Great video the front pitch came out great. I have a 22' Bennington tri-toon and have really enjoyed these videos. I've always dreamed about having a 250-300hp outboard. I recently did a full service on my Yamaha 150 and noticed how low the engine was mounted. I struggled to decide how high to go. After countless hours on the internet, I decided to go top position. I finally was able to get out last week (Utah has had a great winter). Snow and ice gone on most the lakes. I gained 4 mph and took my already nice ride to ultra quiet and very smooth. I haven't done any mpg runs but I'm convinced it was the right move. Zero cavitation and plenty of go. Thanks for all the videos!!!
Thanks for watching our stuff!! That’s great for the improvement you got out of a simple adjustment. Never hurts to go a little faster, but gaining a quieter ride is a MUST whenever possible
So far the ride is so nice and smooth. Even before trimming it out we rise right up on the strakes. I thought we'd pick up some speed, but it's not been the case. However, with 5 people we were going much faster (37 mph) than it would have ever done with that load...especially with people sitting up front. I'm pretty sure I will end up welding some smaller strakes on the outsides to maximize performance, and because those will be much simpler to add versus climbing under the boat to weld! Stay "tooned" for more!
We ended up selling that boat late in the summer…BUT the strakes made the ride incredibly better. You could feel the boat lift and ride higher, especially at mid range speeds and with full loads of people. My top end speed went up about 1mph in an empty boat, but the improved ride at mid range speeds and heavy loads made it all worth it. I would have added strakes in the outside of the outer toons too if we kept the boat. The next tritoon build will get strakes everywhere!!
Haven’t quite got there yet, there’ll be a follow up. I want to add strakes to the outside of the outers too. So far it allowed me to maintain much better speed with a full load. Empty boat gained about 1-2 mph. Swapped the prop but it dropped RPMs way too far for most applications like carrying a full load of passengers and towing tubes. Still working on it!
@@tomspontoons Have you gotten the new prop and/or outside strakes installed? I'm looking at getting strakes installed on my 21' pontoon w/ a 115hp 4stroke Yamaha and curious of the overall outcome. I've tried repitching the prop, but I still can't get the RPMs above 5400rpm or so with a normal load (WOT is 5500-6000rpm). Thanks, love your videos!
@@blakeeasley We ended up selling that tritoon. Got an offer we couldn't refuse. You may need to look at the motor height. Sometimes if it's a little low you won't get the RPMs to climb as the motor is creating drag. You're normally going to see 6000 with just you in the boat, and then add a handful of people and gear and you'll see that 5400 range at wide open. That's typical. I just worked on wiring for a newer Sylvan that had inside and outside lifting strakes with a 115 SHO Yamaha and it topped out at 37 mph with two people on GPS. Significantly worse performance with 6 people (low 20's), but pretty cool for a pontoon to see those speeds thanks to the strakes.
Thanks for doing this video sir! I would love to do this with my sun tracker pontoon with a 90hp but just don't know if it would be worth the money lol
I have a question, Im not interested in speed. Im looking for mileage. I have an Evenrude V6 150hp motor. Im going to put on a new prop. Any suggestions on the size and pitch I should use?
The only way to really figure your prop out is to have a good working Tachometer on the boat so that you can test your wide open throttle RPMs. Then based on what RPM you're spinning you can adjust the propeller pitch from there. I've got a couple videos that break it down: ruclips.net/video/NLGmzJLKslA/видео.html ruclips.net/video/x4dOKxyRsnU/видео.html
I just acquired my first pontoon boat. 25 foot with a Merc 3.0L I/O (135 HP). Sat in a field for years. Got it running again, engine runs good, but tops out at 19 mph. You have inspired me to add some lifting strakes. What were the dimensions of the angle you had bent? Looked like 3x3.
That boat should scoot!! I'd check into your prop and make sure you're running the proper RPMs at wide open throttle. I had it bent at 6"x6". When I add strakes on the outer pontoons I'll likely go a little smaller with 5"x5". I'm super glad that I added them!
I’m adding strakes to my 22’ 2003 odyssey tritoon. I’m adding 6” strakes to the inside and outside of all three toons, but the last 4-5 feet of the outer toons will not be added to make it easier for banked turns.
Not much you can do if you’ve already got the center pontoon. Some center toons have cavities that can fill and drain water, while others are sealed with a bilge which will help be more buoyant. Only other thing is trying to distribute weight better to counter the stern. May need to move a battery or other heavier items forward in the boat.
I wish you guys were in Ohio! I just acquired three 27"" pontoon logs off of a hurricane wrecked boat and I plan to refurbish the center transom log with spare parts from the two outside logs. Then mount the center on my 2004 crest. I'm excited and terrified 😅
The Bennington that I'm currently restoring came to me from the Columbus, OH area....just saying! Sounds like you found a cool project though. The hardest part with making a Crest a Tritoon is they used U-Channel crossmembers for so long. Only way to bolt the center toon in is by removing the deck to get access to the nuts/bolts.
It sounds like you're "porpoising" which is usually caused by not enough weight in the bow, or too much trim on the motor. Does it improve if you trim the motor down once you hit those faster speeds? Sometimes a whale tail or hydro-foil on the motor helps too.
