ChrisM
Jetboaters Commander
- Messages
- 401
- Reaction score
- 435
- Points
- 187
- Location
- Rock HIll, SC 29730
- Boat Make
- Chaparral
- Year
- 2016
- Boat Model
- VR
- Boat Length
- 23
In a response to another thread post in this same "general discussion" category, I mentioned I should start a reference thread for my Fire-Pit mod, rather than hijacking that thread with off topic pics. https://jetboaters.net/threads/well…-the-rumours-are-true….34873/page-3#post-562057
After buying a used pontoon boat for my dogs from my Chaparral Jet Boat dealer in 2016, I got hooked on searching for add-ons, toys, convenience things, accessories, etcetera.
I stumbled upon a 2015 article describing the top 5 toys one needs for their pontoon boat. I located and called the company. They offered 2 floor models 16", & 24" on center floor joist spacing. 24" is typically found on older pontoons, and a few table models. Now I had no idea that he was on his way out the door, going out of business that is, but he had inventory for the 24" so I bought one.
The install went without a hitch, I had a slight overcut when the skill saw kicked back a bit, but I plan to remove the worn carpet one day and install marine vinyl as used on pontoon boats anyway.
After all was installed and tested, I took to the lake, I didn't realize that the toon strakes would cause so much water deflection right where the fire-pis was now located, this was rectified by adding diamond plate aluminum sheets to the under side, and sealed. The work was done November 2016..
Here are some of the original companies videos still posted online..
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF2N8m9ncxLauwEQ443-ToA/videos
As shipped, crappy packaging too.
The pontoon has a rear sundeck which is an all aluminum sheet that lifts up to gain access to the stern areas. This view will help to understand the propane tank placement that I chose.
Lets measure a bit, and cut a nice hole in my floor, after all I dubbed this boat for the dogs, my Whiterash Pontoon boat.
White knuckled all the way, but it's done. Probably the best thing on this boat is the age old marine plywood that's like new, and probably holding up better than today's quality with the change of PT process and chemicals.
Test fit, and partial mounting went well, The Fire Pit is well made, all stainless pan, and aluminum burner with brass fuel handling parts.
Slight over-cut beyond the trim ring, but I'm not concerned.
Now lets cut up the fiberglass helm to mount the gas valve and battery igniter module. I moved the helm bench out of the way so I wasn't so cramped.
Clearly there was enough hose, and igniter wire to go the distance. After drilling the hole in the stern area, running the hose there was a challenge on this boat.
I still have to buy a plastic tank holder all these years later, it's held there with a handcuff style zip tie.
Testing out before I add the fire glass.
They send black fire glass, I had bought fire beads as an alternative, which did ok.
Mitigating water intrusion from the strakes...
After buying a used pontoon boat for my dogs from my Chaparral Jet Boat dealer in 2016, I got hooked on searching for add-ons, toys, convenience things, accessories, etcetera.
I stumbled upon a 2015 article describing the top 5 toys one needs for their pontoon boat. I located and called the company. They offered 2 floor models 16", & 24" on center floor joist spacing. 24" is typically found on older pontoons, and a few table models. Now I had no idea that he was on his way out the door, going out of business that is, but he had inventory for the 24" so I bought one.
The install went without a hitch, I had a slight overcut when the skill saw kicked back a bit, but I plan to remove the worn carpet one day and install marine vinyl as used on pontoon boats anyway.
After all was installed and tested, I took to the lake, I didn't realize that the toon strakes would cause so much water deflection right where the fire-pis was now located, this was rectified by adding diamond plate aluminum sheets to the under side, and sealed. The work was done November 2016..
Here are some of the original companies videos still posted online..
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF2N8m9ncxLauwEQ443-ToA/videos
As shipped, crappy packaging too.
The pontoon has a rear sundeck which is an all aluminum sheet that lifts up to gain access to the stern areas. This view will help to understand the propane tank placement that I chose.
Lets measure a bit, and cut a nice hole in my floor, after all I dubbed this boat for the dogs, my Whiterash Pontoon boat.
White knuckled all the way, but it's done. Probably the best thing on this boat is the age old marine plywood that's like new, and probably holding up better than today's quality with the change of PT process and chemicals.
Test fit, and partial mounting went well, The Fire Pit is well made, all stainless pan, and aluminum burner with brass fuel handling parts.
Slight over-cut beyond the trim ring, but I'm not concerned.
Now lets cut up the fiberglass helm to mount the gas valve and battery igniter module. I moved the helm bench out of the way so I wasn't so cramped.
Clearly there was enough hose, and igniter wire to go the distance. After drilling the hole in the stern area, running the hose there was a challenge on this boat.
I still have to buy a plastic tank holder all these years later, it's held there with a handcuff style zip tie.
Testing out before I add the fire glass.
They send black fire glass, I had bought fire beads as an alternative, which did ok.
Mitigating water intrusion from the strakes...
Last edited:
Are there any regs on having something like this on a boat?
That would definitely extend the boating season here in Southern Canada that's for sure!
