New to Pontoons

[JK60]

Hi All,
We are new to the forum and new to owning a pontoon. I've read a lot of articles and comments both here and other sites about boat and motor selections but when it came down to actually putting an order together it became a whole different animal. Budget was a concern so we opted for a tri-toon with a new 125 opti rather than a twin toon and a used 200 opti. I haven't seen any reviews on using a 125 2 stroke on a 24' tri-toon so I'm not sure what to expect when the boat gets delivered. Primarily it's for cruising and fishing but I'm also hoping to have enough to pull some tubes. Anyone with any insight on the 125? Here is what I have; 24' Tahoe Fish & Fun tri-toon, 25" outer tubes and a 27" center with strakes, 125 OptiMax and Hydraulic steering. I bought it as a package and it's being rigged and delivered next month, I know the 125 is way under the boats max rating but I'm hoping it will run out at 30-34 mph which will be plenty to pull the kids on a tube. Any comments or recommendations?
Thanks,

 

[steelespike]

Re: New to Pontoons

Assuming a 17" prop at 5500 rpm 35 seems reasonable.It all depends on what prop gets you two the recommended rpm range.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: New to Pontoons

Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on the new rig. Post some pics when it arrives. Low to mid 30's for speed should be no problem. Friends of ours have an older 22 Suntracker regency, triple tube without lifting strakes and 115 Merc 4-stroke and run low 30's if not heavily loaded. Good luck !!!

 

[JK60]

Re: New to Pontoons

Thanks for the reply's, I'll post some pic's when I get the boat. I know the dealer installed a four bladed Mercury Spitfire prop but I'm not sure about the diameter or pitch. I'll be getting back from overseas about the same time the boat gets delivered so I'll let you know how everything works out.

 

[WaterDR]

Re: New to Pontoons

Those four blades get mixed reviews.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: New to Pontoons

JK I was unaware that Mercury built a 125 hp Optimax. Most of what we see is 115 hp motors. Two stroke motors have better low speed torque than four strokes, and your boat should really do well pulling tubes etc. I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't perform as well as a 150 hp 4 stroke except maybe top end speed. If it was a ProXS motor, you'd really be getting a hot rod--understated horsepower.

The tri hull boats are not necessarily faster than a 2 toon boat with strakes, however they handle much better for tubers/skiers. And your boat is of very high quality.

See what your dealer says about Mercury Enertia props on a tritoon. It's the standard of the industry for 4 stroke motors, and I assume it'd also be good on a 2 stroke. I would shy away from a 4 blade prop, as they're seldom even seen on a pontoon/tritoon.