Why Pontoon Boats Are Sweeping the Country

The strongest segment of the boating
business this year is the pontoon category. It is not because they are inexpensive,
because today they are loaded with pretty much everything you can find on conventional
boats. To answer the question, we take a look at one of the pioneers in pontoon
building…



JC Pontoon has been building boats for 30 years and was the first company to introduce
the “TriToon” design 25 years ago which changed the whole concept of pontoon boats
from something your grandfather used at sunset around the lake, to a watersports
platform fit for the Olympics. We have tested 12 JC Pontoon models and have found
them fast, fuel efficient, huge, versatile and even fishy.

To see all of BoatTEST.com’s tests of JC Pontoon boats ….


JC Pontoon currently builds boats from 21’ to 30’ which are powered with everything
from a 90-hp Honda outboard (getting best mpg at 6.55), to a 250-hp Suzuki (fastest
WOT at 43.3 mph), to the huge 306 TriToon powered by a 5.7 L Volvo Penta sterndrive
(with a load capacity of 4900-lbs). The company’s Evolution series has fiberglass
bulwarks and topsides which makes deck boat buyers think twice. JC Pontoon builds
33 models – most of which can be customized! – and it is easy to find one that is
ideal for skiing, tubing, fishing, cruising, entertaining or all of the above. Today
pontoon boats can be used by the whole family from high-energy kids in life vests
to grandpa in his wheelchair.


Born in the Indiana Lake Country



In 1976, John Cripe (JC) and Jerry Amsden began building pontoon boats in North
Webster, Indiana. A few years later, John’s son, Kim Cripe, joined the company.
Today, Jerry and Kim continue to independently own and operate J.C. Manufacturing,
Inc.



To achieve consistent quality JC makes all major components, including rail systems,
upholstery, pontoon tubes and bimini tops. These in-house capabilities give JC control
over the final quality of every JC Pontoon, and as a result the hull and deck have
lifetime warranties.

JC pioneered the “U”-shaped pontoon which has obvious advantages over the standard 25” round log used by many pontoon boat builders. Source: JC Pontoon's website.

JC’s “U”Tube is No Video



Evolution and TriToon hulls and nose cones are constructed of .125 marine grade
aluminum, which the company says is the strongest in the industry. In addition,
the SuperTube used in all SunToons is constructed of .091 marine grade aluminum
with the nosecones made of heavy-duty .100 marine grade aluminum.



The U-Shaped SuperTube used on all SunToons gives added flotation in the upper half,
which comes in handy when the boat is heavily loaded. The U-Shaped tube is based
on a canoe shape or the shape used in catamaran sailboats. This shape is more efficient
through the water than is a cylinder.

JC boats come in several toon configurations.

A Toon Tutorial



The standard SunToon and NepToon hulls utilize two “SuperTubes.” JC allows customers
to customize their boat and to some degree mix and match components. This is a very
unusual practice in the boat business, particularly in small boats. However, JC
will make recommendations. For example, the builder recommends the optional aluminum
bottom skin for any boat with horsepower over 70.


TT Hulls



Three SuperTubes with center transom integrated into the tube and aluminum bottom
skin makes up the “TT” hull. The three-tube TT hulls are a “midpoint” between the
traditional twin tube pontoon and JC’s TriToon models. By adding a third SuperTube
to the standard SunToon or NepToon hulls, there is an improvement in flotation,
rough water ride, and speed since the third tube permits a larger engine.


TriToon Hull



When JC developed the TriToon hull design 25 years ago it enabled a level of acceleration,
handling and stability unknown in the pontoon industry. Since the boat was already
on plane from a standing start, beginning water skiers found it easy to “get up”
and learn the sport.



As the TriToon accelerates, the bow wave from the center tube is forced into tunnels
between tubes. Water then pushes the asymmetrical planing surfaces up and the boat
is instantly on plane.

The fiberglass Evolution 240 and 260 are like huge deck boats on pontoons.

The coffee table in the SunToon models also holds the ice chest.

The bimini tops are a must for noon-time tooning.

Because of their speed, TriToons are ideal for watersports.

With a load capacity of 4900-lbs. the 306 model is large enough for a square dance and full orchestra.

JC Pontoons’ 33 models are designed to serve different
applications and different combinations of uses for people all over the globe. With
its unusual policy of permitting customer customization the company has a unique
sales proposition, its other features and benefits notwithstanding. In order to
get a good idea of the depth and range of JC’s product line, we urge you to view
all of the tests and videos we have made of their products.


To see all of BoatTEST.com’s tests of JC Pontoon boats…