Southbay 2.75 center tube?

[DWRAT]

Anyone ad the center 2.75 tube to a Southbay?
I'm looking for top speed feedback.
Is it worth $4,400.00 in my case?
Thanks

[Bamaman]

It might be worth it if you were already running 150 hp. I don't know about 115 hp, as there's a big difference between the motors.

I've already got the 3rd toon on my Bennington and I had no idea what they were wanting for the 3rd toon. They are substantially more seaworthy than a 2 toon boat, however. With the under deck sheeting, I'm amazed how quiet my ride is and how good it handles waves. But the 3rd toon really makes the boat buoyant, and you can feel it.

You might call another dealer and get a price quoted to see if the $4400 is competitive.

[DWRAT]

You might call another dealer and get a price quoted to see if the $4400 is competitive.

Well I called JR Motors in Lake Havasu and he told me it would be over $10K, yes more then $10,000.
I guess he didn't want to do the job.

[Bamaman]

Sometimes needs change, and it's trading time. I'm still amazed at the looks I get when I blow by the guys cruising in their inboard outboard's.

It's a shame that not every boat retail market is well represented by good marine dealerships.

[Kipg123]

Different boat, but had the express toon installed on my 23ft Avalon with 115 Yamaha recently. Did not believe adding the tube would make such a differance. I would never buy another pontoon after owning a tritoon. Easily a 4-5mph gain on top end and a completely different boat as far as how it rides in the water.

[DWRAT]

Well I got it all done and I'm happy with the results.
I gained 3-4 mph and the ride is great.
I ended up installing it myself so that saved me $1,100.00.
It took some time but it was a fun job and turned out great.

[slingshot]

Pictures

[DWRAT]

Here's a couple pictures.

[willy13]

Congrats! and thanks for the update!

Does your side pontoons have lifting strakes?

What was your initial top speed and current top speed?

[DWRAT]

[quote="willy13"]Congrats! and thanks for the update!

Does your side pontoons have lifting strakes?

What was your initial top speed and current top speed?[/quote]

Lifting strakes on the insides of the outer tubes.
Lifting strakes on both sides of center too.
When from 25 mph loaded to 28.5 mph loaded.
I need a bigger motor.

[Bamby]

[quote="DWRAT"][quote="willy13"]Congrats! and thanks for the update!

Does your side pontoons have lifting strakes?

What was your initial top speed and current top speed?[/quote]

Lifting strakes on the insides of the outer tubes.
Lifting strakes on both sides of center too.
When from 25 mph loaded to 28.5 mph loaded.
I need a bigger motor.[/quote]

Ah the sweet smell of success,,, And an outstanding revelation that adding a third pontoon ain't necessarily going to slow you down as I often seen reflected here.

[willy13]

[quote="DWRAT"][quote="willy13"]Congrats! and thanks for the update!

Does your side pontoons have lifting strakes?

What was your initial top speed and current top speed?[/quote]

Lifting strakes on the insides of the outer tubes.
Lifting strakes on both sides of center too.
When from 25 mph loaded to 28.5 mph loaded.
I need a bigger motor.[/quote]



I will be finding out this Spring how my tri-toon conversion works with my 2013 Yamaha 115hp. My current boat is a 24 ft twin toon no strakes. I will be switching out all of the pontoons. Strakes on the inside of the side pontoon and both sides of the center pontoon. My current top speed is 25 mph, I am hoping to get 30 mph out of it. I will be shortening the side pontoons to 22 ft and keeping the center pontoon at 24 feet, for a 2 ft transom set back.

What is the length of your pontoon boat? I am not familiar with your model.

[DWRAT]

24 foot.
If I ditched all the extra crap I carry I bet I could hit 30 mph.