Adding Flotation To Pontoon

[carp master]

I need to add flotation to the back of my 18ft pontoon boat. I don't care if it slows the boat down or looks ugly (it's already ugly ) I just need flotation. can anyone give me any suggestions?

Thanks!

[CAMAN]

Can you add a center pontoon?

[carp master]

Yea, but they are kinda expensive and hard to find a match and i just want to add flotation to the back. If you have a bigger diameter tube and put it in the middle would it effect stability?

[BoxMN]

I would be more concerned with how the water flowing around it would mess with the flow around the motor. Unless you are just putt-putting around. How about a lighter motor and smaller battery? I have 20' toons, and basically a 16' deck on my old toon with small tubes - I think 19" diam. It had a big battery, I use a smaller one now and it does float a bit higher even just from that little bit.

Can you get lighter furniture, or less furniture? Mine is pretty bare and I use lawn furniture, plus a simple console and pin and captian seat. Maybe your is bigger pontoon with more stuff. I do know what you are prolly going through. I would love to get a toon with 25" tubes, but it ain't in the cards.

There is a very good pontoon forum that I visit, many have added tubes and reported on the success, but can't give it out here. The thing they kept coming back to was it is better to get new (used) pontoon for the money they spent and the results of it... Good luck though! If you can post some pics we can give you more thoughts.

[CAMAN]

As long as the pontoon is at the same height as the existing pontoons it should be fine and stable. I imagine you should be able to find a short pontoon (like ten feet or so) that you can tuck close to the motor and will never even be seen unless look hard. It shouldn't affect motor performance as long as it doesn't extend below the cavitation plate on the lower unit.

I would call around to some boat salvage yards and see if they can come with anything.

And if you're willing and you find a good enough deal, you could always find a welder and cut out a section to shorten it up and weld it back together.

[vermilionfox]

A center toon is the best option. If it's larger than the outboard ones by just a few inches that is not a problem. Most new pontoons that have a center log have a larger diameter one in the center. If you go that route look for a tube with a motor pod already on it. If you add one in front of your current set up water flow to the motor can be an issue. Search the web for pontoonstuff forum. Lots of good re-build info there.

[CAMAN]

Most new pontoons that have a center log have a larger diameter one in the center.

That's good to know!

[rmk600]

Will a center pontoon work with the trailer you have or use to put it in the water?

[vermilionfox]

Most trailers can be easily modified to accept a 'toon with a third log.

[bogwalker]

Yea, but they are kinda expensive and hard to find a match and i just want to add flotation to the back. If you have a bigger diameter tube and put it in the middle would it effect stability?

Boat dealer in Grand Rapids sells mismatched, scratched/dented pontoon tubes.