1984 20ft sylvin pontoon and 25hp

[stevehendo34]

Is the motor big enough to push it. Want to use it on Mississippi some times.

 

[steelespike]

There are smaller pontoons that run 9.9s. On restricted lakes. Your boat with a 25 will probably make 10 to 15 mph.
Probably enough if your not in a hurry. I do wonder how it would perform in the current and a stiff wind.

 

[ahicks]

I agree. Fine for cruising around at idle speed on most lakes, but when you consider wind and current that's working against you, I would not want to be in any hurry. 40-50hp minimum for that here. For just occasional use on the river, especially if you're going to be in familiar water, you might be fine.

 

[pontoonsaloon]

I grew up on the Mississippi river and depending on the current you'll probably be OK most of the time. But keep in mind,storms can come up pretty quick and that can be tuff to navigate with a pontoon period! I've stayed put on islands or just pulled up on shore till it passed. Thing is, you always need to be aware of the weather forecast for the day you're going boating ! I've owed a houseboat on the river,cuddy cabin, runabouts, etc so I know what a chore it can be. Don't know where your located but I boat'd between lock and dam 18 and 21-22 all the time. Lots of nice sand bars and islands to hang out at or "hideout" in!
Let me know where you're from.

 

[HotTommy]

Steve,
Here is some food for thought. If you take a 10 MPH boat downstream with a 5 MPH current for one hour, you'll travel 15 miles. When you turn to go back, you'll be travelling at 5 MPH and it will take 3 hours to get back. With that size motor, I'd alway go into the current when travelling outbound and with the current coming home. As your boat motor and speed get bigger, the effect of the current gets smaller.