Pontoon Outboard Question

CateP · 04-18-2013, 08:24 AM

We just bought a 20 ft.,1985 Harris Flote Boat (pontoon boat) and it has a Johnson 1985, 2-stroke 70 hp. We also have a 1995 40 hp Mercury 4-stroke from another boat that we are selling, but maybe we should keep the Mercury for the pontoon boat?

What do you think?
Should we use the Mercury or Johnson on the pontoon boat?

BroadHopper · 04-18-2013, 10:19 AM

I think a 20 footer is an awfully lot of 'toonin for a 40 horse!

codeman671 · 04-18-2013, 10:55 AM

A 40hp is way too small... Period.

crowsnest · 04-18-2013, 11:08 AM

If it has 2 toons and a 40 or 70 horse i would only take out on a nice day DURING THE WEEK or stay in coves. We had a 24 foot 2 toon with a 115 and got swamped to many times

we upgraded to a 25 tri toon with a 225 HUGE differance

Woodsy · 04-18-2013, 12:03 PM

A 1985 70HP 2 stroke is a monstor polluting unreliable headache....

Trade in both outboards on a newer 100HP 4 stroke.....

Problem solved!

Woodsy

CateP · 04-18-2013, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsy

A 1985 70HP 2 stroke is a monstor polluting unreliable headache....

Trade in both outboards on a newer 100HP 4 stroke.....

Problem solved!

Woodsy

We may be looking for another engine, but it was not in the budget.

CateP · 04-18-2013, 02:19 PM

We will be "tooning" around Wolfeboro and not making any long trips up the lake. Even so, it sounds like the 70hp would be far better than the 40 hp.

Thanks for the input.

chasedawg · 04-18-2013, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CateP

We just bought a 20 ft.,1985 Harris Flote Boat (pontoon boat) and it has a Johnson 1985, 2-stroke 70 hp. We also have a 1995 40 hp Mercury 4-stroke from another boat that we are selling, but maybe we should keep the Mercury for the pontoon boat?

What do you think?
Should we use the Mercury or Johnson on the pontoon boat?

Sorry to say you will not be happy with either engine. I put a new 50 HP Yamaha 4 stroke on a 20 foot pontoon work boat and got it up to 16 MPH WOT. It would not be a good boat to have on Winni. Your sailboat may perform better.

CateP · 04-18-2013, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasedawg

Sorry to say you will not be happy with either engine. I put a new 50 HP Yamaha 4 stroke on a 20 foot pontoon work boat and got it up to 16 MPH WOT. It would not be a good boat to have on Winni. Your sailboat may perform better.

Our 25 ft. Catalina is marvelous on Winni. We just found a great deal on a 'toon for mellow fishing and hanging with our doggies. It has a trailer so we may head over to Wentworth or Mirror Lake too.

chasedawg · 04-18-2013, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CateP

Our 25 ft. Catalina is marvelous on Winni. We just found a great deal on a 'toon for mellow fishing and hanging with our doggies. It has a trailer so we may head over to Wentworth or Mirror Lake too.

That sounds great. Enjoy your new toy. Are you sailing your Catalina in the races this year?

Sully · 04-25-2013, 09:08 AM

I purchased a new 19' pontoon last season with a 50 hp Mercury engine. It seems sufficient, however, when boating a long distance it just seems to move too slow and take too long. To my surprise, I have been told that I would not find a marina on Winni that would sell me a new outboard engine. In other words, once you buy it there is no provision to upgrade to a different new outboard. I've been told that marinas on the lake don't even carry new outboard engines other than those installed on new boats. I have also been told that I would not find a marina on the lake that would sell me a new engine without a new boat. So, here is my question. How do I upgrade to a new 75 to 90 hp engine while trading in my one year old 50 hp Mercury and do so without transacting somewhere other than on Winnipesaukee?

