Pontoons on the river

bobbfrommn

Recruit
Joined
Sep 4, 2017
Messages
1
Long time lurker, first post. I need a little input. We are buying a cabin on a wonderful piece of river in WI. I currently have a 1988 Lowe 18' alum pontoon I've rigged for fishing. I'd love to keep it but am concerned with depth. I need some opinions from you guys. Like most rivers it has it's deep and shallow spots. Channels 8'-10' and bars that get to about 2'-3'.

From what I can estimate with the motor fully down (not moving) I think I'm drafting about 18"-24". Is there any rule of thumb for how deep a toon will draft when running full? I can use the trolling motor to get over the really shallow areas. How much of a difference would lightening the load and distributing the weight make? I've considered switching from my older 55hp to a smaller 20hp, removing the couch on the back and maybe moving the gas tank ad batteries from the back. I should also note the toons are foam filled.

What do you think? Can I use this on the river?
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
47,307
depends on the river and the speed of the current. if your running the fox in the spring, no
 

ahicks

Captain
Joined
Sep 16, 2013
Messages
3,957
First, congrats on the waterfront cabin. Awesome place to make memories for a long time.

Regarding moving the weight around and lightening the rear, how much good that's going to do is going to depend on how low the back is currently floating. The further it's off from level, the more good you'll be doing when working towards level - which would be my target.

If I were shopping for the "perfect" engine, it would be a twin for sure, and it would have power trim and tilt.

Last, after being cautious in the area of the cabin a season or 2, you'll get to know the water in your area pretty well and it won't be near as big a deal. Until then, carrying a spare prop and the tools to change it might pay off handsomely some day.....
 

ronward

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 24, 2013
Messages
346
If you get it anywhere close to level, you're only drafting maybe 2'. One foot with motor up and using trolling motor.
 

clemsonfor

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 19, 2005
Messages
1,011
Un less you buy an Aluminum boat, like a Jon boat you really wont draft noticeably less on a plane than on a toon motor trimmed way up. And if it's that shallow I wouldn't be trying to be on a plaNE and run over a bar at speed anyway. Those things change and so does the water level.
 

ahicks

Captain
Joined
Sep 16, 2013
Messages
3,957
Agree. Pontoon may raise a hair at speed, but not enough to make much of a difference.
 
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