What is the normal waterline level on the pontoons?

[movinon]

I have a 2005, 20' Bennington, with a 75 hp Yamaha. It has the sundeck with pop up changing room, 26 gal fuel tank and a 10 gallon (guessing) fresh water tank.
I'm new to pontoon boats and was wondering what the normal waterline level is on most pontoons?
Without passengers aboard, at the aft end, the waterline is a bit over 1/2 of the tubes diameter and the front is just barely up the pontoon. Is this the norm?
Now that I've noticed that, I have any extra passengers other then the wife and I sit up front to balance the boat better. I figure with 4 or more people sitting in the back and no one up front the pontoons will be too far in the water at the aft end.
Tom

 

[crb478]

Re: What is the normal waterline level on the pontoons?

Your situation sounds more or less normal. You could try transfering some weight to the front and store it under the seats, anchor ect, but you want to make sure that your weight is somewhat toward the aft to keep you from "submarining" through the waves. How does it handle for you now? You may not need to do anything, and moving people around to improve handling on boats is fairly common on most boats.

 

[movinon]

Re: What is the normal waterline level on the pontoons?

The boat handles fine.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: What is the normal waterline level on the pontoons?

Sounds very normal. A 20 footer is a little sensitive to weight balance fore and aft so as you stated, keep some passengers up front.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: What is the normal waterline level on the pontoons?

Seems about right. I have a 60 hp 4 stroke with 26" toons on a 20' and it sits just slightly above yours. Moving passengers around to improve balance is routine.

 

[movinon]

Re: What is the normal waterline level on the pontoons?

Thanks for the replies.
Tom