PONTOON TO TRITOON CONVERSION - Installing center pontoon

[@Hvac11bravo]

So I have a 20’ South Bay with a 90 Suzuki. I just recently went on vacation to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Absolutely beautiful lake. The lake is huge to me being that the lakes I’m Usually in are half the size. I know a third toon won’t do much with the 90. On a big lake I’m having to go WOT the whole time to get across the lake and it’s only 22 mph with two adults and four medium size kids. How beneficial would under skin and strakes be? I can’t afford a bigger boat lol. What about a 3/4 toon for the center?

[@tomspontoons]

I grew up visiting family on Smith Mountain Lake so I know exactly what you’re talking about with the long boat rides! Adding a third pontoon won’t increase speed necessarily. It can help with better cruising speeds when the boat is loaded down heavy, which helps, but doesn’t necessarily make a huge difference. It’ll be a higher and smoother ride though. Same thing for a 3/4 length sport toon. The only way to get there faster is to increase HP unfortunately. Underskinning didn’t change speed for me, but it quiets the ride nicely. And I don’t think strakes would do a ton for you with a 90 hp. The third toon and strakes just require more HP and torque to get the added benefits that result in higher speeds.

[@troymaynard3242]

How do you change the rating sticker? Sticker says max hp is 115 I'm adding a center toon and a 150hp on a 24' pontoon boat but can't find anyone that will upgrade the sticker. What should I do?

[@tomspontoons]

This seems to be an incredibly gray area in boating. I've spoke to two different people from the Coast Guard Auxiliary who don't know the answer nor how to find the answer either. I've seen countless non-pontoon boats modified to hold more HP, more motors, change from inboard to having an outboard bracket and 4 huge 350 hp outboards on the back (changing the whole structure of the boat, weight distribution, etc. The bottom line is that insurance won't cover you if you're over the factory HP rating. To my knowledge it's not a law enforcement issue, it's a liability one. However, if you add the appropriate buoyancy to support that heavy of a motor you should have no issues...especially since a center pontoon could easily add 5K lbs of buoyancy! I don't know who you could even pay to have it reinspected and the rating adjusted. What I've done, even for my own boats, is search out comparable new boats from the manufacturers' websites that have the same pontoon lengths, diameters, and layouts...then reduce the weight/persons rating and HP rating significantly conservative. From there you can literally go on Amazon and have a tag made that's a peel and stick metal tag with all the information you want on it. It seems like if you're making or modifying the boat for yourself then you can do whatever insurance will cover for you (a whole different topic finding an insurer to cover a customized boat). However, if you're building a boat from scratch to sell it becomes more loaded with inspections, registering as a boat builder, etc. I've looked into that for my aluminum fishing boats and it's quite complex with lots of gray area too! Sorry for the long-winded reply...The day I can get a straight forward answer from USCG I will definitely make a video and provide as much information as possible.

[@roykincaid2226]

Hello, Looking at a fiberglass pontoon boat, can a aluminum center toon be added to the boat ?

[@tomspontoons]

As long as there are crossmembers that allow access to bolt up a center toon I don't see why you couldn't use an aluminum center pontoon. Finding a center fiberglass toon might be nearly impossible.

[@GilmoreStrat]

Looks MAJOR, what did that cost? There are Poly tube solutions that keep the motor in place, installs from the front in 30 mins

[@tomspontoons]

Most tritoon conversions are around $6,000-$8,000 installed depending on the size, etc. I’ve heard very mixed reviews on the poly toons, and they don’t help the resale value at all compared to an aluminum toon. Just glancing at their website the poly tube is more expensive than where I source aluminum pontoons with transoms!!

[@0778drz110]

I have a 20ft pontoon with 25" logs. I've acquired a pair of older 20 ft 21" logs for next to nothing and i hope to use them to convert to a tritoon. Would you suggest mounting the center toon even with the outside toons or 1-2" below? Given the difference in diameter i was thinking just going even. My main priority is to increase seaworthyness in the gulf of mexico.

[@tomspontoons]

I would try to get that smaller diameter center toon pushed down at least in line with the outer pontoons. In a perfect world scenario I install a center pontoon that's going to be 2" to 4" larger diameter and deeper than the outers. If you have them all level it'll still give you the higher, dryer, and safer ride you're looking for.

[@0778drz110]

@@tomspontoons Thanks. Since i have a mig welder, i am now considering slicing open one toon and patching in a wider section cut out of the other toon to increase the diameter. I have to weld on a transom anyway might as well try to make it as best i can with what i have. Give me something to do this winter.

[@tomspontoons]

That's definitely not a small task, but it's doable! Just be sure to pressure check everything when done. I've had trouble in the past sealing up stuff with my MIG setup. If you have a pulse MIG you'll probably be just fine though.

