If you’re a pontoon boat owner, you may have heard about center logs and their benefits for improving the stability and handling of your boat. In this blog post, we’ll explore what center logs are, how they work, and why they are important for pontoon boat owners.

What are Center Logs?

A center log is a cylindrical tube-shaped structure that is placed in the center of a pontoon boat. It is typically made of aluminum and is designed to provide additional buoyancy and stability to the boat. The center log works together with the two outer pontoons to create a stable platform on the water.

How Do Center Logs Work?

When a pontoon boat is in the water, the weight of the boat is distributed across the three pontoons. The center log provides additional buoyancy and helps to distribute the weight evenly across all three pontoons. This results in a more stable platform that is less prone to tipping or rocking in rough water conditions.

Why are Center Logs Important?

Adding a center log to a pontoon boat can provide a number of benefits, including improved stability and handling, increased weight capacity, and smoother ride in rough water conditions. Center logs are especially important for larger pontoon boats or boats that are used for activities such as fishing, watersports, or entertaining guests.

But the crucial query is: What is the procedure of adding center log to pontoon boat?

To install a center log to the pontoon boat, you will need the log kit first. Ensure that the turning radius of the kit is similar to your boat. Then you must adhere to a few straightforward instructions. And your log will be installed. Finally, you will just need to do a speed test and your log installation process will be done.

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Can You Add a Center Log to Your Pontoon Boats

In simple words, yes, you can add a center log to your boat. At times, the pontoon boat might face some buoyancy issues. Which essentially will make the boat garder float.

Numerous factors may contribute to this buoyancy. One of the primary ones can be the weight distribution. If the weight distribution is done correctly, then the boat might face this issue.

Also, wear and tear and putting on too much weight can also cause this issue.

So, to mitigate this issue, another log is usually added. The log provides more buoyancy to the boat.

Therefore, floating becomes much easier for the boat. Also, it can carry more weight than normal times.

Hence, the boat riding experience becomes much smoother.

The Installation Process of the Pontoon Kit

Before we proceed any further, you will need a pontoon kit first. There are a few crucial actions you must do after receiving the pontoon kit. Those being;

Step 1: Setting up the Railing

To install the pontoon, you will need to step up the railing first. The pontoon kit comes with two large railings. These railings attach to your cross beams underneath your pontoon.

To attach them to your cross beams, with a drill machine, holes must be drilled. Then, use bolts to attach it permanently. They will hold your pontoon to your boats. Essentially having a better installation.

Step 2: Adding the Pontoon or Log

In the pontoon kit, the pontoon comes in three different pieces. You will need to add them like a puzzle and get them together. The three pieces are the three different sections. Those are the front stop, the backstop, and the middle stop.

Depending on the manufacturer, the middle stop may also include two sections. The pontoon needs to be slid inside the bolted railing.

Make sure that you maintain the proper sequence while sliding them in. if you are installing from the back of your boat, then the front top goes first. And if you are installing from the front, then the backstop goes first.

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If you fail to maintain the sequence, then the boat will be severely unbalanced. And you will have the most brutal times controlling that boat.

Step 3: Cover the Railing

Finally, the gap between both railings needs to be covered with a plate. Both ends of the process must be completed. So that the pontoon does not slide out of the boat. the plates usually come with the pontoon kit as well.

But if you are having doubts and want to use a different material you can buy additional plates too.

And there you go. Your additional pontoon is done installing. It’s super easy and not too much of a hassle. On average, it should take you no more than three hours to install it by yourself. So, it is not time-consuming as well.

Benefits of Installing a Log to Pontoon Boats

Now, let’s get to know what are the benefits of installing a log to your pontoon boat.

Adding a log to your pontoon boat can be a game-changer in terms of improving the overall performance and functionality of your vessel. Here are some of the top benefits of installing a log to your pontoon boat:

Enhanced Stability

A log can provide an additional layer of stability to your pontoon boat. This can be especially important in rough waters, as it can help prevent your boat from tipping over or rocking back and forth. By adding a log to your boat, you can significantly improve its overall balance and stability on the water.

Increased Capacity

Another benefit of adding a log to your pontoon boat is that it can increase your boat’s weight capacity. The additional buoyancy that a log provides means that you can safely carry more weight on your boat, whether it’s additional passengers, gear, or equipment. This can be a huge advantage if you’re planning to use your boat for activities like fishing or watersports.

Smoother Ride

A log can also help to provide a smoother ride on your pontoon boat. By improving the boat’s stability and balance, a log can help to reduce the impact of waves and choppy waters, resulting in a more comfortable and enjoyable ride for you and your passengers.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

Installing a log to your pontoon boat can also help to improve its fuel efficiency. By reducing the amount of drag and resistance on the boat, a log can help to reduce the amount of fuel that your boat needs to operate. This can translate into cost savings over time, as well as a reduced impact on the environment.

Increased Resale Value

Finally, adding a log to your pontoon boat can increase its resale value. Many boat buyers are looking for boats that have logs installed, as they know the benefits that they provide. By investing in a log for your boat, you can increase its appeal to potential buyers and potentially increase its resale value.

Better Maneuverability

A log can improve the maneuverability of your pontoon boat, making it easier to handle and navigate in tight spaces or challenging conditions. This can be especially important if you plan to use your boat for activities like water skiing or wakeboarding, where precision and control are key.

Improved Safety

By providing additional stability and buoyancy, a log can also help to improve the safety of your pontoon boat. This is especially true in choppy or rough waters, where a log can help to keep the boat level and prevent it from tipping over. This can be a critical factor in ensuring the safety of you and your passengers while out on the water.

More Versatile

Use With the addition of a log, your pontoon boat can become more versatile in terms of the activities you can do on it. For example, you may be able to take on more passengers, tow heavier equipment, or even use it as a floating platform for activities like swimming or sunbathing. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

How do I make my pontoon more stable?

There is a method to keep your pontoons more stable without having it slowed down in rough waters. Trimming up means doing so right before you reach the wave. This usually lifts the boat’s bow more. Therefore, the tube also rides high. Enabling a smoother transition of the boat into and out of the wave crests and troughs.

What is under skinning on a pontoon boat?

The procedure of “under skinning” involves covering the boat’s underbelly with an aluminum sheet. It has a few benefits. Such as, under-skinning helps with reducing the drag, also, it cuts down water spray. Overall, it makes the boat slightly faster and allows it to have a smoother ride.

Can you add a slide to your pontoon boat?

Yes, depending on whether you want a permanent slide or a temporary one, you can add a slide to your pontoon. Slides can be made of sturdy plastic or metal. It may be used to have fun when linked to a boat.

How do you measure a pontoon log?

To measure a pontoon log, you need to measure the length of the pontoon tube from the front of the tubes (logs) to the end of the tubes at the rear. Additionally, you should also measure the diameter of the pontoons, as this will affect the weight it can carry. Older boats had 19 diameter, 21, and then 23. Finally, you should also measure the deck length and the tube length, to ensure that the measurements check out before you make a purchase.

Conclusion

Center logs are an important component of pontoon boats that provide additional buoyancy and stability on the water. If you’re a pontoon boat owner, adding a center log can help to improve the performance of your boat and increase its resale value. If you’re considering adding a center log to your pontoon boat, be sure to consult a professional to ensure a safe and proper installation.