Don't know what size the pontoon is but I doubt the 40hp is big enough. Go
w/ max hp on the boat or at least within 10 hp of max until you get to a 90
hp engine.
If you go w/ too small an engine you will run it wide open all the time and
will burn a lot more fuel.
As for the brand - Honda, Yamaha, Merc are all good. Go w/ best price, best
local dealer, best local dealer service, local dealer closest to your
location. Weight all these factors.


--
Tony
my boats and cars at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com
"MrObvious" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I have a friend (really!) that wants to buy a 40HP four stroke for a new
pontoon. He is set on four stroke, wants it quiet and reliable, top speed
is probably not a critical factor. Environmentally friendly, did I
mention that? I've helped *try* to do some research on Honda vs. Yamaha
(vs. Suzuki vs. Tohatsu etc.), and I usually find what I want on the net,
but I've found precious little that does any comparsion of quality,
customer satisfaction, reliability, and what I've found generally is the
high end. So, if anybody has any thoughts, has been through this and
would like to share their expertise, please pass it on.

thanks!

Glenn Good