[@JaceF8]

I just finished a very similiar project for my personal boat. Think I even found the same log you used. Have you ever converted a boat to a tritoon and it seemed to want to lean to one side? Thats the issue i'm dealing with now. I have double checked my measurements to be sure the new log is centered and it is. Not real sure where to go from here. Also i have noticed that the two chanels between either side of the center log and the outter logs, shoots alot of water out onto the motor. Looks like after burners. Any suggestions?

[@tomspontoons]

My tritoon leans only because the gas tank is on the port side…a full 30 gallons does that! Otherwise no, a tritoon should sit higher and dryer with more stability. Make sure there’s no water in the outer toon it’s leaning towards!! It’s common for pontoon manufacturers to add splash guards that help deflect water away from the motor. Usually just sheet metal connecting the rear crossmember to the transom. Helps a ton!

[@RHEC1776]

Wouldn't welding it been faster and better. I'm wondering because I'm thinking of adding a 3rd toon to my boat

[@tomspontoons]

It would definitely be quicker, but I’m pretty confident that EVENTUALLY the welds will crack. There’s so much flex and torque throughout all parts of a pontoon or tritoon. The hardware actually allows for some more flex without breaking.

[@RHEC1776]

​@@tomspontoons thank you ssoooo much for responding and answering my question. 1 more thing. My toon had a 90hp. We want to I stall a 150hp. How hard is that and can it be done

[@tomspontoons]

@@RHEC1776 It can be a gray area sort of thing. Following the max HP rating for your boat is the safest bet all around for the structure of your boat as well as liability. Insurance likely won't be any help in the case of an incident if you go over the HP rating for the boat. That being said, the recreational side of the USCG has zero requirements for pontoon boats in terms of weight and HP ratings from the manufacturers. The manufacturers apply a HP and weight rating based on how they built the boat and to protect themselves liability wise. If you add more buoyancy with a center pontoon and increase the structural integrity then technically you're building a boat that can handle the HP that you want, and the USCG says it's okay and you can do whatever you want on a pontoon style hull. Again, lots of gray area!! For me, I look to the industry standard and how those boats are built and sold from big boat brands. Keeping things similar to what they're doing is the best way to stay safe and keep your insurance coverage.

[@RHEC1776]

​@tomspontoons thank you very much for being ssoooo helpful and making awesome videos 💪💪

[@tomspontoons]

@@RHEC1776 Absolutely, happy to help!!! Thanks for tuning into the channel!

[@johnedge563]

Where can I purchase that third pontoon for the conversion to a Tritoon

[@tomspontoons]

Look up River City Ventures in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Tell them Toms Toons sent you!

[@ledariusdowdell-ve1xy]

@@tomspontoonsdid they close or change the name?

[@tomspontoons]

@@ledariusdowdell-ve1xy​​⁠ the contact now is [e-mail] They changed some folks and positions around down there.

[@ledariusdowdell-ve1xy]

@@tomspontoons thank you

[@jonathanmcnett8708]

How much deeper is the center toon vs the outer toons?

[@tomspontoons]

We usually aim for at least 2" deeper in the water or larger diameter for the center toon. It's not uncommon for the center toon to be up to 4" larger diameter than the outers.

[@pjcombs27]

Hello. I know that a tritoon will be better than a pontoon. More buoyant and stable. Question I have is are all pontoon easily upgradeable to a tritoon? How is added a bunk on the trailer or is it just hanging?

[@tomspontoons]

Yes, any pontoon COULD become a tritoon. You have to be careful with older pontoons though as they may not be braced for the speed and torque of a bigger hp and tritoon scenario. It’s common to need to add extra crossmembers in the front and rear to combat that. There’s always a risk involved, but doing everything possible to strengthen it is the best bet. I’ve let them hang and added a center bunk. Just depends on the boat and trailer situation, if it’s trailered often I like a center bunk at least on the back half to help support the weight of the motor/toon combo!

[@2003bigsilverado1]

Any info on before and after performance with tye same engine. Been wanting to do this for years. Just not sure if worth it.

[@tomspontoons]

This customer did pick up some speed, a few mph, and said it cruised much better with a full load. He still needed to adjust the motor height I think too. His alternative was to buy a new tritoon double decker…and this was a better alternative and will give his older boat a much better resale value.

[@krummyskill8202]

I've been wanting to do this with my 80s pontoon boat for when I get more than 3 people on it and gear. It sits pretty low in the water.

[@tomspontoons]

Definitely a good investment for folks who just want to sit a little higher and dryer, especially if you have the smaller pontoons of older boats.

