How Fast Does A Pontoon Boat Go? Pontoon Boat Speeds 2023

Reviewed By Boatsbuilding Expert

Pontoon boats are a great way to have fun out on the water and enjoy the fresh air. But how fast can they go?

Pontoon boats have become increasingly popular over the years because they offer a variety of benefits, including stability, a spacious deck, and a comfortable ride.

But if you want a boat for speed, you might wonder how fast pontoon boats go.

The answer depends on various factors, including the boat’s size, the engine’s type, and the water’s conditions.

Pontoon boats generally reach speeds up to 30 mph or more, depending on the engine type and the conditions.

Read on to learn more about how fast pontoon boats can go and how to maximize your boat’s performance.

Factors that Affect Pontoon Boat Speed

Factors that Affect Pontoon Boat Speed

The specific factors that affect the speed of a pontoon boat will depend on the model of the boat you’re using.

Some general factors will affect every boat’s speed, including the following:

When it comes to speed, the type of engine is another important consideration.

Two main engines can be used on a pontoon boat: stern drive and outboard.

Stern drive engines are typically located in the back of the boat, while outboard motors are located at the side of the boat.

Both engines are known for their power and can reach high speeds.

However, outboard motors may go faster because their location allows them to draw water from the rear of the boat, which can help increase the boat’s speed.

Maximum Pontoon Boat Speeds

Maximum Pontoon Boat Speeds

While pontoon boats can reach high speeds, there is a limit to how fast a boat can go.

Pontoon boats are designed with a specific top speed based on their design, including the type of hull and materials used in construction.

For example, many fishing pontoon boats are designed for slower speeds because they are meant for quiet fishing, with loud engines disrupting the natural soundscape.

In general, pontoon boats can go up to 30 mph or more, depending on the engine used. If you go above the maximum speed recommended by the manufacturer, your engine could overheat and cause damage to your boat.

If you’re interested in how fast your pontoon boat can go, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s recommended top speed on the engine.

If you’re using a different type of engine than the one recommended by the manufacturer, it’s crucial to check the recommended top speed to make sure you’re going fast enough.

Types of Engines and Their Impact on Speed

Types of Engines and Their Impact on Speed

When it comes to engine power, the type of engine can have a significant impact on the boat’s speed.

For example, if you’re using a large outboard motor, you can expect the boat to go faster than a smaller engine.

There are three main types of outboard motors commonly used on pontoon boats: Gasoline outboard motors are powerful engines that can reach high speeds. Outboard gasoline motors are more prone to overheating, so you have to be careful when using them in high-speed situations.

Diesel outboard motors: Diesel outboard motors are much more potent than gasoline motors, which means they can reach higher speeds. Diesel outboard motors are also more durable than gasoline engines and typically last longer.
Electric outboard motors: While they don’t produce as much power, they are often used on smaller pontoon boats.

How to Maximize Pontoon Boat Performance

How to Maximize Pontoon Boat Performance

When racing your friends on the water, it’s important to know how to maximize your boat’s performance. A variety of factors can impact the speed of your boat, including the type of engine you’re using and the weight of the boat.

If you’re using a gasoline engine, you can increase the speed of the boat by using a higher octane fuel.

If you’re using a diesel engine, it’s best to use a lower octane fuel to avoid overheating your engine.

You can also increase the boat’s speed by adding lead to the bow of the boat, which can help decrease your water resistance.

You can also increase the boat’s speed by adding ballast to the back of your boat.

Adding ballast to the back of the boat, like installing a solid trolling motor, can help balance the boat and increase its speed.

How to Minimize Drag For Maximum Speed

How to Minimize Drag For Maximum Speed

As mentioned above, you can increase your boat’s speed by minimizing drag.

To do this, you’ll want to ensure you’re properly maintaining your boat, including cleaning out any weeds, checking for any damage to the hull, and cleaning off the propeller.

You’ll also want to try to position the boat as straight as possible in the water, which can be done by trimming the sails and adjusting the weight in the back of the boat.

It’s also important to avoid going against the wind, which will increase the drag on the boat.

Additionally, suppose you’re using a gasoline outboard engine. In that case, you’ll want to make sure you’re using ethanol-free fuel to prevent any buildup of harmful deposits that could increase the drag on your boat.

How to Minimize Weight For Maximum Speed

How to Minimize Weight For Maximum Speed

While you can maximize the speed of your boat by adding ballast, it’s important to ensure you don’t go overboard.

Adding too much weight to the back of the boat can cause it to sink and make it difficult to get back in the water if you get stuck on a sandbar or run aground.

It’s also important to ensure you’re not adding too much weight to the back of the boat since this can also cause it to sink.

The recommended weight for a pontoon boat is about 2,000 to 2,500 pounds, although this number can vary depending on your boat type.

If you’re planning to add weight to the back of the boat, ensure it’s secured properly to prevent it from shifting and causing damage.

Ensure you’re not overloading your boat since this can lead to instability and dangerous accidents.

Final Thoughts

Well, the speed of a pontoon boat depends on various factors, such as the size, weight distribution, and horsepower of the motor that powers it.

Generally speaking, most pontoon boats have a top speed of around 23 to 25 miles per hour, with some having the potential to reach speeds as high as 35 miles per hour.

