transom. Wedges are certainly easier to change than a transom rebuild would be.

WoodenPontoon

08-21-2011, 11:24 PM

Finally, took the time to put her name and the "Port of Call" on. Thought I'd share some new pictures.
Placing Name Stencil
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_3444.jpg
Placing "Peel-n-Stick" Teak Letters
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_3445.jpg
Removed Stencil
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_3448.jpg
Dry fitting Fiberglass tape over lettering
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_3452.jpg
Partial coating of epoxy
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_3453.jpg
Ist coat of epoxy finished
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr173/WoodenPontoon/100_3454.jpg