Pontoon shape.

[bag&tag]

Does the shape of the pontoon (round vs hexagon) have any affect on performance or flotation? Is one better than the other? Like to know before I buy. Thanks!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Pontoon shape.

Virtually every pontoon shape (square, round, hex, square with round bottom and probably some I've never seen) have been tried yet the vast majority are round. While that does not answer your question, it should indicate that maybe anything OTHER than round should be suspect.

 

[bag&tag]

Re: Pontoon shape.

Thanks for your reply.Seems cost also can dictate shapes used.But still which is best??

 

[5150abf]

Re: Pontoon shape.

I don't think shape would affect flotation at all, that is determined by volume which doesn't care about shape.

Tube shape and whether you get chines ect depends on what you want to do with the boat.

I would personnally go with a round tube, with chines if you want to go the performance route, just for the simple fact that it will be easier to replace if they are ever damaged.

How do you plan on using this boat?

 

[bag&tag]

Re: Pontoon shape.

Thanks for reply. Have chance to buy 20 ft. whith hexagone tubes at good price. Will be used for fishing & pleasure.

 

[gbb]

Re: Pontoon shape.

I have a JC with the oblong tubes and love it. I think they are more stable.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Pontoon shape.

fiberglass toon are required to have foam in side. a little leak, and you have a tube of saturated foam. round metal no foam.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Pontoon shape.

I built a houseboat 7 years ago and did a lot of research on pontoon shape.

Round is the cheapest to make. They are the least stable and they track the worst. They are the strongest design (without gussets).

Hexagon style toons (there are scores of designs) are by far the most stable (reduced pitching). They also track the truest. They are more expensive to make because they require numerous bends/gussets etc.

I settled on a custom design which was square in design with a 1/3 flat bottom keel, plus a 6mm rub bar underneath for stone beaching.