Newbie buying a new pontoon

hettman · #1 July 16th, 2009, 01:28 AM

Hello,
I'm looking at buying a pontoon, it's a used 21 foot Odyssey w/ a 40hp merc. Wife and I looked around and we agree we like the floor plan of this boat. Will the 40hp be ok for a while until I upgrade? also when I don't have kids I was thinking about taking this on the Ohio river, Should I have any problems? What should my max cruising speed be? Net weight 1850.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Zeeter · #2 July 16th, 2009, 09:37 AM

That's a little light on power for a 21.
I would guess top speed in the 15 MPH range. Cruise at maybe 8 to 10.

EGlideRider · #3 July 16th, 2009, 10:26 AM

I agree with Zeeter.

OldePharte · #4 July 16th, 2009, 11:31 AM

Although I am not a river runner, I would be nervous taking that setup on the Ohio River. My concern would be trying to navigate up stream without having any extra HP available to fight the current in an emergency.

lowell7963 · #5 July 16th, 2009, 01:23 PM

I have a 24ft with 50HP Bigfoot. I go on Ohio River quite often. Top speed with GPS is 19mph upstream. I always avoid the river during high water and high currents. And of course usually play upstream even on calm river.

You can go to the mercury website and look up performance for the motor, expecially expected mph. Not sure if your boat choice is in there.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/look_de...outboardChecks

Jeep Man · #6 July 16th, 2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowell7963

I have a 24ft with 50HP Bigfoot. I go on Ohio River quite often. Top speed with GPS is 19mph upstream. I always avoid the river during high water and high currents. And of course usually play upstream even on calm river.

You can go to the mercury website and look up performance for the motor, expecially expected mph. Not sure if your boat choice is in there.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/look_de...outboardChecks

Big difference in a regular 40hp and a Bigfoot. Much bigger prop and more thrust.