What size motor does a pontoon boat need to pull a tube?
One of the biggest differences between a pontoon boat and a ski boat is horsepower. A ski boat may be able to tow water tubes with a motor of 100 bhp, but a pontoon boat needs about 150 bhp to pull tubes. Pontoons are excellent for the intercoastal, bays, rivers, etc. They are not made to go 30-40 miles offshore. A good rule of thumb is to ensure you can always see the shore and boat in waves no larger than three to four feet. Anything higher, and you could run into issues.Saltwater use should be confined primarily to bays and inlets. A pontoon is not made to be an ocean going craft and as such can only be used in the ocean if conditions are similar to an inland lake and only close to shore.Disadvantages of a Pontoon Boat Pontoons don’t run very fast, nor do they have a great range. It’s a great boat for a day on the water with friends and/or family, but don’t plan on venturing out very far with it. Ride safety can be a drawback for some because when the water gets rough, a pontoon doesn’t perform well.Pontoon boats have a few key characteristics that make them inherently lower maintenance than other boats on the market. They are a lot less delicate, and they are not going to rust as easily. Most pontoon boats come with an aluminum hull which is non-corrosive and not susceptible to rusting.You can absolutely use a pontoon boat in the ocean, but it takes some steps to ensure your boat is equipped to handle the saltwater. If a pontoon boat isn’t classed as a saltwater pontoon boat, then it can easily be done for a low cost.
What is the most expensive thing to repair on a boat?
The most expensive thing to repair on a boat is typically the engine or engines—especially on larger vessels or those with high-performance, inboard, or diesel engines. Boats older than 10 years may offer big savings, but they can also bring hidden repair costs. On the other hand, buying newer may reduce upkeep but cost more upfront.Cost Compared to Buying New Aside from sentimental value, many people opt for restoration because it’s cost-effective compared to purchasing a new boat. While material expenses can accumulate, they don’t compare to the hefty price tags of brand-new boats.Aside from sentimental value, many people opt for restoration because it’s cost-effective compared to purchasing a new boat. While material expenses can accumulate, they don’t compare to the hefty price tags of brand-new boats.
What is the average lifespan of a pontoon boat?
Typically, a well-maintained pontoon boat can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years or even longer. Is it okay to buy a 20-year-old boat? Buying a 20-year-old boat can be a smart move if it’s been cared for well. Check for wear and tear signs. Also, look at its maintenance history to judge its condition.
How fast will a 20 foot pontoon boat go with a 115HP motor?
With a 115 hp motor, you should be hitting the optimal speed even if your boat is pretty well loaded down with people. For most pontoon boat captains, the real goal is to hit the golden 22 mph (36 kph) mark. At that point, your fishing/cruising rig becomes a nice watersports rig. With a 115 hp motor, you should be hitting the optimal speed even if your boat is pretty well loaded down with people. For most pontoon boat captains, the real goal is to hit the golden 22 mph (36 kph) mark. At that point, your fishing/cruising rig becomes a nice watersports rig.I have same size pontoon with Yamaha 90 four stroke high output. With 5 people I get 24 MPH At 5200 RPM. We have a 20 with a 90 hp. Get right about 20 mph.In today’s market, high-performance pontoon boats are becoming more commonplace and they are equipped with single or twin engines of 150 to 400HP each. These are great for high-speed watersports, in addition to fast cruising and other fun activities.Disadvantages of a Pontoon Boat Pontoons don’t run very fast, nor do they have a great range. It’s a great boat for a day on the water with friends and/or family, but don’t plan on venturing out very far with it. Ride safety can be a drawback for some because when the water gets rough, a pontoon doesn’t perform well.