Just Sold · 04-25-2013, 09:18 AM

I have seen marinas that sell new outboard motors. Try Irwins (Mercury), Winnisquam Marine (Mercury) and Thurstons (Evenrude), Melvin Village Marina (Honda). I imagine others sell new as well. Just check their web sites.

ishoot308 · 04-25-2013, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sully

I purchased a new 19' pontoon last season with a 50 hp Mercury engine. It seems sufficient, however, when boating a long distance it just seems to move too slow and take too long. To my surprise, I have been told that I would not find a marina on Winni that would sell me a new outboard engine. In other words, once you buy it there is no provision to upgrade to a different new outboard. I've been told that marinas on the lake don't even carry new outboard engines other than those installed on new boats. I have also been told that I would not find a marina on the lake that would sell me a new engine without a new boat. So, here is my question. How do I upgrade to a new 75 to 90 hp engine while trading in my one year old 50 hp Mercury and do so without transacting somewhere other than on Winnipesaukee?

Everything you have been told is NOT true! As a matter of fact I can't think of a marina on the lake that would not sell you a new outboard.

Thurston's, Fay's, Dave's, Irwin's, Sheps, Meredith, Melvin Village, to name just a few would love to have your business I am certain.

Dan

BroadHopper · 04-25-2013, 10:12 AM

They may not be on the big lake, but they are extremely competitive and will service boats on Winnipesaukee. They do a lot of outboard repower.

Billy Bob · 04-25-2013, 11:58 AM

You will find a trade up motor . The issue is going to be you will be in shock when you see what it's going to cost . you will probably get clobbered on the trade value.
Also the financing , floor planning , for dealers is very expensive if its available at all and stocking motors you may not sell this season can kill the margins so you might find in- stock supplies light .

In Florida where the season is year round and we shouldn't have the issue with dealers buying a bunch of financed motors they have to hold over several months till the next selling season you can walk in and get a new motor off the shelf . its also very common to find dealers with brand new - in box motors that are 2 and 3 years old and been returned from northern dealers that overstocked .

codeman671 · 04-25-2013, 12:13 PM

A lot of the marinas actually dont stock much for outboards and would have to order so you would be subjected to current lead time. I called around last year looking for one and found that many in the lakes region really dont carry inventory.

Winnisquam however does carry a lot of them, and probably has the highest outboard sales volume in the area. They would certainly sell you one.

Winnisquamguy · 04-25-2013, 12:52 PM

Riveredge Marina on Little Squam is a Honda dealer and they use to have plenty of outboards in stock. I have a Honda 90hp on my pontoon and its great on gas, has plenty of power, and is very quiet. Its also not a gas guzzler.Here is there website. http://www.riveredgemarina.com/

pontoonbarge · 04-25-2013, 07:39 PM

I have a 25' two log pontoon boat -- with an I/O; 120HP. She'll do about 25mph on a glassy lake. Typically I cruise at 8-12mph. Going fast is fun, sure -- but my old pontoonbarge isn't cut out for racing. Slow and steady -- enjoying time on the water! I really don't push the motor very often.

With all the bow furniture out, the bow is high enough that I can handle some chop; but on a strong north / west wind day near the Broads side of Rattlesnake -- it can be intimidating! When the chop is smaller, it's a wonderful marine pickup truck.

I improved it's handling in rough water by taking some stuff out: The old water-logged furniture in the bow added a lot of un-needed weight!! Those couches were really hard to move out, soaked as they were. I changed over to some wooden garden benches, which are very light, and easy to move. A local unfinished furniture store sells them for around $60 ea.

My pontoonbarge hauled out ~170 (60lb) bags of concrete, every bit of material for 160 stairs up the hill, a trolley, a usable camp, deck, dock, shed... and plenty of provisions.... but not all in one trip.

If you already have an outboard in your possession in decent shape - I'd say try it out; no reason you can't change your mind and upgrade to a bigger one later.

