Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Hello! We are looking at buying our first pontoon and first boat actually. My family has been boating for years and my father keeps telling us that there's no difference between a 50hp and a 90hp. (4 stroke) Everything I read and hear suggests a 90 for a 24-25' boat, but he says that's just the dealers wanting money. We will be hauling 2-5 adults and 2-3 kids most of the time. I'd like to be able to do a little tubing and the like, although according to him you can't do that on pontoons either. He has owned cabin cruiser type boats for 30+ years and unfortunatly thinks he knows everything. I DO recognize we have a lot to learn and he can be an invaluable resource, but I think he is wrong in this instance. So I am here looking for opinions from real toon boat owners. We're looking at the Bentley 240 (which is 24') or the 25' Crest Classic. What engine would you suggest (both are mercury's). Would also love to hear opinions on these two brands of boats. We were quoted $17,300 for the Bentley with the 50hp 4 stroke and trailer and $23,000 for the Crest with 90hp 4stroke and trailer. Are these good prices? Thank you!!

seems like a reasonable price for the Crest....and I'd go with the 90. My 60 pushes us around ok, and I have even pulled 1 or 2 on a tube, but it tops out at 17-18, and doesn't make for an exciting ride. If I did it over again, I'd also do the third log, as that will help you maximize the HP much more than you'd think.

I have a 22' with a 90 HP and it runs about 24 mph per GPS. It works fine for tubing and knee boarding. New toons are alot different than the ones your father remembers. If you want to spend the money you can get one that will go 40+ mph. Check out Yamaha's website. Check out hier performance tests. It will give you a good idea what speeds to expect with different sized pontoon and outboard combo's.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outboard/pr ... fbull.aspx

Get the most hp your toon will handle, no matter which toon you get.Just purchased our 2nd toon pick up tomorrow. It is a Sweetwater 21 w 90 hp yamaha for around 19. 1st toon was year a 18 bass buggy w/ 60 hp, that was years ago we have had houseboats and cruisers inbetween, and jet skis. When it comes to any type boat you want the most hp you can get, becasue without it the boat just doesn't perform as well as it should. This hold true with toons, runabouts, houseboats. The hp is most most important factor in any boat, and if you underpower it is the decision you wil regret the most.

Mrs. Rivercamp

I would also recommend the 90hp, especially if you are thinking about tubing. IMO Crest makes a very solid boat but I'm biased as I'm on my third one.

I think that neither the 50 or the 90 would be enough motor for a 24 or 25 foot poontoon. The 90 would be marginal, what is the rating for motor size for both boats?

If the cap plate says 135 hp or something like that. I would go with the highest rating avaiable. You will be unsatifed with anything less. Poontoons take a lot more motor to move than a planing hull boat.

I know the cost is always a deciding factor in a boat purchase but you will be happier with the most motor your boat can take.

Thank you for all the great replies. I thought from what I read to get the best we could hp-wise. Thanks as well for the great performance link, that should be helpful. I'm really leaning towards the Crest myself as I like the deck space on the front and the Bentley doesn't have it. Also for some reason I'm infatuated with that rolling coffee table. LOL!
Angela

Welcome to the forum Angela!

Like everyone says, get the biggest motor you can afford!!

When we bought ours last year I told the Sales Rep I didn't want the rollling table. He said "ok but you won't save any money", so we took the table and now we love it. The cooler inside is a great addition.

i've never heard anyone say " i wish i had got a smaller motor", but i have heard many say " i wish i had gotten a larger motor". get the 90hp, you will not regret it. the power will be there when you need it/want it

Last year we had a 20 footer with a 90hp and it just wasn't enough motor when it came to tubing and kneeboarding. Usually when we're out tubing we have about 6-8 people on board and that really slows you down. We have since upgraded to a 22' with a 150hp and we're much happier with the performance. We can go fast when needed and still slowly cruise around also.

Get as big a motor as you can afford, you won't regret it!

im with the rest of the crowd. get the biggest motor in you budget and id also recomend the 3 log toons.

1. Like Jamelvin I also have owned a Crest and I think they are great boats.

2. I own a fishing boat and a toon. Last year I re-rigged the toon with a bigger motor and this summer I'm doing the same with the fishing boat.

Sell the Harley, send your kids out to cut lawns, take a loan or pimp the wife (joke) ...do whatever you have to to get that larger motor on there. You'll never regret it.