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The good, the bad, and the ugly...

Tooner

Tooner

Well-Known Member
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Location
Florida
Our 2016 SLX 21 has very slowly started to ride lower in the water at the stern. The boat stays in the water year around, and at first I thought it was just my imagination, but when the bottom of the boarding ladder started dragging in the water I knew something was up. When comparing photos from a year ago to current, it was obvious that the stern is riding at least 10 inches lower.  This would explain the gradual drop-off in speed from 44 mph, to more recently 36 mph. Water weight in the center pontoon not only change the attitude of the boat, but the added weight sure caused performance to drop off.


The good- Bennington will take care of things. It was decided the whole center 'toon, complete with lifting strakes and performance foils would be changed out under warranty


The bad- Middle pontoon has water leak at a weld behind the lifting strake, and being behind the strake, not really repairable without replacement.


The ugly- Estimated ship date of the replacement 'toon is April 7. Add in the shipping time, time needed for dealer to do the work, and get it back to us, and we will not see it until toward the end of April, missing much of the best boating time here in Florida.


Oh well, at least we know what's wrong, and that it will be fixed properly and under warranty. An added benefit is that while the wave shield is off, and the mounting bolts for the helm chair are accessible, I am changing the fixed height helm pedestal for a new Springfield adjustable one. So, I am hoping for the best. Patience is not something that comes easy for me. 
 
Why not ask your dealer if he has a demo or a used boat that you could use for two months? Another idea would be to drain the center toon by drilling a hole and welding it closed again. The last option could keep you on your boat and running for the next two months.Never know until you ask !   ;)  Good luck Tooner
 
Sorry to hear of your situation! Glad to hear Bennington is going to make good on it. Makes me want to double check my boat while it's on the trailer, or just lay around on the creeper with a beer and look stupid at the boat. ;)   As they say patience are a virtue but I just left south Florida 2 weeks ago so I understand your angst! Keep your head up, it sounds like your dealer is working on it from his end.
 
im guessing, as in past thread conversations, they have to bolt to a comparable toon being shipped. 


It it possible to pump out the water and still run it till the new toon arrives. It took this long to drop 10". If you could get the water out,  you would probably have plenty of time till it would start dropping again. 
 
Agree with SemperFi  As another option would it possible to take off the center toon completely and then use the boat with two toons until the new one comes in.  Would also be interesting to get some speed records on the two toon versus three toon
 
When mine was replaced ( port side  due to being hit ) ,I had to wait for a full load from Benninington so it could be included .It arrived under a 2 toon model .Wait after that was minimal .Much more labor is involved in  replacing the center toon 
 
Link said:
Agree with SemperFi  As another option would it possible to take off the center toon completely and then use the boat with two toons until the new one comes in.  Would also be interesting to get some speed records on the two toon versus three toon
Click to expand...

Motor is on the center toon ,    :wub:
 
Jack M said:
Motor is on the center toon ,    :wub:
Click to expand...

Stupid me.  I have the express toon setup which could be done and went to the Seafood Festival yesterday so I am feeling a little dopey this morning. 


Here's the proof of overdoing
large.58b2dee2e462f_2017SeafoodFestival.jpg.f2b181fb58760cb61cb2593aae979775.jpg
 
Looks like you had a good time . :p
 
1Blderbob said:
Another idea would be to drain the center toon by drilling a hole and welding it closed again. The last option could keep you on your boat and running for the next two months.Never know until you ask !   ;)  Good luck Tooner
Click to expand...

Great idea! Not to sure I'd ask anybody at this point if a new log is on the way. I'm sure any local welder could get you back in service pretty quick.
 
Link said:
Stupid me.  I have the express toon setup which could be done and went to the Seafood Festival yesterday so I am feeling a little dopey this morning. 


Here's the proof of overdoing
Click to expand...

Damn Link, you never shared that you have two wenche's. Not sure whether I'm jealous or happy.
 
I would for sure inform BM and the dealer of plans to drain and re-weld, then get er done and go boating.

1Blderbob said:
Damn Link, you never shared that you have two wenche's. Not sure whether I'm jealous or happy.
Click to expand...

Never be jealous, always be happy.  
 
Link said:
Stupid me.  I have the express toon setup which could be done and went to the Seafood Festival yesterday so I am feeling a little dopey this morning. 


Here's the proof of overdoing
Click to expand...

I was thinking that any speed comparisons without the center toon would be seriously influenced by how quickly I could paddle.


seriously though, thanks for all of the feedback. My dealer is being very cooperative, and has told me that I could use a boat they keep for rentals for selected times. My situation is complicated by the fact that my dealer is on the Intra coastal, while I am on the St John's river, which is about a 45 minute trailer haul away. I do like the idea of the draining, welding the drain hole shut, and then replacing the toon later. 


Also, I was not aware that the new toon had to be attached to a boat for transportation. 


Incidentally, to give credit where due, our dealer is Gerry's Marina, in New Smyrna Beach, FL. They are great folks, and good to work with!
 
This is really good to hear. It's nice to know that everyone is working to correct your problem.  :lol: Yaaaaaaaa!
 
Link looks like his center log has some fluid build up... i think this might be what Dano was refering to in his post?!?!?


I was thinking both loaner and pumping as my reccomendations. For the op, not Mark's "issue".
 
Drill very small hole in end cap. Raise tongue jack. Let drain overnight.  Lower tongue jack and let hole dry.  Mash a little marine JB Weld into both holes. Enjoy summer. 


The loaner is a nice touch, but I'd rather have my own boat running and available when I want it.
 
Oh, and does the forum really need more pictures of Mark without his shirt on???


First time there wasn't a Mic Ultra in his hand.
 
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