When choosing an engine for your pontoon boat, there are so many factors to consider such as:
- Dealer recommendations
- Size and capacity
- Boat activities
- Water conditions
- Boat components
How do I choose the right engine size for my Boat?
Although settling on an engine size may seem somewhat intimidating if you’ve never purchased a boat before, it’s fortunately a fairly straightforward process. The boats you look at should be rated for the maximum horsepower they can handle, and this is always the amount you should aim for.
How much horsepower does a boat engine have?
Which specific type of engine you end up with will depend largely on the type of watercraft and the areas in which you’ll be sailing. Horsepower can range anywhere from 2.5 hp all the way up to over 1,000 hp for certain types of outboard motors .
What do you look for when buying a boat?
The exact model of the boat, your application or use, engine room layout and room to work with (we both want to be sure that the engine (s) are easy to maintain), and some budget questions… See, I told you I go about this differently!
How to choose a propeller for your boat?
When choosing a propeller, choose a pitch that will keep the engine RPM in its recommended operating range. Going under the range will cause the boat to lug, while going over can cause engine strain. Blades have other important features built into their design. Rake is the angle between the blade and the hub.
How do I choose a boat engine?
Choose the Right SizeFind the Capacity Plate. Your boat should feature a capacity plate issued by the coast guard to tell you the safe and appropriate horsepower and total weight limit for your boat. ... Choosing a Horsepower. Let's assume your boat has a maximum horsepower rating of 20 hp. ... Weight Considerations.
What size motor do I need for a 18 foot boat?
Some 90-hp engines in 18' aluminum boats with two people aboard will perform almost as well at cruise and have a WOT in the low 40s. 16' aluminum boats are popular and a 60-hp engine will typically propel them from 25 mph to 30 mph top speed, depending on load.
What size motor do I need for a 16 foot boat?
60 horsepower motorAn aluminum boat that is 16 feet long needs to have a 60 horsepower motor. Once equipped, it can have a speed of 25 to 30 miles per hour.
What size motor do I need for a 14 foot boat?
Typical horsepower for a 14-foot jon boat would be between 15 HP and 20 HP although up to 25 HP is not uncommon either. 20 HP can comfortably give you a top speed of 20mph, potentially even stretching to 25mph depending on weather conditions and the weight on the boat.
How fast will a 25hp outboard go?
A 25hp Pontoon boat will not be very fast, with an expected maximum speed of between 5 and 10 mph. Most commercially accessible pontoon boats tend to average between 18 and 25 mph, although there are a few very quick production boats on the marketplace, plus some altered ones that have recently set world records.
How many hp Does my boat need?
How Much Horsepower Do I Need For My Boat? The safest way to determine how much horsepower you need for your boat is to know the total weight of your boat. The rule of thumb is to have 25-40 pounds of weight per 1 horsepower. If your boat weight is 800 pounds you would need a 32-20 horsepower engine.
What size motor should I put on my boat?
The rule of thumb is based on weight alone, and says you should have between 40 and 25 pounds of weight for each horsepower. For example, a 5,000-pound boat could have an engine with between 125 and 200 horsepower.
How fast will a 150 hp Mercury outboard go?
With the Evinrude G2 150 HO, the Ranger does 58 MPH, equipped with a Raker HO prop: 14 ½ diameter, 24” pitch.
How fast will a 115 hp outboard go?
115 HP. The Yamaha Outboard VF115 V MAX SHO is the fastest 115-hp four-stroke ever, with a top speed of nearly 51 mph. This 377-pounds outboard is a class leader in torque, top speed and efficiency.
How much HP does a 14ft boat need?
Some 14's are wide and deep and could handle a 25 while others are narrow and shallow and would be scary at any higher speed or even sitting still with all that weight. A 15 hp is a good compromise, same weight as a 9.9 and enough speed.
What is the max HP for a 14 foot aluminum boat?
14 foot Jon Boats average a maximum horsepower of 15-20hp but some will fall outside of that range based on the specific boat.
How fast does a 9.9 boat motor go?
Assuming this is a light 14' utility boat and a standard 9.9, Mercury would recommend a 8.5 to 9.5 pitch prop for the OP's application and predicts a top speed around 20 mph.
What size trolling motor do I need for a 17 foot boat?
