New-to-us pontoon restoration

[Marathon]

We did the same as you this year and restored a 1999 28' Lowe Classic.

If you've got any before/after pics, I'd love to see them.

[OLEDAVE]

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7019

This should take you there. If not look under Lowe Restoration.

[rpm121370]

I have to admit, I am about 50-50 in terms of vinyl/carpet. I like the looks of the carpet much better, I like the sound dampening, I like the reduced temperature. But I really appreciate the ease of maintenance with vinyl.

But when it all comes down to it, the deciding factor was the person that has the 51% vote. And that's not me. If she's happy, I'm happy.

I restored our Bennington this winter and installed carpet but if I had to do it again I would have installed vinyl and snap in carpet

good luck Ron

[Marathon]

Thought I should come back and update. Everyone needs closure.

Me and my assistant:


At last update, we had removed the furniture and rails, and planned to keep the deck. But getting the adhesive removed turned out to be a bear, and I just went ahead and stripped it down. I hate doing things halfway.


New deck down (got the girlfriend and her sister working while I take pics):


Next comes the new carpet, glued and rolled:


I bought new rails on ebay, but at the last minute we decided to reuse the old rails, and just replaced the fencing. New rails, back on eBay! Here is our furniture, from Veada, and the rails:




That was it for last summer. Once it came out of storage this spring, we were under pressure. Big family vacation planned in June with the whole family, and lots of boating promised.

New custom mooring cover:


Toons cleaned with Napa aluminum brightener (that stuff kicks butt!), and graphics added (mostly straight!):




Two battery set-up, with switch installed under rear seat:




After all the behind the scenes stuff (wiring, replacing steering and controls, etc), here she is:




Had some freeloaders under the deck for a while:






The maiden voyage; at the ramp:


Pushing off, with the foot assist from the girlfriend:


On the lake:


At the slip, with girlfriend and her mom:


Out on the lake with girlfriend and family:



Second voyage, with girlfriend and mascot, Virgil:






Long process (20 months), but definitely worth it. Everything new except pontoons, motor, rails, bimini frame and helm. Gonna really enjoy it this summer!

[redbeard]

Nice job looks great.

[curtiscapk]

I was wondering what happened to you!! Looks awesome!

[Marathon]

I was wondering what happened to you!! Looks awesome!

Been here a lot, lurking and stockpiling advice. This place is the best resource!

[badmoonrising]

Fantastic job !

[ROLAND]

very nice!!! great job!!

[evinrude2stroke]

Holy crap!!! What a transformation.. Nice job. It must have felt great getting back out on her.

[Marathon]

Holy crap!!! What a transformation.. Nice job. It must have felt great getting back out on her.

Not back out on her; out on her for the first time ever! When we bought the boat, our plan was to use her for the rest of the summer and then start work over the winter. But once we got her home, the brains of the outfit decided that she didn't want to wait, and we just tore into it. It's been a slow process; we didn't have access over the winters, and didn't get started til later in the summer last year. So this past weekend is the first time we've ever had her on the water.

I admit, there was a moment of anxiety when we launched; I was really glad she floats!

I absolutely loved the process, though. My girlfriend is laughing at me; I'm already browsing craigslist for another one in terrible shape that I could pick up cheap and strip all the way down and start from scratch. The good thing is that now this one is done, we can enjoy it, and I can take my time (as if 20 months wasn't long enough) on the next one!

[justfishing]

great job. Where did you get the furniture.

[Marathon]

The furniture is from Veada.

[Darin]

Looks awesome!! My Veada seats should be here in a week or two. Great Job!

[HandymanHerb]