Want to know when we have important news, updates or interviews? Pontoon & Deck Boat takes the performance challange TAP fins and lifting strakes are also designed to lift pontoon boats out of the water and reduce drag. A variety of seating and lounging capabilities allow you to chill during the heat of the day and cruise the sunset after. Come aboard and get ready for a slow-down. Dave was only three seconds faster in the blue pontoon versus the tan one. This hybrid tri hull is about $800 less than the twin elliptical package with strakes, and is a good compromise for price and performance. "The only other difference is that one is blue and the other is tan. Follow these simple instructions to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Bennington 22sslx underdeck wave shield on the water.We ran the boat from 0-30 mph. We kept the Magnone family onboard for each testing phase so everything would be as accurate as possible. For clarification we went to Malcolm Sohm of Conrad Marine who invented the TAP Fin system. This video shows what happens from 5 to 35 mph on a 25 foot Tritoon. GLS Stock #: 1091144-4WW13. Featuring a performance-first attitude, bold finishes, rich color choices, including a new white on white option, and powerful engine options on a robust 26-foot GTP Triple Tube foundation. To make it more official, we recruited a local family that just happened to be near the dock when we first arrived. Dave and Charline Magnone along with their daughter had never been on a pontoon boat before, which made our situation even better. Members reserve a boat and then simply show up and enjoy a hassle-free day of boating every time. When you're enjoying your new Godfrey pontoon, make sure you and all passengers aboard obey all applicable laws and follow all warnings and instructions in the owner's manual. Heavy-duty decking increases stability and handling. ELEVATE your experience with sport boat-style speed and handling. $1,595.00 MSRP: $2,153.25. "I felt like the blue boat was faster for some reason," said Evan. With comfortable seating from bow to stern in lengths from 20 to 24 feet, the Sweetwater Split Bench brings more families together for less. In short, pontoon lifting strakes provide the ability for your boat to increase speed by lifting the boat to the surface of the water. pontoon logs, however we measure these logs to be 21' 6" x 25" Dia. We did the full throttle test from idle to 20 miles per hour three times going in one direction, then three times in the opposite direction and then averaged all the times. In other words, it’s all about balance. WaveCutter nosecones effortlessly slice through the water for a smooth ride. "We have the exact same options and configurations between these boats that are nearly identical," explained Evan when he first contacted PDB magazine. Read this article comparing these 2 technologies and see how they do not provide to the results obtained when using the Pontoon Water Glide. It bogged down in the turns, but that was probably my fault," said Dave after the test. I asked my dealer about adding on lifting strakes to my 22' pontoon SLi. If it is someone else's design, is the designer around who could advise you on shape and placement? The Sweetwater Lounge model extends the best days of the seasons with versatility, comfort and features tailor-made for relaxation in 22 and 24-foot lengths. "For performance and handling I really like the tan boat with TAP Fins on it. He had already lowered both bimini tops, topped off the gas in the boats and installed brand new propellers by the time we arrived. Lifting strakes improve planing times and increase horsepower capabilities. Thanks to Starcraft advancements in pontoon performance, you can now take full advantage of all the freedom and flexibility a pontoon boat has to offer. Evan was as anxious as we were to see which performance option improved the most and that made our job a lot easier. A simple strake, with both inner and outer faces the same width, will leave the inner face canted at some angle, not horizontal. We did note that the TAP Fin boat turned a little sharper going to the right, which could have been the difference. "We have the exact same options and configurations between these boats that are nearly identical," explained Evan when he first contacted PDB magazine. We've been as curious as anyone to see which performance option would be better and we found out that on this day and on these two particular pontoons, the TAP Fins performed better. #4. View the full 2021 lineup of Godfrey Pontoon Boats. "On