10 DIY Pontoon Boat Plans For Family Fun
Pontoon boats offer a unique, fun, and relaxing way to enjoy the water. They are not only a mode of transportation but also provide a platform for fishing or observing nearby lakes or ponds. Besides their convenience and functionality, they are easy to make from scratch, allowing a lot of customization options. This makes them a great deal for those who want to enjoy water adventures without spending a lot. If you also love the water, check out these 10 DIY Pontoon Boat Plans we’ve added to our list.
Creating your own DIY pontoon boat can be an exciting project with satisfying results. We have included all kinds of boat ideas, whether you want something for fishing or simply cruising. Our collection caters to boats with motors or paddles, and all of them are great for your needs. From a single-person boat with paddles to a picnic boat with a motor, we have everything on this list. So, enjoy the full list and convert everyday items into an incredible sailing creation.
How deep can a pontoon boat go?
A pontoon boat isn’t made for deep-water exploration but is ideal for calm, shallow waters. The average draft of a pontoon – the vertical distance between the waterline and the lowest part of the boat – is roughly one to two feet when unloaded. Factors like weight, boat size, and water conditions can affect this, but remember, pontoon boats are typically used for leisurely, near-shore activities.
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Recumbent Pedal Pontoon Boat
This boat lets you slowly travel and check out the lakes and rivers near your home. Its up-to-date, low-sitting design and laid-back position ensure you’re at ease while paddling around the lake. The guide gives step-by-step instructions for this project, making it ideal for beginners.
Start by constructing the flotation devices or pontoons. Design a switchable system so that you can rig various frames or decks. Build at least one deck – a one-person recumbent pedal frame, for instance. Building this frame specifically involves setting up the pedal mechanism on it. Once you have your pontoons and frame or deck, assemble your pedal pontoon boat.
Materials:
- Solid expanded polystyrene foam
- Quarter-inch plywood
- A 1 by 12 deck
- Aluminum flashing
- Fiberglass cloth and resin
Picnic Tabled Pontoon Boat
Now, you can experience the joy of a picnic over the water with this DIY Tabled Pontoon Boat. It features a picnic table that seats six people, allowing for peaceful relaxation as you enjoy the gentle breeze and friendly banter. You’ll appreciate this pontoon boat with a full deck, refrigerator/cooler, and other necessary items.
To create the pontoon boat picnic table, first cut and shape the flotation devices and attach them to the table. Next, install additional support structures and features like built-in coolers and storage spaces. Build a sturdy motor mount and then cover the entire assembly with layers of reinforcement for added strength. Proceed to connect the flotation devices and the bench supports using threading rods. Finally, attach the motor and steering system, and add final touches like an umbrella and lights.
Materials:
- 2-inch 4x8ft sheets of foam board
- Glidden Gripper exterior paint
- 2×4 lumber
- Extra foam
- 1/2″ gas pipe
- Angle iron
- Fiberglass
- T-shirt material
- Threaded rod
- A motor
- Various materials for brackets, steering, and control mechanisms
- Additional accessories like umbrella and lights
Double Hull Pontoon Boat
The Double Hull Pontoon Boat is perfect for fishing trips and casual boat rides. This boat, which you can build yourself, is designed to be affordable and easy to make and perform extremely well. Compared to similar boats meant for one or two people, it moves through the water much better. Plus, this boat doesn’t require much upkeep and can be updated easily as needed.
Start by designing the pontoon frames and deck configuration. Next, assemble the pontoon frames with vertical and cross-support pieces. Attach the foam layers to the pontoon frames, followed by preparing the deck and adding it to the pontoon frames. Secure with appropriate fillers and reinforcements. Shape the pontoons and seal them properly. Special attention is needed to seal the joints and vulnerable areas. A final finish should be applied to the deck and pontoons.
Materials:
- PVC pipe, 3-inch diameter
- 2-inch insulating foam
- 4×8 ft x 1/2-inch exterior plywood
- Adhesive materials
- Paints
- Aluminum box tube
- Plastic siding
- Double Paddle
- 12v trolling motor
- Small gas outboard
Homemade Pontoon Boat
The Homemade Pontoon Boat is a creative project that promotes recycling and offers a fun avenue for innovative DIY enthusiasts. Initially, it was built from recycled materials like water-treated wood from an old deck and 30-gallon barrels at a recycling center.
Begin by locating and acquiring your materials. Check the barrels for leaks and seal them with caulk. Construct the frame and build supports for the barrels. Secure the barrels to the frame using metal straps. Next, construct the deck and secure it to the frame. After assembly, transport the boat to the desired water body while ensuring necessary legal permissions are obtained. Finally, enjoy your homemade pontoon boat on the water.
