Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

[ace66]

I am looking at 87 Grumman 20' pontoon. It has a 120 Hp Force outboard 1995. After giving the person money down, I got reading online and have come to the conclusion, it is overpowered. Can anyone help me with this. I need to let the guy know asap.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

Only the manufacturer can tell you for sure but common sense tells me that it is way overpowered.

 

[emoney]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

There should be a USCG plate on the boat that shows max horsepower. If it's at or under that, it's not too much. If it is, you could always trade for a smaller motor, I'd think.

 

[ace66]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

Thanks for extra quick response, both helpful. I was thinking that the max HP is around 70. Also I was wondering if a possible trade for a smaller engine might be possible. KEEP THE REPLIES COMING. THANKS

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

That toon is rated for 70 HP. You would probably have a hard time finding someone willing to trade for much on the Force motor. You would be better selling it outright and buying a good used Johnson/Evinrude 70HP for it. Excellent engines..

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

Here is how HP for a pontoon is determined. It is a voluntary ABYC standard in the US. The USCG does not regulate HP ratings for pontoon boats.

HP = volume of pontoons (ft.3) x the longest pontoon length (ft) ? pontoon diameter (inches) = Volume of pontoons in Cubic feet X the longest pontoon length (ft) divided by Pontoon diameter in inches

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

+1 for rick

 

[JWhit]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

I had a 140 on a 24ft toon, after it died got a 60 and really miss the power. I'm sure mine was overpowered at the time, conveniently had a 115 cover on it so authorities wouldn't bother with it, but it ran great and did not cause any problems. think rick is right that you'd be better off selling and buying a smaller motor than trying to trade. good luck!

 

[swamp-fox]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

I've been on the water my whole life and I have never had game wardens or water patrol check and make sure the rating was correct on my boat, or heard of anyone else having it done. Not to say it doesn't happen.

Like JWit says the power is nice. If you need to leave in a hurry for rain or an emergency. As long as your boat can structurally handle it. If you want to burn less gas just slow down.

There is a dealer ship by my house that sells pontoons with 2...yes 2 300hp Mercs!!

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

I've been on the water my whole life and I have never had game wardens or water patrol check and make sure the rating was correct on my boat, or heard of anyone else having it done. Not to say it doesn't happen.

Like JWit says the power is nice. If you need to leave in a hurry for rain or an emergency. As long as your boat can structurally handle it. If you want to burn less gas just slow down.

There is a dealer ship by my house that sells pontoons with 2...yes 2 300hp Mercs!!

Mmmm, 600 horses.... According to the formula above, HP = volume of pontoons (ft.3) x the longest pontoon length (ft) ? pontoon diameter (inches) = Volume of pontoons in Cubic feet X the longest pontoon length (ft) divided by Pontoon diameter in inches , the pontoons must have a diameter of 6 feet and 50 ft. long.... LOL!!!

 

[robert graham]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

I am looking at 87 Grumman 20' pontoon. It has a 120 Hp Force outboard 1995. After giving the person money down, I got reading online and have come to the conclusion, it is overpowered. Can anyone help me with this. I need to let the guy know asap.

I doubt it's a problem...I saw a pontoon down in Florida last week with a 300HP on the back. You don't have to use all the HP, but might be nice one day trying to outrun a big thunderstorm!

 

[swamp-fox]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

Ha Ha, I don't think they were using the formula when they built it. If I was not working out of town I would find out what kind it is and take a picture. I don't know the diameter, but it looks at least 24 feet long. It also has 3 pontoons. (a short one in the middle)

But yes that is a over kill, even to outrun the rain.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

There has been one posted here before that had THREE HUGE motors. I'm sure they were at least 300 HP each....

 

[ace66]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

Thanks again everyone for all the info. From wjat I gather, I still feel the consensus is that it is more HP than rated for the boat. I found the plate on it and it does say 70HP. I will try and stay on the safe side and find a 50 thru 70 HP Johnson, Evinrude, or Yamaha. To me the more economy the better also.
Thanks

 

[Mr Crabbs]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

Here is how HP for a pontoon is determined. It is a voluntary ABYC standard in the US. The USCG does not regulate HP ratings for pontoon boats.

HP = volume of pontoons (ft.3) x the longest pontoon length (ft) ? pontoon diameter (inches) = Volume of pontoons in Cubic feet X the longest pontoon length (ft) divided by Pontoon diameter in inches

Your formula doesn't work for my boat. Not even close.

 

[a1nowell]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

ACE66,
You know you don't have to run at WOT.

 

[dirtbilly]

Re: Too MUCH engine for Pontoon?

This a trick question isn't it ? YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH POWER