what does it take?

[graphicjunkie]

hey folks. I'm looking to get into a pontoon this next season. So I'm doing my research now.
My first and biggest question is power requirement. I'm wanting a 21-23' toon, but want to make sure I have enough power to haul my family of four and a couple of friends. As well as be able to pull the kids or an adult on skis or tube... So what kind of power am I needing for this? My current boat has a 125hp OB on my 20' Vhull, and I can get about 30mph out of it. I just don't want to buy one thinking I'm getting a good deal and realize we can't ski behind it.

Thanks!

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: what does it take?

One of the Boating mags has done dozens of Pontoon tests with speeds and everything else in between.
Go on the net ans Type in Pontoon Boat Tests and you will find them
This will give you an idea about size and HP and whar to expect. You definately will need something bigger than a 90hp, I would be looking for something in the 150 hp range.
Happy Hunting

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: what does it take?

You can always get one with a 5.7 I/O. then you have all the power you need.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: what does it take?

Bottom line. For tubing, you'll need at least a 90. For sking, you'll need at least a 115. If tubing and sking is a must, don't go below these numbers.

 

[mla2ofus]

Re: what does it take?

I can pull someone on a tube w/ 90 HP on a 24' toon. Not sure I'd want to try to pull someone up on skis and I'm sure a slalom would be out of the question.
Mike

 

[lncoop]

Re: what does it take?

You need to provide us with more criteria. Where do you boat? What can you afford to spend? Will you trailer your barge or keep it in a slip? Will this be your only boat, or will it complement the one you already have? Without knowing the answers to those questions I can at least say this; a 21' barge with a properly running 90 will pull a skier or a tuber and should get you close to 30 mph under optimal conditions (light load, slick toons, smooth water, favor of the boat gods). In fact, as a kid I can remember watching my buddy (high school age) slalom behind his parent's 24' barge with an 85. Back then('80s) that was about the biggest and baddest barge you could get. Like most families on that lake they had a barge and a ski boat, so he only did it to prove to the naysayers he could. I remember reading a thread a while back about the minimum requirements to pull a skier. It was very enjoyable and very informative. It's funny how over the years the "minimum requirements to pull a skier" have increased... Anywho, I digress. You won't be setting any speed records in a 21' w/90 or 24' w/115, but if speed is a priority you'll soon be disappointed with pretty much anything other than a triple toon configuration with a big motor, and you'd be disappointed with that every time you pulled up to the gas dock, which would likely be several times a day, not to mention the initial sticker shock. Finally, let me confuse you a little more. If you're planning on a max of 6-8 aboard you might also consider deck boats. They provide more speed and better handling with less fuel, are easier to tow, and have spreading out room (not as much as a barge, but possibly enough for you). The down side is they cost a little more, are not as readily available in the secondary market, and aren't quite as roomy. Just something else to consider. Fill us in on the deets and we'll try to dial it in a little more for ya.

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: what does it take?

You can always get one with a 5.7 I/O. then you have all the power you need.

There is even one available with a 496. It went around 47 mph.