I'd also recommend carefully testing the craft in big waves. They can have some surprising response... Soon after getting mine (over 10yrs ago) I stuffed it into a large roller in the fall. Now that the bow is lighter (and the captain is wiser) it makes a big difference. In big waves I go slowly and carefully.

Have fun with your pontoon! Hope to see you out there!

LIforrelaxin · 04-26-2013, 09:28 AM

Cate,

Despite what many have said here, you will find the the 70 h.p. is plenty of power for the pontoon boat. With the only issue being that you will not be moving at 30 or 40 mph. You should be able to get a nice cruising speed out of it though.

What you may find is that you need to try different props. To find the one that works best.

Now as others have said to avoid issue on rougher days, you will have to work with how to distribute the weight in the boat.

Finally before re powering use the boat with the 70 h.p. on it and decide if it is adequate or not. That way you will know what to look for when you re power. Some thoughts on repowering an older boat... first look at options, if the 70 h.p. is adequate for you needs, Mercury make a big foot option that you can get on I believe a 60 H.P. that will give you more pushing power, as it spins a bigger prop. I had a friend that had a 22 foot pontoon, on Lake Champlain, with a 50 h.p. merc bigfoot, and it was great...

Kamper · 04-27-2013, 12:10 PM

I'm with LIforrelaxin. Try it with the current setup before making a decision.

I had a Merc 40 ELPTO on my Starcraft SSC150. That's a 15' tin split console boat. I considered it barely adequate for myself and one passenger. You'll probably sell your older boat faster if it is already rigged with a motor.

Didn't you used to be a blow-boater?

CateP · 05-01-2013, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamper

Didn't you used to be a blow-boater?

We now have a 20 ft. pontoon AND a 25ft. sailboat.

When the winds a blowin' we'll be sailing. When the wind is not, we'll be tooning.

Have learned a bit more since posting. The boat is rated for a maximum 75hp. Most of the smaller "toons" I see for sale have 50-75 hp.

JasonG · 05-08-2013, 01:48 PM

My family purchased a new 1985 24' Grumman pontoon boat. Was not super fast, but moved. We could put a kid on a tube in the back with no problems.

I may be crazy here, but a few things to consider.

- A 25 year old pontoon boat may have metal fatigue in the transom. Something to look into

- I do not recall that my old pontoon was rated for much more than 70 HP

- Pontoons 25 years ago were not about performance. They cut through the water and were sucky to steer. Looking back the 35 was fine for the boat. I may have missed this, but if the Merc 40 is newer, it may be more than enough.

Why not mount the merc and try it? If it doesnt work, then buy what you want?

04-18-2013, 08:24 AM	#1
CateP Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 868 Thanks: 584 Thanked 540 Times in 210 Posts	Pontoon Outboard Question We just bought a 20 ft.,1985 Harris Flote Boat (pontoon boat) and it has a Johnson 1985, 2-stroke 70 hp. We also have a 1995 40 hp Mercury 4-stroke from another boat that we are selling, but maybe we should keep the Mercury for the pontoon boat? What do you think? Should we use the Mercury or Johnson on the pontoon boat?

04-18-2013, 10:19 AM	#2
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,568 Thanks: 3,199 Thanked 1,099 Times in 792 Posts	20' Pontoon I think a 20 footer is an awfully lot of 'toonin for a 40 horse! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

04-18-2013, 12:03 PM	#5
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,964 Thanks: 80 Thanked 978 Times in 439 Posts	A 1985 70HP 2 stroke is a monstor polluting unreliable headache.... Trade in both outboards on a newer 100HP 4 stroke..... Problem solved! Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

04-25-2013, 09:08 AM	#11
Sully Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 49 Thanks: 110 Thanked 10 Times in 6 Posts	Where does one purchase an outboard engine? I purchased a new 19' pontoon last season with a 50 hp Mercury engine. It seems sufficient, however, when boating a long distance it just seems to move too slow and take too long. To my surprise, I have been told that I would not find a marina on Winni that would sell me a new outboard engine. In other words, once you buy it there is no provision to upgrade to a different new outboard. I've been told that marinas on the lake don't even carry new outboard engines other than those installed on new boats. I have also been told that I would not find a marina on the lake that would sell me a new engine without a new boat. So, here is my question. How do I upgrade to a new 75 to 90 hp engine while trading in my one year old 50 hp Mercury and do so without transacting somewhere other than on Winnipesaukee?

