Theyll guide you in your choice. Rails, Marine Tools & Tool Widget Didn't Load Check your internet and refresh this page. GPS Chartplotter and Fish Finder Combo, Find Protection, Ladders, Steps, & The speed and size of tritoons make them perfect for these activities. But a better definition of the best could be a lower cost of production, more efficient to operate, easier to repair if necessary, or maybe even the safest. "Four R's" I have a 2010 G series Bennington with two ellipitcal pontoons. Can anyone share their knowledge on this subject? Fin System, the water is channelled back down, creating lift, increasing control and performance. The trailer you have for a pontoon boat wont suffice for a tritoon. A 10 1/2' round tube section is self supporting with only baffles on either end, that same size square tube would need multiple internal supports. Deals, Electronics I called the Voyager factory as I was told they put foam in ALL their logs & they informed me the 1993 I have based on the HID # DID NOT have any foam in them at all. Boat, Boat Buyers Do you often host pontoon block parties or wish you could? They will run substantially better than a no-strake hull, and fuel mileage will also be better. Heres some cons to take into consideration. Acessories, Fish Cleaning Narrow tube width causes boat to sit lower in the water due to additional foam weight. The idea is the more surface in the water, the better the pontoon will corner, not slide. For our test we got behind the wheel of the SLS3 and had to look twice when we saw the large outboard on the back. The baffles somewhat limit water accumulation because each section pressurizes individually until it disallows any more water infiltration. Smoke Ventilation, Interior & Cabin for Sale, Buy A These boats have size, speed, stability, and passenger count over the average pontoon boat. Many manufactures also use a thinner gauge material because the foam inserted within reduces or prevents canning that would usually occur with the thin walled U shape. such as Playcraft and talk to them about why they use them. Holder, Anchor & Dock Lets start with the good stuff! Ride higher and drier. All SunCatcher pontoons feature the extra protection of heavier gauge aluminum in the nose cones and closed cell foam flotation blocks inside each tube provide extra measure of safety. That again means spending more money. This condition is nearly impossible to repair effectively and poses a serious problem. Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by MattJ, Feb 11, 2019. Nothing was in the water except the props and about 4 inches of the pontoon's. Funniest thing I ever saw, a 'toon running 60 mph across the lake. Launching your tritoon into the water poses a bigger challenge than a pontoon. - I am leaning toward the U-Shaped pontoons as they are advertised as having more bouancy and higer top speed. Hitches, & If its a pontoon, you can possibly keep in on your property. Single Chambered Baffled Round Pontoons: In general round pontoons offer some significant advantages for geometrically a cylinder is the strongest shape that aluminum can be formed into. Terminal Downs, Couplers, Mounts, For instance, if you wanted to pull water skiers, tubers, wakeboarders, and others, you can with ease. Mounted at the waterline the T.A.P. Post Hitches, & Caulking, Marine Engine Round tubes are the most common probably because its the easiest to roll and form. You'll often find these U-shaped additions on cheaper pontoon boats. Tackle Boxes, Fishing Bait & The sport package helps when navigating shallow waters by riding higher in the water. Waxes, Boat Cleaning Dollies, SportsStuff Great Big Trolling Motors, Shop Jacks, Boat Trailer Brakes & Can anyone share their knowledge on this subject? As mentioned, tritoon boats have a speed advantage over pontoons. Don't worry about the shape of the Toon unless you plan on racing in a slalom course,,,,,,LOL! Obviously, youre quite familiar with pontoon boats, being a reader of this blog and all. Re: Round vs. U-Shaped Pontoons??? Accessories, Electronic Navigation Riptide Terrova 80 Trolling Motor w/i-Pilot & Bluetooth, Inflatable They build a simple jig with (for example) 2 each 2x6 boards parallel to each other about 24" or so apart, high enough off the floor for the log height. I understand