Trolling Motor Thrust GuideBoat Weight (lbs)1,0001,500Boat Length14-16'17'Minimum Thrust5555Performance Thrust*5080Motor Voltage12v12/24v
What size motor should I put on my boat?
The rule of thumb is based on weight alone, and says you should have between 40 and 25 pounds of weight for each horsepower. For example, a 5,000-pound boat could have an engine with between 125 and 200 horsepower.
What size trolling motor do I need for a 22 ft boat?
Trolling motor size chartBoat weight (fully loaded)Boat LengthMinimum thrust required2500 lbs18 - 19 ft50 lbs3000 lbs20 - 21 ft60 lbs3500 lbs22 - 23 ft70 lbs4000 lbs24 - 25 ft80 lbs5 more rows
How fast is a 10 hp boat motor?
Note: Many factors can affect the real-world performance of the 10 HP outboard motor, including the boat type, load, weather, battery type and capacity. That's to say, with one single charge, you can go over 40 miles at 5 mph speed.
How many miles does it take to run a diesel boat?
The diesel sips half as much fuel as the gas sterndrive, but, at 20 mph, it will take you 22,373 miles to recover the extra initial cost of the diesel engine. At 34.7 mph, it will take 18,719 miles to break even. That's 540 hours of running, which for the average American boater is five summers worth of cruising the lake.
How much horsepower does a Cummins 1.7 have?
Cummins and MerCruiser have a new joint venture building small diesels for pleasure boats. We tried a 1.7-liter turbocharged inline Four rated at 120 hp and 195 ft.-lb. of torque. Equipped with the same Alpha 1 lower unit as the MerCruiser 3.0L gas sterndrive, the engine/drive package costs $12,000.
How much oil does a Mercury 135 take?
But wait. A 2-cycle engine lubricates its bearings by oil injection. Even something as clean-running as this Optimax 135 still goes through roughly 1.7 gal. of oil for every 85-gal. tank of gas. In our neighborhood, Mercury Marine's Quicksilver 2-Cycle Outboard Oil sells for $15.99 per gallon. This calculates to about 12 cents per mile. We get a total cost for fuel and oil of about 71 cents per mile at 20 mph and 82 cents per mile at 34.7 mph.
How fast is a 2002 Walkaround Outboard?
The gas sterndrive out-accelerates the Optimax outboard at speeds up to 20 mph.
What is the standard setup for Trophy 2052?
Trophy's standard setup for its 2052 Walkaround is the MerCruiser 3.0L. This is an overhead-valve inline Four of 3.0 liters and 135 hp, with two valves per cylinder and a 2-barrel carburetor. It runs happily on 87 octane gasoline. Connected to MerCruiser's equally basic Alpha 1 sterndrive, the engine/drive unit weighs 635 pounds ...
How fast is the Optimax?
You pay for this performance. At WOT, the Optimax burns 14.2 gph. At the 34.7-mph top speed of the sterndrive, the outboard burns 13.4 gph. Throttle back to a 20-mph cruise, however, and the outboard delivers a comparable 6.5 gph. We calculate a cruising range of 261 miles for the Trophy 2002 and a fuel cost of roughly 58 cents per mile at 20 mph. At 34.7 mph, the outboard fuel costs around 69 cents per mile.
How much does a 1.7 MS120 cost?
The 1.7 MS120 diesel is quieter, slower in acceleration, and costs $1385 more than the Optimax and $5101 more than the sterndrive. However, it burns significantly less fuel, compared to the Optimax, and will offset the extra cost in just 2924 miles at 34.7 mph.
How Much Horsepower Do You Need for Your Boat?
However, engines with too much horsepower can damage your boat by placing extra pressure on it that it wasn’t designed to handle. Typically, you’ll want your engine to have one horsepower for every 25 to 40 pounds of the boat’s weight.
What is a marine diesel engine?
Marine diesel engines are crucial to powering both commercial and personal boats while out on the water. When you’re outfitting your boat with a marine engine, it’s crucial you select the right engine type for your vessel and the right horsepower. By choosing the right diesel engine for your boat, you can get the best performance out of your vessel, helping it reach top speeds and handle better.
What is Cat Marine?
