Tritoon damage

[BOWMAKER1]

I have a lead on a Bently pontoon boat, which would be our first pontoon, that seems like a very good deal, but I just talked to the guy and he told me the boat was a tritoon but the center toon was damaged when they hit a submerged log. He thought it cost too much to repair, about $3800 at the time, so he just removed the center tube. What does this do to the boat other than now just having 2 tubes? Is there anything else, other than additional damage, that I should look at? Will this change the way the boat handles or preforms in any bad way? This is a 2007 24ft boat with a Mercury 4 stroke 90 hp motor with a tandem axle bunk trailer. Assuming no other damage what should it be valued at here in the mid-west? Thanks in advance for all your valuable information.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Tritoon damage

The only difference between a tri and 2 tube boat is the center tube, everything else is the same.

It won't have the same flotation and the capacity plate will be off but the boat is just a 2 tube now.

As to damage it depends what they hit and how hard but I would imagine the tube took the brunt of the impact but I would certainly spend some time looking for bent crossmembers, bulges in the floor ect.

I would inspect the crossmembers where the tube used to be, if there is damage it would be really obvious there.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Tritoon damage

Boy I don't know about this one "Bowmaker1". Most triple tube barges are designed specifically for that third tube. I would have thought $3800.00 would have come close enough for a brand new tube. Without that third tube, carrying capacity, performance, rough water handling will all be affected. You may also have to adjust motor height. If it's clean and you really like it for the right price, I'd look into replacing the tube. Price wise, hard to say. A clean 2007 Bentley twin tube barge goes for around $8-$12,000 around here w/ that motor. On the other hand, it might be just fine in its new twin tube configuration, and if you wanted later, you could upgrade to the 3rd tube. Most Bentley's that year came with lifting strakes and complete underskinning. As "5150" said, check cross-members for damage and see if the underskinning above that third tube was replaced. I'm assuming PO did not carry insurance on the boat. I would have thought this kind of damage would have been covered. Good luck !!!

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Tritoon damage

I find it strange that a guy would not have insurance on a 2007 Bentley.

 

[lmuss53]

Re: Tritoon damage

Maybe the guy pocketed the insurance and is just getting rid of the Bentley. A lot of people were PO'ed when they folded, then reappeared leaving a lot of '07, '08 boats with no warranties.

I wouldn't be afraid of this boat if you inspect it like 5150 said and keep in mind the guy may have pocketed some $$$ on the damage when you start talking money. Offer him 6K and see how he reacts . You can always go up from there.

I saw a very nice 1999 Starcraft Islander go for 7K last Spring because the guy had pocketed a pile of money on an outdrive collision with a stump. The repair guy got it for what the guy owed him and put a 2k drive on it and sold it for 7k.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Tritoon damage

Actually Rooster a tri and 2 tube are literally exactly the same except one gets a center tube, the boat itself is built the exact same way.

He would have had to put a motor pod on it but aside from that they are the same boat structurally.

Eye ball it really good and if anything makes you hinky walk away.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Tritoon damage

All the Bentleys use a separate motor pod. It is not integral with the log. They basically just bolt a log on in front of the transom. I wouldn't worry at all if the center log was taken off. But like was said, the capacity rating on the tag would not be correct anymore. But with the 90 HP, you are still well within the engine legal capacity limit. That boat should go for at least 13K if real clean. If you want to get another 3rd log, they can be had for around 1500 (Not installed). Only needs to be 20' long, as the transom takes up at least 4'..

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Tritoon damage

One other thing. If he hit a submerged log hard enough to damage the tube, you might have the motor checked out for any damage to the engines lower unit before you purchase it.

 

[san diego flyer]

Re: Tritoon damage

There are bound to be some unknowns with the log impact and then the decision to remove the center tube. Just what are they is the question. Was a seam on the outer pontoons compromised? He is not likely to tell you if they now have slight leaks. Unless one has exhausted the market for a stock two pontoon boat with a 90hp engine and come empty, why would you even take the risk? In this economic climate, there are plenty of boats for sale. Be patient.

Smart money says pass on it and keep shopping.

 

[BOWMAKER1]

Re: Tritoon damage

Thanks everyone for helping to educate me about all of this. Unfortunately I missed this one by a day so it wasn't meant to be I guess, and now I don't always have to wonder if it was a good deal or not. We will continue looking and asking questions of all of you and will end up with a boat by next spring at least.