How to Build Pontoon Seats

Determine the required number of seats, their size and their exact position on your boat. The flat place on the deck across the boat’s beam or along its side rails is typically the place for pontoon seats.

Cut side panels for your seating units out of marine plywood sheets, using a circular saw. Cut and construct the top rail, seats back, hinged seats, back and front fascias out of plywood as well. Seat support frames should ideally be 48 inches in length but the rest of the dimensions will vary as per the owner’s requirements.

Place 2-by-2 seat-mounting brackets to attach the front and back edges of the seats with the deck. Cut them to the required length. Paint them along with the side panels after which give them sufficient time to dry off. Fasten the 2-by-2 to your deck after ensuring that they fit well in place. Place the side panels -- 2 for every unit -- towards the end of your mounting brackets and fasten them with the help of screws.

Paint the back fascia -- which acts as the back panel of your unit -- and give it time to dry off. Once the side panels have been attached to the mounting brackets at the back, place in the back fascia and use screws to secure it with the end panel. Ensure that you caulk all possible joints using silicone caulk.

Apply caulk and paint to the rest of the seat pieces and let them dry. Locate the notches towards the front of your side panels and slip in the front bracket through them. This will attach the seat to the deck.

Work on the final assembly of your seats by installing interior supports, linking them with the front and back mounts as well as the back fascia. Mount the hinge on top of your back panel after which place the back panel and top rail on both. Place the seat panel in its place and fix the hinges to your seat panel’s top. Caulk all possible joints and give it time to fully cure. To customize for added comfort, place cushions on your seats.