Suzuki 90 or 115 Best for Pontoon Boat?

[JohnTN]

We are getting a 22 ft pontoon boat (2 toons) and have ordered a Suzuki 115 four stroke for it. But in looking at the engine specs I see that both the 90 and 115 have the same engine displacement. The 115 has a higher hp rating due to its higher maximum rpm range.

Most of our pontoon boat use will be puttering around on a local lake. Occassionally we will want to be able to explore 20 or so miles from our dock, so we are getting a relatively large engine to be able to go 22-25 mph on the exploratory trips.

So, is the 115 better for lighter faster boats instead of a pontoon boat? Would the 90 hp be better for the pontoon boat?

John

 

[JB]

Re: Suzuki 90 or 115 Best for Pontoon Boat?

Howdy, JohnTN.

Welcome to iboats.

There is more to that extra 25hp than just max rpm. There is a different program in the ECM and there may be differences in the valve train as well.

With the same displacement low speed performance will be very close, but the DF115 will shine at high speeds.

Unless there is a big difference in the price I would go for the DF115. The only disadvantage I can see is original cost.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Suzuki 90 or 115 Best for Pontoon Boat?

if there is more than 1000$ difference in price I would save the money and get the 90hp, especially on a pontoon. Both will make Identical power up until 4500-5000rpm or so.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Suzuki 90 or 115 Best for Pontoon Boat?

Might as well go with the 115. At some point you'll enjoy the extra power. Re-sale will also be enhanced. Good choice on the Suzuki.

 

[JohnTN]

Re: Suzuki 90 or 115 Best for Pontoon Boat?

The price difference is only $600. I'll stay with my original choice of the 115 hp.

I just got concerned that since the displacements were the same, the difference must be in the cam and fuel system with the 115 having more torque in the higher rpm range and maybe less torque in the lower ranges where I will spend the most run time. I expect to mainly slow cruise in the 1500 to 2500 range -- otherwise we muss her hair.

Thanks for the feedback.

John

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Suzuki 90 or 115 Best for Pontoon Boat?

You will appreciate it when you get several people on board. The lower HP engines tend to lose alot quickly as the load increases...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Suzuki 90 or 115 Best for Pontoon Boat?

go with the most the boat is rated for. you don't have to use it all, but nice to have when needed. out running that thunderstorm.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Suzuki 90 or 115 Best for Pontoon Boat?

Put on the most you can not exeeding its HP rating, you will be glad that you did in severe circumstances and if you go less you will always wonder "what if"

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Suzuki 90 or 115 Best for Pontoon Boat?

10-4 on what DeeJayCee says "The maximum HP is never enough".....but legally you have to stop there. Agree, there will be times you will be glad you have it.

The 90 may be like Mercs and have a 2.3 gearbox rather than a 2. This could provide some extra thrust for you (if propped right) but the 25 hp probably overcomes that as mentioned.

Mark

 

[steelespike]

Re: Suzuki 90 or 115 Best for Pontoon Boat?

The difference in wot speed will be minimul.2 to 5 mph.GPH is about 9 for the 90 and about 11.5 for the 115.The plus is you can cruise with the 115 and be close the 90s gph and speed and the 115 will be relaxing.
In looking at some other pontoon tests it seems to me 22 to 24 was possible with a smaller motor. A 50 Etec on a 20 ft Premier did a little over 21 mph at 4.96 gph. On a 23 ft Sunset bay it did 19.5 at 5.16 gph.A 115 on a Crest 22 did 29 mph at 10.09 GPH. but did a respectable 19 mph at 4,000 rpm and 4.78
GPH. Note however that at over double the hp only delivered less than 10 mph increase.at a huge investment in fuel.
I'm assuming your Suzuki would deliver in the same range.
I do wonder if you dropped down a step to say a 75 you may save a chunk of weight and fuel and still be in a decent mph range.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Suzuki 90 or 115 Best for Pontoon Boat?

With my 20' toon (25" 2 logs) with a New 90 HP Merc. 4-stroke, with 2 aboard at 4300 RPM's, I use 3.7 GPH at 18 MPH. This is verified by GPS and Smartcraft gauges. It will run 26 MPH wide open, but uses alot more fuel at that RPM. Adding a couple extra people doesn't seem to hurt fuel economy much at all..

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f250/rickdb1/fuelmilageat4000.jpg