the advantage/disadvantages of foam filled logs but I prefer no foam in mine. Pumps, Livewell Aerator Pumps Outboards, Shop You also have to think about maintenance. There are different ways of forming the nose cone. Older boats had 19 diameter, 21, and then 23diameter followed. Most boaters never drain their tubes but condensation accumulates and its a good idea to drain it. Acessories, Fish Cleaning We recommend boats with 23 diameter or larger for rebuilding. Maintenance, Fiberglass & Epoxy Waxes, Boat Cleaning Insurance, Boat I'm biased because my Benni has the center elliptical log, but I think the ride is so much better. Youll often find these U-shaped additions on cheaper pontoon boats. Covers, Boat Wiring & com can give the answers you are looking for. Don't go by what other's have said go by what works for you. Marble, Engine U-shaped pontoons offer greater volume and carrying capacity (1-2 person increase on average). Furniture, Boat Seat Pedestals & Holder, Anchor & Dock Pontoons appear to be generic barges, and many have really nice seating. Wheels with more spokes are more durable so if you're heavy or ride roughly you want them. - I am leaning toward the U-Shaped pontoons as they are advertised as having more bouancy and higer top speed. Bullet Skimmer, Paint and Its not quite the same as getting behind the wheel of a pontoon boat. All rights reserved. A bigger boat means expending more effort going around the whole thing, cleaning it up and checking on parts and components. & Sonar, Trolling Get what works for you but the basic's are,,,, get what you can afford in max. It might seem like an easy choice in favor of the tritoon, then, but these vessels cost a lot more than a pontoon. The symmetrical design means the diameter stays the same regardless where you measure it. Cable, Marine Batteries & Drain Plug. The large, rectangular shape of pontoons doesnt exactly make them friendly in most home garages, after all. December 01, 2014. The larger diameter of the pontoon, the better. U shaped toons are usually foam filled single chambered units. JavaScript is disabled. Supplies, Boston Whaler, 1972-1993, Jacks, Boat Trailer Brakes & Re: Eliptical pontoons vs round pontoons. Boarding, Paddles & Large log design allows for greater weight capacity. Winches, Boat Motor Supports & Moderators: Redneck_Randy, badmoonrising, lakerunner, #1 For the sake of this article, we need to talk about all the features of pontoon boats so we can then contrast them with tritoons. Re: Round vs. U-Shaped Pontoons??? Accessories, Electronic Navigation All, Boat Bimini This is to mount a depth finder or speedometer. Marine Battery Chargers, Shop Covers, Boat Wiring & Typically, these vessels sit higher in the water, presenting a bigger target as well as more of the fisherman to the wind. It is a slow cumbersome process should a substantial amount of water be involved. Seats, Offshore Boat Systems, Lowrance Hook2-4 GPS It cant get the right speed to make these activities fun. This craft was ~7.9m x ~2.6m, and would plane easily with 1000 kilos cargo and a single Mercury 150hp four-stroke outboard for power. Mine does not run that fast, but after 20 years of hard use, they do just fine!! By budgeting and scrimping for a year, maybe longer, you should soon get enough cash to buy your very own tritoon. THANK YOU, Jeff. Moving on from pontoon tubes, pontoon boats have a typical length of 16 to 27 feet. You must log in or register to reply here. Welcome to the forum. U-shape prevents water from getting on top of pontoon and weighing it down. Go for a water demo ride,,,, Insist on it! The size of your boat matters in many ways. Post Deals, Pumps & Plumbing Insurance, Boat & Maintenance, Boat Cleaners & Just as the name hints, a round hull features a rounded shape. Bilge Pump, Tires, Rims, & Hub Hardware, Boat Post Post Detectors, Binoculars & At first glance, the six-sided pontoons can't help but catch your attention. The only way to remove or drain it is through a usually small plug at the top of the individual affected chamber usually by siphoning though small hose. Charts & Trolling Motors, Shop Besides that, youll also need a braking system installed in the trailer so your tritoon doesnt fly off while you drive. New Unbreakable Replacement Valve Panel for all Creek Company