Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Questions about engines. Is it better to have a 60 hp engine running wide open or having a 90 hp engine running at a lower rpm? What are your thoughts on different hp options for a pontoon houseboat about 24 to 26 ft. long? Thanks

I have a 150 on a 24 foot Apex Qwest Tritoon and it has plenty of power. Perfect conditions and I can get to 40 mph.

[quote="boatbuildertom"]Questions about engines. Is it better to have a 60 hp engine running wide open or having a 90 hp engine running at a lower rpm? What are your thoughts on different hp options for a pontoon houseboat about 24 to 26 ft. long? Thanks[/quote]


Tom, just given the size of the boat, I would think you would be happier with the 90, if not larger. Actually for a 24 to 26 footer, you might want to go to a 150... I have a 75 on a 20 footer and it sips gas running about 3/4 throttle...

Running a 60 WOT all the time would use a lot more fuel and 2 stroke oil, and is hard on the motor and lower unit, if you ever put your hand on a midsection on a outboard that has been ran hard, they get hot. Those bearings transfer off a lot of heat. I would rather run the 90 at mid range RPM's, that's where the best fuel economy is and the engine isn't straining. Plus you can run a bigger prop and have the speed the that the 60 would create at WOT, at mid range. Just my 2 cents worth...

The 90hp should be quieter than the 60hp at the same mph.

I had a 24' Starcraft 2 toon boat with a Yamaha 115 hp 2 stroke. It was more of a bass boat engine in reality. When I was planed off and running at a fast cruise, it wasn't even running 3000 rpms--but running quietly and efficiently.

I rode in a couple of small engined pontoons and they had to run almost full throttle to keep up with my boat. They were loud and didn't get very good fuel mileage.

Give me an overpowered pontoon boat any day, even if I'm not going to use the horsepower often. They're much more enjoyable to ride in.

[quote="Bamaman"]Give me an overpowered pontoon boat any day, even if I'm not going to use the horsepower often. They're much more enjoyable to ride in.[/quote]

And you never know, you my need that extra power to beat a storm, or tow a stranded boat.

edited somehow my message went on the wrong topic...Sorry

I agree with Bamaman... I personally would look at no less than a 115hp for that size boat. I don't think you'll regret the additional HP and you will run right in the sweet MPG spot.

Purchase the biggest displacement you can afford and or the toon can handle. Re-powers are a money loss and time loss if your disappointed.

[quote="snowman100"]Purchase the biggest displacement you can afford and or the toon can handle. Re-powers are a money loss and time loss if your disappointed.[/quote]






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