PM's Platform Boat: A Pontoon Houseboat You Customize
Arthur M. Mikesell's pontoon platform boat from Popular Mechanics gives you a deck to build any superstructure you like.
PM's Platform Boat is a blank canvas on the water. Arthur M. Mikesell designed a pontoon platform with a deck, leaving the superstructure up to you. Add a simple sun canopy for lazy afternoons, a cabin for overnight stays or a fishing shelter. It suits builders who like to design part of the project themselves and want a stable, roomy base for relaxing on calm water.
PM's Platform Boat at a glance
| Detail | PM's Platform Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Platform houseboat |
| Construction | Pontoon platform with deck; customize the superstructure |
| Designer | Arthur M. Mikesell |
| First published | Popular Mechanics, p. 148 |
| Plan sheets | 11 |
Your platform, your rules
Pontoons give a broad, steady base that feels secure for families, pets and gear. The open deck means you decide how much shelter or living space to add. Because the superstructure is yours to customize, the boat can evolve over seasons, from a simple deck to a cozy houseboat. Eleven sheets cover the pontoons and deck structure.
The original plan sheets
These are the 11 original sheets, scanned from the magazine. For building, use the full-size PDF in the download section below.
Who designed it
Arthur M. Mikesell designed this platform boat for Popular Mechanics, where it ran on page 148. The eleven sheets cover the pontoons and deck, leaving the superstructure open to your own design.
Before you build
- Keep any superstructure light and low so the platform stays stable in a breeze.
- Use the boat on sheltered lakes and rivers, and ventilate any enclosed cabin you add.
- Check the pontoons for leaks at the start of every season.
Download the plan
All eleven Platform Boat sheets in one file, ready to print full size or open on a tablet in the workshop.
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