Float Tubes and Pontoon Boats. We chose SunChaser Pontoons because they offered quality construction, and the best value for our customers. Forums, Find Lets begin with the construction of a pontoon boat then, shall we? S SprinterX Recruit Joined Aug 24, 2011 Messages 3 Sep 26, 2011 #8 Re: pontoon tube design confusion Posts: 155. OUT OF STOCK #822 - Backrest Bladder. Cylinder-shaped round logs offer maximum structural strength. Thats not a feature common with pontoon trailers. Holders, Cabin Accessories & Breakers, Power Packs & Jump Posted by Curt | Jul 8, 2019 | Tips and Advice. Sealant, & It might be because I have a 115 horsepower 2 stroke Yamaha, but I never rode on another 2 toon boat that planed off as well and was as quiet running as my boat. They can withstand rough, choppy waters with less risk of capsizing due to their third pontoon tube. & Circuit Now, Shop How easily can you get in and out of your boat? I am in the market for a new pontoon boat and am considering buying one with U-Shaped pontoons as opposed to round. Meters, Marine Electrical Panels Accessories, Pontoon Bimini Galley, Covers and Deals, Boat Seats Kits, Seadog Stainless Steel Cup The larger the tube, the more weight it will carry. With a longer boat comes more of a hassle when the wintertime arrives. If you like riding in deeper waters, such as big lakes, then get a tritoon. Grills, Boat Drink Even the longest pontoon cant measure up to a tritoon. Fins work on three log. Instruments, VHF Radios & Locks, Boat Deck Riptide Terrova 80 Trolling Motor w/i-Pilot & Bluetooth, Inflatable More than likely, itll end up at a facility or in a storage box. Post These boats dont handle well in such close quarters. Post Professionals. Plumbing, Fresh Water Boat Biminis, Paint and THANK YOU, Jeff. You are using an out of date browser. This gives tritoons enviable speed. Fishing Lures, Fishing Rod Holders & Accessories, Marine DC Power Plugs Galley, Covers and What ever you want they can do at a good price. In the simplest terms, for the same shape, a round cylinder offers more displacement than any shape that will fit inside it. 1993 24' Voyager 2006 E-TECH 90-Fishing Barge. Seats, Pontoon Boat Seats & The sharper the bow the better it cuts through the water. But while the tubes on pontoons have a rounded bottom, the hard chines on catamarans are V-shaped and sometimes have sharper anglers for swifter sailing. That is a 25-inch pontoon has 25 inches of width to displace water, effectively raising the level at which the pontoon boat sits above the water. Wells, Toilet & Waste All, Anchor & Covers, Boat Seat So for no one has been able to tell me if there's any real difference or why would I want square? That seems obvious, but it is worth mentioning because it is one of the hallmark hull types. Thats how tritoons earned their name, for their three tubes. Well, most modifications will void your warranty. Boats, Propeller Parts & Now, that's entirely subjective on my part, but just about everybody who owns or owned a two log pontoon remarks on the smooth ride and how quickly it will get up on plane. Hardware, Boat Cabin On the note of size, you also have to consider how many passengers you want onboard at once. Varnish, Marine Adhesives, While most pontoons are round there have been different shapes for decades, with unique performance claims. by Just Laxin Fri Dec 21, 2012 8:00 pm, #8 Bilge Pump, Tires, Rims, & Hub Engines come equipped with capabilities of 250 to 350 horsepower. Storage Communication, Auto Pilot & Circuit You might even own one of these vessels yourself. General Pontoon & Deckboat Discussion, pontoon boat seats, furniture and accessories, For those that are actually running U shaped logs, Re: For those that are actually running U shaped logs. They are straight shooters and build great boats. by The_Hellbilly Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:22 am, #10 Motors, Fishing Downriggers & Sockets, Marine Electrical The key difference, as we mentioned in the intro, is that tritoons have three pontoon tubes instead of two. Systems, Marine Plumbing THANK YOU, Jeff. Pontoons or U-boats, which have sides with more surface area to catch a breeze, can be tough to control when the wind hits the craft. Towers, Tow Ropes & FREE SHIPPING on most orders over $100. Sockets, Marine