NEW OUTBOARD ANY SUGGESTIONS?

[Rymar]

I'm looking to buy a new outboard for a 22 ft<br />pontoon boat,I can't think of a better place to pose this question. If anyone has any advise or<br />pitfalls to avoid, I'm all ears.<br />Easy to service, reliable, and I should point out<br />i'm on a 300 acre lake so speed to get off the the water is not a issue.<br />Thanks, and Thanks to iboats for this forum.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: NEW OUTBOARD ANY SUGGESTIONS?

most new motors are very good. to me it's more<br />important where you buy it and avail. parts &<br />service. How experienced are they with these motors?<br />if you have a problem, will you have to wait 3 weeks?<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[ewaltb]

Re: NEW OUTBOARD ANY SUGGESTIONS?

mellowyellow makes a good point. There are some good outboard in the market now. pick one that might have a good mechanic near you. What hp are you looking for? <br />A buddy of mine has a new 130 hp Johnson on a party boat (19ft) that pushes it along nicely (35mph) He has it on a small lake. Runs very well. might be more than you are looking for, but Johnson is making some nice engines. A lot of people swear by them. Good luck.

 

[sfels]

Re: NEW OUTBOARD ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Aside from affordability, there's nothing more important than parts and service availibility. That having been said, look for a motor that's designed for pontoon boats. Just hanging any old outboard will not give you the best performance or economy. Cavitation and water flow are two main issues with pontoon boats due to their hull design. Most outboards are optimized for a single v-hull.

 

[Rymar]

Re: NEW OUTBOARD ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Most of the pontoons on the lake have 35 or 40 hp<br />motors. I don't want to pull anyone around on a tube or ski. Was thinking of 20 or 25 HP. Is there<br />any motor that really seems to stand out of the crowd in this class?<br />Thanks for all your input.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: NEW OUTBOARD ANY SUGGESTIONS?

All excellent suggestions. I definately would go with whatever brand is best serviced in your area. You could have the BEST motor on the market today but if there is no one in your area that services that brand then your sunk. Literally.<br /><br />Ask around about shops and their reputations. Look at them to see who looks and acts the most professional. Remember when asking people about repair shops you will get all kinds of stories. Throw out the sigle best and single worst story and average out the rest. <br /><br />Good luck!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: NEW OUTBOARD ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Look around the Lake at the Boats and see what brand they are running. Talk to them, if you can, and see what they think of the dealers in your area. Odds are, if most are running a paricular brand, there will be a Service Center near you.