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Adding a third toon

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LCDoucet

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I tried searching but I am unable to find the answer.

We purchased a 2023 20' Bennington with a 115 new at a great price. I would like to add a third toon to better take waves and overall performance.

Could the board please offer suggestions for this upgrade?

Thanks
 
Bennington offers an Express Tube . Check with a Bennington dealer , they do not sell parts directly to the public .
 
In the upper right corner there is a search feature. Punch in Express . Several threads will come up
 
There are a few forum members that might be able to speak to the “how to’s” and give DIY suggestions for it. There hasn’t been much discussion over the years on doing this or the process.

My only suggestion is to double check with Bennington on potential warranty ramifications since you have a 2023. I am not sure how something like this may or may not impact structural warranty or general warranty…kind of like if you mod or tune a car.
 
I know you don’t want to hear it, but you might want to consider selling / trading for a slight used or new-noncurrent model. I had a 2019 pontoon with 115 that was fine for cruising but it really plowed through the water. I was able to pickup a new non-current tritoon with 150 (right before the end of the calendar year when not much is being sold) and the difference is amazing. It cost some $’s, but it came with some nicer features including better ladder. The 150 for me is such a big difference and the full center tube with lifting strakes / aluminum under deck skinning, made a big difference for my use.
 
I added the express toon to my 2012 RL years ago and at that time also the wave shield. I felt it made quite an improvement both in terms of quality of the ride and ability to take on larger waves. I also documented an increase in top end speed of 5mph. However Randy also addedgge express toon and he said he saw a very negligible improvement.
 
I swapped tubes and got a substantial improvement in speed by getting rid of drag down the middle of the boat. With regard to adding another tube. All boats come predrilled for every hull configuration. One challenge is ordering. Service parts orders are tied to a vin number. I had to find a vin number of a boat that had the desired tube.
 
DVW said:
I swapped tubes and got a substantial improvement in speed by getting rid of drag down the middle of the boat. With regard to adding another tube. All boats come predrilled for every hull configuration. One challenge is ordering. Service parts orders are tied to a vin number. I had to find a vin number of a boat that had the desired tube.
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I really appreciate the response. Given your experience, would you do it again?
 
I think you are assuming that I did what you are proposing. Just the opposite. I got rid of everything down the middle of the boat and I got a 46% speed increase. You are adding extra buoyancy and drag down the middle of the boat. Expect a speed decrease with the ability to take big waves with a full load up front.
 
DVW said:
I think you are assuming that I did what you are proposing. Just the opposite. I got rid of everything down the middle of the boat and I got a 46% speed increase. You are adding extra buoyancy and drag down the middle of the boat. Expect a speed decrease with the ability to take big waves with a full load up front
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I think I’ll keep it as it is for the time being. Thanks again
 
Sorry, late to the party. Yes, I added the Express Tube w/wave shields to my 2012 R-Series 22 footer with a Merc 115. As mentioned above, while I did see some small general improvement in ride and wave handling abilities, my speed did not increase. I eventually upgraded to a 21' S-Series with the SPS and a 150. That got me the desired performance/handling improvements.

PS: My selling dealership struggled with the wave shield parts procurement and proper installation. Eventually, Bennington had to intervene and the installation was completed to my satisfaction.

I think your decision to pause is solid. Personally, I think the SPS/150 combo is Bennington's most versatile combo.
 
I sold my 22’ two toon boat and replaced it with a 24’ sps model. Night and day difference. I wouldn’t mess with it on yours so good call.
 
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