16" or 24" crossmembers, how much of a difference?

[tlytho]

I'm planning to purchase a new 22' pontoon w/115hp in early 2012. I dont need a bunch of bells & wistles, however I would like to get the best quality I can. Just when I think I've decided on which brand and model, something chages my mind. I'm looking to stay around the $30,000 mark, but want the best boat for the price. Premier, Harris and the Godfrey group, (not sure about the "S" line of Bennington) use 16" on centers on their upper end models, but go to 24" on center for their lower end models. Southbay uses 16" on all their models. Is there that big of a difference? I will be trailering to atleast 3 (each about a 30 min trip) different lakes here in central Ar. Degray (small, clean, and not crowded). Hamilton (small, social, and very busy). Oauchita (large, clean, and also usually very busy, but large enough to get away from the pack).

 

[5150abf]

Re: 16" or 24" crossmembers, how much of a difference?

Welcome to iboats.

Pontoons have had 24'' centers forever and someone, not sure who did it first, went to 16'' centers to be different and then alot of companies followed suit not to be out done.

I have built pontoons for 24 years and am really not sold on the 16'' center.

It is alot more weight and cost but the benefits are minimal in my opinion as long as the company is using proper "M" brackets, some companies use what would normally be skirting or 2 unconnected uprights for brackets which is not the way to go.

So unless you are on a big water lake I would stay with the 24'' spacing and saver some money for gas, as I said, 90% of the pontoons on the water are 24'' and don't have a problem at all, the 16'' does add more structure to the boat and they are stiffer but 24 is fine.

 

[tlytho]

Re: 16" or 24" crossmembers, how much of a difference?

Thanks 5150abf. I've been waiting to have someone say that.
I really like evrything I've seen on the Premier line, just don't need all the luxury on the upper end models. Maybe now I should think about adding a 3rd toon on one of the models with the 24" on centers.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 16" or 24" crossmembers, how much of a difference?

Just like building a house, whether you use 16 or 24 inch centers depends on what thickness material you put on them. Too thin on 24 inch centers you get sagging. You can't go too thick but there is overkill. If 3/4 inch material is used it shouldn't make any difference. If I had a choice of the two however, and all else was equal, I would certainly go for the 16. But it is all about the entire package. If 16 inch centers results in losing quality somewhere else on the boat it is not a good value.