pontoon handling waves

[ggermain]

Considering getting a smaller pontoon 16 to 18 ft.<br />Is there a problem with moderate waves(1to 3 ft.) compared to our current boat (17 ft deep V Glass) .I like to near shore troll in lake michigan, don't need to go real fast. The idea of floor space appeals to wife and I.

 

[steelespike]

Re: pontoon handling waves

I have an 18 ft 50 hp. Starcraft.I think with 22 inch toons.It handles waves on the St Lawrence river real well.Though I think 3 footers would be about the max.Go with the biggest toons you can get. Larger pontoons can be had with 3 toons.Pontoons ride very smooth you can take waves all most anyway you want, my wifes bad back is never a problem. For its size and huge top mine handles real well around the dock.With their big deck you can do all most anything, like a patio with a gas grill and maybe even a porch glider. A little soft cabin with all the trimmings. Keep in mind pontoons are pretty slow Im guessing my 50 hp tops out around 20 or 21 mph.If you double the hp it would probably top out around 28 or 30.But in a huge cost of fuel. You could consider a deck boat too. Quicker but pretty pricey.

 

[KCook]

Re: pontoon handling waves

A 16 footer is going to bounce around a lot. I would try for at least a 20, bare minimum. Big diameter tubes is excellent advice. Multi-chamber or foam filled tubes are also a plus.<br /><br />Another thread on small 'toons - Pontoon boats. Looking for a little advice <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[mike65072]

Re: pontoon handling waves

I have a 22 footer with three logs and it takes 1-3' waves with ease. The longer the toon the better it will take the waves and three logs are definitely better than two. Good luck!

 

[Swishguy]

Re: pontoon handling waves

I had a crestliner 20' with 27" pontoons. My wifey was scared of water & this thing went thru 3 footers like a hot knife thru butter. Before that I had a 20' swetwater with 22" pontoons & she was terrified of big waves. The larger pontoons makes a huge diff & relly calmed her down in ruff water.

 

[BillP]

Re: pontoon handling waves

You need to figure what type of 3' waves they are. I think the deck level of my 20' Monarch is less than 3' high. Steep and short waves that size would break over the top and make a bad situation. Large diameter pontoons still may not give enough reserve buoyancy to ride over them. If the waves are too steep the bow will punch (I call it "stuff") into the face of the wave instead of riding over. 1.5' steep waves are about all my 20' is comfortable with. It rides over 3' swells with 4 second durations no problem though.

 

[jollymon]

Re: pontoon handling waves

I agree will BillP. I have a 25' Crest Classic. I have been on the river with an outgoing tide, and income wind makes 2-3' chop. Stuff the bow if I do anything over idle. I have also been out in the ocean with 5 foot rollers and had a blast. All in all a pontoon boat is not the best boat to be in, if you are going in the waves. But I would not trade mine for the world, I just pick and choose when and where I take it.