Pontoon effect Pontoon effect The pontoon effect refers to the tendency of a vessel whose flotation depends on lateral pontoons to capsize without warning when a lateral force is applied. The effect can be sudden and dramatic because pontoon boats usually cannot rely on the righting effect of a keel (which contains ballast). The vessel is stable and self-righting up to the point that the centre of gravity shifts past the centre of buoyancy of the ship and the vessel rapidly capsizes. The pontoon effect is theoretically possible whenever the vessel's entire weight exceeds the buoyancy of the pontoon(s) on either side.
GSL-class service barge pontoon GSL-class service barge pontoon A GSL service barge pontoon is a non self-propelled yardcraft built by Goa Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy. The pontoon is a catamaran having rectangular shaped, flat-bottomed hulls. The hulls are connected by trusses of round pipes and steel deck transverse beams. Each hull is divided into eight watertight compartments. The pontoon have cylindrical rubber fenders of 600 mm O.D. installed on both sides to absorb impacts and low reaction loads. Structural provisions have been made for vertical roller fenders at the forward and aft corners on the side facing the ship. The fenders are