I want to add a third toon of smaller diameter

[Capt dave 258]

I have a 24ft pontoon boat that has 23" diameter pontoons. It has a factory aluminum deck and I built an enclosure on it to make it a weekend houseboat. The interior is minimum and I plan on keeping it that way. It currently has a Mercury Classic 50 for a motor. I had it on the Mississippi River for a few days and nights, along with two adult passengers and gear. It handled well. I have another junk pontoon I picked up that has 19" diameter pontoons. I'm considering adding one of those toons to the center of the other pontoon boat to help with buoyancy. Does anyone have experience with adding a smaller diameter center toon? Any issues you may think of? I realize I could increase the possibility of motor ventilation. I also have a 70hp Johnson that I will be installing in the spring.

 

[Scott Danforth]

generally, the center toon is same diameter or larger. I have never seen one smaller.

My thoughts are if the OEM's didnt do it, then its not a good idea. however I can only offer what I observed personally.

 

[Capt dave 258]

I have never seen one smaller either but I'm hoping there's someone on this forum that has experience with it. As far as a larger one in the center, I'm familiar with that. My brother had a Manitou tri-toon and the center toon was larger, or at least it hung lower in the water. However, when you pulled up to a beach, the boat would rock due to the imbalance with the center toon. I don't want to experience that on a small homemade houseboat when you're trying to sleep.

 

[Scott Danforth]

If your goal is handling on the water, the larger center log is done to get the boat to turn more like a V-hull if you talk to the OEMs

If your goal is to sit on the beach, I don't know what to say

 

[jlh3rd]

I'm no engineer. I do have a 24' pontoon with 25" toons. I'd never take the time and spend the money to add a 3rd toon with a smaller diameter, whether I'm interested in more performance or not, as in your case. You're adding weight without getting maximum return for buoyancy.
I could see an equal 3rd toon worth time/money.

 

[Capt dave 258]

If your goal is handling on the water, the larger center log is done to get the boat to turn more like a V-hull if you talk to the OEMs

If your goal is to sit on the beach, I don't know what to say

If your goal is handling on the water, the larger center log is done to get the boat to turn more like a V-hull if you talk to the OEMs

If your goal is to sit on the beach, I don't know what to say

My goal was to get input from someone that has experience with a smaller center toon. Thanks for your input though. You certainly live up to your nickname. Merry Christmas!

 

[Capt dave 258]

I'm no engineer. I do have a 24' pontoon with 25" toons. I'd never take the time and spend the money to add a 3rd toon with a smaller diameter, whether I'm interested in more performance or not, as in your case. You're adding weight without getting maximum return for buoyancy.
I could see an equal 3rd toon worth time/money.

Thanks. Makes sense. Just thought I'd ask since I already have the smaller toon. I'll just continue my search for a 23inch toon.

 

[Capt dave 258]

generally, the center toon is same diameter or larger. I have never seen one smaller.

My thoughts are if the OEM's didnt do it, then its not a good idea. however I can only offer what I observed personally.

Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Well, since you already have the center log, design some wooden, bolt-thru blocks so it's bottom will be in-line with the outer logs and give it a try.

 

[airshot]

Make a temporary connection and see how it works...

 

[cyclops222]

Clean out the fireplace. Make ready.

 

[Capt dave 258]

Well, since you already have the center log, design some wooden, bolt-thru blocks so it's bottom will be in-line with the outer logs and give it a try.

Yeah, I just might do that. Thanks