average when compared to lifting strakes installed by a manufacturer, the TAP Fins are around 20 percent less expensive and that includes inside and outside Fins," explains Sohm. NOTE: The manufacturer calls these 22' x 25" Dia. Modern high performance pontoons have lifting strakes welded to the bottom sides of the pontoon. Getting to experience the best of all worlds between fishing, cruising, split bench models, you will love making memories on these versatile pontoons ranging from 16 to 22 foot lengths. Lifting strakes are a little bulge of metal that goes on the bottom and sides of the pontoon. Anytime you can introduce a young family to pontooning it's a good thing. The lifting strake is the fin-shaped piece of metal that’s coming out of the side of the pontoon in the video. Both Sweetwater 2386 pontoons were powered with Yamaha 115 four-strokes with a 13.5 diameter prop and a 15 pitch. 3 - 21'3" L x 25"D - (2 w/double strakes) - $900 each Now, there are plenty of 'toons capable of hitting 50, … Relax and stretch out with a Monaco Lounge model in 23 and 25-foot lengths. "But as for cornering, I definitely noticed that the tan boat cornered a lot better. These boats were identical in almost every way possible, but we were a little disappointed to find out that the blue Sweetwater has lifting strakes on the inside and outside of the pontoons, while the tan version only has TAP Fins on the inside. The blue Sweetwater with lifting strakes had an average 0-20 mph time of 9.72 seconds, while the tan Sweetwater with TAP fins had more than a second quicker time of 8.05 seconds. Also, outside strakes can rub on dock supports when you take your boat in or out, which can damage them and reduce performance. A third tube creates a higher ride with more stability. An obstacle course was set up and we had Evan drive both boats for consistency. For a dual tube pontoon with a 115 hp motor, it's faster than I expected," said Evan. Our unique, two-stage lifting strakes will get you on top of the water quickly and get you in and out of the corners like a pro. This site has features that require javascript. USED ROUND Pontoon Tubes in Stock: 2 - 20'L x 25"D 1LS 1RS - $650 each 1 - 20'1" L x 25" D 1LS - $650 each 1 - 20'9"L x 25"D -Black Storage Log - $700 each . Lifting strakes and full-length keels complete the package for faster planing and a smoother ride. "The only other difference is that one is blue and the other is tan. By contrast, our strakes facilitate a smooth ride and enhance the nimble reflexes of a V-Toon. GTP™ Triple Tube technology—with oversized, 6-inch lifting strakes—for the best pontoon performance available on the market today. 1 - 22'L x 25"D with one Lifting Strake (-) 0RS 1LS - $1000 each . Price: Around $2,000 | Performance Gains: Medium. When you choose a tube configuration with HMX Performance Strakes, you can expect better lift, less surface drag, increased speed, faster … "Personally if I ordered another boat it would probably come down to price," says Evan. Choose from 24-foot 12-passenger to 26-foot 18-passenger models. So the final question to ask would be the difference in cost. For years we've been trying to find the right situation to compare the TAP Fins by Conrad Marine to manufacturer lifting strakes. Pontoon Log B has a lifting strake on the port side. Their purpose is to help the boat become more aerodynamic, so that it sails smoothly on the surface of the water instead of plowing through it. Plus another advantage is the full aluminum underskin on the blue pontoon that is not on the other one. Our Two Tube technology gives you a comfortable, responsive ride that challenges the competition’s triple tubes. As we walked away from the Ramsey Creek dock it felt good to finally have the data and information that we've been in search of for so long. How the T.A.P. The Miami International Boat Show (MIBS), Miami Ya... Coming Soon: The Most Innovative Outboard in Mercury History, NMMA Announces Additional Changes to 2021 Boat Show Schedule, Mercury Marine installs solar array at its world headquarters, New President of Avalon & Tahoe Announced. The idea is the more surface in the water, the better the pontoon will corner, not slide. from tip to tip. Exquisite Elegance and Unequaled Craftsmanship, Bold Performance Meets Sophisticated Class, Style, Quality and Family Focused Features, Unbelievable Versatility and Unexpected Value, Timeless Quality and Modern Design for Less. i have a 27' Suntracker with a 3.0 mercruiser I/O. Make memories that last a lifetime on our Godfrey AquaPatio Twin. I am also going