28" Rich Line Pontoon - Oldie for sure...but a Goodie?

[Rooster368]

I have a 1970 Rich Line Pontoon Boat which is in need of some major updating, most importantly...a new motor.

I have no information on this unit other than what is on the boat title, even the manufacuturers capacity plates are missing. I was hoping someone might know something about this boat, primarily the max HP or weight the transom can support.

Right now it has a puny 28 hp motor on the back of it, which strains to move this monster; I guess this isn't surprising since it breaks down to 1HP/ ft.

Fortunately, I have 115 Yamaha that I could put on there, but I want to make sure I don't do any damage to the boat.

Can anyone give me a read on this?

PS - I know this is more motor than I need, but its free....feel free to flame me, but please be kind enough to through a nugget of wisdom in with the gasoline.

Thanks,
-R-

 

[papaz]

Re: 28" Rich Line Pontoon - Oldie for sure...but a Goodie?

Do you know what size the pontoons are? I don't know about the rating for that boat but the log size would certainly play into the determination of whether it would handle the weight or not. I currently have a 115 on my 24' boat and it does just fine.

 

[Rooster368]

Re: 28" Rich Line Pontoon - Oldie for sure...but a Goodie?

thanks for sharing about your application, it gives me some hope. I will need to measure the hieght and width of each tube, but I am pretty sure the overall length is 28".

Just out of curiousity does your 24' have 2 tubes or 3 tubes....mine only has 2, and the transom is connected to the crosmembers (i think).

Lastly, (and this may be stupid) but do pontoons have a tendancy to get squirrely (i.e. airborne) when you have that much weight on the rearend and travel at higher speeds?

Sorry for all the questions...but I thank you for your help.

Rich

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: 28" Rich Line Pontoon - Oldie for sure...but a Goodie?

You'll probably be ok with the 115 unless you have really small diameter tubes. A very close inspection of the transom should also be performed. You may want to consider having a qualified pontoon marine mechanic inspect it for you.

The boat may get a little squirrelly with high speed and wind/waves but it's not going airbourne and flip.

 

[Nismospeed]

Re: 28" Rich Line Pontoon - Oldie for sure...but a Goodie?

What are the individual pontoon's diameter? I had a 28ft pontoon with 25in dia. logs and had a 140hp evinrude sitting on the back. Had more than enough pontoon to support it, and the transom was a single piece that bolted to each pontoon, as well as the support beams below. VERY sturdy. Right now I have a 24ft pontoon, not quite sure of log diameter, but the rating capacity says 60hp. i think thats a bit of an undershot. again, my transom is attached to both logs, has corner brackets that add support to the top of the mounting plate. I have just recently learned that LOTS of things go into acct for motor selection. And if you can safely toss a bigger outboard and are worried about the weight, google "pontoon water glide". pretty interesting. but i agree with EGlide in using a mechanic's advice and careful inspection.

 

[papaz]

Re: 28" Rich Line Pontoon - Oldie for sure...but a Goodie?

Mine only has 2 toons, I plan on adding a 3rd one day soon but it does just fine with the 2. As far as getting squirrely, the pontoon is not a planing hull boat, therefore the toons stay in the water, i.e. plow the water at all speeds. Unless you plan on going much bigger than a 115 and adding lifting strakes, etc. I don't think you have to worry about it getting squirrely!!

 

[Rooster368]

Re: 28" Rich Line Pontoon - Oldie for sure...but a Goodie?

Thanks for all the replies and advice.

I am hoping the local marina mechanic at Lake of Egypt can determine if my transom is strong enough, because I do not have a trailer to haul it somewhere else.

However, I need to pull the deck off it to replace the rotting wood....so I might take that opportunity to do a little more crossbracing.

Thanks so much...now I just got to get it inspected and wake my 115 up from it's 3yr slumber.