Tritoon center log position

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by migruenw, Aug 28, 2013.

  1. migruenw
    Joined: Aug 2013
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    Location: Watertown, SD

    migruenw Not a sport...a lifestyle

    I am adding a center log and transom to my pontoon. I was wondering if it would be ok if the center tube sticks out a foot or so past the outer tubes. I plan on extending the deck as well and having a V front. Will this make it more likely to nose dive? First time building a boat. Its stripped down and starting from the beginning. Thanks.
     
  2. messabout
    Joined: Jan 2006
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    Location: Lakeland Fl USA

    messabout Senior Member

    There should be no problem if your center tube protrudes forward of the outer ones.

    No, that will not make it nosedive unless you install the long tube with its nose pointing somewhat downward. You might possibly encounter some splashing or spray from the center tube but if it is covered with a deck you will probably not get wet.

    One of the several things that will happen is that the bow waves from the side tubes will clash at some point with the wake of the center tube and raise a fuss under the deck. The individual wakes pile up on top of one another and can be pretty severe depending on certain speed ranges. If you are content with relatively slow speeds this will not be much of a problem.

    Why do you need the third tube? How much speed are you looking for? Do you use a big horsepower motor? how heavily will the boat be loaded?
     
  3. migruenw
    Joined: Aug 2013
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    Location: Watertown, SD

    migruenw Not a sport...a lifestyle

    I have a small fishing boat, but I wanted a larger one for the river. The Missouri out here is a mile or so wide, a hundred and some odd feet deep, and if the wind comes down the tunnel...look out. I am building it so I can go out on the river, pull some crankbaits, sleep on it, hunt from it, or whatever. I just want a big machine that will handle it all. I have a 175 evinrude to attach to the center tube. I was hoping to reach speeds of high 30's or low 40's with it. I plan on having a small cabin on in with a top deck, maybe 8 feet of it or so. Not so much for play, but for rainy days. And If I have a roof, it might as well be able to be walked on. Outside tubes are 27.5' long, 21" diameter. Center tube is 25" diameter with strakes, and a 300 hp pod with fuel tank. It will sit a foot long in the front and 2 feet beyond the outside tubes in the back. It won't be loaded much. I want it pretty open. Helm, leaning post, couple of chairs, and a 300lbs of livewell water.
     

  4. messabout
    Joined: Jan 2006
    Posts: 3,367
    Likes: 510, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 1279
    Location: Lakeland Fl USA

    messabout Senior Member

    Sounds like a pretty serious fishing platform to me. The overall weight will have a lot to do with the ability of the 175 to push the boat to the high 30 low 40 range. The presence of a cabin, even a small one, will diminish your top speed a noticeable amount.

    Round tubes are not the best shape for a fast boat. You can force the tubes to go fast but at a considerable price in power consumption.
     
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