can pontoons be repaired?

[hpy]

I have been offered a 28 ft. pontoon boat in which needs to be totally repaired. The frame is good and the engine is in need of minor repair but other than that not much to salvage. They are asking 800.00 for it. My questions are if the inflatable pontoons can be repaired. One of them has small hole in it. I would also like an opinion if 800.00 seems too much for a fixer upper. I am new to all this. Oh yeah, it does have a trailer with it.

thanks,

Cherie

[nero]

inflatable pontoons? what material are they made of?

[hpy]

Nero,

Thanks for asking. They are metal. Just regular ones i guess. i should have said that you put air into them instead of inflated. It's an old boat.

Thanks,

hpy

[nero]

So I guess they are aluminum. Yes, it can be welded. But no, not by you.

If you are going to do the repairs and rebuild on this motorized dock, realize that it will take three times longer than your best estimate. It may also cost much more than you realize. Take the motor to a marine mechanic and get an estimate for the repairs. Also, price a new motor (incase this one is unrepairable in the future)

And when your done with it can you sell it? Post some pictures. The pros who are active on this sight can give you a real good answer.

[gonzo]

Why would you put air in metal pontoons?

[hpy]

Thanks nero for the input. I know nothing about boats as you probably noticed so any advice is wonderful. My fiancee knows nothing about computers so I get to look foolish and ask the questions (hahaha). The boat is a couple hundred miles from my house so the only real way to get pictures is if we take a chance and buy it. And yes I was told they were aluminum.
I will try and get more info to post if he decides we're going to try it. I am confused on the air situation. Do they have pressurized air in them? Will they float with holes towards the top of them? I guess I need to pontoon guide for Dummies Book!

Gonzo,
I was just told that they have something like valve stems on them so I assume you put air in them. Like I said I know nothing about all this.

Thanks,

Cherie

[gonzo]

Can you get some pictures?

[hpy]

I will try and get some soon. It is far away from my home so it will be a while. Probably a few weeks.

[Thunderhead19]

Yeah, I know about the valve stems. I've seen them on aircraft pontoons also. You need to tighten or replace rivets in the areas that leak. you could probably use the valve to find the leaks