Fabricating a third log

[cuttymcgavin]

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum. I have been getting info from here for quite some time though. I have researched all the different items 3rd log, waterglide, tap fins and lifting strakes. Iam deciding to go with a 3rd log this summer and possibly add lifting strakes or possibly tap fins (need more research on the tap fins) next summer. I could not find any cheap logs, even called Bill out in Salem,MO. He's got what I want but to get it to NJ is like paying for two logs. So I am looking at gettimg one fabricated localy. Please post any pics of your third toon and engine transom on the toon or any other ideas for the fab. I am planning on creating a u shaped log that is same length and width as other logs and then have it 2 inches deeper that the other logs to create a small v type hull. I plan on fabricating a transom to the log so that my engine sits 1'-1 1/2' behing all three logs. If you have any other ideas please let me know. I greatly appreciate all the input I can get, whether its negative or positive.

[HandymanHerb]

Welcome , glad you finely jumped in , just say no to Tap Fins, they will void the warranty on you toons, many have done what you doing and they should jump in later.

[rrhodes]

Tap Fins have got to be the greatest invention of all time. Every manufacturer out there is using them and they will make a 40hp 25' toon run 50mph... Oops sorry, I forgot I can't really relay sarcasm well in writing. 3rd Log and stakes are both good upgrades provided you have enough power to allow the strakes to do their job. Stay away from tapfins.

[The_Hellbilly]

My $.02: You'll get more performance from setting your 3rd log 2ft back (make it stick out the back two feet)

[lakerunner696]

Are you planning a HP upgrade? IMO you will be asking a lot from a 115. Have you given any thought about stability having a bigger log underneath?

[margaritaman]

If I were adding a third log it would be larger diameter than the outer logs and have lifting strakes on both sides of the center log and strakes only on the inside of the outer log. Also underskin the boat. The larger center log would carry the boat on a plane and make it turn a lot faster just like you were balancing on it. The two outer logs will then act like outriggers. I wish I could afford to build a pontoon boat from scratch but that is the way I would build my logs.

[cuttymcgavin]

Yeah it sounds like I should stay away from those tap fins. I just upgraded to the 115 last summer, my 60 got fried. I believe that the manufacturer of my boat says 115hp max with a third toon and 90 max with only two logs. So right now I am running dont so legit.
I have the straight 6 cyl merc which has pretty good power and torque so Iam hoping it will do the job. Thank you for all your 2 cents I definetly plan on adding the strake set up the same way mentioned above, but that will be next summer. Do you guys have any links to any third log fabrication pics? Thanks again!!!!

[spurhunter]

If I were adding a third log it would be larger diameter than the outer logs and have lifting strakes on both sides of the center log and strakes only on the inside of the outer log. Also underskin the boat. The larger center log would carry the boat on a plane and make it turn a lot faster just like you were balancing on it. The two outer logs will then act like outriggers. I wish I could afford to build a pontoon boat from scratch but that is the way I would build my logs.

Very interesting idea.

[playcat]

If you are having your third log built from scratch, consider making it less of a U shape and flatter on the bottom with a radius to the chine. That will give you lift without having to weld strakes on the center pontoon...just a suggestion, worth what you paid for it.

[cuttymcgavin]

I like that idea, it would create more surface area to ride on. Would I still put strakes on the other two?