Hello,

We have just purchased a new pontoon, and I'm wondering what is the
best engine to purchase between the 60 hp Merc Bigfoot model, or the
standard Merc 90 hp. The pontoon is 20ft with 25" tubes. The price
difference is only about $400, so not that big a deal. What would be
the advantage of either. We would like to use the boat for family
gatherings a few times a year, but also for tubing etc. I understand
that the Bigfoot model is designed for pontoons, so would it be better
to go with that? Also, it is about 100 lbs lighter, has EFI etc.

Thanks for any info.
Jon

Jon, I have the 4 stroke EFI BF 60 on a 22' pontoon. Top speed is about 19mph,
and acceleration is adequate for tubing and beginner water sports.

The bigfoot gearcase is the same size as the 90 gearcase, which allows the 60
to turn a bigger prop.

The 90 would probably yield another 4 to 5mph, but will be less refined.

Either is a good motor. The 4 stroke will probably hold it's value a little
better.


-- Rich Stern
www.nitroowners.com - The Nitro and Tracker Owners Web Site
www.mypontoon.com - The Pontoon Boat Web Site
www.fishingreportdatabase.com - The Fishing Report Database
www.mysporttrac.com - The Sport Trac Web Site

Thanks for the replies so far. I guess I wasn't clear in the original
post, the 90 will be the 4 stroke. I did some further reading on the
Bigfoot and realized that it has the same gear case as the 90. Right
now I'm inclined to go with the 90, assuming the extra hp will offset
the added weight. Any comments on the weight being an issue?

Thanks
Jon

If you do end up with the 90 merc I have a new SS 13 3/4 x 15 Michigan Wheel
prop I can make you a deal on.

The bigfoots / high thrust motors are designed for displacement type boats.
I get better performance with an 8 hp Yama T-8 as a kicker than I did with a
15 mariner as kicker on the same boat. The prop would blow out trying to
run the boat faster. Spin and not more go, lots of slip. The high thrust,
spins a bigger diameter, bigger pitch prop slower.
Bill

"Jon" wrote in message
om...
Thanks for the replies so far. I guess I wasn't clear in the original
post, the 90 will be the 4 stroke. I did some further reading on the
Bigfoot and realized that it has the same gear case as the 90. Right
now I'm inclined to go with the 90, assuming the extra hp will offset
the added weight. Any comments on the weight being an issue?

Thanks
Jon