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FAQ

How do I get a quote on a ReDeck?
We offer mobile quoting for Comprehensive Restorations and Tritoon Conversions. For a ReDeck, deck dimensions, your pontoon’s make/model/year, and a few photos will give us what we need for an accurate quote.
Can you simply remove the carpet and glue down seagrass vinyl?

No, we do not offer that service. Techniques like “flipping the boards” or “sanding the old deck” are often suggested on DIY forums and used by some DIY-level service companies, but they pose significant risks. The 3/4″ marine deck is the most critical structural component of your pontoon, holding everything together. Sanding it weakens its integrity.

The main concern is adhesion. Over the years, your decking has absorbed liquids, lotions, beer, organic matter, mold, and mildew, all of which can prevent the vinyl from bonding properly. The only way to ensure a reliable bond between the deck and vinyl is to start with a new, clean deck, free from impurities. This requirement is different for the few manufacturers that use synthetic or composite decking from the factory.

As a service company, our goal is to ensure your pontoon’s longevity, so you won’t need to return to us unless you’re referring a friend! With tens of thousands of hours spent restoring pontoons, we’ve learned what shortcuts are simply not worth taking.

How do I get a quote for a comprehensive restoration or Tritoon?

At Cedar Marine Services, we offer mobile quoting for unique restoration and Tritoon conversions. After an initial phone consultation to discuss the project scope and budget, we visit your pontoon with material samples, design ideas, and a measuring tape.

This hands-on approach lets us thoroughly inspect your boat, ensuring no surprises during restoration and providing an accurate material estimate. While mobile quoting requires significant time and resources, it allows us to answer your questions in real-time, using your pontoon as a direct reference.

All aspects of your project, from quoting to communication, are personally handled by our owner, ensuring you receive dedicated, one-on-one service throughout.

Do we need to bring our pontoon boat to you?
We offer transportation services for any two-log pontoon boat across Michigan, with occasional trips into Ohio and Indiana. Our center-lift hydraulic trailer ensures safe transport, and the fee is based on mileage.

If you prefer, you’re welcome to bring your pontoon to our shop. We have a gantry system capable of lifting tritoons and pontoons off the ground, so there’s no need to leave your trailer with us. Additionally, we provide free trailer storage during your restoration slot.

Do you offer a warranty for your work?
Yes, our warranties vary depending on the services performed and the materials selected. For example, ReDecks come with a lifetime warranty on the marine decking and up to 10 years on the vinyl flooring. Canvas work typically includes a 5-year workmanship warranty and a 10-year material warranty when using Sunbrella canvas. Upholstery work generally carries a 2-year workmanship warranty and a 6-year material warranty when using Sunbrella Horizons.

All warranties will be clearly detailed in your quotes and project receipts. Please note that warranties are non-transferable and apply only to our original clients.

How do I care for my restored pontoon?
We’ll provide you with the manufacturer’s cleaning and care instructions for the materials used in your restoration along with your project receipt. Additionally, our owner is always just a phone call or text away to assist with any questions you may have.
Do you offer winter storage?

We offer on-site outside winter storage for our restoration clients.

Do you work on old motors?
We offer maintenance services such as oil changes, prop repairs, lower unit gear lube replacement, and winterization as additional services for our restoration clients. However, we do not handle carburetor work, engine rebuilds, or parts sales.

If you’re experiencing issues with a two-stroke motor, we recommend upgrading to a new Suzuki 4-stroke outboard. These motors come with an excellent warranty, are highly fuel-efficient, and provide a reliable long-term solution. Switching to a Suzuki 4-stroke ensures your motor will be dependable for years to come.

Do you reupholster interiors with wood framing?
Generally, we do not. Instead, we recommend several aftermarket modular interior brands that feature durable poly bases. These options not only look great but also come with excellent warranties and are cost-effective. Depending on your pontoon’s layout and your expectations, we may suggest this approach.

However, for pontoons with unique fencing layouts that aren’t compatible with modular interiors, we do recommend reupholstering the existing interior.

How long until you can start working on my boat?
Our scheduling typically ranges from 1 to 6 months out, depending on the time of year and our current workload. Most of our comprehensive restorations are completed between September and May, although we operate year-round. We are not a part-time operation or a moonlighting mechanic—we are a full-time, dedicated pontoon restoration business.

During the summer months, we aim to offer a 1-week turnaround for ReDecks, though this is subject to our current workload. We focus on one to two pontoons at a time, ensuring your boat receives our full attention. Your pontoon will be scheduled as soon as we have a material deposit and a signed quote on file.

In an industry where vague promises on lead times are common, we pride ourselves on clear and honest communication. Your pontoon will never sit idle in a storage lot waiting for parts or quotes—you can keep using it right up until your scheduled restoration slot. If any schedule changes occur (though rare), we will promptly inform you.

While we may occasionally run a week ahead or behind, when we commit to a timeframe, such as the 3rd week of September, we’ll be ready for you then. We ask our clients to respect the schedule as well, as any delays on your part could result in being moved to the back of the line.

How long does a restoration take?
Restoration timelines vary depending on the scope of work. ReDecks, fence panel replacements, and canvas work typically take about one working week each. Upholstery projects, especially larger or more complex ones, can take up to two weeks.

If we’re only ReDecking your pontoon, expect the process to take about a week. For more comprehensive projects that involve reupholstering the entire interior, ReDecking, and replacing fence paneling, the boat will likely be in the shop for 2-3 weeks.

How does payment work?
Once you approve your quote, we require a material deposit of 60-75% of the total bill. This deposit is fully refundable until materials are ordered. The remaining balance is due upon completion of the restoration.

If you’re storing your pontoon with us until Spring and your restoration is scheduled for January, we will contact you in January for the final payment. If you’d like to inspect your pontoon before finalizing payment, we’ll have it ready for you in the shop, nice and warm, so you can review the quality of our work before we shrink-wrap it and return it to storage for Spring delivery.

All storage contracts must be paid in full at pickup or drop-off in the Fall. We accept all major credit cards, personal checks, and cash, and can split payment types.

My pontoon was damaged and insured. Can you help with that?
Absolutely. We work with many insurance companies every year over things like hail damage, firework burns, critter damage, and collisions. We can work directly with your insurance company for a white-glove experience or simply provide your insurance company a quote for repairing damage.