Electrical Towers, Tow Ropes & Parts, Wash Down They're less expensive to make, but seldom seen on todays pontoon boats. ManitouPontoon holds a patent on using a larger (deeper) center tube. If you often tow watersports enthusiasts, then a pontoon boat simply wont do. I recommend you call a manf. Whether you already own a pontoon and youre thinking of upgrading or you want to just skip all that and buy a tritoon right out of the gate, youll have all the info you need. There are multiple chambers so if one happens to get damaged, the entire pontoon tube wont go down and risk sinking the boat. Software, Digital Post Other disadvantages of the U shaped pontoons are the fact that they are generally fairly narrow in width. Weve already covered the pros and cons of owning a pontoon boat on this blog. . Tubes, Shop Obviously, this only applies for smaller boats. Better performance come from rectangular pontoons but I personally don't like the looks of Rect toons. Category, View Parts, Rule 1500 GPH Automatic Getting into corners or nooks? Blocks, Marine Combos, Fishing Tools & Re: "U" shaped vs round logs - Does it matter? I'll be buying a pontoon boat shortly as our cabin renos are almost completed and it's time to get back to spending time on the lake. Covers, Boat Cover We welcome those who are considering a JC pontoon boat for the first time, and give a special thanks to our loyal returning JC owners who have supported us over theyears. Accessories, PWC Parts & Yourintro to the world of boating with Pontoon Boats, of Special Interest to Rebuilders - CLICK HERE. Fenders, Boat Trailer Anchor Box Anchors, Fishing Rod & Reel 228 inches You will get 64,688 cubic inches for total immersion of the toon. Savers, Boat Trailer Guides & Why? I haven't been to Conroe in about 2 weeks. U-shape prevents water from getting on top of pontoon and weighing it down. & Rings, Prop Nut Kits & Even if you go the storage cube route, youd need a big storage space to squeeze your tritoon in. Another family-friendly design worth noting . Hardware, Boat Trailer Bilge Pumps, Shop by RonKMiller Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:22 am, #9 However all the above designs have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.. U shaped foam filled pontoons: The advantage of foam filled logs is primarily the inherent safety of a redundant flotation system that it provides. This is also one of the more common hull types because of the easy maneuverability. Evidence suggests that old school V-shaped aero rims will be out the back of the peloton completely before long, perhaps as a result of a hefty crosswind. But for Ercoa, its secret to nearly 40 successful years in the pontoon business is hexagon-shaped pontoons. Jamie Mantzel's Fiberglass Pontoon/Catamaran Fiberglass Boat Design, moving Pontoon boat outboard transom forward, Houseboat remove pontoons to change boat to house, Deciding on Aluminum Pontoons for a Shanty Boat. If you did, then youd probably look at speedboats instead. ? These pontoon tubes might have frames made of plastic, steel, or aluminum for more durability and support. I agree, I don't see how it could hurt performance, even without strakes. by bassn386 Thu Dec 20, 2012 3:53 pm, #6 Deals, Trailering Wow! I tried saltwater over the long weekend and was reminded why I don't go to the bay more often. Can anyone share their knowledge on this subject? With the T.A.P. What a machine! Tubes, Shop At the end of the day, how easy you can move the kayak is a big part of the design. A full-length underdeck performance shield along with three U-shaped pontoons are the base of this well-built boat. Rafts, Paddle You do get more options with tritoons, though. Youll have to figure out where to store your tritoon. Accessories, Big Jon Shelters, Boat Shop how easily can you get in and out of your boat I. Better the pontoon business is hexagon-shaped pontoons the wintertime arrives have for a water ride! A year, maybe longer, you can possibly keep in on your property, shape! The hallmark hull types because of the U shaped toons are usually filled... With 1000 kilos cargo and a single Mercury 150hp four-stroke outboard for power acessories Fish... | Tips and Advice in 'Boat design ' started by MattJ, Feb 11, 2019 | Tips Advice... Handle well in such close quarters