Why do I need performance Sheeting under my deck?

The amount of drag produced by spray under the boat hitting your cross members is incredibly high. If you will notice all of the high performance pontoon boats have sheeting and most of the manufactures now offer sheeting on new boats. In our opinion every boat should have sheeting under the deck, the reduction in drag equates to better performance and fuel economy. The Pontoon Water Glide makes the sheeting even more of a requirement, by increasing the speed of the boat and reducing the cross-sectional area for the water to flow. The flow is also much more aggressive under the boat. Without the sheeting the performance of your boat with a Water Glide would be greatly diminished.

What can I do if my boat cavitates?

Some boats use the minimum motor shaft lengths which becomes and issue when you get the boat up on the plane. For best results with the Water Glide, it is preferred your cavitation plate to be nearly even with the bottom of your pontoons. This is the standard guideline for planing hulls of all types, most dealers don't consider pontoons able to get up on plane and fail to set them up to do so

Will I get the same performance as I see on the website?

Every boat performs differently and the changes in performance vary accordingly. The Water Glide is a bolt on aggressively planing hull. It however, depends upon your boat being in good condition and operating properly.

How do I know what propeller to get?

Your local boat dealer should have a good idea what propeller will work best, just let them know your RPM’s at full throttle and the motors recommended RPM range. One good option is to find a dealer that offers a “demo” propeller program. This allows you to try various propellers prior to purchasing. Another option is adjustable pitched props that allow you to alter the pitch as necessary.

What is the recommended height of my motor or prop?

We like to see all of your prop below the bottom of your pontoons. This is a guideline that has worked well for hundreds of installations. We have seen some boats operate well at other locations however, this location is the standard that we go by.

Will the guides on my trailer be a problem?

Most trailer guides that are mounted on the inside of the toons fit fine. We have about 10" (depending on your toon size) at the tightest point between the Glide and the pontoons.

Will my boat cavitate with the Water Glide?

Can I put more weight or people in the boat if I have a Water Glide?

No, your boat is rated and tested to handle a specific load. It is critical that you NOT exceed any of the manufactures recommendations. The Water Glide will improve the handling and stability of your boat within the load limits it was designed for.

What is it made of?

Water Glide is made in the U.S.A. and is constructed of the highest quality US Coast Guard approved polyurethane foam and FRP Composite (Fiberglass).

Does the deck of my boat need any additional support?

We recommend that the deck joist be located on 16” centers. This spacing provides solid support for the Water Glide.

Does the Pontoon Water Glide need to be supported on the trailer?

No, the Pontoon Water Glide is fine hanging under your boat during transport without additional support.

Got Questions? Here's the Answers...

Is the pontoon size and horsepower significant?

Yes, for best results you will need at least:
16’ – 18’ pontoon – 60hp & up*
20’ – 21’ pontoon – 70hp & up*
22’ – 24’ pontoon – 80hp & up*
If you have less horsepower than stated above the Water Glide can still be very beneficial in regards to stability, handling and fuel economy. With the above stated number you will see better overall performance benefits.

* Note: The manufactures specified horsepower ratings should never be exceeded.

What can I do if I don't have the recommended joist spacing?

The main reason we like to have the joist 16" on center is to minimize any vibration you may feel at high speeds in choppy water. To add additional strength to your existing floor members you can double them up with aluminum angles, installing them at the same time as the Water Glide is very simple.

If I am buying a boat what should I look for?

Many things can affect the performance of your boat, one of the biggest issues with Pontoon boats is Cavitation even without the Water Glide. In order to reduce the risk of performance loss due to cavitation we recommend that you get a longer shafted outboard motor. It is best to have the cavitation plate of your motor align with the bottom of your pontoons. Remember the Water Glide is going to raise your boat up to 5” when underway.

There is no substitute for power!, many times a larger horsepower motor does not weight much more than the smaller unit. Sometimes a larger motor is the same casing as the smaller one, check it out! I have yet to have someone say “I have way too much power, I’m going to get a smaller motor!”. Your fuel economy can actually increase with a larger motor because you are not pushing it to the limit all the time.

Pontoon diameter can be a factor in your boats performance. It is usually best to get the largest diameter pontoons you can. With the added buoyancy your boat will set higher in the water initially, further reducing the boats resistance in the water.

Check the distance the motor is mounted behind the rear of the pontoons, if this distance is too great the boat will set very low at the stern. The Water Glide can compensate for some of this, but it is always better not to have the issue to begin with. The closer the motor is mounted to the rear of the pontoons the better your boat will balance.

