Motor Boatin’ the Pontoon Redo

You’re not going to believe the redo on this pontoon, but first, and because my post wouldn’t be complete without an embarrassing story, I must regress for a minute. Not my finest moment but certainly entertaining for any unsuspecting bystanders.

And because B is always working on a project, this time a 29 year old pontoon boat just waiting to be revived, I had to check out the progress. “Oh how nice, very clean you’ve gotten it indeed, certainly a diamond in the rough,” these are all things I (sort of) said.

When I happen to feel a little non-threatening tickle. hmmm that’s funny, I thought, I’ve been wearing this shirt all day and the tag hasn’t bothered me at all. Oh wait – when I innocently check the reverse of the left side of my shirt.

My brain, in slow motion, realized that was a giant black bug perusing my blouse.

I think the following went something like this, all in a high pitched squealing voice, “help me, help me, help me! EEEEEEeeee! Oh no! Help help!” And in the middle of our full cabin resort I promptly tore that shirt off.

Yes folks. In. My. Bra. Looking as crazy as ever.

And now I’m completely paranoid. I’d thank that big black bug for this embarrassing moment, but I can’t find him. Perfect!

Anyway, I get a call the other day while at work saying, “Oh hi honey, how’s your day going? I’m thinking about buying a pontoon boat from this guy on Craig’s List for 1600 bucks.”

Now I’m not usually the debby-downer, but I’m thinking about a lovely new floor I’d like to install this fall and $1600 for a random pontoon is not in my budget.

My hubby, knowing we have an almost 30 year old pontoon in the even older car wash, that’s next to a probably older laundromat, that came with this awesome adventure of resort ownership…is quite possibly a great opportunity.

A work in progress…B ripped out all the old seats and benches. This is not the first time a project has made our place look like a junk yard. Oh well, all in the name of a handy-man-diyer.

Let the power-washing begin. I’m still completely amazed at how clean it got. We were almost certain we’d need to buy new marine carpet. Nope and score!

Anyway, I got home from work that day and the word that came to mind was Monstrosity. This thing is 24 feet of pure hugeness but assuredly proved to really be that diamond in the rough.

I’m telling you this thing is like the floating party bus that we didn’t even know we had.

It was quite the day when B pulled (actually he backed it all the way down the access…did I mention this thing is huge?). I giggled this time because of the 4 people next to us putting their dingy in the water – pretty sure I could’ve carried theirs on my back.

Let’s check things out…yes, all is well…pretty good, indeed. He loves it when I put words in his mouth 😉

As close as she can go.

And wouldn’t you know it, a 115 horsepower motor that started right up and runs like a champ. After sitting idle for 20 years, that’s some luck!

Yup, it’s running.

A new battery, new gas tank, some Seafoam for the motor (B swears by this stuff!) and we’ve got ourselves one heck of a party barge…or fishing platform…or layout deck…you pick, but whatever you choose I’d say B used that elbow grease to its best potential.

Camp chairs and a new large marine bin will serve as seating (and great storage). A new radio and installed speakers for your favorite tunes…

Now for a cool cocktail, lounge chair and a good book, I’ll be all set! Talk about a Labor Day last hurrah! but really we’re open until December 1st 🙂

Going out for a little test run in the evening…our resort friends didn’t know they’d be guinea pigs, hahaha. A bit of a breeze but they had a blast!