Pontoon Boat motor

[LakeLifeSC]

Just purchased my first boat (1989 Landau 18 Castaway pontoon). We live on a relatively small lake that has a motor restriction of 10hp max. The boat came with a '92 70hp TohatsuM70A2E. So I need to sell the Tohatsu and buy a 9.9. Looking for recommendations for the 9.9 that would be best suitable for an 18ft pontoon. Yes, I know I will not be breaking any speed records. Just plan to use it for taking friends and parents out and maybe a little (or lot) of fishing. From my own limited research, I have come up with a Mercury 9.9 ELPT CT Pro Kicker.

Thanks in advance for any advice for a newby.

 

[HotTommy]

Question: Will you need a motor that can be remotely operated and steered?

 

[ahicks]

That's the issue with the 9.9's. Most are steered/controlled using a tiller arm. You'll need to convert one to remote, or buy one that's already been converted. A tiller on a 'toon is possible, but a pain in the butt. More likely something you want to do right.

Shaft length will be a factor too. The original motor was likely a 20" shaft (guessing). If that is the case, you'll likely want a 9.9 with a 20" shaft as well.

I would want an electric start as well.

 

[Scott Danforth]

You are going to have to find a long shaft motor with electric start and remote controls.

That is almost a new orded for a 9.8 or 9.9

 

[LakeLifeSC]

Question: Will you need a motor that can be remotely operated and steered?

Yes, remote start, remote steer, power tilt. The one I mention has all that. And yes, 20" transom height. I am looking at buying a new one. Hoping to offset the cost by selling the 70hp. Just wondering if there are any tips for one that would work best with pontoon. Perhaps high thrust, bigger propeller, best brands, etc. As a newby to boat ownership, just wanting to gain the wisdom of those who have the experience.

 

[garbageguy]

Consider maneuverability (especially for safety) in putting a 9.9 on a boat that had a 70 hp. Hope you won't want to take it out in any wind, waves, current. Anyone else on your lake have a similar setup?

 

[HotTommy]

When I did a Google search for "electric start" outboard 9.9 20 remote steer it yielded at least one new motor that fits that description. I have no experience with 9.9 motors so I have no specific advice. There are prop selection tools offered by major outboard manufacturers that could help you pick the best prop for your boat.

 

[ahicks]

They used to have smaller elec. start remote engines (9.9 and 15 hp) specially set up for sailboats. A little higher capacity alternator and set up for high thrust props came standard. Something like that might be worth tracking down for a small toon.

 

[LakeLifeSC]

Consider maneuverability (especially for safety) in putting a 9.9 on a boat that had a 70 hp. Hope you won't want to take it out in any wind, waves, current. Anyone else on your lake have a similar setup?

Yes, there are probably a dozen or so pontoon boats on the lake and all have a 9.9hp as that is the maximum allowed. Well, I have heard rumors that some may have a 15hp with a 9.9 cover but we won't talk about that. It is a relatively small lake (about 4-5 miles long and maybe a mile at it maximum width) and is bordered by hills and mountains. So not a lot of big wind or waves.

 

[clemsonfor]

Well I mean sounds like you have no option. You need an electric start 10hp.

I would personally stay with Evinrude, Mercury, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki. Who ever makes a 9.9/10 and will work for you. May check to see if any of those are compatible with your existing controls so hat you could just hook up the new motor but you may have to swap those. Your going to have brand loyal people just like with pickups. But in reality all I mentioned will all work and be reliable if cared for.