When it comes to purchasing a vessel, one of the elements that boaters need to consider is its velocity capacity. There are many influencing factors, from the design to the purpose of these vessels.
Hence, boat operators may know about pontoon crafts as a vessel that is not so ideal in performing at top speed.
Although boat operators do not immediately think of pontoons when seeking top speeds, the max speed of pontoon boats is decent, ranging between 17 to 25 miles per hour.
Still, it is still necessary for boaters to know the answer to “How fast do pontoon boats go?” A fast pontoon boat can improve your boating experience as it provides excitement.
Also, other suggestions on selecting a pontoon boat will be highlighted. Make sure you stick with us until the end!
Table of Contents
Elements That Influence the Velocity of a Pontoon Vessel
Some boaters may think that engine power is the only factor that deeply affects a pontoon vessel’s velocity. Still, aside from the motor capacity, there are many other elements that influence the performance of a watercraft.
1. Cargo and weight
Although each boat is unique, we can make a broad statement about how cargo and weight influence your speed. For instance, you should anticipate to lose 15% of the velocity capacity if you include 1,000 pounds on your pontoon vessel.
If you own a 22-foot pontoon boat with no gear or passengers on board and often travel at the speed of 29 miles an hour, that’s a great acceleration for most boaters.
If you add more than 1,000 pounds of people and cargo to your decks, the pontoon watercraft velocity will drop to 24.5 mph.
2. Propeller
Unless you specifically request an improvement, most new vessels come with a suitable propeller but it is nothing too extravagant. Safe components are made to work in normal, everyday situations.
Many boaters will modernize their vessels over time by purchasing a smaller product with higher revs each minute. Based on the acceptable ranges of your pontoon engine, you can attain quicker speeds by replacing the propeller with one that generates higher RPMs.
3. Maintenance
Maintenance is mentioned in this section because it is critical to the boat’s performance. If your vessel is in good shape, its general velocity and stability will also be better.
Maintain it on a regular basis and make sure the bottom of your pontoon is clean as well. You can add an aluminum covering to the underside of the boat to minimize the drag caused by winds or water splashes. This is a technique known as under-skinning. It will create a change in how smoothly and quickly your pontoon dangles.
How Fast Can Pontoon Boats Go? – With Horsepower Limitation
How quickly can pontoon boats travel? The differences in the power’s capacity of each boat engine can be the answer. To learn more about this subject, below is the pontoon boat speed chart measured in horsepower.
1. From 9.9 HP to 25 HP
Thanks to the diversity of size and design, pontoon boats can even adapt to 9.9hp engines. We strongly suggest a Yamaha “high-thrust” 9.9 hp motor, which includes a bigger propeller and allows maneuvering your pontoon vessel much simpler, even with a weaker motor.
Engines with 15 to 30 hp are the next size up, with 25 hp being the most prevalent. You’ll have a little more strength than the 9.9 hp one, but these are built to cruise slowly. You should also give high-thrust products serious consideration.
2. From 40 HP to 60 HP
With 40 to 60 hp outboard, you can achieve greater speeds and even tow a tube. This is a great range for boaters having small kids who just wish to tube and don’t expect high-speed thrills. Still, performing the pontoon within its suggested speed range is highly recommended.
The average power of this range, 50hp, varies from 15 to 18 mph. The 50 hp has a top speed of 18 mph. It’s what you’ll need while traveling on an ocean tour and letting the kids go tubing.
These abilities might be expected from a standard pontoon craft that costs between $15,000 and $20,000. Also, it’s a good idea to factor in other costs like insurance, petrol, warehousing, maintenance, and other incidental charges. These might total up to $600.
3. From 75 HP to 90 HP
Pontoons with 75 hp to 90 hp engines may travel at speeds of up to 22 miles an hour. This is great for towing children while tubing and kneeboarding. Cost for these vessels might vary between $20,000 and $32,000 depending on their size. Thus, you should expect to spend up to $900 each year for maintenance costs.
4. From 115 HP to 200 HP
If you have teenagers or youngsters, a 115 hp pontoon boat is perfect. Because the pace ranges from 22 to 25 miles an hour, they are also suitable for high-adrenaline activities. The price might be $28,000 or $29,000, plus $1,000 or $1,500 for routine maintenance.
A 24 ft pontoon with 150 hp engine has an ordinary peak speed of 38.2 mph, with velocities ranging from 35 mph to 43.7 mph.
On the other hand, if you have a 200 hp motor, general maneuvering, docking, and sailing with a headwind will be a breeze. It ensures safety, especially when traveling with several guests.
The max speed is 32 or 35 mph. The pricing range is between $26,000 and $33,000, with annual maintenance expenses between $2,500 and $2,800.
5. 300 HP
This horsepower is capable of reaching speeds of 39 to 40 mph. Despite the fact that there are multiple passengers aboard, maneuverability is simple. It’s a setup that ensures safety.
Older pontoon boats with this motor power may sell for $30,000 or less. Luxury products, which can cost up to $70,000, have seen a price hike. You’ll also need to spend money on maintenance to keep the peak speed the same. It usually costs around $3,200 or even more.
Average Pontoon Boat Speed With Examples
Different types of pontoons have various average speeds. Brands with strong American muscle motors tend to travel faster. Meanwhile, those who have weaker engines cruise slowly on quiet water.
In this part, we will provide several examples to help you find out more about pontoon velocity by models.
1. Bass Buggy 16 XL
The boat is 18 feet and 5 inches long overall. It can support a gross weight of 1090 pounds. The vessel has a maximum loading capacity of 1550 pounds for people, equipment, and engine. The watercraft can handle up to 7 persons. The boat’s maximum suggested energy is 50 horsepower.
2. G3 Suncatcher 22 V22RF
The Suncatcher 22 is a 22-foot long boat with an engine ranging from 90 to 115 hp. The 90 hp version has a peak velocity of 22 mph, whereas the 115 hp edition has a top speed of around 31 mph (while carrying a very light load).
3. Tritoon 26
The Tritoon is 26 feet in length and features a 175 hp engine. With an average amount of cargo,, the strong engine propels the vessel up to 35 mph.
4. Gigantic 30
The Gigantic 30 is a 30-foot vessel and powered by a 115hp engine. Because of its size, this sailboat has a peak speed of roughly 15 mph.
5. Low Ultra 180 Cruise
The overall size of the watercraft is more than 19 feet, while its deck length is around 17 feet. The vessel has a maximum passenger maximum load of 1310 pounds, as well as a carrying load of 1938 pounds for people, equipment, and engine. To perform the maximum speed in this boat, it’s necessary to include a 75hp engine.
Conclusion
How fast do pontoon boats go? After reading our article, the answer should be clear. Depending on the horsepower limits, each pontoon vessel has its own maximum speed. By understanding the factors that affect the pontoon’s performance, boaters can maintain and improve the capacity of their vessels.
I hope that this post was helpful to your boating experience! Did you enjoy the article? Do you want to add anything else? Please let me know and leave a comment below.
Ten years of enjoying countless trips on boats never made me love them any less! So I am here to put all those experiences into good use for other boaters who want to have a safe and fun trip with their friends and families.