Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Hello... I really can't decide.... I've ordered a 22 ft pontoon, with 25" logs. The maximum rated hp is 150.
My question is... cost/benefit ratio of 90 hp 4 stroke, versus 115 hp 4 stroke. The salesman seems to think I won't get much more speed, but I didn't ask about 'pulling power' increase, especially if there are a lot of people on the boat. Of course, the 'manly' side of me wants the biggest motor possible.... but, would it make a significant difference?

Oh, what should I do...??

More power Captain!

No one ever wants to go down in power once they have there toon.

90 will do fine as a cruising boat. For tubes of toys 150 would be better.

If you can afford it do it

GO FOR A 150HP. YOU WILL LOVE IT. CAN'T BE MUCH DIFFERENCE IN COST BETWEEN A 115HP AND A 150HP.

As stated on here numerous times, I've never heard anyone say " I wish I would have bought a smaller motor".
There have been a few that wished they went bigger though.
I would get the biggest one I could afford.

i have a 90 on a 22. at least get the 115.

Go with the 150 if $$$ allows.

If not, I would highly suggest the 115 then. 25hp is 25hp all day long, no matter how you look at it.

Purchased my pontoon 6 months ago with 90hp - after first trip out, was already wishing I had gone with the bigger motor. 90hp is fine for most of what I want to do, but that other 10 percent of the time, I wish I had more.

Playndoc....
I have a 2006 Bennington 22 footer with 2-25" logs,
and I am running a Yamaha 115hp 4 stroke.

I am very happy with the pulling power. We pull the grandkids on a tube, some times 2 at a time, and it pulls them real good. I am running a 13.5 X 15 prop.

I would for sure get at least the 115hp...
I don't think you will be happy with the 90hp.

The salesman is telling you the 90 will be just as good as the 115..."THAT'S NOT TRUE" he is just making it easier for himself to make a sale..

Bite the bullet and get the 115 and you will a happy
pontoon boat owner.

Here is a comparison from Bennington....
Pontoon boats, both weigh the same weight...
and have Four stroke motors.

90hp = 72 cubic inch
115hp = 106 cubic inch

90hp prop = 13 5/8x14
115hp prop = 13 1/4x14 (I run a 13.5x15)
a 14"would pull tubers a little better, but go slower.

90hp 4000rpm = 15.8 mph/5900rpm = 25mph
115hp 4000rpm = 18.0 mph/5800rpm = 28mph

Good Luck......HARRY

A lot people look at speed differences at the different HP ratings and end up opting for the smaller HP due to speed BUT depending on your "style" of cruising, the 115 will perform better from a GPH (gallons per hour) standpoint, and the 150 will do even better. I have a 50 Merc 4-Stroke on a 20' and it is turning pretty high RPM's in the 16-18mph range yet the larger engine(s) may not push the MPH up very much but will acheive the same speed with much less work (and thus much better savings on fuel).

Get the 115 and if you can, spring for the 150. On the other hand, if getting a 115 or 150 prevents you from getting the boat, then get the 90 and enjoy!

That assumes you don't run as fast as the 150 will go

Is there any drawback to consistently running a 2 stroke at 78% power? So get the fuel economy of a 90 but have the extra hp there when you want it. We run air cooled four stroke aircraft engines all day at reduced power with no ill-effects. Is it the same with 2 strokes as long as you blow out the cobwebs every once and a while???

The 2 strokes burn much cleaner than they did years ago, especially the DFI's. So they don't load up like the old ones did.
doc

150 without a doubt. What to save gas. The throttle works both ways.

@ what hp does the 2 stroke end. I think we have a 70 2 stroke & the economy is tremendous. & it runs full out @ 16mph woohoo!!(I use my car gps) If I could afford it I would definitely go up in power. It is going to be fine for little grandkids. They can buy the fast boats & toys & we'll be the landing point for food & refreshment. Will confirm hp later this afternoon.
Tere