The committment to overall quality ensures that we use the best materials and most innovative manufacturing processes to bring you the very best in functionality, style and performance.
We have combined design technology with the art of handcrafted detail to create a history of boat building excellence.
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.
