Pontoon boats come in a variety of sizes, from under 15 feet to over 30 feet. Like every other type of vehicle, the size of the boat dictates its required horsepower. This brings us to today’s question: what size motor for a 24-foot pontoon boat is most suitable?
The straightforward answer to that question is, for many boaters, a 150 to 175hp engine with double and/or triple-tube configurations is more than enough for a 24-foot pontoon boat.
Continue reading to learn more about pontoon engines and why size matters.
Choosing the Right Motor Size For Your Pontoon
Bigger boats require greater operating power and speed, and therefore larger engines. This is why a pontoon boat’s motor size largely depends on its dimensions.
To accurately determine the right motor size for your pontoon boat, there are several factors to consider, including anticipated load and activity, as well as the number of people on board.
As follows are the recommended motor size for pontoons under 21 feet to over 25 feet:
Pontoons Under 21 Feet
If your pontoon is under 21 feet, the recommended baseline engine is at least 115hp. Motors under 115hp might lessen your boat’s resale value and might not provide you the power you need to push the boat forward.
That being said, 115hp is a great all-around motor choice for most pontoons. If you own a boat larger than 22 feet, you’ll need the proper pontoon set up to compensate for the lack of power. Therefore, if you’re planning to buy a 115hp motor for a boat over 21 feet, you’ll need to pair it with a third tube and several lifting strakes.
A 115hp motor is best suited for light and casual pontoon users, especially those who don’t carry heavy loads. The trip might be a bit sluggish and slow, but if you’re in no big hurry and simply want to enjoy the scenery, you can’t go wrong with a 115hp engine.
Pontoons Between 21-24 Feet
If your pontoon measures anywhere between 21 to 24 feet, and usually carries around four people, an engine with at least 150hp is recommended. This, along with the proper pontoon setup, will ensure a solid boating experience.
Unlike engines with a horsepower of only 115, a 150hp engine can easily push over 30mph. Not exactly record-breaking, but it’s still not bad for a casual and light afternoon drive. It performs quite well on the water and is fairly budget-friendly, making it a top option for most boaters. In short, it’s the versatile “do it all” motor choice.
If you’re carrying a full crew of eight to ten people and usually carry heavy loads with you, we recommend amping up the engine to 175hp.
Pontoons Over 24 Feet
For optimum speed and performance, pontoons over 24 feet shouldn’t settle for less than 200hp. Anything under 200hp prevents the pontoon from operating at peak performance, especially at full capacity.
200hp motors allow boaters to easily pass the 40mph range if they so desire. Keep in mind, however, that 200hp motors typically cost more than the aforementioned engines above. If budget isn’t an issue, go for motors that go over the 200hp mark.
Other Factors That Affect a Pontoon Boat’s Speed
Apart from the motor’s horsepower, there are several other factors that affect the pontoon’s speed. A pontoon’s engine won’t function optimally without proper backup, no matter how high the horsepower. With the right internal components, even a low-power engine can shine.
Tube Diameter
Tube diameters not only can increase a boat’s capacity but can also improve comfort and performance on the water.
In the past, pontoons came with 9, 21, and 23-inch tubes. Today, most pontoons are equipped with at least 23-inch tubes.
If you own a 24-foot pontoon model with a passenger capacity of 13 and a max power of 150hp, your boat must be equipped with at least two 25-inch tubes.
On the other hand, if your boat’s max passenger capacity is 16 with a max power of 225hp, the pontoon works best with three 26-inch tubes.
Generally, the higher the boat’s weight capacity and power, the bigger the tube required.
Tube Number
Some boats require only two tubes, while others need three. If you’re planning to cruise on calm waters, you’ll do well with only two tubes. However, if you’re planning to pull a few tubers or skiers, you might want to add an additional tube to the boat. The more tubes, the higher the speed.
Usually, pontoons with engines over 200hp are better equipped with three tubes, primarily because they offer better balance and weight distribution. The same is said for boaters who frequently pilot choppy and rough waters. Tri-toons float easier on water because they improve the boat’s buoyancy and stability.
That said, some boat models only have two tube options. These boats are designed for casual boaters who go on leisurely voyages in calm waters.
Lifting Strakes
To fully maximize the outboard motor’s potential, professional boaters recommend getting tubes with built-in lifting strakes.
Lifting strakes, which are typically welded directly onto the pontoon, help contribute to the boat’s speed as they displace water by producing lift at the bow. This enables the boat to glide above the water instead of plowing or pushing through it.
Lifting strakes are best equipped on bigger pontoons with engines over 150hp.
Fuel
Gas weighs around eight pounds per gallon on average. Unless you’re planning to spend all day on the boat, it’s best to fill your tank only up to its middle.
Most pontoon boats have a fuel capacity of 20 to 35 gallons. Filling your tank halfway will save at least 100 pounds of gas weight, making your boat lighter and therefore faster.
Wrapping Up
If you own a 24-foot pontoon boat, we recommend getting an engine of at least 150 to 175hp for optimal performance. The higher the horsepower, the greater the speed and weight capacity.
If in doubt, it’s always best to consult a professional dealer to help you determine the right motor for your boat. Good luck!