need help with motor selection

[ybrabjm]

i just obtained a 1988 harris flotebote, 20' ultralite pontoon for rebuilding. I have a 1988 force 125hp motor. Is this too much motor for this pontoon? i have been able to find out that 90hp through 125hp weight about the same, which is my biggest concern, i do not care about speed, just finding a good motor for the pontoon. thanks for any help you can give.

 

[5150abf]

Re: need help with motor selection

Welcome to iboats.

Actually the hang weight of a motor is the lesser factor, transoms are rated for horspower, if your transom is rated for 90 and you put the 125 on you could rip the transom right out of the pan, when they fail it is usually all at once at speed.

I don't know for sure but I would say a 125 on an 88 20' is pretty over powered, you may be able to find specs on that boat somewhere, hang on and maybe someone that own one will be along and know the rated horse power for that boat.

 

[Mike722]

Re: need help with motor selection

I have a 20' with a 2006 40hp Etec. It has plenty of speed for us. Our pontoon is rated for 70 or 90 max. Since noise was a factor we went with the 40 instead of the 50 which appeared to be the same engine higher RPM's.

 

[JWRoberts]

Re: need help with motor selection

I agree with others here. That is too much power for that boat.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: need help with motor selection

That boat is not rated for that size of a motor. Don't use it. Sell it and use the money to get the right one. Remember, you will definitely need a longshaft.