Why do pontoons sag sometimes

samm835

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 12, 2006
Messages
575
OK I am looking at getting a pontoon, why isn't sometimes when I see them on the lake some look like they sag in the back sometimes? I know sometimes they can retain or get water in them, if they do this is it easy to fix? Also just a thought...Can you make a pontoon into a Tri-toon? Seems like you should but has anyone done or tried this?
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Why do pontoons sag sometimes

Alot of the older toons have small diameter logs and will sit lower in the water in the rear. A large engine will also make them sit lower in the back. A third log can be added fairly easily if you are mechanically inclined and have some helpers. They are not cheap though. Usually around $1200-$1500 for one log, plus hardware to attach it..
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Why do pontoons sag sometimes

If you look at a boat the same thing happens. It's all about weight distribution. The engine is in the back, the fuel tank is in the back. The sun deck is in the back. The battery is in the back. Most of the seating weight is from the mid point back. It's simply physics.
 

5150abf

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: Why do pontoons sag sometimes

Getting water out of tube involves a drill and a welder, nothing complicated.

The hardest part is finding where the water is getting in, lots of soap water and a small amount of compressed air, no more than 6-8 psi or you will hear a very expensive BANG as the tube blows up, they are made to hold pressure from the outside in not the other way around.

If the boat has a trailer put it on the trailer, have the truck move slowly and stop suddenly then just listen to the tube, if there is water you will be able to hear it slosh.

You can add a tube but as pointed out they are expensive, and you would have to get it from the original manufaturer to match bracket spacings.

On a tri tube the center tube is also the motor mount so there is alot more to them.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Why do pontoons sag sometimes

Most newer pontoons have a drain plug in the back of each tube.
 
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