04-25-2013, 09:18 AM	#12
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,612 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 433 Times in 209 Posts	I have seen marinas that sell new outboard motors. Try Irwins (Mercury), Winnisquam Marine (Mercury) and Thurstons (Evenrude), Melvin Village Marina (Honda). I imagine others sell new as well. Just check their web sites. __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

04-18-2013, 10:55 AM	#3
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,454 Thanks: 220 Thanked 802 Times in 480 Posts	A 40hp is way too small... Period.

04-18-2013, 11:08 AM	#4
crowsnest Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Whitman Ma / Weirs Beach Posts: 94 Thanks: 42 Thanked 25 Times in 19 Posts	If it has 2 toons and a 40 or 70 horse i would only take out on a nice day DURING THE WEEK or stay in coves. We had a 24 foot 2 toon with a 115 and got swamped to many times we upgraded to a 25 tri toon with a 225 HUGE differance

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Woodsy For This Useful Post:
BroadHopper (04-18-2013), Rattlesnake Gal (04-26-2013)

04-18-2013, 02:19 PM	#7
CateP Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 868 Thanks: 584 Thanked 540 Times in 210 Posts	We will be "tooning" around Wolfeboro and not making any long trips up the lake. Even so, it sounds like the 70hp would be far better than the 40 hp. Thanks for the input.

The Following User Says Thank You to Just Sold For This Useful Post:
Sully (05-04-2013)

04-25-2013, 10:12 AM	#14
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,568 Thanks: 3,199 Thanked 1,099 Times in 792 Posts	Winnisquam Marine They may not be on the big lake, but they are extremely competitive and will service boats on Winnipesaukee. They do a lot of outboard repower. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

04-25-2013, 11:58 AM	#15
Billy Bob Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tiera Verdi Fl & Moultonborough Posts: 315 Thanks: 126 Thanked 166 Times in 100 Posts	Trade in You will find a trade up motor . The issue is going to be you will be in shock when you see what it's going to cost . you will probably get clobbered on the trade value. Also the financing , floor planning , for dealers is very expensive if its available at all and stocking motors you may not sell this season can kill the margins so you might find in- stock supplies light . In Florida where the season is year round and we shouldn't have the issue with dealers buying a bunch of financed motors they have to hold over several months till the next selling season you can walk in and get a new motor off the shelf . its also very common to find dealers with brand new - in box motors that are 2 and 3 years old and been returned from northern dealers that overstocked .

The Following User Says Thank You to Billy Bob For This Useful Post:
Sully (05-04-2013)

04-25-2013, 12:13 PM	#16
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,454 Thanks: 220 Thanked 802 Times in 480 Posts	A lot of the marinas actually dont stock much for outboards and would have to order so you would be subjected to current lead time. I called around last year looking for one and found that many in the lakes region really dont carry inventory. Winnisquam however does carry a lot of them, and probably has the highest outboard sales volume in the area. They would certainly sell you one.

