Need advice on pontoon boat size with 40hp outboard

[CrazyinKC2]

Our lake has a 40hp limit on pontoons. My slip is for a 28 foot max. My dream boat would have an upperdeck with a slide! I want a used boat but is hard to find one with only 40hp. I'm looking at a Landau 2000 24 ft. Currently has a 90hp I would swap out. Am I crazy?
Are there major issues with upper decks? Thanks guys I greatly appreciate your advice!

 

[Scott Danforth]

upper decks are top heavy, so if your area is prone to high wind, be mindful of that. also, if you transport it, watch your speed on curves.

 

[ThomW]

Honestly, a 40hp motor is going to have a tough time pushing a 24 footer, especially with an upper deck. If your planning to do more floating than cruising, then you should be ok. But don't expect to set any speed records.

 

[Lightwin 3]

I agree that upper decks act as a sail, in the wind. As stated above,40 is OK for just putting around, that is about it.

If you do go with a 40, make sure it is propped correctly (very low pitch).

 

[ahicks]

I think upper decks make great diving platforms (assuming you're in deep water).

I would just warn that you don't want to be up there when the 'toon takes a big wave from the side. Things REALLY get rockin and rollin up there! That floor can easily be moving back and forth 3-4 feet or more..... you need to be hanging on to something to stay up there!

Last, we have several on our lake and rarely do I see anyone up there. Guessing it's the rock and roll issue. If you go up there, you don't want to be there long if not paying close attention when the lake is busy.

 

[Sea Rider]

A upper deck toon whether with a 40 or a 90 HP-OB will rock same if caught by a side wave, the only difference is that with a larger OB can get the hell out from there faster.

If going for a upper deck toon with current 40 HP, prop it right for OB to rev towards max wot rpm range factory stated. If lightly loaded or fixed light load much better. Just expect a nice flat fast displacement speed while OB revs happily.

Happy Boating

 

[Scott Danforth]

Buddy had a 24 with hard top, slide, and a 70hp. Not a speed demon, however his kids loved the slide. It tipped over on the trailer going around the corner in 20mph winds. It wasnt fun with anythig more than mild chop

 

[ahicks]

I should have mentioned in my first post, that if there are people who will be using that hard top (thinking kids/teens here), I wouldn't hesitate to get one for a minute.

With a 40hp limit on the lake, NOBODY is going to be going real fast. I wouldn't be a bit shy of powering a 'toon like this with a 40.

 

[Nicmiceric]

I had a 2010 20ft. Sweetwater Pontoon with a 40 hp Yamaha and it would keep up with a 50 hp Honda. Actually pushed it at a decent speed on the Ohio River.

 

[clemsonfor]

If 40hp is the max speed , get a shallow prop designed to push a toon. That's all you can have that's all you can have. It will be slow but there will be no problem moving. Like other pointed out you will just be slow. But like another pointed out everyone will be slow too. Now if there is a 15ft toon they will be a bit faster with a 40 than the big dogs.