The size of the pontoon boat plays a major role in determining its speed. Larger pontoon boats can usually reach higher speeds than their smaller counterparts due to the increased power and weight distribution.

Additionally, the horsepower of the motor powering the boat plays an important part in determining its speed.

The more powerful the motor, the faster it can propel the boat through the water. It’s also important to remember that the speed of a pontoon boat will vary based on environmental conditions such as wind and waves.

This is why it’s always important to check local weather conditions before heading out on your pontoon boat.

So, in conclusion, how fast does a pontoon boat go? Well, it depends on several factors, including size, weight distribution, and horsepower of the motor powering it.

Generally speaking, most pontoon boats have a top speed of around 23 to 25 miles per hour,

with some having potential to reach speeds as high as 35 miles per hour.

Environmental conditions such as wind and waves can affect this speed and should always be considered when planning a trip on your pontoon boat.

Can a 115 HP Pontoon Boat Pull a Tube?

Yes, a 115 HP pontoon boat can pull a tube, depending on the size and weight of the tube, as well as the conditions you’ll be boating in.
Generally speaking, the higher your engine’s horsepower, the better your boat will be at pulling a tube.
So, if you have a 115 HP pontoon boat, it should be able to pull a tube easily in most conditions.
It’s important to pay attention to the weight and size of the tube you’re looking to pull.
Larger and heavier tubes will require more power and torque to get up on the plane and maintain speed while pulling the tube.
In addition to size and weight, consider the conditions you’ll be boating in.
If you’re in calm lake waters, you should have no issue pulling a tube with a 115 HP pontoon boat.
But if you’re dealing with choppy waters or higher winds, you’ll need more power and torque to keep your boat moving at speed necessary to pull the tube.
Ultimately, a 115 HP pontoon boat should be able to pull a tube without any problem. Just take into account size, weight, and conditions when you’re out on the water.

How fast will a 22-foot pontoon boat go?

A 22-foot pontoon boat will typically reach speeds between 24 and 26 miles per hour, depending on the size of the engine and weight.
If the engine is a smaller size (25-40 horsepower), you can expect the top speed to be around 24 miles per hour, and if the engine is a larger size (50-150 horsepower), the top speed will likely be around 26 miles per hour.
The weight of the boat also plays a significant role in determining the speed of the pontoon boat.
If the boat is loaded with passengers and supplies, it will likely travel slower than if it’s light on passengers and supplies.
Additionally, if you’re running in choppy water or against a current, it will also slow down the boat’s speed.
Finally, most 22 foot pontoon boats are designed for cruising comfortably at speeds between 10-15 miles per hour.
This is usually the range most people prefer to operate in and is also safe for most boating conditions.
All in all, depending on the engine’s size, the boat’s weight, and water conditions, a 22-foot pontoon boat can reach speeds anywhere between 10-26 miles per hour.

How fast can a 90-hp pontoon boat go?

The exact speed of a 90-hp pontoon boat will depend on several factors, such as the size and weight of the boat, the type of motor, and the body of water it is operating in. Generally speaking. A 90 hp pontoon boat should be able to reach speeds of between 20 and 30 mph. Regarding speed, pontoon boats tend to be much faster than traditional cruisers. This is because the pontoon design provides more surface area for the motor to push against, allowing more efficient propulsion. Additionally, pontoon boats tend to be lighter than traditional cruisers, which also helps to increase speed. The exact speed of your pontoon boat will also depend on the type of motor you have. 90-hp motors are typically equipped with either an inboard or outboard motor. Inboard motors are great for providing power, but they offer less speed than an outboard motor. Outboard motors, on the other hand, tend to provide better acceleration and top-end speed. The body of water your pontoon boat is operating in will also affect its speed. For example, if you are working your pontoon boat in a lake with smooth waters, you can expect to reach higher speeds than operating it in a river with rough waters. The presence of wind or waves can also affect your boat’s speed. Overall, a 90-hp pontoon boat should reach speeds of between 20 and 30 mph, depending on the abovementioned factors. Ensuring that you operate your boat responsibly and follow all applicable laws and regulations is always important.

What is the average top speed of a pontoon boat?

The average top speed of a pontoon boat is typically around 20-30 mph, depending on the ship’s size, weight, and power. A smaller, lighter boat typically has a higher top speed, while a larger, heavier boat will have a lower rate. Additionally, the motor’s power can also affect the top speed. For example, a pontoon boat with a 40 horsepower motor can reach a top speed of up to 33 mph, while a pontoon boat with a 115 horsepower motor can reach speeds up to 45 mph.
It is important to note that these speeds may vary based on water and wind conditions. If there is a lot of wind or choppy water, the top speed will likely be lower than usual. Additionally, these speeds are estimates and may vary from one pontoon boat to another.
To get an accurate idea of the top speed of your particular pontoon boat, the best thing to do is to take it out on the water and test it out for yourself!
Fred Apstein
Fred Apstein is a man of many talents. He studied at Sustainable Community Development and Royal Roads University, but what he loves to do is sailing, building boats, cooking seafood, and picking up the pieces when things go wrong! He's been in business for over 40 years with no refrigeration on his sailboats - that means food drying and pickling became necessary skills