2002 Photos - Barge Renovation

March - July 2002

Our club barge almost sank on us at the end of last season because of some severe design deficiencies accompanied by leak and rot problems. Paul Wilson initiated a project to build new replacement catamaran pontoons. He and Johnny Katona began construction in March of this year.

Photos by Paul Wilson, Ian Harder, and Barry McKnight.

Click on the thumbnail images to get a better view.

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Barge and Old Pontoons The barge with its old pontoons. Barge and Old Pontoons Another view of the barge with its old pontoons.
Paul Wilson and Johnny Katona Paul and Johnny talk about their plans. Pontoon Internals The internal structure of the pontoons.
Pontoon Transom A partially completed pontoon transom, designed to accomodate an outboard engine. Upright Pontoons The pontoons in upright position, ready to be flipped for fiberglassing.
Paul Wilson Paul does some last minute drilling prior to flipping the pontoons. Pontoon Group Members prepare the pontoons for flipping prior to fiberglassing. It took 10 people to flip each one.
Pontoon Length Full length shot of the pontoons prior to fiberglassing. Johnny Sanding Johnny sands the hull in preparation for fiberglassing.
Fiberglassed Bows The pontoon bows with the latest layer of fiberglass. Moving the First Pontoon With its bottom fiberglassed, the first pontoon is moved out of the garage to be flipped.
Placing the First Pontoon The first pontoon is placed in position to be flipped. Flipping the First Pontoon The first pontoon is flipped upright.
Second Pontoon Ready for Flipping The second pontoon is placed in position to be flipped. Pontoon Cross Pieces The two pontoons are now in position ready for cross pieces to be attached.
Plywood Deck The plywood deck construction is complete, ready to be fiberglassed. HIAB Crane Arrives The HIAB truck crane arrives. The new hull is in the foreground, and the old barge in the background.
Crane Lifts the Hull The crane lifts the hull to be blocked up, so that the underside of the hull can be covered, fiberglassed, and painted. Topside Structure is Moved The topside structure is moved from the old hull to the new one, as members lend a hand.
Johnny and Paul Proud boatbuilders Johnny Katona and Paul Wilson. Barge on Launch Ramp The barge is transported to the Cates Park launch ramp.
Barge Launching The barge is backed into the water. Barge Christening Johnny christens the boat with.
Motors Running The two outboard motors are started, and run smoothly. Malibu and Barge Ian Harder and Natasha Corewyn look on as Paul Wilson backs the barge away from the launch ramp.
It Floats! The barge is launched, and ready to go! Barge Skiing Stevie Mynott skis behind the barge on the way to the clubhouse.