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On 2 Sep 2005 11:29:22 -0700, wrote:

Square section pontoons carry more load for a given size, but other
structural issues come into play. The square section might need to be
heavier to deal with the stresses.

Such as increased bulkhead sections and heavier material?

Also a round section pontoon will sink further under initial loads and
then sink less as the wetted area increases.

As the water level rises up the radius, more surface area is
encompassed and it tends to resist sinking more?

Calculation is per pontoon. Double for two pontoons on a boat.

So in a nutshell, a square or rectangular pontoon will be the best
for bouyancy due to its increased surface area, but will require a bit
beefier construction since it will be exposed to hull stresses that a
cylindrical pontoon could absorb. Also, the square or rectangular
pontoon would have to be slightly larger in order to accomodate the
increased weight and offset that weight to add more bouyancy. Am i
understanding that correctly? Thanks a ton!!!!

MRusson