When you purchase a Cat marine engine from Louisiana Cat, you’ll get access to ongoing product support throughout the engine’s life. This support includes service, replacement parts and rebuilds. Our 24-hour emergency service ensures you’ll have a professional ready to assist you at any time if a part breaks down and you need a repair. Additionally, our commissioning and field technicians are highly trained, with a background of offshore experience to assist with any support you might need.
The different types of outboard motors
The outboard motor has the advantage of being able to be raised or tilted to protect fragile parts. But there are different types. These boat engines can run on gasoline, diesel or electric, not to mention the “pod drive”.
The different gasoline engines
As a rule, the gasoline engine is more powerful than the electric motor. It is recommended in waters with strong currents, for large boats, for long distances or to go fast. It has the advantage of being able to refuel with a container carried on board.
Electric motors: what do you need to know?
In some areas, it may be prohibited to use a gasoline engine. The electric motor is then the solution. These motors operate on batteries which must be charged by means of an electrical power source. They have many advantages: they are silent (perfectly adapted for a fishing boat), without gas emission and vibrate little.
Choosing the right horsepower for an outboard motor
Power ranges from 0.5 to 450 HP and is not limited to the speed it achieves. It gives better handling even at low speed but also better lift-off if you plan to water ski and, generally, better seakeeping. It is recommended to opt for a power as close as possible to the maximum allowed by the boat.
Choosing the right motor assembly for your boat
Engine power is not everything. Most outboard motors come in different shaft lengths. As a reminder, the shaft is the distance between the underside of the mounting bracket (which rests on the transom) and the anti-cavitation plate.
The best brands of outboard motors we recommend
Many brands offer outboard motors. Before choosing, remember to check the presence of a maintenance network nearby. The engines must in fact be checked every year to benefit from a guarantee in the event of damage.
How much horsepower does an outboard motor have?
Horsepower can range anywhere from 2.5 hp all the way up to over 1,000 hp for certain types of outboard motors . Choosing the appropriate engine size for your boat will make it that much easier for you to enjoy your time out on the water.
Why is it important to know the maximum amount of power a boat can handle?
That is why it’s important to find out the maximum amount of power the watercraft can handle — this rating will account for how much weight the boat could potentially be taking on with a full passenger load, and will, therefore, be a more accurate gauge of the power you’ll need.
Why are bigger motors better than smaller motors?
Bigger motors provide better handling, especially at midrange speeds. This means that water skiing and other sports will be easier, and you’ll have a better time maneuvering in general . In rough weather, larger motors can prove particularly useful, giving you more control and security in choppy conditions.
What are the benefits of a bigger motor?
Bigger motors and higher horsepower have a long list of benefits when it comes to boating. First and foremost, you’ll get more speed , making for more exhilarating rides. However, there’s much more to it than that.
Why are larger motors better for rough weather?
In rough weather, larger motors can prove particularly useful, giving you more control and security in choppy conditions. Another perk of a larger motor is, counterintuitively, the fact that it uses less fuel, according to Discover Boating.
Why is my boat eat up so much fuel?
A motor that is too small will struggle to power the boat and will, therefore, eat up significantly more fuel. A larger motor may have a bigger fuel tank, but it will go through this fuel more slowly, as it is not struggling to power a boat that is too heavy.
How long is a powerboat?
Any powerboat that’s less than 20 feet in length is required to have that capacity plate available for you.
Does color matter what engine color?
You must understand this concept, and it does not matter what color the engine is anymore:
Is a boat in good trim?
It’s really that simple because we will all assume that the hull you are working with is well proportioned & designed, the boat is in good trim as it relates to weight distribution, the prop and running gear is in first-class condition, etc, etc. This also means that the boat is set up and equipped per your needs, and all the rest that comes with owning, or building, a new boat…
Where is the outboard mounted on a boat?
An outboard is generally petrol powered (with a few notable diesel outboard and electric outboard exceptions) and mounted on the transom at the back of the boat.
What is an inboard engine?
An inboard engine, which can be petrol or diesel, sits inside the hull and propels it either via a sterndrive leg mounted on the transom or via a shaft that passes through the bottom of the hull with a propeller on the end of it and a rudder behind it for steering.
What is a planing hull?
