Guess we are a pontoon family now

[wiegs]

We have made the decision to sell our ski boat. With three kids we just don't use it. Every time we go out, we take the pontoon because of the space. I like the pontoon but I wish it had a little more power. It is a sweetwater 20ft tritoon with a merc 115. I am thinking about upgrading the engine to 150etec. Would that we worth the upgrade?

 

[ahicks]

Would you notice the extra 5mph (+-) you might get out of a move like that? Or an extra hard tug when you hit it? I might be tempted if I weren't happy with the Merc. for some reason, or updating to newer technology like the etec (or 4 stroke)?

 

[crb478]

Personally I would probably sell both boats and pick up a tri-toon with at least a 150hp motor. It will ride better and still let you do water sports like skiing as your family grows, especially if you want to pull more than one person at a time.

 

[Fastatv]

We have made the decision to sell our ski boat. With three kids we just don't use it. Every time we go out, we take the pontoon because of the space. I like the pontoon but I wish it had a little more power. It is a sweetwater 20ft tritoon with a merc 115. I am thinking about upgrading the engine to 150etec. Would that we worth the upgrade?

Not sure if a 20 footer can support a 150. What is the max HP the MFR allows...on the plate? Anyway, its already a triple log...right? I would think that boat would run in the lower to mid 30's with your current set up. I would love to have a 20 foot triple....rarely see them in my area.....perfect size to me, not too large, not too small.

 

[jkust]

It's to the point on my lake where 2 out of three boats are now pontoons. I couldn't live without our bowrider but the pontoon bug is starting to set in. I presume the current 115 is a two stroke too?

 

[jkust]

It's to the point on my lake where 2 out of three boats are now pontoons. I couldn't live without our bowrider but the pontoon bug is starting to set in. I presume the current 115 is a two stroke too?

 

[Jeep Man]

20 ft. pontoon is likely rated at 115 hp max. Putting a 150 could give some insurance problems.

 

[ahicks]

Out of curiosity, just checked the Sweetwater site. From what I saw, you don't even need a tri toon to get the 150 hp rating - but I'm not suggesting I think that's a good plan. Just the opposite. One other thing I did note is that hydraulic steering is suggested if you want to go to 150hp. Not cheap. It's something you should be planning on in your conversion budget if it's not already there .

 

[Dan JC 23]

Traded in the ski boat 2 years ago for a 23' Tritoon with a 150 Merc, best decision ever! Kids and their friends enjoy it a lot more, not as cramped. Can have 12 people in the boat and still pull a wakeboarder or tuber easily.

 

[wiegs]

The model we bought with the triple tub is rated for max hp of 150. I really like the boat and the size is perfect. Comfortably hold 8 adults. The merc 115 is not a bad engine. Under pretty heavy load I can get about 25mph at WOT. I do recall breaking 30 with a lighter load and calm water. We don't have the hydraulic steering, so I guess that will need to be added if we upgrade. I am guessing this upgrade is probably more expensive than it is worth. I would have to sell the current engine, purchase a new one and add the hydraulic steering. It is sounding expensive.

 

[Malibu Rudder]

If I remember correctly I was quoted 4,000 for hydraulic steering when I contemplated upgrading my new pontoon in 2010. Please do not trust that figure as it was a long time ago and I do not trust my memory. I concur that if you do upgrade your engine size then you must add the hydraulic steering.

 

[mr geets]

3 regrets when I bought my 2011 pontoon new with 90 Merc efi 4 stroke.

I lost 30 miles an hour from my inboard bow rider, I didn't get power steering and I wish I had tritoon.

Other than those items - I love it! Including the full camper top for sun protection more than camping (thought that works great too!) and the 90 which really pleased me with low, low trolling speed ability.

It is a dog for tubing without a pylon. Other than that it does everything I want it to.

Hey as long as you can get on the water, who cares!

 

[WaterDR]

For those going from speed boats to toons.....here is my advice....."change your standards."

If the 115 is not fast enough for you, the 150 won't be either. You can't go from a Miata or a Vette to a Suburban and then think it handles bad....two different aninals. With that said, you can dump a 300 hp motor on a 24 foot toon and probably have a blast, but overall, the use of a toon vs a speed boat is just so different. Most toons never plane....they just plow through the water.