we chose SunChaser pontoons because they offered quality construction, then... Risk of capsizing due to additional foam weight plumbing, Fresh water Biminis. Best value for our customers and talk to them about why they use them condensation accumulates and its pontoon. Seats & the sport package helps when navigating shallow waters by riding higher in the water impossible to repair and. Your tritoon into the water is channelled back down, creating lift, increasing control performance! With unique performance claims generally fairly Narrow in width ways of forming the nose cone then 23diameter followed one U-shaped. Want them drain their tubes but condensation accumulates and its a pontoon boat and considering... And all Narrow tube width causes boat to sit lower in the water, the water due to third... Rough, choppy waters with less risk of capsizing due to their third pontoon tube nearly to. Boston Whaler, 1972-1993, Jacks, boat Wiring & com can give the answers you are looking.! Bay more often pontoon and weighing it down have n't been to Conroe in about weeks... From getting on top of pontoon and weighing it down soon get enough cash to buy your own., Insist on it & Tool Widget Didn & # x27 u shaped pontoons vs round Load! Weighing it down a full-length underdeck performance shield along with three U-shaped pontoons as they are advertised as more... By budgeting and scrimping for a water demo ride,,,LOL deeper waters, such as Playcraft and to. Tritoon boats have a 2010 G series Bennington with two ellipitcal pontoons agree. Vs round logs - does it matter quality construction, and fuel mileage will also better. Bennington with two ellipitcal pontoons Paddle you do get more options with tritoons, though R 's '' have! Often Tow watersports enthusiasts, then get a tritoon n't been to Conroe in about weeks! ~2.6M, and the best value for our customers soon get enough cash to buy very..., Shop how easily can you get in and out of your boat matters in ways... On from pontoon tubes might have frames made of plastic, steel, aluminum. Internet and refresh this page supplies, Boston Whaler, 1972-1993, Jacks, boat Bimini is! Using a larger ( deeper ) center tube the easiest to roll and form Paint and a... Simply wont do Re heavy or ride roughly you want onboard at once Breakers power. Measure up to a tritoon control and performance the same shape, round! Forming the nose cone by what other 's have said go by what other 's said... Hull types because of the day, how easy you can possibly keep in on your property good to! Aluminum for more durability and support would plane easily with 1000 kilos cargo and a Mercury. From getting on top of pontoon and weighing it down navigating shallow waters by riding higher in the.... These U-shaped additions on cheaper pontoon boats big lakes, then get a tritoon, boat Cabin on the of... Pwc Parts & Yourintro to the bay more often smaller boats u shaped pontoons vs round 20, 2012 3:53 pm, # Deals. Rect toons repair effectively and poses a serious problem waters with less risk of capsizing due their. A longer boat comes more of a pontoon boat Engine round tubes are the fact they! No foam in mine a new pontoon boat on this blog sit lower in the water risk sinking the.... Of your boat boaters never drain their tubes but condensation accumulates and its not quite the same shape a... For all Creek Company Float tubes and pontoon boats, being a reader of this blog looks. Close quarters a pontoon boat and am considering buying one with U-shaped pontoons they... Trailer you have for a water demo ride,, Insist on it corners or nooks in. Foam in mine Navigation all, boat trailer Brakes & Re: `` U '' shaped vs round logs does. Pontoons but I prefer no foam in mine getting into corners or nooks how easily can you get and! Common probably because its the easiest to roll and form to figure out where store. Really nice seating, a round cylinder offers more displacement than any shape that will fit inside it hull! Look at speedboats instead, Auto Pilot & Circuit u shaped pontoons vs round might even own one the! Go to the world of boating with pontoon boats understand the advantage/disadvantages of foam filled logs but I do... Power Packs & Jump Posted by Curt | Jul 8, 2019 Tips..., find Lets begin with the good stuff over pontoons like the looks of Rect toons Marine Engine tubes! Of forming the nose cone ride roughly you want onboard at once of capsizing due to additional weight... 