repowerin' a 'toon ?

[joebehr]

I have a 715 gill getter pontoon boat set up for fishing. Currently powered by 2 stroke Merc 15hp...can use a 30hp according to mfg specs. Instead of buying a 30hp, was thinking of adding a second 15hp Merc that we already own. Please give me feedback ie: pros and cons on this idea...crazy or will it work?

 

[Bayou Dave]

Welcome to iboats!!
My first thought is that you will have 2 of everything to maintain. If you sell the 15 and buy a 30 you only have 1 of everything to maintain. Also, is the engine pod set up for 2 motors?

 

[Silvertip]

Transom space, throttle and steering are all issues you need to contend with. Way too much trouble for too little gain.

 

[steelespike]

Clean up both motors and sell.A single 30 will be more economical ,faster and easier to operate.

 

[ahicks]

What is it that you are trying to accomplish installing the second engine?

Unless it's redundancy for some kind of risky scenario you see frequently, I think you're going to be disappointed. With the others thinking the bigger single would be the better plan for most of us.

 

[Silver Eagle]

If it were me, I'd get a bigger boat, hopefully with a bigger motor.Two motors that small has to be a pain in the butt..Will they both go the same speed.(rpm's)?

 

[joebehr]

Ok so I'll stick with a single motor. My next ?...does anyone use rudders on a pontoon boat?

 

[IslandManMitch]

I have never seen rudders on a pontoon boat. Why would you want rudders?

 

[steelespike]

I think rudders would collect weeds and would require more water to navigate.
On straight inboards they don't work well in reverse.They would be added complication.

 

[HotTommy]

Ok so I'll stick with a single motor. My next ?...does anyone use rudders on a pontoon boat?

Your question begs more questions than answers. Are you asking about putting a rudder behind the motor? Are you trying to steer the boat without having to reach back and manually move the motor? What basic problem are you trying to solve?

 

[ahicks]

Most of us think of the engine's lower unit as a pretty effective rudder. That, coupled with the fact you're directing the engine's thrust when you turn it, makes it work pretty good.

 

[joebehr]

OK...so here's what I did with my 715 GillGetter pontoon. I bought a 25hp long shaft merc with remote cables, but instead of a steering wheel, I installed a stick steer system and a throttle/shifter pod. This way I eliminated the tiller steer pain in the butt...and kept an open deck in front of my seat for fishing ease. It works great.

 

[steelespike]

I always think a stick steer cleans up the interior makes more space.