own a 24' 1988 gruman pontoon with a 1989 35 hp <br />force would like to upgrade to bigger motor can't find any hp ratings or capacity plates anyone have any info
Krup.Keep in mind a pontoon is hard to push.And while you sure could use an increase in power the<br />speed increase will be limited.For instance if your speed now is 18 mph if you double your power<br />you might get around 24 to 26 mph. mph.with a tremendous increase in fuel burned.Im guessing my 18ft toon with 50 hp tops out around 21 mph.<br /> I dont know what your boat is rated for but you surely need at least 50 hp if it is rated so.I run mine at about 3/4 throttle and it seems ok without using rediculis amounts of fuel.
I personally would like to see at least 50Hp on a 24 footer, but more than 75 would be a waste. I like those Yamahas. I don't think there's a better choice. You'd probably use less (or at least no more) fuel unless you like to pontoon at full throttle alot. You'll want a tachometer if you have a padded sundeck or you'll never know it's running at idle.
Just got back from running in a 50hp bigfoot efi 4stroke, put on 35 hrs at an average 2500rpm (pushing a 10 ton pontoon boat - total fuel usage 70 litres!! Couldn't be happier but I agree with Willy - the yammies are quieter.<br /><br />Aldo
