I fish often with a couple of friends with Hobi Cat pontoons. I have to work like H… to keep up with them going up or down stream. They have less wetted surface than my ODC 816 (score 1 for them). They have a hard smooth hull (score 2 for them). My nylon cover gains weight when wet, The hard hulled Hobi"s don’t (score 3 for them) Being an old racing sailor I know how these 3 items can effect performance!
Is there anything or any way a fabric outer cover on an infaltable can be treated to reduce these draw backs?
I really doubt it but have to ask. I have found that proper inflation helps a lot.
On the plus side I believe my 'toon is more stable and can carry more gear.
Jack,
I don’t know how this will stack up to use on a fabric shelled hull/hulls. or if it can even be done…But I do know that builders of wooden (plywood) hulled boats use a graphite powder epoxy mix to really improve performance in waters with weed growth or just about anything that drags or otherwise slows/wears on their hulls…Weather this can be applied to the fabric hull of a poontoon is something I’m not sure of…But could be worth looking into…
Something to ponder maybe…Any way, Good luck in your quest for speed!!!
These guys might be able to help ya,They are builders…Just try not to get carried away!
http://www.neilbank.com/phpBB2/index.php?
And this is Matt’s site, He would be a source for whatever items or advise you might need…
http://www.jemwatercraft.com
Maybe with you provideing demension’s It could be possible to build a set of plywood toons for your frame?..and useing the graphite/epoxy on those…hummm…lol…I really gotta stop thinking of things like this. 8) :lol:
Hi Jack
Putting 303 Protectant on your toon will help preserve it from the sun and also make it more slippery in the water and keep it cleaner .
If you get to some flowing water with some rapids and standing waves with those Hard Hull Fishbuds you will be glad you have an inflatable toon when you see them bouncing like crazy while you ride through like a soft pillow.
Regards,
Max