Location of center tube question?

[jcaw54]

I have a 25' Party Barge pontoon and just purchased a 18' tube to use as a center tube (tritoon). I have around 18 inches to the front or to the back that i can mount the tube. Should the new tube be put farthest to the front or to the rear? My goal in this addition is to get the front of the pontoon out of the water. The pontoon seems to plow when at WOT and i know that kills my speed and fuel economy. My tubes are 24" and the new center tube is 25". The motor is a 90hp 2 stroke. And this tube addition will not be integrated in to the transom. The new tube is going in front of the transom.
Thanks in advance!!!!!!!!!!

P.S.
I have already tried adjusting the trim to get the front up and the motor is as low as it can be mounted without drilling new holes.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Location of center tube question?

As far back as possible. As the stern is lifted, the bow will follow, but not sure how much better performance you will notice w/ a 90 hp on a 25' barge, especially if you don't have lifting strakes on the tubes. After installation, underskinning between the tubes will help. Good luck !!!

 

[1983 ercoa 21']

Re: Location of center tube question?

Everything I have read states that adding a center toon without transom built in is tricky because of the water being disturb before the motor causes cavitation they say there is a magical number of 4' to 5' before the prop . There is alot of discussion here on iboats that talk about adding the center toon. And alot of people that don't believe in it . Every one iv talked to that has done it likes it and most have the transom built in. I'm in process of adding a third toon now with transom built in. Good luck with your project.

 

[High Cotton]

Re: Location of center tube question?

My Bentley tritoon has a short tube in the center which is mounted prolly 4' front of the engine, even across the front...

 

[jcaw54]

Re: Location of center tube question?

Rooster, the tube does have strakes and I will be skinning the bottom of the deck. Thanks everyone for the input! I wish I could find someone who has experimented with the short tube.

 

[1983 ercoa 21']

Re: Location of center tube question?

Post adding a third toon in the search at top of page and you will find alot of input about adding one that has already been discussed. Or even goggle it I found alot of information that way most of it lead back here to boats

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Location of center tube question?

Are you wanting better speed and efficiency, or are you wanting the capability to carry more people on your boat? What size motor are you running presently? Does your new toon have lifting strakes built in?

If you are wanting better straight line performance, you'd have done better to add lifting strakes to your current boat to see how it performs on 2 toons. 150 hp would be preferred on a 25' boat with strakes. Usually strakes are good for 5 mph or more, and it's about the only way to get a twin toon boat over 30 mph.

Have you carefully measured the new center toon? If you mounted it at the same place as the current toons, where will the rear of the toon will be? How far is the rear of the center toon and the start.front of the "motor pod". It should be within 18" or so.

I hope your new toon was made by your boat's manufacturer. They just seem to work out so much better.

 

[crb478]

Re: Location of center tube question?

Have you considered adding two pieces of 1/4 inch aluminum angle perpendicular to the bottom of your current cross pieces? That way you can slide the center toon forward or back anywhere you would like and mount it with only 4 to 6 bolts initially. You could then experiment with the toon to get the sweet spot before adding the rest of the bolts. If you do this leave at least a 1/4 inch of wiggle room side to side, the brackets may well have thinner and wider mounting spots. Don't ask me how I know

 

[jcaw54]

Re: Location of center tube question?

Bamaman1, I am just looking for more lift in the front of my boat. It plows the water really bad when people sit in the front. The toon that i am using is made for adding a center toon. its 171/2 ft with strakes. The rear of the center toon will stop appox 10-15 inches in front of my transom which is 4 1/2 ft long. Im not looking for more speed at all, I just want it to ride better with a load and not plow in the water.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Location of center tube question?

You should be good to go. Strakes on the center toon will get your nosecones out of the water.

90 hp is the minimum to use on a straked hull, and your 25' boat is longer than most. There again, it may work.