Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Looking at a G3 22' TriToon with lifting strakes, but only a 90 hp motor. Not interested in speed, but would be nice if it could somewhat plane with a light load. Is this at all possible? It even has power steering and is rated for 150 hp which would be a sweet combination, but not possible to upgrade from the 90 initially. What do you think? Thanks!

A whole bunch of people will tell you no it won't work and even that it's a bad idea. I say go for it. Most are just repeating some thing they read on line, the truth is every situation is different. Set up, length, weight, water conditions, weather contitions all play in to it. If the boat is what you want and can afford now, do it. You're all set for an upgrade later if you decide that's the route you want to go.

ToonGuy wrote:If the boat is what you want and can afford now, do it. You're all set for an upgrade later if you decide that's the route you want to go.

The boat is exactly what I want with the extra toon for stability and ride. The power steering is a plus, but probably not necessary with the 90. I would keep the boat for the long haul, but look at upgrading the motor at a later time if I wanted more speed. I just saw a video of a 20' TriToon with stakes and a 60 hp merc, and it seemed to be planing with the motor trimmed out. I would never be happy if all I could do was plow through the water.

I too say go for it. I think the 90 will be strong enough to get you up on a plane.

An option would to be see if any of the aftermarket engine tuners have mapped the fuel injection on your boat for more horsepower. Depending on your engine model, some 90's are the same as 115's with different ECU programming. Flashing the ECU may be cheaper than buying a new motor.

Do it. My boat is proof that a 90 can be enough if the boat is built for performance. It sounds like your boat is.

Is the boat used? Can you test run it? I wouldn't say it won't work b/c it likely will do what you want. But it may be marginal and leave you wanting. Note also that any loading will quickly erode performance on that setup. And remember, when it comes time for that upgrade you're looking at $10K MIN. for a new motor, minus trade value of a couple-few grand, plus labor. Not cheap. Boat better be valuable to make the economics work.

The 90hp will work just fine, and remember any size motor will get you to the same place as the other, some faster and some use more fuel, but they all get you to the same place. Enjoy your boat