Howdy, I am in the market for a new pontoon rig about 20-21 feet in length . The dealer offers a 50 horse Merc 2 stroke as the base package . There is an upgrade to a 60 horse Merc. bigfoot in four stroke for about 3 grand . I have read that the bigfoot uses a larger sized lower unit but is it worth the extra cash for a mere 10 extra ponies ? Also , if I were to try for a 75 or 90 2 stroke Merc would this be a better option without being a deal breaker moneywise ? Thanks

I have never been on a pontoon that didn't need a bigger motor. I'd get the largest within the budget.

I had a 24 foot pontoon with an evinrude 88 spl and it would do 24 mph. Pontoon boats plow, they don't plane so it takes a lot of horses to push hard enuf for any speed.

I would recommend a tri-toon (3 logs) as these will ride higher and will attain more speed. Same rig above with a third log would have run 35-40 mph.

All the base packages sell motors than will get you 15 mph tops. Its cheaper to get the third log and less horses to get the same speed result.

get you a aloha pontoon with 2 300 yamahas, it will about 70 mph.

50 HP is not enough. They catch wind like a sail and you wont have enough power for steerage in a decent wind. Try to get a 90 HP if you can.

Pontoons will definately need more horsepower. I would seriously looking to the 4 stoke for fuel economy if you plan on making long runs.

Thanks for the advice. I would love to have the third log but my poor boy budget won't allow for it. I will look into what a 90 hp 2 stroke will set me back. Thanks again guys!

I have a 24' pontoon with a 115 Evinrude. Top speed is about 30 MPH. 50 is definetely not enough motor.

I had a 18ft with a 48hp was plenty for me but I just fished out of it. test drive one before i spend that much I want to run one out

i agree with everyone that has posted. i have never owned a Pontoon. but nost i see are WAY underpowered. i see some that are 18' and only have a 40H yammie. Pontoon boats are big and like was said before they are a sail. i would go with a 90 atleast. TreeBass has like a 24' or somthin like that with a 90 merc and it will run pretty good.