[@JamesSmith-zo8uc]

Hello! Great video along with all of your other videos. We have been doing a restore/upgrade on a "94" 24' Neptoon and added a full outside toon to the center. Upgraded from a 40 hp Force by stopping out at Vans and bought a new 115hp Tohatsu. Great people to deal with there. So, I had to modify the transom to be shorter to fit the toon in there but what's the best way to lower the motor as my cavitation whale fin is about 4" higher then the bottom of the center of the toon thus only allowing me to get to half throttle do to cavitating? Also I have water now going up and over the outer toons (guessing from the 3rd toon), what's the best way to prevent this on outer U shaped toon? Love the videos and seeing local waterways in the videos. Hope to see you out on the water sometime as we are just west of you in Muskegon Lake all summer long! Thanks for any help.

[@tomspontoons]

Hey James! It’s a small world after all. We often cruise out on Muskegon Lake and grab lunch or dinner at the lakeside restaurants. The best way would be to have Vans lower it, but that’s no so convenient! I know they’d do it as they stand behind everything they install. Are there holes left and space to lower it?

[@boomerdantheman6516]

Adding a 3rd tune I can upgrade the motor.. I have a 20ft 90 yahmaha 4 stroke I want to add a center toon

[@tomspontoons]

Generally speaking yes. The big factors are making sure the structure of the boat can handle the extra weight of the center toon plus a bigger motor (especially when it comes to trailering), and the weight/HP capacity of the center pontoon. Adding a third toon without increasing HP won’t usually increase speed due to the drag, but it will be more stable and will cruise easier and at higher speeds with heavy loads.

[@sheridanrambo8620]

Where does a guy get single pontoons?

[@tomspontoons]

Depends on what exactly you want. I use some guys in Ft. Wayne, IN who will fabricate whatever I need for length and a full center toon with transom or sport toon. Contact there is: [e-mail]

[@johnufkes3974]

Is it possible to modify a scissor trailer for an added 3rd toon?

[@tomspontoons]

I know they make scissor trailers for tritoons, especially the newer hydraulic style. I imagine you could move the bracing, but might be iffy to change the structural support.

[@gregnm240]

Where would I be able to purchase the center toon at?

[@tomspontoons]

This one came from an ad on Facebook Marketplace. Otherwise check pontoon boat dealers to see if they have any warranty or blemished pontoons. The biggest challenge most of the time is just finding the right one!

[@surfsalterpath]

..... best SOURCE for a CENTER toon add-on? THANKS!!!!

[@tomspontoons]

I will be discussing this in more detail in the next video I share (this weekend) and I'll be linking the email address for the company I've been working with there. They're out of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and can make you just about any length center log you need at a reasonable price! Send an email here: [e-mail]

[@Bennydyk]

OK... maybe not a THOUSAND!!!

[@tomspontoons]

At least a 450 Racing!

[@joeponder9668]

What do you think about putting a 22’-24’ toon on a 20’ toon’d boat? My idea is to get the engine out of the back of the boat and have a longer toon in the front as well. What will that do for the characteristics? It’s not a fast boat with only a 60h Suzuki and will most likely never upgrade.

[@tomspontoons]

I love the center log to be about 2’ longer than the outers. It gives you the chance to extend the deck straight across in the rear, and will improve the boats trim response when you’ve got a heavy load. Won’t improve speed in and empty boat, but will cruise faster when you’ve got a heavier load of people and gear. I don’t advise having it stick out in the front, as it can be a hazard for people jumping off and it will take the brunt of any impacts

[@markmanning6773]

I’m considering doing the same thing and I get what you’re saying about the brunt of the hit being take on the middle Toon but I don’t think it would be any different than any other V shaped hull on a boat. One could easily deck it out on the front in a V-shaped With a rub rail. I would think that it would improve the handling characteristics as well. I guess the real issue is setting it up correctly. Thoughts?

[@snookwestwest2298]

Where are you located?

[@tomspontoons]

We’re in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Where are you watching from??

[@snookwestwest2298]

Land O Lakes, Florida. Wish you were local! You guys do great work!

[@tomspontoons]

@@snookwestwest2298 too hot down there in the summer for me!! But love vacationing there in the winter

[@snookwestwest2298]

@@tomspontoons Lol.. You have to be born in Florida to take the heat!

[@BBKConstruction]

Big moves!

[@tomspontoons]

Big Boat!!!

[@jamesschneider6136]

What aluminum thickness did you use for the under skin?

[@tomspontoons]

I always use 0.063”….basically 1/16” thick. It’s what I’ve seen on boats from manufacturers and it’s worked well on my own boat without adding a lot of extra weight.

[@jamesschneider6136]

@@tomspontoons okay, thank you so much!

[@tomspontoons]

@@jamesschneider6136 happy to help!!

[@Mobev1]

Don’t buy a pontoon boat is the trick. All the old people have them on my lake. I call them floating caskets. Buy a boat. If you need seating by a bigger boat. I’d buy a hurricane or nautiq star if I didn’t ski and just wanted to be out annoying skiers.

[@tomspontoons]

As long as everyone enjoys their own boat then everything is all good on the water. Slow cruising the lake isn't for everyone.