Water splashing problem

[Joetomass]

Hi I have a 20 ft Lowe pontoon with a 90hp. The problem I'm having is with more then 4 people I get splashing from front and port side. My pontoons stuck out past the front of the deck about 2 foot so I extended the front deck, that solved the water in the front problem but not the water from the side. Does anyone have this problem or an answer to why? I checked my tubes they are fine not a drop of water. Thought about adding a 3rd tube but its hard to find and I think if it might lift me to high out of the water and I might get cavitation with my motor. My tubes are U shaped and about 23". If I have 7-8 people forget it we get splashed and if its alittle ruff out its worst
Thanks

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Water splashing problem

Do you have splash fins on the front of the tubes?

 

[Joetomass]

Re: Water splashing problem

Yes I have the fins in the front they are about 1-2 ft long

 

[lncoop]

Re: Water splashing problem

Try to redistribute weight and trim the motor to raise the front as much as possible, but other than that there's not much you can do. It's just the nature of the beast. By chance are any of the passengers up front heavier than average? Welcome aboard.

 

[Joetomass]

Re: Water splashing problem

Weight is split as best as possible no everyone is normal size to small. I can't trim to much then I start to cavitate. How bout lifting strakes? Was told they will act as splash shields.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Water splashing problem

By extending the deck you added more weight to the front of the boat, which will only exacerbate the splashing and ventilation issues. If your prop is ventilating I'd suggest moving all the passengers to the back at any speed other than very slow cruising. This will mitigate the splashing as well. If that doesn't help you might consider strakes or something like a Pontoon Water Glide, but temper your expectations if you go that route. It may or may not help. Barges that length are prone to splashing. I have the same issue with my 21 footer, especially in rough water, but the suggestions I've given you do help. Good luck.

 

[Joetomass]

Re: Water splashing problem

Adding the front deck didn't add much weight it's less the 60pds at max. The splash was before the deck and after was the same no worst. I was thinking of either lifting strakes, 3rd toon, or water glide. I was told by water glide that if I have to lower the motor transom by adding square tubing between the floor beams and Motor transom. Need some feed back on water glide thanks

 

[lncoop]

Re: Water splashing problem

Try searching this section for thoughts on the Water Glide. There was at least one iboater who added one (I think in the last year or so) and seemed to like it as I recall.