Materials:
- Water-treated 2×6’s, 2×4’s, and 2×2’s
- Six 30-gallon barrels
- Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
- Sub-flooring scraps
- Leather ottoman
- Perforated metal hanger straps
Wood-Barrel Pontoon Boat
Experience the fun of boating with the Wood-Barrel Pontoon Boat. Its round shape is ideal for sailing on rivers or little lakes. You can row this boat by hand or power it with an electric motor. Either way, this pontoon boat will wow people when you’re out on the water.
To build a DIY pontoon boat, start by caulking the barrels to ensure no leaks. Next, construct the skeleton by cutting and attaching the wooden pieces together, forming a frame for your boat. Proceed by creating the deck using a rot-resistant and undamaged board, attaching it to the frame with screws and glue. Secure the barrels by attaching them to the deck using galvanized metal hanger straps. Don’t forget to install an engine and balance the boat while launching it. Finally, enjoy your creation on the water.
Materials:
- Hardwood
- Planks measuring 2×6’s, 2×4’s, and 2×2’s
- Six 30-gallon plastic barrels
- Glue, screws, and nuts
- Caulk
- Galvanized metal hanger straps
- Boards
- Optionally, a small 50cc outboard engine for propulsion
PVC Pontoon Boat
This DIY PVC Pontoon Boat is a simple project great for those who like making things. The main thing that helps this boat float is PVC pipes placed under a standard chair. Even though there are no instructions on making a paddle or motor, you can use everyday items like a shovel to help you move the boat.
Start by removing the top portion of a chair, then fasten pipes underneath it using hangers. Ensure to accurately measure the distance between pipes for stability. Protect the wooden elements with a preservative. Attach the chair centrally to the structure for equal weight distribution and stability. For navigation, consider using a shovel as an impromptu paddle or use a long, thin piece of wood for less rocking of the boat and a reduction in the risk of capsizing.
Materials:
- 4 5′ 4″ PVC pipes
- 4 5′ 2×4’s
- 18 5/16″ x 2″ socket hex-drive sheet metal screws with washer
- 1 5/16″ hex-drive bit
- 1 run-of-the-mill chair
- 8 4″ PVC pipe caps
- 4 12 x 3 Philips flathead
- Wood sealer, ‘Preserva wood’
- 2 packets of 3/4 in pipe hanger/plumbers’ tape
Mini Pontoon Boat Kits
Make your own small float boat with this easy-to-use kit. This boat set can be quickly put together and doesn’t need any special tools or knowledge to build. It’s great for a relaxed day at the lake or an enjoyable evening out.
The DIY Mini Pontoon Boat Kit is a fantastic venture for any avid craftsman. To build, prepare your space, and lay out all parts before beginning. Initiating with the pontoons, connect them to the aluminum frames. Once the base structure is sturdy, fix the deck flooring on top. Assemble the bench seats by attaching them to the deck on either side. Now, you’ve got a floating platform perfect for two fishermen! Spend a few hours on this worthwhile project, and it’ll gift you countless family fishing memories.
Materials: For suggestions, complete making process, and other information, visit the link below:
Self-Structured Pontoon Boat
This DIY guide allows you to create a Pontoon Boat in five simple steps. You can go through the entire process with ease, and the final project is perfect for having a fun time on the water or for fishing.
To build your own custom pontoon boat, first decide whether to utilize a pre-designed boat kit or go full DIY. Next, choose an engine that suits your speed and power needs. Once the engine is selected, determine the right hull for your boat’s intended purpose and speed. Considering the interior and exterior design is crucial; consider functionality and personal preferences. After your boat is constructed, take it for a test drive to feel its handling and fuel efficiency. Finally, ensure you maintain your boat regularly for sustained performance.
Materials: For suggestions, complete making process, and other information, visit the link below:
Soda Bottle Pontoon Boat
This DIY boat is mainly made from soda bottles and stuff you can buy from stores like Home Depot. It has two wooden parts filled with 2,400 soda bottles that help it float. The boat has an old-fashioned look with some style from Jules Verne’s works. It’s not built to go fast, but it can move well, even in strong winds.
Begin by constructing the wood skeleton of the pontoon boat and forming two wood pontoons filled with soda bottles to provide buoyancy. Next, work on finishing the exterior, adding a carved figurehead with LED eyes, and installing seating. For propulsion, modify and install four trolling motors, and concentrate on setting up the electrical components. Lastly, include practical elements, such as a ladder and anchor, before launching and enjoying serene rides or fishing sessions.
Materials:
- Pressure treated lumber
- Soda bottles (~2,400 pcs)
- Plywood
- Minn Kota trolling motors (4 units)
- Electrical components
- Miscellaneous items
DIY Barrel Pontoon Boat
If you’re looking for an affordable do-it-yourself project, then the Cheap Homemade Pontoon Boat Build is a great choice. This boat design is simple but efficient, made from easy-to-find materials. The boat features twin pontoons for stability and a flat deck perfect for relaxing or fishing. Unlike expensive boats, this DIY version is built for calm, leisurely times on the water. Plus, the satisfaction of building something with your own hands is a great bonus.
