DIY Pontoon Boat: How to Build a Pontoon Boat?

You could consider buying a second-hand boat, but then you'll always be in fear of it breaking down. 

And even then, buying an entire boat for maybe just a weekend trip isn't a rational decision. Rather, why not let your creativity free and make something you'd be proud of.

What You’ll Need?

Starting any DIY project, you’ll need a bunch of materials. Better get that arts and crafts kit out! We’ll just include an entire list of the things you’ll need to make the thing.

For that, we recommend you gather these in advance, avoiding having to run off to the store, just to get some glue!

These materials are for a 7ft×10ft pontoons, but we’re not going to limit your creativity. You can make a bigger one, just make sure to use materials proportionally.

Wood

For the deck of the boat, you’ll want some hardwood. You’ll get a wide variety of wood available at your local hardware store.

Make sure you buy something that has good buoyancy properties, and is strong enough to hold a good amount of weight, and doesn’t catch rot easily.

Get planks measuring 2×6's, 2×4's, and 2×2's; these should be good enough to build the frame of the deck. You'll also need a few boards to go on top, make sure the boards meet the requirements.

Barrels

The problem with building your boat is getting it to float; a well-balanced boat isn't easy to come by. Technology has made it possible; however, for a beginner with no experience, this will be a nightmare.

Find the right size plastic barrels for the job; we're using around six 30-gallon barrels. You won't have to go to a store to buy them; you might just get them for free or at a discounted price at any recycling center.

If you are getting your barrels from a recycling center, make sure you double-check them. Check for damages, cracks, and any sort of fragile or weak zones on the body of the drum.

Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to consider a leak check. Fill up the barrels a third of the way, with water. Then turn them upside down and check if any of the water leaks out.

The last thing you want is one of your barrels filling up with water while you’re in deep water. 

Hardware Tools

Once you're done gathering all the necessary materials, gather the smaller bits and pieces.

You won't be needing anything fancy, most of the things already available in your garage will do.

However, do make sure you have enough glue, screws, and nuts. It'll feel extremely gruesome for having to run around for such small things.

Getting Started 

Once you’re done sorting out and making sure all your material is up to mark. It’s time to let that inner child of yours out.

Because this DIY project is just like an arts and crafts session for adults.

Caulking

We're asking you to do this straight at the beginning, mainly so you can save a bunch of time. This is the process by which we'll ensure that you remain dry throughout your trip.

You would want to empty each barrel of water and get them dry. Once you're done securely, seal each lid. Tighten them with a wrench to make sure that they're completely sealed.

Lastly, spread an even layer or two of caulk on each lid and allow it to cure for around 2hrs. Making sure nothing goes in and out of that seal.

The Skeleton

Now that your barrels are resting, its time to build up the skeleton that's going to hold the entire ship together. This process involves a few numbers, so you'll want to bear with us.

However, on the off chance, you don't understand these instructions, call up a carpenter to get an insight.

Firstly, form the shape of the boat, cut up 2×6's into two 10 feet long, and two 7 feet longboards.

Cut each of the ends at a 45-degree angle, secure all the sides together using 4" screws, putting it together like Lego.

Secondly, cut up two 2×4’s to the length of 11’9” and run them down lengthwise from the 10ft side of the boat. Secure these tightly to ensure the boat maintains a sturdy structure.

Make sure that each beam is placed 15.5” apart, to have enough space to fit in the drums.

Keep another two pieces of either 2×4 or 2×2 boards, place these between the lengths of each barrel. Trapping each barrel, cutting down on any sort of movement from the barrels, also keeps them stuck in place.

Once you’re done designing the entire frame, sand down the wooden pieces to smoothen them out. Liberally apply a coat of varnish to both the inner and outer surface, helping the wood to stay resistant from rot and water.

The Deck

The boards you’ve gotten will form the base to stand on, apply a board on the top section of the frame. This board must be checked thoroughly for any form of damages, and must also be resistant to rot and insects.

Secure the board onto the frame using glue and screws.

Keep space for any additional equipment you might want to add on the boat, such as chairs. More importantly, keep a space for the end on which you’ll attach the engine.

Securing the Barrels

The barrels you placed out to cure, should be dried up by now. For this process, you would want to turn the deck of the boat upside down. Giving you enough space to work with.

Place each barrel in their allocated spots, and securely attach each barrel to the deck.