Advice for what to look for in a pontoon for Chesapeake Bay

[ToddS]

Hi-
I'm looking at getting a boat to use in the rivers and inlets of the Chesapeake. This would involve some time in the bay 'proper'. We put in close to Annapolis so would run the 3 miles across to the eastern shore. Probably very few trips down past say Crisfield.

We currently have a 12' runabout, so I keep an eye on the weather, wave heights, wind direction and speed. Not a lot of room for error to make for an uncomfortable ride (or unsafe).

Anyways, looking at a 22-26 foot boat, would like to get in the 75-100 HP range I imagine (we're more cruisers, don't intend to pull a tube or skis). I know the advice that people never regret getting a larger engine. Any comments on fuel efficiency of a 75 HP going at speed X versus a 100 or 125 going the same speed?

Reading over the forums, it looks like a tritoon is the way to go to handle waves better. In the used market, these seem much fewer or are much more expensive. How well does adding a third log actually work? Full length or shorter? If you're adding it, how critical is it to match it exactly to current pontoons (consideration for finding a donor)

Also, what are thoughts on diameter and shape?

I know this a broad question, and appreciate any guidance.

Thanks!

[badmoonrising]

I've owned a 32 ft Party Cruiser and now a 22 ft. Party Barge and I boat pretty much all over the Upper Bay and fish out of Matapeake with the Party Barge (run up to the bridge to fish, most times at night). I keep an eye on wind/wave heights before venturing out and I can honestly say I feel more comfortable on a pontoon than my 21 ft runabout I had a few years ago.

Adding a third log is easy. Just the log can cost about 4-6k though.

[ToddS]

I've owned a 32 ft Party Cruiser and now a 22 ft. Party Barge and I boat pretty much all over the Upper Bay and fish out of Matapeake with the Party Barge (run up to the bridge to fish, most times at night). I keep an eye on wind/wave heights before venturing out and I can honestly say I feel more comfortable on a pontoon than my 21 ft runabout I had a few years ago.

Adding a third log is easy. Just the log can cost about 4-6k though.

The 3rd log decreases my options for 'ready to go' boats and increases price.

Thanks for the info. Your 22' w/ 90 seems in the neighborhood of what I want. What sort of speed/fuel consumption do you get? I know this depends a lot on conditions and weight.

Todd

[Bamaman]

If the water's big and there's a potential for large waves during stormy times, I want a boat that'll run fast enough to get me to safety.

And a 22' to 24' tritoon with lifting strakes and 150 hp is what it takes to get'em up to the speeds I'm talking about.

[zoom650]

What Bamaman said, plus, if you're thinking a tritoon, 150hp is the smallest you should be thinking about. Less horsepower and you'll be wasting most of the benefits of 3 logs.

You'll probably want one rigged for salt water and/or heavy water.

[badmoonrising]

Thanks for the info. Your 22' w/ 90 seems in the neighborhood of what I want. What sort of speed/fuel consumption do you get? I know this depends a lot on conditions and weight.

Todd

I get in the low 30s with my wife and son on board, plenty of speed to get out of the way if big weather is on the way. The 90 Mercury sips fuel, fill up at the beginning on the season and just filled up again last week. This is being out just about every weekend from April-October. I primarily hang on the Bohemia River so there's no need to go far.

[ToddS]

What Bamaman said, plus, if you're thinking a tritoon, 150hp is the smallest you should be thinking about. Less horsepower and you'll be wasting most of the benefits of 3 logs.

You'll probably want one rigged for salt water and/or heavy water.

Zoom-
Thanks for the advice re: additional HP for a tritoon. Stupid question: what would make a boat "rigged for salt water and/or heavy water". I assume different zincs on the engine. Any issues with the pontoons and salt water corrosion?

As it is, when I run my 12' runabout in salt water, I bring it home and rinse it off really well and run fresh water through the engine. I'm suspecting if we get a toon that I'll be keeping at a boatel and I'm not sure I'll have the opportunity to do that before they put it back on the rack.

Thanks,