The speed of a 150 HP pontoon boat can vary depending on several factors, including the weight of the boat, the number of passengers, and the water conditions. However, on average, a 150 HP pontoon boat can reach speeds between 25 to 35 miles per hour (40 to 56 kilometers per hour). This speed range is suitable for most recreational activities, such as fishing, cruising, and water sports. It’s important to note that pontoon boats are not designed for speed but rather for stability and comfort, so it’s crucial to always operate the boat safely and responsibly.
How fast can a Pontoon boat go?
Pontoon boats are a popular choice for water recreation. They’re stable, affordable, and easy to operate. But how fast do they go? The average speed of a pontoon boat is 17 MPH, which can go up to 50 MPH. That’s not too bad, but it’s not as fast as some people might like.
The average fastest recorded speed on the internet was 55 MPH with a light to medium load weighing 75 pounds or less. So if you’re looking for something that moves, a pontoon might not be the best option.
Pontoon boats are typically slower than caravans or canoes–which makes sense since they’re wider and heavier. Pontoon boats with up to 115 hp can reach speeds of 15 mph–that’s more in line with what people are looking for.
Pontoon boats with up to 24 feet are capable of reaching speeds around 25 mph, and larger party barges can reach a speed of 38 km/h (24 miles per hour). If you have a lot of passengers or need to make good time, these will be your best options.
The Sweetwater bass boat can go at 18-20 mph on average, while the Bass Buggy can get up to 17mph or 27 kilometers an hour.
Tritons can go up to 35 mph with a medium/heavy load, 26 ft long, and 175 hp engine. But even with that much power, they’re still not as fast as some people might want.
For the most part, pontoon boats are best for people who don’t need to rush and want something affordable and easy to operate.
Different Speeds of various pontoon boat models
If you’re in the market for a pontoon boat, you might be wondering about the different speeds available with different models. While the speed of a pontoon boat can depend on several factors, including engine size, weight, and water conditions, we’ve compiled a list of some popular pontoon boat models and their estimated speed range. Check out the table below for more information on speed and fuel consumption for each model, along with the size and horsepower range. Please keep in mind that these figures are only estimates, and actual speeds and fuel consumption may vary depending on several factors. Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and operate your boat safely and responsibly.
| Pontoon Model | Size | Horse Power | Max Speed | Fuel Consumption |
| Bass Buggy | 16 feet | 40 | 15 mph | 4 GPH |
| Bennington SX | 22-28 feet | 115-200 | 25-35 mph | 6-12 GPH |
| Harris Cruiser | 20-26 feet | 90-200 | 20-30 mph | 6-12 GPH |
| Sweetwater | 24 feet | 90 | 18 mph | 8 GPH |
| Sun tracker | 18 feet | 60 | 21 mph | 9.10 GPH |
| Gigantic | 30 feet | 115 | 21 mph | 10.5 GPH |
| Starcraft | 20 feet | 70 | 23 mph | 8 GPH |
| Party Barge | 18 feet | 75 | 24 mph | 9.5 GPH |
| Bennington | 24 feet | 150 | 25 mph | 15 GPH |
| Lowe | 24 feet | 300 | 50 mph | 26.2 GPH |
Factors that can affect a pontoon boat’s speed
Several factors can affect the speed of a pontoon boat. The most important factors are:
Engine Type
The engine type of a pontoon boat can have a significant effect on its speed. There are two main types of engines used in pontoon boats: inboard and outboard engines.
Inboard engines are typically larger and more powerful than outboard engines, which can result in higher speeds. However, inboard engines can be more expensive to maintain and repair, and they require more space in the boat.
Outboard engines, on the other hand, are generally smaller and more fuel-efficient than inboard engines. They can also be easier to maintain and repair, and they take up less space in the boat. However, their power output is usually lower, which can result in lower speeds.
In addition to the type of engine, the horsepower and torque of the engine can also affect the boat’s speed. A higher horsepower engine can provide more power to the boat and result in higher speeds, while a lower horsepower engine may not be as powerful and may result in lower speeds.
