![]() then although close….other pontoon builders are still in second place.īefore we go any further….Huntsville Marine represents Princecraft Pontoon Boats and Manitou Pontoon Boats at retail. If we accept the race results from McKainer…. Bennington Pontoons and Avalon are offering multiple pontoon hull designs to combat the Patent problem with Manitou Pontoons. There are three aspects to performance pontoon boats…high speed handling or maneuvering, speed and rough water handling. Okay then….the pontoon brands Bennington, South Bay and Avalon to name a few claim that they have excellent performance pontoons. Manitou Sweeps McKainer Barrel Race Again Here is an article on the McKainer Pontoon Barrel Race that has been held for a number of years. Manitou for many years is recognized in the industry for perhaps the best welding and best performance….why? The secret is simple and at the same time complex. Manitou consistently wins the open competition barrel race test each year. Manitou figured it out first and best for three tube performance and were smart enough to patent the design. Patents….that’s right patents on pontoon hull design. The Secret That Boat Builders Do Not Want You To Know This costs more money and most pontoon builders choose not to do this step. A sealed transom area in the center pontoon will be expected to provide superior speed as drag is reduced and overall structural rigidity is increased.For maximum handling at higher speeds, the center pontoon must be lower in the water normally by a minimum of 2 inches….the best in the industry is 5 1/4 inches on the center pontoon drop.Level pontoon bottoms will not allow the pontoon to bank over on a high-speed turn as well as a pontoon boat with a center pontoon lower than the outside pontoons All three pontoons at the same level in the water or in other words level pontoon bottoms when placed on a flat surface are not going provide maximum performance or handling.Normally strakes on the outer wall of the outside pontoons will negatively affect high-speed maneuvering.Hat Channel construction for crossmembers is best followed by “C” Channel and then “Z” Channel. Due to substantially increased stress placed on the chassis….a poorly designed cheap build is not going to cut it.Lifting strakes will be required and must be spaced to maximize speed, handling and performance.A pontoon boat offering a short 3rd tube only part way down the length of the boat is a compromise that is available but does not provide the same level of performance and handling. A full length 3 tube model is required with the center tube extending past the two outer tubes.Pontoon Handling and Speed…Some aspects to consider: What if I want 40 to 60 MPH with great handling? As we increase top end speed, safe secure handling should become a very important consideration. Starting in 2018, performance pontoon enthusiasts were matching their pontoon boat more and more with 200 to 300 horsepower. The 150 HP outboard 3 tube pontoon has been a very acceptable choice over the last two or three years for light recreational water sports and speeds in the mid 30’s. All of these recognized brands offer three tube and two engine models…all promise performance and handling…but what are the features you should be considering? The Need For Speed Looking for a pontoon boat that will make your heart pound with excitement? Crest, South Bay, StarCraft, Princecraft, Bennington, Cypress Cay, Harris and Manitou Pontoons to name a few are all looking for their pontoon boat to be tied up at your dock.
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