Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

The new-to-me pontoon boat (20' Sweetwater) was jacked up so I could paint. A gallon of Trilux 33 and new fuse box and wiring later, I'm jacking back to trailer. The jack slips and one pontoon lands on top of a cross support just about in the middle of the length of the boat. I hear a high pitched whining and there is a crease from the pressure of the pontoon resting only on the one support in the middle.

It's been raised back up, and the crease is not visible, but I know I did something really bad. You're all experienced. What did I do? And how do I get it fixed?

I think I'm done with DIY for a while.

Sounds like you blew the pressurization. Can you put a compressor hose to the fittings and check for seams being sealed?

I bet where you creased it you have a split.

Going to check it out in the AM, but assuming I split it at the crease or at the seam, what's next? Repair? New pontoon? Any suggestions on the type of contractor I should be contacting?

Hard to say if log needs replaced without seeing it. If it is really crushed or creased you may be better off filing a insurance claim for a new log. I had a bad gouge in my nose cone and after having only the gouge welded and having it keep splitting I finally had a big patch welded over the gouge. So far I have no problems except an ugly patch on side of log.

Thanks to everyone for your comments.

Surveying the damage this AM, in its supported state there is no crease. However, I find crumbling paint where I can stick my hand underneath -- can't get a good visual on it just yet. I think a patch will work as it is not near any seams.

One question, there is a "fin" of sorts along the bottom length of the log, sort of a hollow "V" shape that water flows through and I assume is for stability. Does this come off easily (for a welder)? I believe the patch will need to traverse the bottom of the log, and then this fin reattached.

Another question... the boat is used in salt water and has been properly maintained. Once a patch is applied, what kind of treatment will need to be done to the new metal to protect it?

Not sure how much welding attachés the keel but would think it could be cut off and reattached or left off in that area. BMR will be back Sunday evening to explain salt water protection.

lakerunner wrote:Not sure how much welding attachés the keel but would think it could be cut off and reattached or left off in that area. BMR will be back Sunday evening to explain salt water protection.

No! BMR will be back Sunday evening to upload photos!

Dunbar wrote:

lakerunner wrote:Not sure how much welding attachés the keel but would think it could be cut off and reattached or left off in that area. BMR will be back Sunday evening to explain salt water protection.

No! BMR will be back Sunday evening to upload photos!

LOL take a deep breath and don't overly exert yourself in anticipation of whats coming

I look forward to the photos, and will share them with the welder when the time comes. Thanks!

BMR photos....

loonytoon wrote: Another question... the boat is used in salt water and has been properly maintained. Once a patch is applied, what kind of treatment will need to be done to the new metal to protect it?

Just a quick sanding and an application of bottom paint...same as the rest of the logs under the waterline.

get someone to look at it. if it doesn't leak it should be fine.

with a deathtrap scissors trailer the toons are readily available.
did a bunch of work on my toon over the last two years and
couldn't have done most of it without being able to drop the
boat where and when i wanted.

Just a follow up... the log was tested and it held air. Apparently the bottle rocket sound I heard was the pressure valve releasing. So despite the crease I saw, when it straightened out no puncture was detected. One bad thing though, just as we were launching into salt water I noticed a small chip of bare metal showing, about a half inch in diameter. I normally outhaul in Oct/Nov but should I do it sooner to patch the paint job?

These things truly are indestructible.