Can you think of three words to describe a pontoon? Recreational, fun, and laid-back sound about right, don’t they? How about safe, reliable, and versatile?
Now, can you think of one word that doesn’t describe pontoon boats all that well? You got it; fast!
Whether you enjoy fishing, sunbathing, or just cruising, pontoon boats are becoming a very popular choice. They do, however, suffer when it comes to speed. But not anymore!
In this article, you’ll find out one way you can increase the speed of a pontoon boat without adding extra weight or ditching any gear. It’s all about lifting strakes.
What are these nifty inventions and how can they benefit you? Keep reading to find out.
What Are Pontoon Boats?
Pontoon boats are a type of watercraft that floats on two or more rows of sealed tubes, also known as pontoons. These tubes make it practically unsinkable.
When connected together, the tubes form a multi-hull platform where the large, flat deck area is built. This unique design is why pontoons are ideal for a wide range of water activities.
These raft look-alikes first appeared in the 1930s when they were used to carry industrial cargo and heavy haulage.
They were slow and cumbersome, mainly because of their low-powered motors. Some didn’t even have any motors!
Things have come a long way since then. Nowadays, there are several types of modern, leisure boats available.
Pontoons can be anywhere from 14 to 30 feet long. They also come with high-end furnishings and luxury fittings.
Check out the five main types of pontoon boats:
- Industrial pontoon boat: can carry heavy gear, equipment, and even livestock
- Commercial pontoon boat: passenger and vehicle ferries, houseboats, or river cruisers
- Leisure class pontoon boat: 20 – 30 feet; accommodates 15 people comfortably
- Small pontoon boat: 15 – 20 feet; can accommodate up to four occupants
- Mini pontoon boat: under 10 feet; designed for only one occupant
Can Lifting Strakes Speed Up a Pontoon?
Now that we’ve talked about the different types of pontoons, let’s talk about speed. These watercrafts aren’t fast on the water, although some of them have high-powered motors. Their average speeds can reach about 18 to 30 miles per hour.
The truth is many of these boats are too heavy to speed off in the water. While their laid-backness makes them appealing in a way, it can be a bit frustrating at times.
That being said, there are ways you can add to the speed profile of your pontoon. You don’t even need to throw anything off the boat or add extra horsepower. All you have to do is install pontoon lifting strakes.
That simple extension can boost speeds anywhere between 15% and 25%, depending on the model and size. Under ideal conditions, speeds can reach over 36 mph.
Some manufacturers offer pontoons with pre-fitted lifting strakes. As for the older models, owners can opt to have them fitted and installed.
Read ahead to find out more about these handy fittings.
Pontoon Lifting Strakes Design
Pontoons have rounded edges and tubular sides. As they move in the water, they’re met with some resistance because the water is pushing back on the boats. This resistance slows down the pontoon’s forward motion and causes a drag force.
Lifting strakes are fitted on either side of the boat, as well as the bottom. These strakes work to raise the pontoon over the water, rather than facing each single wave head-on.
This repeated lift and glide enhances the speed of the pontoon considerably. As a result, you get a better performance overall, as well as a smoother ride.
Pontoon Lifting Strakes Benefits
Fitting pontoons with lifting strakes has several benefits. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Increases Boat Speed
Because lifting strakes give your boat some extra elevation, they boost speeds by up to 25%. This reduces the drag force and gives the engine the chance to do its job unimpeded.
2. Reduce Utility Costs
We talked about how lifting strakes boost speeds by hoisting the boat just enough to get them over the waves. These strakes are lightweight, aluminum rods that cost next to nothing. Plus, they’re easy to install and don’t contain any complicated parts or machinery.
The alternative would be to add a second motor, which means you’ll have to pay some serious cash. Then, you’ll also need to take your boat to a professional workshop where it’ll spend a few days until the motor’s fitted. To make matters worse, a second motor adds unwanted weight to an already heavy watercraft.
3. Lowers Fuel Consumption
When the pontoon is out on the water and facing less drag, which means it can go farther on the gallon. So, every time you’re treading water, you’re saving fuel and making the most of the gas tank. This translates to fewer fuel purchases and longer trips.
4. Saves the Environment
Anytime you consume fuel, there’s a release of exhaust that pollutes the water. This pollution affects marine life, plants, and makes the water a toxic environment.
Saving fuel doesn’t just mean saving money. It also means you’re doing your part to protect the environment.
5. Improves Boat Performance
You can enjoy partying, fishing, or just cruising. The ride is smooth and way less bumpy with lifting strakes installed.
The initial launch goes off much easier as well. Even in choppy waters or rough currents, lifting strakes can greatly enhance performance. As a result, you’ll be able to enjoy a smoother, more comfortable ride.
6. Promotes Water Sports
We’ve established that, without lifting strakes, pontoons move at a slow and steady pace. They’re not designed to pull anything through the water except their own weights.
Nowadays, newer pontoon models are hitting the market. They’re becoming more and more suitable for some thrill and excitement on the water.
Some water sport activities you can try with a pontoon include:
- Water skiing
- Wakeboarding
- Tubing
A Final Note
Pontoons are becoming more and more popular because of their versatility. Unfortunately, they have one disadvantage: they’re slow.
We showed you how pontoon lifting strakes raise the boat slightly above the waves. This gives the boat more freedom to glide. It also increases the boat’s speed and saves on fuel.
Lifting strakes are pretty easy to install at any professional boat workshop. Plus, they’re pretty affordable and offer a handful of great benefits.