The Following User Says Thank You to codeman671 For This Useful Post:
Sully (05-04-2013)

04-25-2013, 12:52 PM	#17
Winnisquamguy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Winnisquam, NH Posts: 613 Thanks: 419 Thanked 163 Times in 115 Posts	Riveredge Marina on Little Squam is a Honda dealer and they use to have plenty of outboards in stock. I have a Honda 90hp on my pontoon and its great on gas, has plenty of power, and is very quiet. Its also not a gas guzzler.Here is there website. http://www.riveredgemarina.com/ __________________ "I'd rather be ridin than rolling"

The Following User Says Thank You to Winnisquamguy For This Useful Post:
Sully (05-04-2013)

04-25-2013, 07:39 PM	#18
pontoonbarge Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Windham, NH Posts: 42 Thanks: 86 Thanked 18 Times in 9 Posts	3 Cheers for Old Pontoon Boats! I have a 25' two log pontoon boat -- with an I/O; 120HP. She'll do about 25mph on a glassy lake. Typically I cruise at 8-12mph. Going fast is fun, sure -- but my old pontoonbarge isn't cut out for racing. Slow and steady -- enjoying time on the water! I really don't push the motor very often. With all the bow furniture out, the bow is high enough that I can handle some chop; but on a strong north / west wind day near the Broads side of Rattlesnake -- it can be intimidating! When the chop is smaller, it's a wonderful marine pickup truck. I improved it's handling in rough water by taking some stuff out: The old water-logged furniture in the bow added a lot of un-needed weight!! Those couches were really hard to move out, soaked as they were. I changed over to some wooden garden benches, which are very light, and easy to move. A local unfinished furniture store sells them for around $60 ea. My pontoonbarge hauled out ~170 (60lb) bags of concrete, every bit of material for 160 stairs up the hill, a trolley, a usable camp, deck, dock, shed... and plenty of provisions.... but not all in one trip. If you already have an outboard in your possession in decent shape - I'd say try it out; no reason you can't change your mind and upgrade to a bigger one later. I'd also recommend carefully testing the craft in big waves. They can have some surprising response... Soon after getting mine (over 10yrs ago) I stuffed it into a large roller in the fall. Now that the bow is lighter (and the captain is wiser) it makes a big difference. In big waves I go slowly and carefully. Have fun with your pontoon! Hope to see you out there!

04-26-2013, 09:28 AM	#19
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,861 Thanks: 1,035 Thanked 892 Times in 524 Posts	Cate, Despite what many have said here, you will find the the 70 h.p. is plenty of power for the pontoon boat. With the only issue being that you will not be moving at 30 or 40 mph. You should be able to get a nice cruising speed out of it though. What you may find is that you need to try different props. To find the one that works best. Now as others have said to avoid issue on rougher days, you will have to work with how to distribute the weight in the boat. Finally before re powering use the boat with the 70 h.p. on it and decide if it is adequate or not. That way you will know what to look for when you re power. Some thoughts on repowering an older boat... first look at options, if the 70 h.p. is adequate for you needs, Mercury make a big foot option that you can get on I believe a 60 H.P. that will give you more pushing power, as it spins a bigger prop. I had a friend that had a 22 foot pontoon, on Lake Champlain, with a 50 h.p. merc bigfoot, and it was great... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

04-27-2013, 12:10 PM	#20
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,302 Thanks: 67 Thanked 171 Times in 127 Posts	I'm with LIforrelaxin. Try it with the current setup before making a decision. I had a Merc 40 ELPTO on my Starcraft SSC150. That's a 15' tin split console boat. I considered it barely adequate for myself and one passenger. You'll probably sell your older boat faster if it is already rigged with a motor. Didn't you used to be a blow-boater?

05-08-2013, 01:48 PM	#22
JasonG Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 310 Thanks: 48 Thanked 45 Times in 33 Posts	My family purchased a new 1985 24' Grumman pontoon boat. Was not super fast, but moved. We could put a kid on a tube in the back with no problems. I may be crazy here, but a few things to consider. - A 25 year old pontoon boat may have metal fatigue in the transom. Something to look into - I do not recall that my old pontoon was rated for much more than 70 HP - Pontoons 25 years ago were not about performance. They cut through the water and were sucky to steer. Looking back the 35 was fine for the boat. I may have missed this, but if the Merc 40 is newer, it may be more than enough. Why not mount the merc and try it? If it doesnt work, then buy what you want?