U-Logs vs Round Logs
The Technical Editor of Pontoon and Deck Boat Magazine said
it best following the 1999 Shootout, “I believe that ‘U’
shaped logs are the better design at any speed and that, as
the speed increases, the supremacy of the ‘U’ shaped log
grows exponentially.”
Voyager offers these comparisons when rebutting
information given to the consumer by unscrupulous
competitors: Round logs require additional brackets to mount
and support the deck. Typically these become weak points and
breakage is not uncommon. Additionally, the round log
becomes progressively less bouyant when it is more than 50%
below the water. To insure floatation the round logs are
built with water tight sections making it difficult to drain
any condensation. This type of construction is cheaper and
faster. Smaller subsections are welded together in final
assembly.
U shaped logs have a natural mounting area on the top
flange of the log cap. The weight of the deck is supported
full width on the log. The U log uses an internal foam
billet that provides buoyancy in the event of puncture.
Because bulkheads are not needed, a drain is installed to
allow full drainage of the log should there be any
condensation. The cost is higher with this type of
construction due to larger parts being handled right from
the start as well as the additional cost of the foam.
Three falsehoods that are commonly used when selling
against Voyager are:
1) The foam is heavy.
FACT - The foam used weighs about one pound per cubic foot.
A 22’ Voyager has about 60 pounds of foam per log. A round
log requires risers and bulkheads that add a comparable
amount of weight to a competitive pontoon.
2) The foam soaks up water.
FACT - The foam used is closed cell foam, it will not soak
up water. The foam displaces water in the unlikely event of
a puncture. A 22’ Voyager has enough foam to fully support
well over four tons of weight.
3) A punctured foam filled log cannot be welded due to
a fire hazard.
FACT - The foam is self extinguishing; which means it cannot
burn on its own. Welding will not set the log on fire. Any
competent welder can easily repair pontoon damage.
During construction Voyager places the foam billet in the
partially completed pontoon, the pontoon cap is set in place
and welded shut.
Voyager U pontoons are 25% larger in volume than the
industry standard of 23” round.
