is going from a 60hp to a 115 worth the cost

[markzx7zx7zx7]

i got a 24' suntracker pontoon with a 60 hp mercury on it and it is slow, to slow, perfect clean toons and driver on boat it may reach 15mph, with 5 or 6 people on it lucky to get 8mph, my question is im looking for a mercury 115 for it to swap out, i was wondering what speed increase i should expect from this.
also the boat is rated for a 120hp is it possible to rig a 150 on it, i know bracing and stiffing transom up will be required but has anyone did this or experience with going over the rated horsepower, the reason why i ask is 150's seam to be eiser to find around here than a 115

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: is going from a 60hp to a 115 worth the cost

I don't think there is a calculation from the Coasties for max HP on a pontoon. The Manufacturer rates their pontoons based on their construction. I'd be wary of going over their recommendations for safety reasons. It is probably based on everything about the construction and not just the transom or motor pod. If you want to go faster and burn more gas get a bigger motor but stay with in the manufacturers rating.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: is going from a 60hp to a 115 worth the cost

+1 ^^^ I know some overpower their barges, but it is not recommended. Potential insurance & legal liability issues. But, a 115 should put you in the mid 20's range for speed +/-. Good luck !!!

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: is going from a 60hp to a 115 worth the cost

Some place around this chart.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: is going from a 60hp to a 115 worth the cost

Something wrong with the 60 HP or the setup is wrong. Should get around 20 MPH and way better than 8 MPH with people onboard. What prop are you running? That said, a move to a 115 will definitely make it a different boat..

 

[calvinator]

Re: is going from a 60hp to a 115 worth the cost

I have a 150 on my pontoon. Rated for 125. My 1990 factory transom is beefy, all welded and gusseted aluminum to handle motor weight and torque.

My motor is a 1975 Merc 1500. I bought it because condition/price/time was right.

The 150 motor on my pontoon is constrained by my prop pitch --11". I need the 11" pitch to get the motor to 5200-5500 RPM range for this motor. My pontoon with a 150HP, 11" pitch gets to 28MPH. But more often we cruise at 20mph that is comfortable. The 150HP does get the toon out of the hole when pulling kids in the tube.

 

[WaterDR]

Re: is going from a 60hp to a 115 worth the cost

Is it worth it? When buying new...YES. Trying to power-up later....NO. Better off selling the toon with the 60 and finding one with a 115 already on it. Been down this road myself.

 

[ahicks]

Re: is going from a 60hp to a 115 worth the cost

I have a Honda 50 on mine. My first 4 stroke. It's so quiet I have to watch the tach when starting. I thought mine wasn't going anywhere too - until I checked it with a GPS on board? Turns out it was fine, running about where the speed chart shows it should be. The only problem was me!

Would I like a bigger motor? Sure, if it was free, but do I NEED one? Nope. Not for how this boat is going to be used.

Regarding would it be worth the swap to go bigger, there's a lot of factors, including what you plan on asking the boat to do. To help, you might shop the engine you have around a little bit to see what it's worth?

 

[stephen25]

Re: is going from a 60hp to a 115 worth the cost

YES, it is worth it if you plan on holding on to the boat, I had a 115 on mine and it slung a rod and now I have a 60,and it is horrible being on the other end of this question.

 

[1983 ercoa 21']

Re: is going from a 60hp to a 115 worth the cost

I started with a 25 hp on mine now that was slow I repowered with a 70 hp then got my hands on a 115 and yes it's. Worth it if you plan on keeping the toon . The motors I have used have been older 2 stroke prop rated.

 

[Lurch77]

Re: is going from a 60hp to a 115 worth the cost

I think there may be an issue with your current setup. Prop may be incorrect. 8mph seems slow, even for a 60hp on a 24'. My 20' Sun Tracker with 75hp does 24-ish with two people, 18-ish when loaded up. Heck I can still hit 18-20 or so pulling two kids on knee boards. I know my boat is smaller and lighter than yours, but I find the difference in speed more than I would expect.

As for going over the motor rating, be sure to check with your insurance company first, to be sure they will still cover you. And keep in mind that you are placing a lot of liability on yourself should an accident with injury or death happen.