Anyone ever tour a pontoon factory?
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Anyone ever tour a pontoon factory?
I'd love to see some factory floor photos of pontoons being built.
- lakerunner
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Re: Anyone ever tour a pontoon factory?
I got to watch my last toon be built. It was a 24' Sundancer. The factory really isn't much. Just tube benders,welders, and large rolls of aluminum panels. From time pontoons were made up till I pulled it home was around 5 hrs. Was neat to talk with those who built the boat.
Loyd & Betty Meeks
Livin the lake life
2004 Tracker 22 Regency/2010 90 E-Tec. Pulled by Ford 2020 F 250,
McAlester, Oklahoma
Home lake is Tenkiller
Livin the lake life
2004 Tracker 22 Regency/2010 90 E-Tec. Pulled by Ford 2020 F 250,
McAlester, Oklahoma
Home lake is Tenkiller
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Re: Anyone ever tour a pontoon factory?
That's pretty cool to have seen your own toon being built.lakerunner wrote:I got to watch my last toon be built. It was a 24' Sundancer. The factory really isn't much. Just tube benders,welders, and large rolls of aluminum panels. From time pontoons were made up till I pulled it home was around 5 hrs. Was neat to talk with those who built the boat.
- OldePharte
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Re: Anyone ever tour a pontoon factory?
In my prior life I was a safety guy. I have toured Sundancer, Lowe's, G3, and Landau plants from the 80's through the 90's. As a result, I had my mother buy a Sundancer.
So why didn't I buy one? 'Cause I needed a 25 footer, and they don't make those.
So why didn't I buy one? 'Cause I needed a 25 footer, and they don't make those.
'09 Neptoon Sport 25TT SunLounger w/150 Honda
What happens at the lake stays at the lake. Unless I have my camera handy.
What happens at the lake stays at the lake. Unless I have my camera handy.
- lakerunner
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Re: Anyone ever tour a pontoon factory?
I didn't replace my Sundancer with another because they were still using wood for furniture bases and console. Also the only area dealer was a used car lot. I would have no dealer support plus have to go to another dealer for motor
Loyd & Betty Meeks
Livin the lake life
2004 Tracker 22 Regency/2010 90 E-Tec. Pulled by Ford 2020 F 250,
McAlester, Oklahoma
Home lake is Tenkiller
Livin the lake life
2004 Tracker 22 Regency/2010 90 E-Tec. Pulled by Ford 2020 F 250,
McAlester, Oklahoma
Home lake is Tenkiller
- OldePharte
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Re: Anyone ever tour a pontoon factory?
Ouch!lakerunner wrote:I didn't replace my Sundancer with another because they were still using wood for furniture bases and console. Also the only area dealer was a used car lot. I would have no dealer support plus have to go to another dealer for motor
Frankly, I am surprised that Sundancer's are still being made. They are still family owned and a small workforce, so I guess they can hang on better than those with huge overheads. Bob Falconer (hence Falcon Industries, the maker of Sundancer pontoons) used to work for Lowe's until he patented an extruded pontoon attachment clip and started his own shop. Unfortunately he died some years ago.
'09 Neptoon Sport 25TT SunLounger w/150 Honda
What happens at the lake stays at the lake. Unless I have my camera handy.
What happens at the lake stays at the lake. Unless I have my camera handy.
Re: Anyone ever tour a pontoon factory?
OP did you go through the Playcraft factory at Richland?
Here's 3 of their boats http://picasaweb.google.com/shootmor/HotAndColdToons#
Here's 3 of their boats http://picasaweb.google.com/shootmor/HotAndColdToons#
"Usefulness is the true test of value"
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"You never own anything, it owns you"
"Be Happy and Do Good" Eccls 3:12
- OldePharte
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Re: Anyone ever tour a pontoon factory?
No, sure didn'tfishmor wrote:OP did you go through the Playcraft factory at Richland?
Here's 3 of their boats http://picasaweb.google.com/shootmor/HotAndColdToons#
An interesting fact about Richland is that is where the Appleby family started to build aluminum boats in the "50's. They made some that were sold to Sears. The original owner of Lowe's married into the Appleby family and started his own business. after they sold out, the son, Brent Lowe, stated G3 (3rd generation of boat builders) as soon as the non-compete ran out.
I believe Landau worked for either Appleby or Lowe's, but memory is getting fuzzy.
The long history of aluminum boat building is why Tracker built there plant in Lebanon, across I44 from Lowe's and Landau.
'09 Neptoon Sport 25TT SunLounger w/150 Honda
What happens at the lake stays at the lake. Unless I have my camera handy.
What happens at the lake stays at the lake. Unless I have my camera handy.