It’s important to choose the right engine type and horsepower for your pontoon boat based on your specific needs and intended use.
Weight
Weight can have a significant impact on the speed of a pontoon boat. The weight of the boat itself, as well as the weight of its passengers and cargo, can affect the boat’s performance in the water. A heavier boat will require more power to move through the water, which can result in slower speeds.
To optimize the speed of a pontoon boat, it’s important to avoid overloading it with too much weight. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum weight capacity and distribute the weight evenly throughout the boat to maintain proper balance and stability.
In addition to the weight of the boat and its contents, the weight distribution of the passengers can also affect the boat’s speed. Having too many people sitting at the front or back of the boat can cause it to become unbalanced, which can slow it down and make it less maneuverable.
Propeller size and pitch
Propeller size and pitch can also have a significant impact on the speed of a pontoon boat. The size of the propeller refers to its diameter, while the pitch refers to the angle at which the blades are positioned.
A larger propeller with a higher pitch can provide more power to the boat, resulting in higher speeds. However, it’s important to choose the right propeller size and pitch for your specific boat and engine, as a propeller that is too large or too small can actually decrease performance and speed.
In addition to size and pitch, the number of blades on the propeller can also affect the boat’s speed. Propellers with fewer blades tend to be more efficient and provide higher speeds, while those with more blades provide better maneuverability and stability.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the optimal performance and speed of a pontoon boat. Proper maintenance can help to identify and address any issues before they become significant problems and can help to prolong the life of your boat and engine.
Some important maintenance tasks for a pontoon boat include:
- Cleaning the boat and engine regularly to remove dirt, debris, and salt buildup that can affect performance and cause corrosion.
- Checking the oil and other fluid levels in the engine and changing the oil and filter regularly ensures the engine runs smoothly.
- Inspecting the propeller for damage or wear and replacing it if necessary.
- Check the fuel system for leaks and replace damaged or worn hoses or connections.
- Testing the battery regularly and replacing it if it’s not charging.
- Inspecting the hull and deck for damage and repairing any cracks or leaks to prevent water from entering the boat.
Tips to make your pontoon boat go faster
Here are some tips to help make your pontoon boat go faster:
- Trim the engine – Adjusting the engine’s tilt can help optimize the boat’s performance and speed. Experiment with different trim positions to find the sweet spot that provides the best balance of speed and stability.
- Reduce weight – As we mentioned earlier, weight can significantly impact the speed of your pontoon boat. To make it go faster, try to reduce the weight on board as much as possible. This might mean leaving unnecessary gear and equipment onshore or limiting the number of passengers on board.
- Upgrade the propeller – Upgrading your boat’s propeller to a larger size or one with a higher pitch can increase its power and speed. Be sure to choose a propeller that’s designed for your specific engine and boat.
- Optimize fuel delivery – If your pontoon boat has a carbureted engine, upgrading to a fuel-injection system can help to optimize fuel delivery and increase speed and performance.
- Maintain the engine – Keeping your engine in top condition is essential for maximizing speed and performance. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups, can help to ensure that your engine is running at its best.
By following these tips, you can help to optimize the speed and performance of your pontoon boat and enjoy a more exciting and exhilarating ride on the water.
What is the boat’s horsepower?
The horsepower of a boat is the engine’s ability to generate power. Boats with high horsepower engines can move faster than those with low horsepower engines. However, the horsepower of a boat is not directly related to how fast it can go because other factors are also involved in speed.
How fast will a 24-foot pontoon boat go?
A 24-foot pontoon boat with a 150 HP engine can travel at a speed of approximately 20 miles per hour. This is the maximum speed that can be achieved on flat water. If you are traveling in choppy or rough water, the maximum speed will be reduced to 15 miles per hour.
How fast does a 50-hp pontoon boat go?
On average, a 50-hp pontoon boat can reach a top speed of around 20 to 25 miles per hour (32 to 40 kilometers per hour). However, this can vary depending on the specific boat and engine.
