Motor Selection Help, thanks

[oojacoboo]

Ok,

I just got a 90's model 21' or so Sun Tracker Pontoon boat. I am trying to determine what type engine would be best for it. Here is what I am thinking, please correct me if I am wrong.

4 Stroke
~90 HP
20" shaft (not sure on this one... I duno the transom length and how to figure this out).

Are controls universal? It has controls for an electric trolling motor at the moment that is mounted to the steering. Will the steering bar work with an outboard? Will I need to purchase this as well? What else will I need in addition to the outboard/controls/wiring ?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[steelespike]

Re: Motor Selection Help, thanks

In my opinion while 4 strokes are fine motors there are just too many moving parts.A modern 2 stroke will serve you well and will be lighter and require less maintainance.Give the Evinrude etec 2 stroke a close look they are actually cleaner than a 4 stroke.
I believe most pontoons are 20 inch.Measure and see where 20 inches places the antivent plate.
As far as the 90 hp A 50 will probably push you at 20 to 22 mph the 90 at about 27 to 29.at tremendous fuel use.Of course if you just cruise at part throttle you might be ok but a 90 sure cost a lot more than a 50.
If the steering is meant for an outboard it can probably be adapted to any outboard.You'll need an outboard key switch and I believe some require one specific to the motor and of course a harness designed for your specific motor.I'm sure someone will be along with more specific info.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Motor Selection Help, thanks

spike about covered it. we don't know what's on your boat. you are going to have to have someone with outboard experience look at your boat. if you are wanting to tow a tube or ski occasionally i'd go with the 90 hp. you have to go by the coast guard guide lines as to max hp. what does the plate say?

 

[oojacoboo]

Re: Motor Selection Help, thanks

thanks for the great replies. I am not sure what you mean by the plate. I am actually trying to get a title for it at the moment. My father had it on a private lake and doesn't have one, so... But, thanks for the heads up on the max hp. I have seen 22 foot sea pros around here with tripp 250s. I am sure thats above max.

The steering arm on the back doesn't appear to be more than a half inch in diameter, I am guessing its not the right kind, but I am not certain.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Motor Selection Help, thanks

there should be a plate near the helm, or engine mount that has max wt. max persons, max hp. the steering connection is going to depend on the engine you by as the are different for certain engine designs. who is going to install the engine. thats, who needs to help you.

 

[oojacoboo]

Re: Motor Selection Help, thanks

actually I was hoping to install the engine myself. I am pretty good with electronics and electrical wiring. Is this a bad idea?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Motor Selection Help, thanks

proper set up of the engine is critical to the preformance. the days of throwing a 10 horse on a fishing boat are gone. the new engine to perform correctly. have to be set with the anti ventilation plate just right. usually even or 1 " above the bottom of the hull, your's is even more complicated being a poontoon. setting it to high is going to cause it to ventilate (suck air into the prop, and drop performance, and not cool properly) to low it going to throw water up in front of the engine. the foot is going to cause drag, and more poor performance. hope this confuses you further, kidding. good luck.

 

[oojacoboo]

Re: Motor Selection Help, thanks

so basically what you are saying is, its all about how far down the engine is in the water...? I still don't even know if I need a 20 or 25. Where is a keel on a pontoon? ...the bottom of the pontoons?

Thanks for all the help - Jacob

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Motor Selection Help, thanks

Nope it is not the bottom of the pontoons, the keel is the flat middle part ....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Motor Selection Help, thanks

you are working in a specialize field of boating-- pootoons. start a new thread. " installing new engine on pootoon" in you opening paragraph put all the points and questions we have discussed in this post, just condense it. then maybe the few poontoon guys will see it and help there are a few here at iboats. i've never set one up just know they have to be right and there are variables. we want it as close to right the first time., not trial and error.
a poontoon doesn't really have a hull and keel like traditional boats, the poontoons are considered the hull but perform totally different than traditional boats, that get up an plane on top of the water. poontoons traditionally plow thru the water more than plane, they are totally different animals, with different set ups, and the set up is what is most important for performance and economy. will keep watching.

 

[bjg427]

Hey, I enjoy reading the post here. I have a 40hp Tracker motor on a 22' ft pontoon. I want to replace it with a Merc 90 hp. Since Tracker is made by Merc. will all of the controls work for the 90 hp? Thanks guys...

 

[jbcurt00]

BJG, many of these members are no longer w us. Its been nearly 10ys, this certainly exceeds the 90days+ inactive topic status.

Please take note of the dates of prior posts before posting into a topic.

Thanks

Closed