Sun Catcher Foundation There are as many ways to build a pontoon as there are ways to build a house, and the quality of both depend on building on a solid foundation.

The best way to have a superior foundation when building a superior pontoon boat is by through-bolting one-piece extruded cross members directly to the top of “U”-shaped flotation logs. This is a more labor intensive method of construction and very few pontoon manufacturers pursue this method.

Sun Catcher construction not only through-bolts all cross members directly to high-volume “U”-shaped logs, but also attaches all cross members 16” on-center, for the full length of the boat. Others often use 16” OC only for their premium series, or not at all.

G3 uses 16” OC cross members for all models, and this provides unsurpassed strength and rigidity for all Sun Catcher foundations.

Other manufacturers using spot-welded “M”-shaped brackets, are compensating for the lack of flat surface space on top of a round pontoon log, and are creating an artificial flat platform on which they place cross members and attach a deck. This spot welding makes the “M” brackets inherently weaker than the Sun Catcher “U”-Log construction method.

“U”-shaped logs sit higher in the water with less drag on the side of the pontoon. This results in more efficient use of fuel, and higher performance, than the low-volume round logs many manufacturers use to save costs. Sun Catcher pontoons give you "quality you can trust” due to all of these reasons.

Motor Pods The most critical area of pontoon construction is the motor pod. Sun Catcher pontoons feature 10-point attachment of our all-aluminum, welded, reinforced heavy gauge motor pods to the cross members which, you will remember, are bolted directly to our pontoon logs.

The next time that you see a Sun Catcher, check out the motor pod, grab hold and even give it a few hard pulls and then compare to our competition. A solid, well designed motor pod means extended life for your pontoon and your engine.

Nosecones A word about nosecones. Very few manufacturers go to the trouble of making nosecones out of a heavier gauge material than their logs. We like the added durability, so all Sun Catcher pontoons feature heavier gauge nosecones, and our 25’ models and all tri-logs feature full double-plated .100 + .100 gauge reinforcement in this extreme high-wear area.

Sun Catcher Decks All Sun Catcher decks extend right to the end of the pontoon log, and the very tip of each nosecone is through-bolted directly to a cross member. Not only does this add to the overall strength of the pontoon foundation, but it also gives you the maximum deck space available.

When you buy a 25’ Sun Catcher pontoon, you are getting a full 25’ deck, not a 23’ or 24’ deck and a foot or two of extended nosecone. In addition, all of our pontoon decking is top-quality 7-ply marine grade treated plywood, with a limited lifetime guarantee direct from the manufacturer. There is no cost to the consumer for labor or materials for the first TEN years of ownership should warranty work need to be scheduled on the deck of a Sun Catcher pontoon. After that period, only labor charges will apply. Replacement decking is covered for as long as the original buyer owns the pontoon.

Under-deck Performance Shields All LX, LX3 and Elite models feature full-length under-deck performance shields as standard equipment, unlike many boat builders. These shields add value by increasing fuel efficiency, speed, and durability. High-performance full-length lifting strakes are also standard equipment on all tri-log models.

Flotation Blocks With the additional closed-cell foam flotation blocks inside the logs, Sun Catcher construction goes above and beyond the industry standard. Even the Coast Guard does not require the additional foam flotation found in all Sun Catcher pontoons, we add it simply for your family’s peace of mind. It is called “redundant flotation” and it means that unlike air-filled round logs, you will always have “back-up” flotation even in the unlikely event of a log puncture.

These lightweight foam blocks DO NOT absorb water and add even more rigidity to the log, which eliminates flex and increases performance.

Superior Quality There is an extremely easy way to compare pontoon construction. Simply look under the trim band in the bow of the boat.

Are the logs tied to the frame, are the nosecones an intricate part of the construction, are cross members extended out to the trim for support and are they reinforced, or welded to the trim band? The answer to all, when you look at Sun Catcher, is YES.

Look closely at the anodized deck rails and trim. Spacers under the rails allow rainwater to escape from the deck, welds are precise and well placed, and convenient lift-up gates have positive stops, open inward, and are reinforced with additional bracing.

It’s that attention to detail that adds up to superior quality, and as a result, gives you superior value in a Sun Catcher pontoon.