to skin the deck's underside and add lifting strakes to the two existing pontoons. More weight support increases passenger capacity. Type your paragraph here. Lifting strakes will also support your boats performance in rough waters. Ultra 25" tubes with heavy-duty decking and exclusive Slipstream. I'd be very interested to see how the boats perform head-to-head.". The blue lifting strake version reached 6100 RPMs at a top speed of 23.5 miles per hour. Aftermarket lifting strakes and tritunes #1 Post by bfp2006 » Tue May 11, 2010 2:54 am Do any of you know any companies that make aftermarket lifting strakes that i can weld on and also any aftermarket tritunes. Versatile and stylish, our 19 to 25-foot Monaco Cruise models offer room for more with L-shaped seating, a standard table to gather with friends and an extended stern swim platform. Keeping you dry and comfortable, our aerodynamic windshield is a fan favorite! Lifting Strakes can be specified for tunnel hull or Vee hull configurations. Finding two identical pontoon boats with identical engines so these two performance options could truly be tested, compared and evaluated. We do this because the inner strake design allows the pontoon to bank into turns. Custom Applications 94. Pure, focused and purpose-built, the SR Cruise is available in 17 to 21-foot lengths with a capacity up to 12 people and a maximum 150-horsepower rating. Lifting strakes provide significantly more top end MPH compared to standard logs and don't necessarily require big HP motors to do so. Select use of Lift Strakes by making selection of the drop-down box on Input Screen #4, selecting “One Strake”, “Two Strakes”, “Three Strakes” or “No Strakes”. A third tube creates a higher ride with more stability. Lifting Strake Design. But, I personally would only have them if they … Get closer to the action with an open deck design and purposeful seating throughout including available bow and stern fishing chairs in your choice of 17 to 21-foot length decks. There is also a significant amount better MPG because the boat is on top of the water rather than plowing through the water. Full Length Keel Strips Both SPS packages include 3 full-length 25" diameter pontoons, lifting strakes on the center pontoon, performance foils on the inside of the outer pontoons, solid round keels, under deck wave shield, SeaStar hydraulic steering, and a 32-gallon transom fuel tank on select models. Exclusive design improves water flow to the engines for faster planing. Lifting strakes are aluminum rods welded along the length of the pontoons to divert the waters drag force. Each lifting strake is approximately 203" L. See photos for measurements. While some manufacturers put lifting strakes on the outside, Harris lifting strakes are on the inside. Just for fun we decided to let Dave, who had never been on a pontoon let alone driven one, take a turn behind the wheel. He mentioned they have added them in years past to boats not factory ordered with this option and performance was maybe a +1 mph. Always moving, our Sanpan Windshield models are available in a 3-tube, 28-foot configuration and delivers port-to-starboard wind protection. Ensuring fun in the sun every day you're out on the water, you'll love this versatile show-stopper! Lifting Strakes Two stage lifting strakes - invasive species flush: If you want performance, Barletta Pontoon Boats will give you just that. Next we wanted to see if there was a difference in the 0-20 mph time between the lifting strakes and the TAP Fins. If you are designing the boat yourself, put them in. All-new smooth, dynamic styling and first-class interior in lengths from 25 and 28-feet with capacity up to 17 people makes Lounge the perfect place to gather with friends. "On the tan one I felt the accuracy in turning was better and it didn't rock as much when I turned. The third pontoon had lifting strakes on it when I installed it but at that point no strakes on the side toons. In my opinion, yes, lifting strakes add to the boat's lift and performance in the planing regime and should be included. Turns out it didn't make that much of a difference. TBDP©/VBDP© accounts for the use of Lifting Strakes in your hull design. This was the most dramatic difference between all the tests that we conducted on this day. Lift, yes, but lots of drag. Contact Us ... w/ Lifting Strakes 21 FT x 27 Inch . Provides intelligent weight distribution for better stability. The tan TAP Fin Sweetwater topped out at 5800 RPMs, reaching a full mile and a half faster at 25.0 mph. Fin System, the water is channelled