Pontoon motor brands

[DJL50]

New to boating.

Been doing a lot of reading. I see all the different brands of Pontoon boat motors but have no clue what is a good brand and what to stay away from.

I generally buy middle of the road or good value type products. What brand would fit this ?

 

[Water logged]

Re: Pontoon motor brands

There aren't really any bad new large motors out there now. Look at Mercury, Yamaha, Honda, Evenrude, etc. Most new boats are delivered with a particular brand motor that the builder uses exclusivly. You have to decide if you want 2 or 4 cycle. Any major brand motor will give you good service.

Glenn

 

[fyrfightr]

Re: Pontoon motor brands

I think all the current engine brands are good. I would look more at what brands are serviced near where you will keep your boat. Nothing worse that having an issue mid season and have to trailer the boat 100+ miles to get service done.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Pontoon motor brands

Fyrfightr got it look for something you can get worked on near your home.

As stated there really aren't any bad engines anymore, by sales Yamaha and Honda are the most popular.

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Pontoon motor brands

I don't know if noise level is something that is listed in the specs, but do consider it. My 2-cycle is noisy to the point that the rear seats are not a fun place to sit while under way (I'm currently building a shroud to help reflect the noise backwards). In my observation of other pontoons, the ones fitted with Honda Outboards seem to be the most quiet. If I ever replace my motor, Honda would be at the top of the list.

PS. Read about my shroud project here: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=438854

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Pontoon motor brands

All major brands are good. Most people have a personal preference AND a brand they wouldn't touch with a 10 ft. paddle. Two strokes will be noisier and smokier (Evinrude Etec being the exception), 4 strokes will be quieter and cleaner. Two strokes will be a little more powerful hp for hp. Pick one that suits your needs and can be serviced locally. Remember, most pontoons need a long shaft version. Personally, I've always had Evinrude 2 strokes but my pontoon has a Merc Bigfoot 4 stroke and I am very pleased with it.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Pontoon motor brands

My last three engines were 115 hp two-strokes. My current engine is a 2010 Mercury 115hp four-stroke. My experience has been that at idle and up to about 2K RPM, the four-stroke is definitely quieter. But above 2K RPM, the four-stroke is at least as noisy as my previous two-strokes, and perhaps even noiser. The rear of this boat and my last two boats were permanently enclosed so that should not be a factor. I'm going to soon experiment with some insulation and perhaps rubber mounts to minimize the noise.

 

[1roadking]

Re: Pontoon motor brands

My Yamaha f 150 is really quite. We can talk over it at 4500 Tom's no problem.

 

[BuckyBadger]

Re: Pontoon motor brands

What horsepower range are you looking at. If you are looking @ 60hp and less I would strongly recommend looking at the Mercury Bigfoot motors. They have the larger gearcase and are made specifically for the heavier load of a pontoon.

If your looking @ 75hp and over its not an issue and +1 on making sure you can get local service.

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Pontoon motor brands

Good point(s) about local service. Might be a good idea to check the BBB for the potential shops too.

 

[aussierescue]

Re: Pontoon motor brands

I think you will jst click to boating sites you will get your answer easily, ok fine
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