21ft Suntracker

[6 balls]

I have a friend at work that is looking to get a 21ft suntracker pontoon boat this spring and wont take my advice at all on getting a larger motor then the 25hp that is standard. He will be using it on the Mississippi River not some small lake i told him that 25hp just seems way too small especially once the boat has people on it. The web site says with the 40hp it tops at 18mph i would think the 25 would not get out of its own way am i way off on this or does he need to take my advice?

 

[Belchy]

Re: 21ft Suntracker

In my opinion, I think that a 25hp. isn't too bad for the boat. My 18 foot 'toon has a 30 hp Johnson, and gives me more than enough power. <br /><br />Belchy

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 21ft Suntracker

He'll regret it... Been tooning for years and always wished I had more power. I have boated on the Mississippi here around St. Louis and I am glad to have every single HP that my 70 puts out. He will see why when he's going against the current and it won't do but 5 MPH with that 25 and a tug is bearing down....Top speed with the 25 will be about 15 MPH on flat, calm water....

 

[vipzach]

Re: 21ft Suntracker

Encourage him to get the most motor he can!!!!! Like said above, he will regret it!

 

[jtexas]

Re: 21ft Suntracker

Tracker boats are notorious for underpowering the base package. Seriously!

 

[6 balls]

Re: 21ft Suntracker

i showed him this post and told him to get in his car and drive 10 mph on his way home tonight so he knows how long it will take him to go 15 miles up river lol he said he is sure that they would not sell a boat that underpowered. I just rolled my eyes and said they will because it is cheaper and it moves more boats out the dealers doors. Its not my money but i hate to see someone buy a boat that they will regret

 

[steelespike]

Re: 21ft Suntracker

As most of us know it takes a lot of horse power to get any speed out of a pontoon.Under the circumstances the 25 is a poor choice.If he doubles his horse power it will probably only give him 7 or 8 mph but it would be a big difference for his application.When conditions are right he can cruise at reduced throttle and stll come close to the same mileage.<br /> I Have a 50 on an 18 and it does well.I wouldn't go with anything smaller than a 40 for that application.

 

[layne4]

Re: 21ft Suntracker

Your friend will regret buying that small of a motor. On a 21' pontoon, that's a glorified trolling motor, especially on a river with currents like the Mississippi. The #1 regret of boaters is not buying a bigger motor.