Let's talk tritoon conversions.

[hvymtl939]

So, we currently have a 1986 24' Playbouy. 2 log boat with the older smaller logs. We have been kicking around the idea of adding a middle one. Mostly, I would like the increased displacement a middle log affords, and hopefully some better rough water handling. We plan on spending more time at Lake of the Ozarks, and the way our boat currently sits, we would have a bad time out there.

So, with all that in mind, what do you guys think? 3/4 middle log would be the cheapest and easiest option. I would kinda like to run a full length middle with an integrated transom so I could run bigger power (currently running a 60 hp, 18-20 mph). Would I see any benefit to more power with these smaller logs? Would adding lifting strakes be worth it as well?

What do you guys think?

 

[Lightwin 3]

Both have been done. Do a search in the Completed Boat Projects area.

Example of a total rebuild. https://forums.iboats.com/forum/boa...209-pontoon-conversion-to-an-inboard-outboard

 

[ahicks]

If I were going through the trouble, it would darn sure have lifting strakes.

Concerns might be trailering, and how the new config would work out with your 'toon lift is you have one.

 

[hvymtl939]

If I were going through the trouble, it would darn sure have lifting strakes.

Concerns might be trailering, and how the new config would work out with your 'toon lift is you have one.

Don't have a lift, and we're in the process of buying a new trailer right now.

 

[5150abf]

Pet peeve of mine, they are TUBES, logs grow in the forest.

I have had something to do with building @260,000 pontoon tubes in my 30 years in the buisness, 9 at Suncruiser OMC, 20 at Bennington and 9 months at Barletta.

This is doable but be ready, it is a daunting job.

First issue is finding a tube to fit your boat, both bracket spacing and length have to match, lots of crawling around under the boat drilling and bolting, undoing, redoing.

Even with a tube at hand and all the equipment it is quite a job.

Next is $$, a new center tube will run @ $2000 I would guess, a used one obviously cheaper but again, you have to find the right bracket spacing, length ect.

Strakes have little effect under 115, need at least 150 in my opinion to get the benefits.

If you are not super mechanically inclined I would skip it, don't mean to pee on your parade but having done it with all the right equipment and a correct tube it is a real job, can't imagine trying at home in the garage.

 

[ahicks]

If I may draw on your experience, If somebody with an older boat wanted to consider the 3rd tube plan, and the boat has 22 or 23, even 24" tubes, you would use a 25" tube for the conversion of all 3 sizes, or would the new tube size vary depending on the original tube sizes?

What I'm wondering is would a 25" center tube with lifting strakes lift enough of the smaller outside tubes high enough to see a performance increase?

 

[5150abf]

Hydrodynamics are weird so most stuff you have to just run and see what it does.

A lot of companies use larger center tubes or run them ;lower but I think it creates an outrigger effect because it is riding more on the center than the outboard tubes.

I have heard of boats going outside in a turn like you are turning hard left but the boat is tilting right, has to be pretty scary.

The deal with chines is you need enough power to get the boat on plane, again at least 125-150.

Until they are on top of the water planning they are just more drag.

Pontoons are not very efficient hulls.

Also adding a center tube you are increasing surface area in the water which you need to overcome so if you added a center to your current boat it would be slower because of the extra weight and drag.

So to your question, adding a center tube would slow your boat but capacity would go up all things being the same and I don't think going to a tube 2''-3'' bigger would cause any issues.

Pretty sure the ones that tilt the wrong way are more like 6'.'

 

[ahicks]

I have a Honda 90 on a fairly light conventional 24' boat with 24" tubes, which planes easily. That boat will lean to the outside just enough to be a little unnerving if turned hard. Not stupid hard, just hard enough to get a tube outside the wake. I'm concerned the right set of conditions could turn that outside tube into a submarine.......

I'm surprised to hear you say that the tri toon would lean like that. With the larger center tube (or a tube providing more lift than the outside tubes), it seems like the boat would lean to the inside?