Ok folks.. Here's the "skinny"..
Sorry no pics,, yet, but there will be soon.
Great Lakes Skipper was a pleasure to do business with, very helpful, however, check your merchandise prior to leaving the premise or shipping. They were ready to load two different tubes on my trailer. Also, be sure you are clear on the condition of the pontoons, new or used and that they are priced accordingly. Skipper will be happy to work with you on this.
So, that all said and after much research (months). I've discovered and confirmed with engineer's that the optimal center of gravity is in fact the center of the pontoon boat WITHOUT THE MOTOR! With the motor installed the center of gravity is approx. 3 to 4 feet from the front of the motor (if the center of gravity was found to be in the center of the pontoon without a motor). So, in theory, if one was to launch the pontoon in the water without a motor, the pontoon should be level.
Additionally, the 25" Pontoons are substantially more weight that the 23". Two men can lift the 25" x 23' pontoon and its all the two men can handle.
The 25" tubes fit well to the deck, however, there was additional drilling and measuring necessary to align the secure the tubes. I did not elect to remove the deck due to the fact that I just replaced the decking two years ago with Sherwood XL PlyDek, so I had to install the 25" tubes with all the decking in place. It was a task, but far less work than removing the deck and re-installing. One more
Sorry no pics,, yet, but there will be soon.
Great Lakes Skipper was a pleasure to do business with, very helpful, however, check your merchandise prior to leaving the premise or shipping. They were ready to load two different tubes on my trailer. Also, be sure you are clear on the condition of the pontoons, new or used and that they are priced accordingly. Skipper will be happy to work with you on this.
So, that all said and after much research (months). I've discovered and confirmed with engineer's that the optimal center of gravity is in fact the center of the pontoon boat WITHOUT THE MOTOR! With the motor installed the center of gravity is approx. 3 to 4 feet from the front of the motor (if the center of gravity was found to be in the center of the pontoon without a motor). So, in theory, if one was to launch the pontoon in the water without a motor, the pontoon should be level.
Additionally, the 25" Pontoons are substantially more weight that the 23". Two men can lift the 25" x 23' pontoon and its all the two men can handle.
The 25" tubes fit well to the deck, however, there was additional drilling and measuring necessary to align the secure the tubes. I did not elect to remove the deck due to the fact that I just replaced the decking two years ago with Sherwood XL PlyDek, so I had to install the 25" tubes with all the decking in place. It was a task, but far less work than removing the deck and re-installing. One more