Adding a 3rd log to my Southbay.

[smoker62]

I e-mailed the company's customer service line and got an immediate response. I asked about adding a 3rd log . The response was they sell a 3/4 log for the center . If I truly wanted the 3rd log as they build , they would have to rework the transom tray. Lots of work. They sell the 3/4 length for adding on. Will it be worth it to add the toon for speed ? My 522 cr runs about 25 mph with a 115 merc 4 stroke and a 13 pitch spitfire prop.I planned on underskining in the fall but figured I may as well add the 3rd toon first. Or should I trade it in for a true tri toon ?

[ronb]

No answer for you, but did they give you a price? I bought my first (used) pontoon this Spring and have been wanting a third log ever since... I like my pontoon though, I am not really ready to trade it in/off.

Did they say anything about re-rating the pontoon for a larger motor/heavier capacity?

inquiring minds want to know!
-ron

[Bamaman]

You didn't mention what you want to do with your toon.

Your boat as it sits runs out pretty good @ 27 mph. But if you're wanting a little more crusing speed, have you considered just adding four strakes to your current boat?

If you're into water sports, you probably want more turning capability. I'd see what price they're quoting on the 3/4 toon. You'd probably need SeaStar steering if you don't already have it. To use the capabilities of a 3rd toon, it cries for 150 hp.

The other option would be to go ahead and trade now for a tri toon and a 150 hp motor.

Sorry there's no definitive answer for your situation. There are many alternatives.

[ScottE]

I'm no expert, but from my research, not all tritoons are alike. I don't think adding a standard size 3/4 tube will do much - at least not for the money. If you really want to see a difference, I'd trade your current pontoon in for a tritoon with a high performance package, such as Manitou SHP or Premier PTX. You'll also be able to get a large motor if you want with these packages.

[smoker62]

Yeah , kinda figured. I have a 115 but I am rated for a 150 with my current setup. I figure if I did the 3rd log, I would then want to swap for the 150. I may as well bite the bullet and get a true 3rd log boat with a 300 V-rod.

[ronb]

A guy on my lake with a 2007 925CR triple tube, underskinned, 115 Optimax claims low 30's mph.. I think the number he actually gave out was 34mph. If I do it, I would be doing it to get the rear of the platform a bit higher, it always looks like it is dragging... we pull a tube and cruise around on the lake (I want the boyancy)

-ron

[gramps]

I e-mailed the company's customer service line and got an immediate response. I asked about adding a 3rd log . The response was they sell a 3/4 log for the center . If I truly wanted the 3rd log as they build , they would have to rework the transom tray. Lots of work. They sell the 3/4 length for adding on. Will it be worth it to add the toon for speed ? My 522 cr runs about 25 mph with a 115 merc 4 stroke and a 13 pitch spitfire prop.I planned on underskining in the fall but figured I may as well add the 3rd toon first. Or should I trade it in for a true tri toon ?

We have the BP1 pkg on out Berkshire, the center log stops just in front of the motor pod. To be honest I cana't see where a full log would give me anything more than I already have.
My boat rides rock solid and with the lifting strakes that are on it I can adjust my motor where the front end of boat is actually a little to high when seated and driving.
Berkshire does a unique job with the skinning on the boat and it steers very good.
I don't know what it would do for your boat, but it works great on ours.

[rbiederwolf]

If you are after speed, save your money and upgrade to a 150hp. I just added a center tube with strakes (full length with built in transom) from the factory. It gave me about 2-3 mph more.

If you are after stability in rough water (which was my main reason), add the center tube. There is no comparison between a 2 tube and a tritoon when it comes to crossing wakes and rough water conditions.

My Costs: Added a third toon to my 2007 boat for $4000. Included shipping to dealer, installation, remounting of motor etc. The factory also rerated boat up to a 225hp

To add a new 150hp cost about 12500. My old engine and rigging is worth maybe 5500 to 6000. Thus another say 7000 net cost for new engine. So total for center tube and engine roughly $11000.

A left over 2011 same exact model of mine was $42,000.

Since I own my boat with no loan payment, and it is in great shape, it was an easy choice. Plus the factory maintains that since they did the work there is no difference between my boat their standard tritoon.

You know the old saying, "once you go Tritoon, you'll never go back"

[smoker62]

I too own the boat outright. Bought new memorial day weekend with cash . Just trying to figure if it would be cost effective to do the third toon and a 150 or trade it in on a tri. Should have spent big up front I guess. I dont think a 150 would satisfy me. We have some Tris with 250s on our lake. I came from a 70 mph boat. I love the toon , just dont like to be passed by another one.

[Redneck_Randy]

You want a go fast pontoon. Check these videos of 2 Southbay pontoons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCEF6zOFj2o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p11CHLq9 ... ure=relmfu

[smoker62]

You want a go fast pontoon. Check these videos of 2 Southbay pontoons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCEF6zOFj2o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p11CHLq9 ... ure=relmfu

Yeah, saw those. Not sure what the price tag is on the 600 sc merc.. Dont see it as an option on the SB site. Maybe a one off build ??

[Redneck_Randy]

You want a go fast pontoon. Check these videos of 2 Southbay pontoons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCEF6zOFj2o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p11CHLq9 ... ure=relmfu

Yeah, saw those. Not sure what the price tag is on the 600 sc merc.. Dont see it as an option on the SB site. Maybe a one off build ??

WOW Maybe they don't offer the higher HP I/O's anymore

[ronb]

And guy on Pelican Lake MN has one of these
http://www.playcraftboats.com/xtreme_series.htm

Claims 73mph for a top speed, last weekend he 'raced' a ski boat, not sure how serious the race was but when you hear him wind up the rpms on the i/o and blow past a boat, you know he is moving

-ron

[dockholiday]

I too own the boat outright. Bought new memorial day weekend with cash . Just trying to figure if it would be cost effective to do the third toon and a 150 or trade it in on a tri. Should have spent big up front I guess. I dont think a 150 would satisfy me. We have some Tris with 250s on our lake. I came from a 70 mph boat. I love the toon , just dont like to be passed by another one.

Think I would just hold it and see what kind of deal you could work up on your for a trade in, next boat show. A 150 tri toon with strakes will put you in the 37 to 40 range and will provide a certain amount fuel economy. Actually I was surprised when my dealer said he got just 5 mph lower top end out of a boat identical to mine which was a two log. Pretty sure it didn't even have strakes, but did have the 150hp.
doc

[rbiederwolf]

I too own the boat outright. Bought new memorial day weekend with cash . Just trying to figure if it would be cost effective to do the third toon and a 150 or trade it in on a tri. Should have spent big up front I guess. I dont think a 150 would satisfy me. We have some Tris with 250s on our lake. I came from a 70 mph boat. I love the toon , just dont like to be passed by another one.

I think you answered your own question. If it is speed you are looking, more than 40 mph (thats what you will get with a 150 tritoon) then you need a different boat.

Thus if you can afford it, only you know the answer, trade it and get what you want. I know when I first got mine, I knew instantly that I wasn't truly happy with the boat as is. However I loved the layout of the boat and I think I paid a very fair price. So for me tweaking it made more sense, because $$ was a factor. If money wasnt an issue, I would have just sold it and boat new.