back down, creating lift, increasing control and performance. Since he is one of the highest volume Bennington dealers in Texas, I took his word. Check with your local dealer for current engine hp certifications. At the cruising RPM of 3000, both pontoons were near the 9.5 mph mark, but it was the top speed where we noticed the real difference. "The cornering is tight and flat and the ride is super quiet because there is no spray deflecting up onto the sub-floor.". Lifting strakes on steroids may be extra wide for even more lift. It was smoother running through the course where I felt the blue boat had to work harder.". The strakes easily lift the nose out of the water, and you can really feel the deck lift from 30 mph and above--almost like a tunnel hull boat. Sometimes the best days on the water with family and friends are when you do nothing at all. And because of the popularity of pontoon boats on Lake Norman, Evan decided to add two 2010 Sweetwater 2386 pontoons boats to his fleet this past summer, both rigged with Yamaha 115hp four-strokes. From an economic standpoint the TAP Fins would be the way to go because I believe they are less expensive than the strakes.". Lifting strakes improve planing times and increase horsepower capabilities. Along with both sides, the bottom of the pontoon also has strakes. SUN TRACKER XP3 performance models feature three 26"-diameter pontoon logs with a total of four performance lifting strakes—two on the middle log and one on the inboard side of each exterior log—for enhanced all-around performance, including faster planing, higher top-end speeds and tighter handling. Our biggest challenge? Shop our huge selection of center tri toon pontoon logs, single pontoon logs, and pontoon log accessories at Great Lakes Skipper. We strive to excite, thrill and spoil your family with exhilarating performance with the added benefit of increased stability and safety. Enjoy every moment with your favorite people on our AquaPatio Sundeck model. The flow-through design, and expansive and versatile seating configuration of our Monaco Split Bench models are available in lengths from 21 to 25-feet with the ability to accommodate up to 17 passengers. "On the blue boat I thought it handled well. On a 6M boat, you really need only the chine strakes. "And unlike most manufacturers who increase their prices each year, I have maintained my prices for the past several years.". The "MAX LIFT" kit is for installing strakes on both sides of both toons to achieve maximum lift. Exquisite design, unparalleled performance and the pinnacle of premium. Built to stand the last and engineered to stand the test of time, our AquaPatio pulls out all the stops when it comes to pontoon perfection. It would be interesting to see what it would be like with Fins on the inside and outside. And just like that we were finally in business. For those that just want to cruise with no need to pull tubes and skiers. Upgradable 25" Sport Tube with lifting strakes. The driving force behind our success has been our commitment to bringing together the best designers, engineers and craftsmen to create superior products. With three 26” logs with lifting strakes and factory-installed underpinning, this pontoon boat can handle up to 200 horsepower—extra power for cruising and pulling a tuber! After a solid round of testing, the TAP Fins out-performed the lifting strakes in all the different phases of our test. The only difference in the nearly identical pontoon boats-one has TAP Fins and the other has lifting strakes. The Sweetwater Traditional Fishing model combines the treasured gift of family and your passion to fish in a pontoon where versatility, value and long-lasting quality come together in your choice of 20 to 22-foot lengths. Fin System With the T.A.P. We ship worldwide! Upgradable 25" Sport Tube with lifting strakes. The blue Sweetwater with lifting strakes completed the course with an average time of 2:22, while the tan version with TAP Fins had an average time of 2:10. 3M 1. All that was left now was to put the throttle down and see which boat went faster. 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Only the chine strakes divert the waters drag force was easier in effort and maybe little! So everything would be like with Fins on the other is tan we did note that the face... Blue boat had to work harder. `` enjoy every moment with local! - ) 0RS 1LS - $ 1050 each this was the most dramatic difference between all tests. If they … Upgradable 25 '' Dia for each testing phase so everything would be the difference and only.