These days most entry-level motorboats have planing hulls. Designed for cruising efficiently at higher speeds, they create dynamic lift, allowing them to rise up onto the surface reducing drag and allowing them to skim across the waves rather than push through them.
What are the downsides of a planing hull?
The downside of a planing hull is that it can slam uncomfortably in rough seas and isn’t as well suited to displacement cruising as a smoother round-bilge hull shape.
How fast can a Fleming hull go?
This hull shape, favoured by the likes of Fleming Yachts, is a best-of-both-worlds solution that can travel long distances comfortably and efficiently at displacement speeds but can also up the pace to 20 knots or more for shorter distances, albeit while using considerably more fuel.
What are the three main types of hulls?
The three main hull types are displacement, semi-displacement (sometimes referred to as semi-planing) and planing.
When was How to Start Boating published?
First published in the May 2021 issue of Motor Boat & Yachting. Our How to start boating series is brought to you in association with Pantaenius.
How to choose a boat?
Let’s be honest, everyone who has a boat uses it for different things on different occasions, so when you are choosing a boat, focus on what you will be using it for most often .
What Will You Use Your Boat For?
There are a ton of boat types available and it can be overwhelming when you are deciding what will be the best fit for you and your family.
What are the different types of boats?
There are pontoon boats, runabouts, wake boats, water ski boats center console boats, bowriders, deck boats, bass boats, catamarans, and the list goes on. Some of these are built with a specific purpose in mind, while others serve the more general boating population.
What is a bowrider boat?
Bowriders are vee-hull boats with seating at the helm, in the stern, and a separate seating area in the bow. They are quick and nimble and can be used for water skiing and tubing, though that isn’t there intended purpose. Bowriders aren’t as easy to move around on as a pontoon boat but will have a more fun driving and riding experience.
What is the best boat for a lot of people?
When you are looking for a more generic boat, however, it is only personal preference that will influence your decision, not need. Pontoon Boats are the perfect boat for a lot of people . They are stable, have a lot of room on the deck, and are great for taking a lot of people for a cruise around the lake. Also, with an almost endless sizes and ...
Why are water ski boats narrower than wake boats?
They are usually more narrow and lighter weight than their wake boat cousins because a skier needs a much smaller wake and tends to be pulled at a slightly higher speed.
Why do catamarans have a dual hull?
Catamarans use a dual hull and are designed to provide a very stable ride in rough conditions. The dual hull helps transfer energy generated by waves from hull to hull, keeping the boat relatively stable. Like center consoles, they usually have large open spaces around the deck for uninhibited movement.
How to test a boat prop?
To test the prop, run the boat at WOT and observe the maximum engine RPM on a tachometer. If the RPM is below the recommended operating range, switch to a propeller with lower pitched blades. If the RPM is higher, switch to a propeller with higher pitched blades.
How to choose a propeller pitch?
When choosing a propeller, choose a pitch that will keep the engine RPM in its recommended operating range. Going under the range will cause the boat to lug, while going over can cause engine strain. Blades have other important features built into their design. Rake is the angle between the blade and the hub.
What is the diameter of a propeller?
All props will be described by two numbers, such as 13 x 21. Those numbers are the diameter and pitch. Diameter is the overall size of the blade as measured from the tips. A large diameter propeller can push more water than a small diameter propeller, creating more power. Diameter is predetermined by the manufacturer for a family of products. Your prop selection will be focused on the pitch.
Why are 3 blades used in boating?
That’s why three blade propellers are the most common for general purpose boating. Three blades props provide the best combination of performance, speed, and efficiency.
What is the best prop for water skiing?
Keep a spare prop onboard for emergency situations. One recommendation is to buy a spare propeller that is two inches lower in pitch than your standard propeller. This reduction in pitch is perfect for tow sports, such as water skiing, due to a slower acceleration and higher power.
How does propeller choice affect performance?
The propeller choice directly affects the engine RPM and therefore its performance. Choose a propeller that puts the engine RPM at the midpoint or higher of the wide open throttle (WOT) range with a normal load. This operating range will translate to the highest horsepower available from your outboard.
What degree of rake should a boat prop have?
Props have between 0 and 20 degrees rake. The rake angle determines how much the bow lifts out of the water. High rake propellers are ideal for light-weight, high speed boats. Too much rake, however, will strain the engine and reduce overall performance.
