[hibbert6]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of a center (3rd) pontoon?

Dave

[Scaaty]

Wondered myself....think they could be made smaller with same amount of flotation, for less drag? Heck, I don't know either

[steelespike]

More flotation,more stable, gets up on the water better and quicker, handles rough water better.

[KCook]

Main advantages are for water sports. If you just want to putter around on quiet waters, then may as well stick with the old 2-log setup.

Kelly Cook

[hibbert6]

Originally Posted by KCook

Main advantages are for water sports. If you just want to putter around on quiet waters, then may as well stick with the old 2-log setup.

Kelly Cook

Thanks, but would someone please explain how that 3rd pontoon helps with water sports?

[KCook]

Adding the 3rd tube increases buoyancy 50%. This improves the holeshot. Whereas a 2-log 'toon is really a semi-displacement design, a 3-log design can fully plane out. If your watersports are limited to pulling tubes, then speeds will be low and the 3-log model may not be worth the extra expense.

Straight line performance of a 3-log 'toon, with suitable power, is about the same as a fiberglass deckboat. The deckboat still turns easier, however.

Kelly

[hibbert6]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. That explains a lot.

So I take it skiing behind a 2 tube 'toon wouldn't be possible even with enough power?

Dave

[tashasdaddy]

it's possible, but will be extremely slow out of the hole. it's just plan and simple, you have more hull and hull surface to float the boat. i personnally would go with deckboat, if you want to use as a sports boat, and day cruiser. i have a '99 Chris Craft 230 deckboat. super space, storage, 5.7 VP . rated for 13 people,

[Texasmark]

tas, would it be a problem posting a pic of that boat for us to admire. Didn't know CC got into that line also. I have always been an admirer of their Mahogany-planked beauties of the "romantic" past.

Thanks,

Mark