Repowering a pontoon

[gunlocators]

I have a 24' pontoon and considering while i am refurbing it to repower it I already have every thing down to its aluminum deck and about to re carpet and order new furniture. It has a 48hp johnson and when i picked up the boat it was in the water and the previous owner and i ran it however the pitot tube was broke no idea speed but thought it was running maybe 15 mph or so too hard to tell. I really dont need speed its for pleasure and fishing (drift fishing mainly) I have a bass boat plenty fast if I need speed but since i have not ran it a full day I am concerned about being under powered and that effecting MPG. I can put up to a 125hp it rating tag shows 14 people and 125hp max whats your thoughts seeing i just want to make sure I am getting MPG effeciency...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Repowering a pontoon

Hmmm - a 48 hp johnyrude will consume about 4.8 - 5 gallons of fuel per hour at wide open throttle. A 125 will consume about 12.5 - 13 gallons per hour. And if you really plan to run around with 14 people on board you will likely have a 125 at wide open throttle as well. At 1/2 - 2/3 throttle you will still be in the 7 gallons/hour range so now you have something to think about when considering fuel economy.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Repowering a pontoon

I really dont need speed its for pleasure and fishing (drift fishing mainly)

I think you have answered your own question.

 

[gunlocators]

Re: Repowering a pontoon

thank you guys i was told it was under powered and would suck down gas at full load so this seemed the place to ask

 

[steelespike]

Re: Repowering a pontoon

Keep in mind those gph figures are for wot (Wide open throttle)
One thing to consider is at say 18 mph the 48 will be busting a gut to make speed.
and use about 5 gph. For round figures a 100 hp will be relaxing at 18 mph and be using about that same 5 gph.