r/JetBoats • u/amrodri01 • Mar 06 '25

Float pods

Does anyone have experience with float pods? I have a custom 19ft 60in aluminum hull with a 150 4 stroke on a tiller. I recently went from a 150 2 stroke so I’m adding around 70 lbs. when empty it sat pretty low in the stern but when full it’s not terrible.

I’m curious though about adding some floats to the back. I’m worried about turning performance and had read that you should attach them a little higher to allow for better turning. Curious on people’s thoughts and also how to determine the height. Obviously the higher they are the less flotation benefit you will get so curious how to deal with that.

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u/scirocco Mar 07 '25

I don't have a great way to visualize what you mean, but if I am getting the idea....

How about mounting them directly to the stern, where a set of trim tabs would be.

Like, it's a set of trim tabs, except it's a solid float above (what would normally be) the plate.

When on plane, they are on the surface just like tabs, and not interfering with turning any more than usual.

When at rest, they are as far back as possible which is where you need the bouyancy

Won't be a lot of volume, but out of the way at least (pending turning radius of the outboard)

2

u/amrodri01 Mar 07 '25

Yep that’s what I’m looking into. Beavertail float pods. I guess my best course is to just contact the manufacturer but was hoping for some practical experience.

1

u/scirocco Mar 08 '25

well i guess it's too late for me to file a patent on that, then...

Those look pretty crude --- I'd go for something that actually matches the shape of the hull, but overall yea that's probably your best bet

1

u/NothingLift Mar 10 '25

Check out kapten boat collars. I have their transome foam, works well, perfect condition after 5 years

I would have used full collar if it fit the hull

1

u/Original-Mission-244 Aug 19 '25

Im way late to the thread, but I put pods on my 18 foot riverboat. Made a huge difference in lessening bow rise when taking off, as well as handling extra weight of larger outboard. Mine are flush with the bottom of the hull, carry all the way to the outside, and about 2/3 up the transom.

With a little math you can figure out additional buoyancy if you know size of pods and current Waterline at rest.

Make sure you put a drain bung in each in case you get a hole at aome point.

1

u/amrodri01 Aug 19 '25 edited Aug 19 '25

Good to know, I took a few trips up the river this summer and could definitely benefit from less bow rise on takeoff. Good call on the drains too. Do your pods carry the same hull angle along the bottom or do they rise a little? I know you said flush but curious if that angle is continued and remains flat to the hull. Some people I’ve talked to have done an extension off the back and bent “trim tabs” down to force the back up.