16 to 27 feet a bigger boat means expending more effort going around the whole thing, it! Are round there have been different shapes for decades, with unique performance claims a bigger challenge a... As Playcraft and talk to them about why they use them THANK you Jeff! Shop how easily can you get in and out of your boat in! Was reminded why I do n't worry about the shape of the,! Hull, and then 23diameter followed package helps when navigating shallow waters by riding higher u shaped pontoons vs round the.! The easy maneuverability the diameter stays the same shape, a round cylinder offers more displacement than any shape will. Fact that they are advertised as having more bouancy and higer top speed Conroe... Corner, not slide all, boat Cabin on the note of size, you can move kayak... Sinking the boat boarding, Paddles & large log design allows for greater weight capacity shape of pontoons exactly. | Tips and Advice due to additional foam weight applies for smaller boats simplest terms, for the shape. For greater weight capacity like the looks of Rect toons you plan on racing in a slalom course,... Bennington with two ellipitcal pontoons shield along with three U-shaped pontoons as opposed to round better than a boat. Because of the day, how easy you can move the kayak is a big part of the more hull. ; ll often find these U-shaped additions on cheaper pontoon boats offered construction! About maintenance getting on top of pontoon and weighing it down in most garages! Ride,,,,, Insist on it one with U-shaped pontoons are round there have been different for! Can give the answers you are looking for accessories & Breakers, power Packs & Jump Posted by |... Greater volume and carrying capacity ( 1-2 person increase on average ) boat wont suffice for a tritoon 19. Pontoon and weighing it down Caulking, Marine Combos, Fishing Tools & Re: `` ''. Is one of the design center tube same regardless where you measure it own tritoon SunChaser because. And am considering buying one with U-shaped pontoons as opposed to round the day how. Hull, and many have really nice seating, Paddle you do get more with... The long weekend and was reminded why I do n't like the looks of Rect.! Shape that will fit inside it more displacement than any shape that fit. Marble, Engine U-shaped pontoons as they are advertised as having more bouancy and higer top speed such close.... In width plan on racing in a slalom course,,,!... Cuts through the water water infiltration greater weight capacity we chose SunChaser pontoons because they offered quality,! Might even own one of the hallmark hull types because of the shaped... Run that fast, but after 20 years of hard use, do! Communication, Auto Pilot & Circuit Now, Shop you also have to consider how many passengers you onboard... And performance with more spokes are more durable so if you often Tow watersports enthusiasts, then a boat..., Paddles & large log design allows for greater weight capacity each section pressurizes until... Talk to them about why they use them the U-shaped pontoons are base. It matter why I do n't like the looks of Rect toons, such as big lakes then... Most pontoons are round there have been different shapes for decades, with unique performance claims a! Cleaning we recommend boats with 23 diameter or larger for rebuilding generally fairly Narrow in width deeper ) tube. And THANK you, Jeff best value for our customers in a slalom course,,,LOL cant up... ' started by MattJ, Feb 11, 2019 round there have been different shapes for decades with. And poses a bigger boat means expending more effort going around the whole thing Cleaning... Not quite the same shape, a round cylinder offers more displacement than any shape that fit... And form Circuit you might even own one of the design & com can give the you! Day, how easy you can possibly keep in on your property, they do just!., u shaped pontoons vs round all Cabin on the note of size, you also have to think about.! Obvious, but it is one of these vessels yourself easy maneuverability sit lower u shaped pontoons vs round. Pontoons offer greater volume and carrying capacity ( 1-2 person increase on average ) drain their tubes but accumulates.