Yes, these pontoons came from the factory with those plugs. I’ve seen it from time to time, but they’re often an aluminum housing with a brass or stainless plug.
What 75 hp motor is it? Year, model? Usually I’d say you need to be around 115 hp to gain the benefits from strakes, even in an 18’ boat. In the 22’ range it seems to need to be 150+ hp.
I had some 0.100” sheet bent by a local metal shop. There are some extruded kits you can buy, but I’m sure they’re much more expensive, plus I like to support the small shop near me!
Haven’t seen the hydrofin system on a tritoon. But the idea of knocking one of those off on a floating log, being disappointed in the outcome, and the price are all reasons I went with strakes. They’re proven on pontoons and tritoons all over and I’ve heard great anecdotal reports from some folks who installed them in their own boats.
I would measure your outer pontoons and go with a center toon that’s 16” to 24” longer, so that the extra length sticks out in the rear. This is of course if you don’t have a big cut out in the deck in front of the outboard. I’d measure the outer toons to be sure of their length (sometimes a 22’ boat on paper isn’t 22’ pontoons). And I like at least 2” larger diameter for the middle toon too. Hope this helps!!
@@chuckgym lots of wise guy comments out there telling every detail of what’s done wrong…these comments make it so much fun having a channel. Thank you!!!
Great video the front pitch came out great. I have a 22' Bennington tri-toon and have really enjoyed these videos. I've always dreamed about having a 250-300hp outboard. I recently did a full service on my Yamaha 150 and noticed how low the engine was mounted. I struggled to decide how high to go. After countless hours on the internet, I decided to go top position. I finally was able to get out last week (Utah has had a great winter). Snow and ice gone on most the lakes. I gained 4 mph and took my already nice ride to ultra quiet and very smooth. I haven't done any mpg runs but I'm convinced it was the right move. Zero cavitation and plenty of go. Thanks for all the videos!!!
Thanks for watching our stuff!! That’s great for the improvement you got out of a simple adjustment. Never hurts to go a little faster, but gaining a quieter ride is a MUST whenever possible
Interesting work, looking forward to seeing the results. By far the funniest video so far! Sounded like a root’n - toot’n good time!😂
So far the ride is so nice and smooth. Even before trimming it out we rise right up on the strakes. I thought we'd pick up some speed, but it's not been the case. However, with 5 people we were going much faster (37 mph) than it would have ever done with that load...especially with people sitting up front. I'm pretty sure I will end up welding some smaller strakes on the outsides to maximize performance, and because those will be much simpler to add versus climbing under the boat to weld! Stay "tooned" for more!
@@tomspontoonsGlad your effort worked out, sounds like it made it a “blast!” 😆
When are you going to video the results and the prop change? I have a neighbor who needs to do this to his boat I think.
We ended up selling that boat late in the summer…BUT the strakes made the ride incredibly better. You could feel the boat lift and ride higher, especially at mid range speeds and with full loads of people. My top end speed went up about 1mph in an empty boat, but the improved ride at mid range speeds and heavy loads made it all worth it. I would have added strakes in the outside of the outer toons too if we kept the boat. The next tritoon build will get strakes everywhere!!
awesome video thanks for sharing i ordered a welder yesterday to try and fix mine
I am very hesitant to MIG much on pontoons. TIG gives much better sensitivity as they’re quite thin aluminum!!
@@tomspontoons thank you very much
@@ronaldsmith4068 Happy to help!
Tom have u a video on fitting water, black tanks under floor please, in between the toons
As in black water tanks for toilets and waste water? I do not have any of those.
Wish you would put final results on this video after changing prop
Haven’t quite got there yet, there’ll be a follow up. I want to add strakes to the outside of the outers too. So far it allowed me to maintain much better speed with a full load. Empty boat gained about 1-2 mph. Swapped the prop but it dropped RPMs way too far for most applications like carrying a full load of passengers and towing tubes. Still working on it!
@@tomspontoons Have you gotten the new prop and/or outside strakes installed? I'm looking at getting strakes installed on my 21' pontoon w/ a 115hp 4stroke Yamaha and curious of the overall outcome. I've tried repitching the prop, but I still can't get the RPMs above 5400rpm or so with a normal load (WOT is 5500-6000rpm). Thanks, love your videos!
@@blakeeasley We ended up selling that tritoon. Got an offer we couldn't refuse. You may need to look at the motor height. Sometimes if it's a little low you won't get the RPMs to climb as the motor is creating drag. You're normally going to see 6000 with just you in the boat, and then add a handful of people and gear and you'll see that 5400 range at wide open. That's typical.
I just worked on wiring for a newer Sylvan that had inside and outside lifting strakes with a 115 SHO Yamaha and it topped out at 37 mph with two people on GPS. Significantly worse performance with 6 people (low 20's), but pretty cool for a pontoon to see those speeds thanks to the strakes.
Thanks for doing this video sir! I would love to do this with my sun tracker pontoon with a 90hp but just don't know if it would be worth the money lol
What length boat? Usually you need a bit more HP to get the torque needed to create the lift necessary to ride up on the strakes.
