Adding mini tubes in rear to help bouyance

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by T J, Jun 5, 2025.

  1. T J
    Joined: Jun 2025
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Indiana

    T J New Member

    Thanks for the add.

    I am stressing over the new 90 hp mercury I just installed on my 2014 Sunchaser. The rear sits really low, over half the tube. It is maxed rated for the 90 but the added weight really dropped it down. As you can see from the waterline or the wet part, it shows how low it drops. Almost to the bottom of the cowling. The picture of the pontoon is just a reference shot to show the draft. It is like that with just 2 people and 2 dogs sitting even with the driver seat.

    I have been looking all over the net trying to find a way to resolve the issue but need some advise.

    I found some mini tubes that migght fit un the rear, 1 on each side of the transom tube. They support 180lbs each. Has any ever seen this done or know if it would actually improve the bouyancy? Pro vs con thing I guess.

    It had a 60hp originally but wasnt strong enough to pull a tube. I hope I didnt make an 8k mistake.

    Any suggestions would be appreciated. TIA
     

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  2. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
    Posts: 8,212
    Likes: 1,881, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: usa

    fallguy Boat Builder

    Tiny tube probably won’t be enough.

    Your boat needs a weight reconfiguration and a serious diet in the back, and no I don’t mean you or your friends, but the stuff in it.

    And while at it, check the tubes for h2o.
     
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  3. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
    Posts: 3,025
    Likes: 1,130, Points: 113
    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    Move the two dogs and two people forward a bit, apply full throttle and you'll be fine.
    Enjoy. Wear your PFD and watch where you're going.
    Stay sober, wear funscreen and watch where you're going.
     
  4. willy13
    Joined: Jan 2022
    Posts: 118
    Likes: 31, Points: 28
    Location: Canandaigua NY

    willy13 Senior Member

    Pretty normal stance for a pontoon boat. Diminishing reserve bouyancy with a round pontoon once they are half submerged. I wouldn't sweat it. But when on plane make sure the outboard height is correct since its a new install and many pontoon dealers mount the outboards too low.
     
  5. kapnD
    Joined: Jan 2003
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    Location: hawaii, usa

    kapnD Senior Member

    upload_2025-6-6_20-14-54.jpeg
     
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  6. kapnD
    Joined: Jan 2003
    Posts: 1,441
    Likes: 505, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 40
    Location: hawaii, usa

    kapnD Senior Member

    Here’s a picture from the manufacturer’s website, clearly showing considerable stern down posture with no additional weight in the stern.
    A horizontal cylinder looses buoyancy rapidly once the waterline passes its center, so it is never a good idea to overload. IMG_1807.png
     
    montero likes this.
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