house bouse on a pontoon boat

[ezrollin]

Yes,I'm gonna start posting my build with pics as I go.Man I wish my boat was 26' even 24';my boat is a 20' but the deck is actually 8x18' with a 2' step off to service the motor,your deck is probably 8x24 that's a whopping 25%.I will probably limit it to four people on a weekend trip.I would have started posting already but we have had daily rain for the last week.I did manage to get my deck sanded and ready to coat[a story in itself]but I've got to let it dry.Anyhow,I should be able to get it done and start posting by this weekend.The basic build should be the same for any pontoon but I will give details and closeup pics of the procedure.

[mcollins07]

I'm interested in the details of those windows too. Nice job!

[ezrollin]

The boat I pictured in the earlier post is my brother-in-law's,he's removing the rear two side windows and replacing them with sip so he can install fold out bunks mounted above the two floor mounted bunks/seats/dry storage.That will still leave the two foward side windows,front windows and a window in the rear door for a good all round view.Well it looks like it might be a nice clear day,maybe I can finish my deck and get some pics.

[Doverguy]

Thanks for your response. The plan for mine will be to have windows all around the boat for 100% visual & air flow. The one challenge I have is the head compartment. I will be using a marine compost with no sink just have to design a telescopic top half, similiar to the tent trailer idea. The top of the upper half will act as a shelf when down position. Any pics u he cud send me on your brother-in-laws boat & specs on windows & siding wud be greatly appreciated.

[ezrollin]

I don't have ready access to my b'n'laws boat,he lives about 2 hrs from me.I will however be documenting my on build which will be very similar to his.

[Raptor007]

Such a Super Design! Your Brother in law's houseboat design is perfect! I am following your construction. I plan on starting on my own project in the coming weeks. I am trying to get the roof design in my head. most likely would be lighter to not try to build it as a sundeck. Please keep up the posts, I am eager to see the construction and finished project. Perhaps somtime after you finish the project I may stop by and see it?
Crest 29 Foot, 90 Merc inline 6 (it's gotta go...too much motor) 15 Johnson mounted and remoted' 70 pound thrust trolling motor mounted on bow..it serves nicely.
Raptor

[ezrollin]

Here are some updated pictures of my bother in laws boat.He replaced the old leaky pontoons with bigger diameter used tubes and added a third he had laying around.Rear side windows were replaced with ACP's and swing up bunks were added above the stationary lower bunks,rear deck was also extended for more room.The 25 deck sits on 28' pontoons,ladder at rear makes sun deck accessible.

[ezrollin]

I sold my 20 ft pontoon boat and trailer,kept the 90 hp 4 stroke suzuki and bought larger diameter 24 ft pontoons[used] and a 24 ft trailer for my project.I moved my transom back 2 ft which extended my deck to the rear most cross brace giving me much needed room.He's the 2" sq tube alum frame for the cabin,its upside down and reversed on the trailer.Clock to enlarge.

[Raptor007]

I like the idea of the front porch! A bit of drop down velcroed Skeeter netting would be utter perfection. I looked at the pictures, and it did cause me to modify my design. I will shift my cabin a bit foreward, that will help weight distribution and I will allow a three foot rear area for engine access and the usual area for outside rear clutter storage. I will most likely leave a roof overhang in the rear. I will add some sort of primitive shower..outside perhaps? In the stern? (I hate cluttering up the inside) Still thinking if I want a small Bathroom??? Put a quick canvas drop in the rear behind the cabin for the Portable Potty? I may have to extend the roof to about 18 foot. a design in progress. The biggest fly in the ointment is when you start construction and keep having to redesign the original plans.

[ezrollin]

That is why it's great to have someone build a proto type,you benefit from their experience.Just for a reference the cabin frame is nominally 8' W x 12' L x with a 20' roof,2' over rear deck and 6' over the front deck.The roof also serves as a sundeck.Of course these specs need to be tailored to your boat,I reduced the 8' width to leave a 1/2" margin on each side of the cabin to re install the deck guard.My idea is to keep the boat light and easy to clean so I'm trying to keep things portable,no fixed chairs on deck a carry-on ice chest,plastic bait/fish buckets.On back[outside]a five gallon plastic paint bucket with the snap-on toilet seat and plans for a propane insta shower.When I get a chance I will get some pics of the inside cabin.I'm still waiting on the weather to stabilize so I can install the 3/4" mpw and vinyl deck,need several days of clear skies.