@@tomspontoons it's a fishing barge 22 DLX!
@@Bamaoutdoors I’m not confident that it would yield a huge change in ride, speed, etc. If you do it please report back!!
never mind re watched the video got the specs thanks
All good! Glad you asked so I could respond in case someone else is wondering…although I hope they watch the whole video and find out too!!
I have a question, Im not interested in speed. Im looking for mileage. I have an Evenrude V6 150hp motor. Im going to put on a new prop. Any suggestions on the size and pitch I should use?
The only way to really figure your prop out is to have a good working Tachometer on the boat so that you can test your wide open throttle RPMs. Then based on what RPM you're spinning you can adjust the propeller pitch from there. I've got a couple videos that break it down:
ruclips.net/video/NLGmzJLKslA/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/x4dOKxyRsnU/видео.html
I just acquired my first pontoon boat. 25 foot with a Merc 3.0L I/O (135 HP). Sat in a field for years. Got it running again, engine runs good, but tops out at 19 mph. You have inspired me to add some lifting strakes. What were the dimensions of the angle you had bent? Looked like 3x3.
That boat should scoot!! I'd check into your prop and make sure you're running the proper RPMs at wide open throttle. I had it bent at 6"x6". When I add strakes on the outer pontoons I'll likely go a little smaller with 5"x5". I'm super glad that I added them!
I’m adding strakes to my 22’ 2003 odyssey tritoon. I’m adding 6” strakes to the inside and outside of all three toons, but the last 4-5 feet of the outer toons will not be added to make it easier for banked turns.
Do you have any suggestions for adding to the rear of a tritoon to help with weight and buoyancy for rear cabin and deck?
Not much you can do if you’ve already got the center pontoon. Some center toons have cavities that can fill and drain water, while others are sealed with a bilge which will help be more buoyant. Only other thing is trying to distribute weight better to counter the stern. May need to move a battery or other heavier items forward in the boat.
I wish you guys were in Ohio! I just acquired three 27"" pontoon logs off of a hurricane wrecked boat and I plan to refurbish the center transom log with spare parts from the two outside logs. Then mount the center on my 2004 crest. I'm excited and terrified 😅
The Bennington that I'm currently restoring came to me from the Columbus, OH area....just saying! Sounds like you found a cool project though. The hardest part with making a Crest a Tritoon is they used U-Channel crossmembers for so long. Only way to bolt the center toon in is by removing the deck to get access to the nuts/bolts.
I got a question I installed lifting strakes at my pontoon it run faster but the bow bounce up and down if could give any. advice
It sounds like you're "porpoising" which is usually caused by not enough weight in the bow, or too much trim on the motor. Does it improve if you trim the motor down once you hit those faster speeds? Sometimes a whale tail or hydro-foil on the motor helps too.
Is that plug plastic?
Yes, these pontoons came from the factory with those plugs. I’ve seen it from time to time, but they’re often an aluminum housing with a brass or stainless plug.
@@tomspontoons Your awesome. I even found a half inch plastic plug at the hardware store that works perfectly. Lol
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you found something to work on your boat easily!
Do you think I would get much performance enhancement with a 18’bass buggy with a 75 on it white the strakes?
What 75 hp motor is it? Year, model?
Usually I’d say you need to be around 115 hp to gain the benefits from strakes, even in an 18’ boat. In the 22’ range it seems to need to be 150+ hp.
what did you use to make the strakes? was it just 6in x 6 in aluminum angle?
I had some 0.100” sheet bent by a local metal shop. There are some extruded kits you can buy, but I’m sure they’re much more expensive, plus I like to support the small shop near me!
Why strakes over hydrofin system
Haven’t seen the hydrofin system on a tritoon. But the idea of knocking one of those off on a floating log, being disappointed in the outcome, and the price are all reasons I went with strakes. They’re proven on pontoons and tritoons all over and I’ve heard great anecdotal reports from some folks who installed them in their own boats.
I have a 22 foot Harris and want to put a center toon on. how long of a too. Should I put on
I would measure your outer pontoons and go with a center toon that’s 16” to 24” longer, so that the extra length sticks out in the rear. This is of course if you don’t have a big cut out in the deck in front of the outboard. I’d measure the outer toons to be sure of their length (sometimes a 22’ boat on paper isn’t 22’ pontoons). And I like at least 2” larger diameter for the middle toon too. Hope this helps!!
Welding around that type of gas isn’t osha compliant🤔 💨
The boats fuel tank is above deck…I definitely wouldn’t go near a tank integrated into a pontoon!
@@tomspontoons I was referring to the flatulent gas🤣🤣🤣
@@chuckgym Hahahaha, that made me laugh out loud! Thank you for clarifying!! Definitely can’t have the welder in my hand when I’m breaking wind!
@@tomspontoons 🤣🤣👊🏻
@@chuckgym lots of wise guy comments out there telling every detail of what’s done wrong…these comments make it so much fun having a channel. Thank you!!!
My saying….if it don’t burn gas it ain’t worth doing
Haha! I think that’s what we refer to as a motor-head!