How to Build a Cheap Pontoon Boat
by Haliyma Barrow
Pontoon boats are designed to offer you and your belongings greater support while traveling on water. Building a pontoon boat doesn't have to cost you a lot of money. Materials such as plastic drums and PVC pipes can be utilized in the construction of pontoon boats. If you have a few spare plastic drums or PVC pipes, you can make your own pontoon boat and save yourself the expense of purchasing one.
Step 1
Choose your work area, preferably close to water. This will allow you to test your boat as often as possible to ensure its efficiency.
Step 2
Develop a construction plan. This should include the size of the pontoon boat that you need. If you are unsure of the size, you can use the usual 55-pound plastic drums.
Step 3
Put the plastic drums together and pile them in uniform columns and rows on a flat and stable surface. The drums should be close together.
Step 4
Measure the width and height of the drums that will be utilized in building the frame.
Step 5
Build a frame made of wood with the exact width and height of the piled drums that you will use.
Step 6
Secure the frame using screws on the edges. Make sure that all edges are tightly secured, so they can hold the plastic drums that you will incorporate into the frame.
Step 7
Pile up the drums inside the frame and arrange them proportionally and evenly. Make sure that the weight is evenly distributed to support a stable float.
Step 8
Strap the drums securely in the frame. This will promote stability of the drums when water and current is applied.
Step 9
Use a sturdy cord. The cord should be able to hold the drums tightly together.
Step 10
Test your pontoon boat on nearby shallow water for safety. You can try putting pressure and weight on it gradually to test how much weight it can withstand.
References
Things You'll Need
- Plastic drums
- Wood
- Screws
- Measuring tape
- Cord
Writer Bio
Haliyma Barrow began her journalism career in 2004 as a staff writer for IUP's student newspaper, "The Penn." Beyond the campus setting, Barrow has contributed articles to Harbeatnews.com and various other websites. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and a minor in journalism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Public Administration from New York University.
