Tubes for a pontoon

Renier Jonas

New member
Hi there everyone. I have a question and I really hope that someone can help me with this.

I am looking to build my own pontoon. The design has already been done. Frame being built out of aluminium, really functional with all bells and whistles etc. Even if I must say so myself.

Now, the problem that I am faced with is where to get the tubes done. I really don't know where to start looking and would appreciate any direction and help that I can get.

Thanks guys:fishn
 

Mavers

New member
Just bear in mind with a pontoon on tubes that you must allow for the tubes to float at about half diameter (loaded). As the pontoons float deeper so your waterplane area disappears and so too your stability. The moment a tube submerges by as little as 1".....the whole works turns turtle......allow for plenty freeboard that you never threaten to get anywhere near the position of a tube too deep in the water.

Dangerous things.....houseboats on tubes.....when they flip....they flip damn fast.

Also the more tubes the better...more waterplane area.

Also allow for subdivision in the tubes.....so that it can get holed in 1 place without the tube flooding, or even completely submerging. The tube submerging = upside down
 

Renier Jonas

New member
Hi there Mavers. Thanks for the response. I appreciate your time. Anyway, I think we are on different pages.

I am looking to build a small pontoon kick boat and nothing as big s a house boat. Although, now that I think about it, it might not be such a bad idea. Home away from home. Especially when the wife starts getting a bit much. Haa haa haaaaaa. Just a joke. I promise. I love my wife and I suppose I am lucky as she doesn't mind at all when I go fishing.

Anyway, I suppose that the same rules count for a kickboat as with a bigger vessel. So I will definitely take your advice to heart with the build and design of this thing.

Have yourself a great day own there in Cape Town. By the way, where in CT are you from/ I am originally from the West Coast myself.

Greetings
 
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