putting bigger motor on my pontoon

[bmorris]

I have posted earlier that I got a new to me pontoon boat. It came with an old mercury 85 hp. However it is old enough not to have a coast gaurd plate on it so I am unsure of how big a motor I can put on it. I sold the mercury because I found a really good deal on a 115 hp mariner, but after moving the engine I am worried about the weight. What is the best way to tell if my boat will hold the weight of that motor?

 

[bmorris]

Re: putting bigger motor on my pontoon

guess I should have stated its a 24 footer. with u shaped pontoons

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: putting bigger motor on my pontoon

How did it set in the water with the 85?
What is the diameter of the toons?
Is the 115 a two or four stroke?

Answering these questions will get you more accurate answers. A preliminary answer would be that I don't think an extra couple of hundred pounds and the torque increase should make much difference in anything except performance.

 

[bmorris]

Re: putting bigger motor on my pontoon

I don't know how it sat in water before. I haven't got to put it in the water yet. I would have to measure the toons later since I am at work. It is a 2 stroke motor. I will also be removing the gas tanks on back along with the huge couch that is in the back now and replacing it with smaller plastic cans and fishing chairs which will reduce the weight a little bit.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: putting bigger motor on my pontoon

I would think that a 24ft toon should handle the motor without any problems.

 

[bmorris]

Re: putting bigger motor on my pontoon

I kinda figured also but was unsure. I think I will order heavy duty transom for it though from one of the pontoon boat kit manufactures just to be on the safe side

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: putting bigger motor on my pontoon

You should be able to look at the water line on the pontoons to determine how much of the toons were in the water. My guess is that you would want at least 8 to 10 inches to have been above the water.

 

[bmorris]

Re: putting bigger motor on my pontoon

i will have to do that when i get home tonight

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: putting bigger motor on my pontoon

I'm pretty sure though that when you got the boat the title would help. Also I thought your insurance company needs to know what size the motor and boat is and if the motor is too large they wont insure it. Just what I've heard so far, haven't got mine insured yet since mine is a project.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: putting bigger motor on my pontoon

I'm pretty sure though that when you got the boat the title would help. Also I thought your insurance company needs to know what size the motor and boat is and if the motor is too large they wont insure it. Just what I've heard so far, haven't got mine insured yet since mine is a project.

We have a 24 ft pontoon boat and it has a 90 hp two stroke Mercury. It moves along pretty well. It's a starcraft 2007, and the toons are wider then most I've seen. I think there 26 inches. I know it sits high in the water.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: putting bigger motor on my pontoon

There are two things to consider when adding a bigger motor -- weight is just one of them. Weight can be an issue if the engine pod is not designed for that weight and horsepower. Horsepower is the other. Look on the internet at various pontoon manufacturer web sites and see what their 24 foot pontoons are rated for.

 

[5150abf]

Re: putting bigger motor on my pontoon

Silvertip hit the big one, if the boat isn't rated for that engine you really don't want to put it on, if it is then no problem, ya it will weigh alittle more but a 24 shoul dhandle that engine pretty easy, all toons are heavy at the back, it is just how they are.

Make sure about the transom rating, if your rip it off with an engine that is too large it isn't a deal anymore.

 

[Cubbyblue22]

Re: putting bigger motor on my pontoon

I'm looking at it from an insurance point of view. I always was told you cant get your boat insured if your motor is over the requested limit.