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Thread: Powering a pontoon

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    Default Powering a pontoon


    An opportunity to get hands on a 20' pontoon without an engine has presented. The plan is to use it for a cruiser, swim and ski platform, and anchored out fishing. There are several tied up to docks with a 30hp. What pitch prop would be appropriate for that size boat with a smaller outboard?
    'at boy just ain't right.

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    I have a 60 on my 20' pontoon, wish I had more power.
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    I have a 60 on my 21 foot pontoon and it runs 20 mph with about 400 lbs of people in it.

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    on a 20ft nothing less than a 70HP and preferably a 90HP if you plan on trying to ski

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    Speed for skiing or wake boarding is between 13 and 20 mph unless they are very skilled or heavy. Either way 25mph is top safe speed for pulling someone.

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    Bottom line is get the biggest motor your wallet and the boat will let you

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  7. #7
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    Cray is offline Crappie.com 2019 Man of Year, Supermod & Moderator of the Mechanics Forum * Crappie.com Supporter
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    To your original question, if a 30 is your choice of power I’d say a 11 in prop. Now to the power side, depends on size of body of water your using it on, how far and how fast do you want to go. If just riding around and using it for a platform to ski from and anchoring to fish a 30-40 horse would be plenty. If big water and you plan on going long distances and needing to get back quick because of bad water then more HP might be in the picture. Lots of thought needs to be put into this before you more or less under power a rig. The reason you see so many small motors in most cases is they make the package cheaper and much easier to sell.
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    Some power in reserve is a good idea.
    The love for fishing is one of the best gifts you can pass along
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  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cray View Post
    To your original question, if a 30 is your choice of power I’d say a 11 in prop. Now to the power side, depends on size of body of water your using it on, how far and how fast do you want to go. If just riding around and using it for a platform to ski from and anchoring to fish a 30-40 horse would be plenty. If big water and you plan on going long distances and needing to get back quick because of bad water then more HP might be in the picture. Lots of thought needs to be put into this before you more or less under power a rig. The reason you see so many small motors in most cases is they make the package cheaper and much easier to sell.
    My post could have been more clear, but you got it. It will be a putt about, instead of actually skiing behind the pontoon. If this works out it will not get far from the shore, and may spend more time anchored than moving. The "platform" component is a place to start from, and drop skiers.
    Thanks for all the responses.
    'at boy just ain't right.
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  10. #10
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    Personally, I'd say consider it just like you would a normal "boat" .... put the engine on it that it's rated for !! You can still "putt around" with it, but if you wanted (or needed) more power/speed, you'd have it. That smaller engine is going to be worked to death, even just "putting around", unless everyone involved has the patience of the saints. Just my opinion.
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