Cost of a new pontoon

[brians]

Been offered a pile mooring on the Hamble but the pontoon is a bit ropey with limited life. Can anyone give me an idea of the cost of a replacement which I guess would also have to include removal and disposal of the existing one. Any help much appreciated.

 

[Quandary]

A pontoon is normally made up of three separate components with different lifespans and replaceable separately. The frame of galvanised steel angle will usually outlast the deck which is often replaced several times during the life of the pontoon particularly if it is just treated softwood. B.W. have loads of dismantled pontoons sitting around here having been replaced wholesale to comply with their very stringent health and safety policy, looking at them the frames and pvc sheathed foam floats look good for another dozen years but the decking has all been stripped because the non slip properties were not up to the current spec. which is for that cellular recycled grc stuff. I am sure it is the same at many marinas.
So if you can not refurbish your existing pontoon, a look in the back of a marina boatyard should find you serviceable frames and floats and tanalized timber ribbed decking is sold everywhere for domestic use.

 

[2Tizwoz]

Concrete doesn't rot.

For sale here for £700. Sail it round?

 

[pappaecho]

Shame that Hardway SC got rid of several old pontoons in the summer - they only needed redecking. They were free!

 

[rotrax]

Shame that Hardway SC got rid of several old pontoons in the summer - they only needed redecking. They were free!

I think I saw the Gosport Cruising Club workboat bringing one round to their moorings earlier this year.

 

[Quandary]

What is the foam bead aggregate that is used to make those very light concrete floats which seem to be used everywhere these days, it is supposed to be recycled so perhaps it is chopped up EPS or does it have to be closed cell like polyurethane? I suppose if EPS block lasts as long as it appears to in old pontoon floats it would work fine in a concrete mix?

 

[rob2]

All the pontoons I've had a close look at (sometimes intentionally) on the Hamble are by Walcon. It would be a good first move to contact them to find the cost of a replacement - that should give you great encouragement to find another way!

I'm dreading the day myself and wodering whether I should try Zingard spray where the galvanising has gone above the waterline.

Rob.

 

[brians]

Thanks for the replies. I had hoped that with all the pontoons on the Hamble someone may have had to replace their pontoon and could give some advice.

 

[rob2]

Sorry to be of so little help. I only bought into half a pontoon last year and was told that the beast had been bought second hand a few years back, so I've no idea what one costs new. I know that second hand ones requiring new decking can be had from time to time frrom sources who are altering their layout - our sailing club has been offered pontoons free of charge, but have nowhere to use them! Should I hear of anything I'll flag it up on the forum.

Rob.

 

[Twister_Ken]

When I had a river mooring on the Hamble (piles only) I did ask Walcon about what happened to the pontoons they supply for the Southampton boat show. They said they were available for sale, and I should contact them after the show for prices. Never got around to it, though.

 

[Quandary]

When I had a river mooring on the Hamble (piles only) I did ask Walcon about what happened to the pontoons they supply for the Southampton boat show. They said they were available for sale, and I should contact them after the show for prices. Never got around to it, though.

I don't think they are replaced every year though, and they are usually sold by tender, Carrickfergus Council tried to bid for them all for their marina a few years ago to replace their old ones after about 25 years but apparently lost out to Portavadie Marina which perhaps explains the unusually generous width and buoyancy of the pontoons there. I think they tend to go for serious money as they need to be so strong for show use.