I don’t know. I’m not thinking too much about the aluminum “failures”. Plenty of boats are on Aluminum on the lake with no issues. I’m confident it’s a good option.
I’m trying to debate if stainless is a good option. It is stronger. It is fresh water, so 304 would be fine from what I’ve researched. It’s around the same cost.
Are these builders suggesting a good material maybe?
Pretty wild if the shop can do equal aluminum for the cost of 304. Would think the 304 would end up being much thinner to equal cost.
Crazy things in the market though. We upsized a big order of 316 tubing, depending on the time of restock prices were wild in variation. Could the cost being equal if sitting on a material stock situation like that.
Changing any of the measurements/profile of the 50 foot x 4 x 2 foot pontoon will cause the boat to sit either higher or lower in the water which may impact the outdrives optimum height
Meaning that you will more than likely have to reconfigure the center pontoon to accommodate a proper drive height installation.
I would expect some issues with trying to install a stern drive in a round pontoon unless it has quite a large diameter
The other parameter with the height of the drive will be the difference in weight of the toons between current and whatever material that you use.
Agree with Comfisherman, I am much surprised that stainless would be similar in price as aluminum for the build.
Paticus, I am on your lake! You can even see my boat in your picture. I am pulling out this Octoberish, and need to change my fiberglass over wood pontoons. I have many questions that it seems you have answers for.
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making any potentially dangerous or financial decision, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.
