Pontoon 50 vs 90 hp and towing vs more weight.

[theonlybaldone]

I'm looking to purchase a new 22' Pontoon boat to be used mostly for leisure cruising. However, we also want to be able to pull the kids tubing. My experience from trying a 20' witha 50hp is that it just isn't enough to provide fun (gets boring as you can't swing and get over wakes). Can anyone talk about how much of a difference a 90hp will make or do I need to go larger? I also have a concern of not wanting to add a 3rd pontoon and I want to keep the boat as level as possible (less engine weight) as a wheel chair will be on the boat most of the time.<br /><br />So, the big question is, is it worth going with a 90hp? Am I going to see a difference? How much does it change how the boat sits?

 

[DJ]

Re: Pontoon 50 vs 90 hp and towing vs more weight.

You are correct, in your assumptions. A 50 is a "cruise" engine. NOTHING more.<br /><br />The 90 will give you some juice, ONLY if it is propped correctly. Even the 90 will only produce speeds in the mid 20's.<br /><br />The engine MUST be capable of turning its rated "wide open throttle" RPM rating or, you'll kill it, in short order.<br /><br />Do NOT let the dealer put a runabout prop on a "toon".<br /><br />I have a 20' Starcraft toon with a Merc. 75, of 2000 vintage. It now has over 600 hours, with NO troubles. For tubers, it's marginal. Any turns just drain the speed out of it. And, it burns incredible amounts of fuel, while towing.<br /><br />I do, however, have it propped right (11" pitch). It will turn 6K, with a light load.<br /><br />Our last toon, a 22 footer had a Johnson 90 (crossflow V-4) propped right. It had allot more power than the Merc.<br /><br />When it comes to "toons" look for engine displacement (cubic inches). Toon engines have to work very hard.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Pontoon 50 vs 90 hp and towing vs more weight.

I agree with DJ. You will notice a big difference between the 50 and the 90. You could even go bigger if the boat's rated for it. I'm pretty sure the 115 is the same weight as the 90 for Johnnyrudes anyway.

 

[DJ]

Re: Pontoon 50 vs 90 hp and towing vs more weight.

DR brings up a great point. If it's rated for more than a 90, go for the maximum. You WILL NOT be sorry.<br /><br />Todays, midrange and high powered outboards will idle along, just fine.<br /><br />Big power means; having it when you want it and better resale.

 

[KCook]

Re: Pontoon 50 vs 90 hp and towing vs more weight.

Here is a good thread on the www.PDBmagazine.com site -<br /><br /> http://www.harrispublishing.com/fusetalk/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=24&threadid=6062 <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[theonlybaldone]

Re: Pontoon 50 vs 90 hp and towing vs more weight.

Thanks everyone... one of my big concerns is that going from a Yamaha 4-stroke 50 to 90 (or 115) adds about 130 lbs. I'm wondering how much this will slope the boat towards the rear. This boat has 25" pontoons (2).

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Pontoon 50 vs 90 hp and towing vs more weight.

Have a 130 pound person go stand on the transom and see.

 

[theonlybaldone]

Re: Pontoon 50 vs 90 hp and towing vs more weight.

I don't have the boat yet.. which is why I'm asking before I get one... I'll try and do this at a dealer, but looking for some real life experience.

 

[DJ]

Re: Pontoon 50 vs 90 hp and towing vs more weight.

Baldy,<br /><br />130# is not a big deal, on a toon. It's easily compensated for by storing some items forward.<br /><br />Boat HP ratings not only take into account HP, but also weight.<br /><br />I wouldn't worry about the extra weight.

 

[phantoms]

Re: Pontoon 50 vs 90 hp and towing vs more weight.

Get an Evirude Etec 90 which weighs about 50lbs less than the Honda 90.