Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I currently am running a 2012 115 Merc 4 stroke. I can get a good deal on a new 150 merc 4 stroke but would have to do the rigging my self. For those that build toons , how hard is the swap from the 115 to a 150 ? I would add baystar as well at some point .

If you can get the rigging manual for the merc it should be straight forward. As far as Baystar, I would go with Seastar, in case you want to add power assisted steering.

Switching the motors is a non issue. Basically hang the new motor and plug it in. Your cables and controls should be the same. Now for the steering I have to agree that you should look into sea star. The bay star is rated at 150 h.p. max. I have never used a bay star but if I was buying I would want to have a bigger system not one at it's max rated capacity.

I think switching motors is no big deal. Everything plugs in the 150 FourStroke. You might have to adjust the trim indicator sender on the engine though.

How do you like your current steering system? Does it turn okay for you? If it's okay, try the same steering on the new motor before you spend $1K on a SeaStar system.

I have SeaStar on a F150 Yamaha. It steers pretty easy up to 31-32+ mph, and then it gets fairly hard to turn in a very tight turn. But not too hard for me to spend $3K for a Power Steering Assist pump.

I have basic cable steering now. I know they say to upgrade to hydraulic with a 150. I have no problem steering with cables now .

I'd be interested to hear from people with the Baystar and a 150. I just got a 150 opti and am planning to get the Baystar. I understand the seastar is better, but not sure if it's worth essentially doubling the price.

As far as hooking up the new motor, like everyone else said. Should just be a plug and play setup.

Every pontoon manufacturer installing hydraulic steering uses SeaStar steering.

BayStar would be what you'd put on a fishing boat with a 50-75 hp motor.

If you're going to make the investment, go with the SeaStar. You can find the unit and/or the components on the internet for a more reasonable price than buying it at your local boat dealer. I've seen them @ $700ish.

And just be thankful you don't need the power steering assist which is pushing $3K more installed--on top of the SeaStar unit. They say engines over 150 hp need p/s assist.

Bay star is not rated for 150 High output motors which most engine makers say their motors are. That's why I would personally go with the sea star. With a 90 -115 it would probably be great. There's was a sweet water at the boat show with a 150 honda and bay star. I asked the sales guy about it and he said " it should work fine" not what would want to hear if I was buying that boat !

I don't have experience with a pontoon with baystar. I do have a dual console with a 150 yamaha and baystar. It is what came with the 2004 boat. It works fine for me on that boat even cutting quickly pulling tubes. If I were in your shoes though I would probably get the seastar. The extra money is not that much when you are talking about putting a new motor on.