What Size Motor For 24 Foot Pontoon Boat? Know Before You Buy!

Ever wondered about what size motor for 24 foot pontoon boat that you need to buy?

The choice is endless and this can make things tricky for you.

You may be on the lookout for a new pontoon boat but not knowing exactly what style or size you need.

And most importantly, what is the right motor size for your 24-foot pontoon boat?

Size matters, yet that’s not all that you need to consider for your boat. Wondering what these are? Let’s investigate and learn more!

What Size Motor for 24 Foot Pontoon Boat You Should Buy

For the most part, the size of motor largely depends on the dimensions of your boat.

The bigger the boat, and the greater speed you require, the larger the motor size.

When it comes to 16-foot long boats, you may find it ideal to get a 25 horsepower motor. This should be enough when riding the boat at 5 miles per hour in calmer waters.

However, if your boat is longer than 20 feet, then you definitely have to go for 115 horsepower motors or even more.

While smaller engines are not exactly bad, they will not suffice for the size of your boat. Moreover, getting a more powerful motor can improve your boat’s resale value if you want to let go of it in the future.

With these things in mind, a 24-foot boat requires a much more powerful motor. If you expect to transport up to 4 people on the boat while ensuring the smoothest operation of your engine, you should go for 150 horsepower.

Sure, it will not be the fastest it can go but it should be decent enough to transport all the passengers with ease, comfort, and convenience.

So, if your crew includes up to 10 people, ramp up the engine with a 175 horsepower motor. This should make it easy for the boat to cruise smoothly and effortlessly.

Bigger is even better, as far as the motor size goes. As the HP goes up in number, the performance improves tremendously. We are looking at getting a 200 horsepower motor for a fully-loaded boat with the most seamless sailing possible.

Is Motor Size Everything?

When it comes to speed, a few other factors are at play. It is not all about the motor size.

But obviously, the motor’s horsepower has a larger impact since the heavier and the longer your boat is, the larger your outboard motor must be.

Otherwise, this can result in drag, which can wear down your engine later on.

There are other aspects involved in improving the speed. One of these is the tube diameter.

Older pontoons have about 19 to 23-inch tube diameters. And as the tube gets wider, the greater the lift.

This helps relieve the stress on the motor, which also enhances the speed and eliminates drag.

If you have a 24-foot boat, you should opt for a 25-inch tube. Got more cash to spare? You can never go wrong with 27-inch ones!

Along with the tube dimensions, you also need the right tube number. What this means is that the more tubes, the better the speed and the less drag.

Hence, tri-toons have become very popular when it comes to pontoons. If you have a third tube, you can easily pair them off with a 200 or so horsepower motor. Even if you turn the boat, there’s no lean, drag, or slowing down. It is just super smooth and effortless.

Read More: How Much Does It Cost To Bottom Paint A Boat? Shocking Truths and Budget-Saving Tips

Final Words on Motor Size For Pontoon Boats

motor size for pontoon boats

Still not sure that size motor for 24 foot pontoon boat?

That’s easy – you can also consult your local dealer.

These folks can help you out in determining the best motor to buy. For instance, you can lay out pertinent information on the number of crew you’ve got, what activity you have in mind whether it is pulling tubers or skiers, or if you only plan on cruising around on your boat with your family and friends.

By being clear with your purpose and preference, you can get a better idea of the right motor that meets your needs.

We hope this post helped to clear your confusion about the best motor size to get for your 24 foot pontoon boat. Now, you can go ahead and take your pick from these options or consult your local dealer for professional advice you need.

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