Pontoon questions

[Bomber01]

Hi, this is my first time on the forum and first time building a pontoon boat. I am unsure whether to get two or three pontoons, they are poly. The pontoon boat will be 18” x 8”. The maker has a max hp of 60 and I don’t know if having 3 pontoons will make it better or do I save my money and just get two. The extra pontoon is 2000

 

[Bomber01]

This is the frame and pontoon setup, I have the option of 3 pontoons

 

[ahicks]

The frame is wood?

 

[Toyelectroman]

18 foot pontoon with a 60hp motor probably won't benefit much with a 3rd toon. I don't even think name brand manufacturers install 3rd toons on there 18 foot models

 

[Scott Danforth]

18 foot pontoon with a 60hp motor probably won't benefit much with a 3rd toon. I don't even think name brand manufacturers install 3rd toons on there 18 foot models

the OP is talking a specific Aussie made system

http://www.marinedocksystems.com.au/

no where related to a typical 'toon with hollow logs we have here in the states.

If it was me, I would spring for the 3rd log

 

[Bomber01]

Thanks for the replies, the frame is aluminium

 

[Bomber01]

I thought that by adding a third toon would lift it and make it more stable. It will primarily be used on a lake. What sort of performance would I expect out of this with a 60hp high thrust motor, I understand that weight will dictate performance.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you are limited to 60hp

adding the third log give you both extra buoyancy, however gives you extra drag

pontoons are generally displacement hulls, so you may get 20mph

most likely the same performance with 20hp as 60hp.