Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

[addams_21]

Hello - I recently purchased a 20 FT Pontoon boat and I'm looking for an Outboard Motor. A guy will sell me his 85HP Outboard Motor but didn't know if that was a good idea. I was talking to a few guys at work and they suggested not so much Horsepower for that little of Pontoon. <br /><br />This is my first boat purchase and wonder if anyone can give me some advice on what kind of motor and horsepower do I need to get the job done. I really appreciate any help you can shoot my way.

 

[JB]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

Step one is to find out (and tell us) the max HP rating of your 'toon, Addams.<br /><br />You might also tell us if that 85hp is a Chrysler, Force, Merc, Yammy or JohnnyRude and how old it is (model number).

 

[addams_21]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

I just wanted some recommendations from people who have experience with a Pontoon Boat. What Motors or HP would work best for my 20 Ft old school 1973 Pontoon Boat would be greatly appreciated. <br /><br />Since the boat is very old I can't tell you what its rated for. I want RECOMMENDATIONS!<br /><br />I was only told the Motor was a Mercury 85 HP. I just thought that might be overkill to even look at so thats the reason for the post.

 

[JB]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

Anyone who would make recommendations without info is an idiot, Addams.<br /><br />EDIT: Now that you have revealed the make and year of your boat, perhaps someone knows what it was rated for. Without that information it is impossible to make a responsible recommendation.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

Lets start with what you intend to use the toon for?What is the diameter of the pontoons?<br />I can tell you this:: it takes a lot of horse power and gas to make a toon go fast.I would guess my 18 ft toon does about 20-23 mph with 50 hp.And if I doubled the horsepower it might make 30 mph.It cruises about 15-18 mph and does fairly good on gas as toons go.

 

[addams_21]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

I appreciate the great posts.<br /><br />As for JB, Leave the Computer Talking to us City Folk, Go back. Get on your Boat and continue hating the World with a bottle of Jack. <br /><br />I don't need your posts and why is it so hard for peolpe to realize I'm asking for help, if you can't help, DON'T FREAKIN POST!!

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Did someone just tell off J.B. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />Addams_21 you should do some looking around with the search feature and see what JB has done for hundreds maybe even thousands of people.<br />His word is gods word in this forum and for good reason.

 

[addams_21]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

I'm Sorry. I didn't realize we couldn't stand up for ourselves in this Forum. I got the help I needed. Some fine human beings gave me the info I need. I appreciate the great posts I received. <br /><br />This situation reminds me of Bobby Knight. He was once Great and now just a pile. Its happens to all the great ones. haha<br /><br />P.S. Once you are done kissing JB's arce, I have a job for you.............................

 

[moderator1]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

Addams...If the Highest ranking moderator on this forum sees fit to speak his mind, he may do so at any time. If you will pay attention to what he is really saying, you will see YOU, my friend, are not thinking straight, or the response would be different.<br />JB's reply of " Anyone who would make a recommendation without info, is an idiot". I back that 100%.<br />Nothing was directed AT you, Addams, BUT, YOU did direct an insult at JB, so I must ask you to please refrain from personal insults, and consider this a formal warning.

 

[addams_21]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

I appreciate the Help I got from everyone who was willing to "Help".<br /><br />I'm new to owning a Pontoon Boat. I've fished my whole life and just wanted some Basic info on what to look for and all that jazz. <br /><br />I've done some research but I wanted to hear from some guys who own a Pontoon and can give me some advice based on real experience. <br /><br />I know that JB's Idiot comment wasn't directed at me. I just don't want to hear it. Help and Advice is all I need. Thanks though!!!!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

Addams, JB has 15,398 post replys at this time...you have 11.<br />His point was he will not give advice not knowing what info one would "normally" post when looking for help.<br />You have a 1973 pontoon boat with who knows what year 85HP Merc...how in the world can we give advice based on that info.<br />My "specialty", would be set-ups, motor/prop combinations and how to mount them....I would have asked the same thing had I been the first to the post. There is NO magic in matching an engine to a boat, but we do need to know something more than what you posted to make an educated recommendation. Therefore, anyone that would make a recommendation based on the info given, would be an idiot.

 

[addams_21]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

My Question was simple and direct. It wasn't "what motor should I get for my pontoon!". <br /><br />I was asking about how much Horsepower is Too MUCH for a 20ft pontoon boat. <br /><br />I received my answer. I don't see the Big Deal and I know what JB was saying. <br /><br />There is such thing as getting Too Technical and in this case I wasn't asking a Technical Question. My question was about Horsepower and from Experience I needed someone to hook me up.

 

[addams_21]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

Posts and Replys have nothing to do with this question either. I'm new to this game. I don't see the reason for the Gang Up. I get what you are saying!!!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

There is NO WAY to recommend HP for your boat not knowing the length, the BIA certification for Max HP, or the size of the Pontoons, or the weight of the boat. We can't see your boat, Addams, please take this into account.

 

[addams_21]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

My Original Post has the length, 20ft. I guess I must be missing something.

 

[JB]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

Well, Addams. I apologise that my comment set you off. It wasn't my intention to be harsh, but to make the point that no expert would recommend power based on only the info you provided.<br /><br />I will overlook your hostile responses.<br /><br />I have edited my post.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

20ft, yes...what size are the pontoons in diameter???? What is your intended use???<br />The data plate on the boat will give the recommended max HP...what is it??

 

[addams_21]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

I've given all the information "I" have. Sorry. Can't give anymore. Its an old 20 Ft. 1973 Pontoon boat.<br /><br />I was given the answer I was looking for. Is a 85 HP motor overkill. Well yes it is. <br /><br />Thanks for your time Walleyehed.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

As one old sage posted in another thread "It takes some folks a while to get the feel of our iboats culture. That isn't the first guy who came in here and started breaking the china."<br /><br />I made the same mistake when I first showed up here. Still break some china occasionally.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Outboard Motor HorsePower Question???

Adams_21, I'm taking a shot in the dark here, but based on how they used to size the 'toons on that vintage, I would say 85 might be a bit on the hot side. I don't think a guy would go wrong with a 50-60HP though.