Repower 20' pontoon

[dcherry]

I am looking to repower a 1988 starcraft SD200 Fisherman(20') pontoon. It is power with an 1987 50 hp evinrude. I'm looking an e-tec. The problem I'm looking at is the weight of the outboard. The old outboard weights about 181 lbs. The new outboard(E-Tec 75 hp) I'm looking at weights around 320 lbs, so is that going to be a problem and if so is there an ways to work around it, or am I stuck with a smaller outboard.

Thanks,
David

 

[5150abf]

Re: Repower 20' pontoon

Other than making the stern ride a little lower it shouldn't be a problem.

What is wrong with the 50?

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Repower 20' pontoon

You might run into the issue I had. My 20' pontoon is rated for a 70 an was made in 87'. I bolted my Johnson 70hp 4 stroke on it (350#) and after the first use the transom was starting to bend/sag where it bolts to the last cross member. I ended up bolting in 2x2x1/4" aluminum tube between the transom pan and the cross members to stiffen it up AND drop it down 2" which eliminated my ventilation problem. If yours is rated for a 90hp then I wouldn't worry as the 90hp engines of that time were in the 300-350# range.

 

[dcherry]

Re: Repower 20' pontoon

There is nothing wrong with the 50. It just needs a good tune up and mabye a new prop.

 

[dcherry]

Re: Repower 20' pontoon

It is only rated for a 70 hp, but since the e-tec's 75 hp and 90 hp wieght about the same I figure I would go with the 90. I would really like to be able to pull the kids on skis or tube.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Repower 20' pontoon

Installing an engine rated 20 HP more than the boat is rated to handle is a little risky don't you think?? Not only does the manufacturer have a better idea of what the boat can handle, but there are a bunch of attorneys that would make sure your boat belongs to someone else should you ever have an incident, especially one where personal injury is involved. If you have the boat insured and you have an incident with an over powered rig they will likely not cover the incident as well. Rethink this carefully. Engine weight is not the only consideration on a repower.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Repower 20' pontoon

If your looking at new engines I would strongly suggest taking a look at the New 2010' Suzuki DF60, its only 226#. They don't show it on the American site yet but it should be hitting dealer showrooms pretty quick. Honda also just released a new lightweight 60hp 4 stroke. The E-tec is also a good choice but there biggest claim to fame is there "light weight" compared to 4 strokes but in the smaller sizes they are actually heavier than some of the 4 stroke competition.