Can I install it myself?

Yes, you are provided installation instructions and our staff is available to answer your questions. The tools required to install are very basic: drill, tape measure, socket set and miscellaneous hand tools.

Do I have to put my boat in the water to take measurements?

Yes, many people try to use the stain marks on their boat as a guide to the waterline measurements. This is not accurate; many things can cause the marks to be different than the actual draft of the boat. Please take the time to make your measurements as accurate as possible.

HINT: While boat is in the water use a crayon to lightly mark waterline. Then take the measurements while the boat is on the trailer.

What are the Benefits of the Pontoon Water Glide?

There are many benefits such as:

Increases speed up to 46%*

Higher speeds with same horsepower motor
Allows quicker response for: Emergencies – Storms – Skier pick-up

Improves fuel efficiency up to 57%*

Without Water Glide - 7 gallons per hour
With Water Glide - 4 gallons per hour

Improves pontoon safety

Better maneuverability
Eases steering
Reduces turning radius
Reduces drag
Smoother Ride
Helps prevent submarining
More stability

Additional 684 pounds of buoyancy - Coast Guard approved polyurethane foam is injected into the Glide.

*Independent test done by Pontoon & Deck Boat Magazine March Issue 2004 - 18' Tracker - 60hp Johnson

Is the installation of the Water Glide permanent?

No, it is very simple to remove the Water Glide and install it on another boat.

Can I install a motor larger than is specified by the boat manufacturer when I install a Water Glide?

No, the Water Glide enhances the performance of your boat within the manufacturers recommended guidelines. You should never exceed the capacities recommended by the manufacturer of your boat.

Can I use my existing trailer with the Water Glide?

Most newer boats use the “Bunk” type trailer, the boat is supported from the bottom of the pontoons leaving the underside of the deck open for the Water Glide. Other boats utilize the “Center Lift” style of trailer, the boat is supported from the underside of the deck usually obstructing the area where the Water Glide is mounted. Please check your trailer type before ordering the Water Glide.

Does The Performance Sheeting install before or after the Pontoon Water Glide?

You can do it either way, however we have designed the kit for the installation of the sheeting to be first. This allows the rails to pinch the sheeting holding it tight. It also makes the installation easier not having to work around the Glide nor having to fit the sheeting around the rails.

Print List of FAQs

How does it work?

The Water Glide supports the boat in two ways. First, it provides nearly 700 pounds of additional floatation while the boat is at rest. This greatly improves the stability of the boat while entertaining and fishing. Secondly, the Water Glide acts as a planing hull while underway, raising your boat to a level that allows the hull to plane and maneuver in a whole new way! Question: What are the dimensions of the Water Glide? Answer: The full size of the Water Glide is as follows: Length = 10’-1” Height = 26” Width = 35” Weight = 130 Lbs Question: What is it made of? Answer: Water Glide is made in the U.S.A. and is constructed of the highest quality US Coast Guard approved polyurethane foam and FRP Composite (Fiberglass). Question: Can I install it myself? Answer: Yes, you are provided installation instructions and our staff is available to answer your questions. The tools required to install are very basic: Drill, Tape Measure, Socket Set and Miscellaneous hand tools.

Why do I have to take all of these measurements?

Specific information pertaining to your boat, along with measurements, should be given to PWG personnel before ordering, in order to insure maximum performance from your boat. With your information the positioning of yourWater Glide will be calculated. Please be as accurate as possible obtaining the required information. Your boats' performance will depend on it!

How do you determine the installation location for the Water Glide?

The measurements that you provide to us are run thru a computer program that was developed using triple integral calculus specifically for our use. Based on these measurements the balancing point of your boat is determined, once we know that we can place the center of lift of the Water Glide directly under your center of balance. This allows the Water Glide to lift your boat evenly in order to achieve optimal performance.

What are the dimensions of the Water Glide?

The full size of the Water Glide is as follows: Length = 10’-1” Height = 26” Width = 35” Weight = 130 lbs.

Products : FAQs

Can the Water Glide be installed while the boat is still on its trailer?

Yes, there is usually plenty of room to work comfortably under the boat while it is on the trailer.

Will I have to change my propeller?

In most cases the propeller will need to be changed. In order to keep your engine in its proper operating range the propeller usually needs to have an increased pitch. Without changing your propeller you will either be running slower than the boat will now go or you will be over speeding your engine.