---
title: "How to Build a Pontoon With Pods: Construction Guide | Pontoonz"
description: "How to build a pontoon with Pontoonz pods: hull layout, bow pods, bolting, runners and joists, decking, outboard mounting and mooring. NZ and Australia."
url: https://www.pontoonz.co.nz/how-it-works/
---

![Yellow Main Boat Pods bolted to timber runners during a build](https://www.pontoonz.co.nz/_astro/pods-build.aM9BO8hk_27qXoi.jpg)

How It Works

# How to build a pontoon with Pontoonz pods

Pods in, hull done. The rest is up to you. Here's the whole process, from your first enquiry to bolting on the deck.

[Get a quote](https://www.pontoonz.co.nz/contact/)[Construction guide](#guide)

How We Work

## From idea to on the water

Tell us what you need to float. We'll tell you what to order.

1

### Tell us your project

Use the form or the pod calculator. Size, load, water type and what you're building is enough to start. A sketch or photo helps.

2

### We recommend the configuration

Pontoonz checks your pod type, count, bow pods and fixings, and quotes with volume pricing and freight to your address.

3

### Pods made and shipped

Rotomoulded pods are made to order in Auckland. Float Pods ship from stock. Delivered anywhere in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.

4

### You build, we back you up

Bolt the pods, build the deck, add the top. This guide and Pontoonz are a phone call away.

Construction Guide

## Building a hull, step by step

Cut, drill and bolt. No fibreglass, no welding, no marine trade required.

![Main Boat Pods lined up upside down with keel insert strips](https://www.pontoonz.co.nz/_astro/construct-1.DevpSbQB_Z1BbsMF.jpg)

Step 1

### Hull layout and pod count

Decide the length and width of the deck, then the number of hulls: two for decks up to about 3.5m wide, three for wider or heavier builds. Each Main Boat Pod is 1.2m long and carries 150kg at half immersion. Use the calculator to get the count, and we'll check it before quoting.

Line up the pods upside down and lay the keel insert strips (PE or wood). Bolt the pods together with the 316 stainless steel keel joiner plates.

![Timber bow structure being built around a Bow Pod](https://www.pontoonz.co.nz/_astro/construct-2.LW77r3sH_CYgk7.jpg)

Step 2

### Bow pod placement

Fit a Bow Pod, or a Speed Bow Pod for faster hulls, to the front of each hull: two on a twin hull, three on a tri hull. Build the bow structure to suit your design.

![Close-up of a stainless bracket bolted through a yellow pod tie-off point](https://www.pontoonz.co.nz/_astro/construct-bolt.CetMEqNx_Z1UfyEq.jpg)

Step 3

### Tie-off points and bolting

Every pod has tie-off points moulded in. Bolt through them with 110mm or 150mm hex bolts, nuts and washers, with bolt protector inserts to spread the load. All fixings are available from Pontoonz.

![Two pod hulls joined by transverse timber beams, ready for decking](https://www.pontoonz.co.nz/_astro/construct-4.DyZqncRY_gITVg.jpg)

Step 4

### Timber runners and joists

Run timber bearers along each hull, then complete the transverse beams joining the hulls. Drill and bolt everything straight onto the pods. The platform is now ready for decking.

![Decked platform frame on pods with an outboard on the stern](https://www.pontoonz.co.nz/_astro/cabin-platform.D-yCTZVY_lOnHu.jpg)

Step 5

### Decking, storage and the outboard

**Decking:** lay timber or composite decking across the joists. Use non-slip decking on swim rafts and public platforms.

**Water and waste:** on a tri hull, the middle hull doubles as fresh, grey and black water storage at 350 litres per pod.

**Outboard:** mount a transom or bracket between the hulls at the stern. The original 8.1m houseboat runs a 9.9hp four-stroke high-thrust outboard.

![Houseboat moored beside a gangway and private jetty](https://www.pontoonz.co.nz/_astro/houseboat-gangway.CGEs054O_Z1trCok.jpg)

Step 6

### Anchoring, mooring and adding pods later

**Anchoring and mooring:** moor to a mooring block, anchor or pile using the moulded tie-off points. The right setup depends on depth, tide and exposure.

**Adding pods later:** lengthen a hull or add a third hull when the project grows. The same tie-off points take the new pods.

![Cedar-clad Pontoonz houseboat on an estuary](https://www.pontoonz.co.nz/_astro/cedar-houseboat-2.DGeWfKfc_ZBIe1Y.jpg)

Download The Guide

## Get the construction guide as a PDF

Every step, diagram and fixing list in one printable guide. Enter your email and we'll send it straight over.

Size Your Build

## How many pods do I need?

Your estimate

**12**Main Boat Pods

**2**Bow Pods

NZ$7,620

ex GST · about AU$7,010 (indicative) · freight extra

Estimates assume half immersion and an even load. Every configuration is checked by Pontoonz before a quote is sent.

No-Obligation Quote

## Tell us what you need to float

Every quote comes with a recommended configuration, volume pricing and freight to your address or nearest port.

[+64 (0)27 555 2000](tel:+64275552000)[info@pontoonz.co.nz](mailto:info@pontoonz.co.nz)

SailGP & America's Cup marker boats · Trading since 2003

-   Configuration recommended with every quote
-   Volume pricing and freight to your address
-   Trading since 2003

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Pontoonz (Pontoon Marine Systems) · +64 (0)27 555 2000 · info@pontoonz.co.nz · PO Box 695, Warkworth 0941, Auckland, New Zealand