Pontoons are heavier than they look. The right Mercury for a pontoon is a Command Thrust gearcase, the right shaft length, and a high-thrust prop. Harris Boat Works has been rigging pontoons on Rice Lake since 1965 — Legend, Princecraft, Sylvan, Manitou, Sunchaser, and Bennington.
- What size Mercury outboard do I need for a pontoon?
- It depends on tube count, length, and load. Rule of thumb: 16–18 ft single-tube pontoons run 40–60 HP Command Thrust; 20–22 ft two-tube pontoons want 90–115 HP Command Thrust; 22–25 ft tri-toon take 150 HP and up. Heavier loads, water sports, or rougher water push you higher. Build a quote at mercuryrepower.ca and we'll confirm the right HP.
- What is Mercury Command Thrust and why does it matter for pontoons?
- Command Thrust (CT) pairs the engine with a larger gearcase, lower gear ratio, and bigger high-thrust prop. The same powerhead pushes more water at lower RPM — better hole shot with a heavy pontoon load, more pushing power at slow speeds, cleaner reverse at the dock. For pontoons, Command Thrust is almost always the right call.
- Do I need a long shaft (20 in) or extra-long shaft (25 in) for my pontoon?
- Most pontoons want a long shaft (20 in / 'L') because the transom on a pontoon log is taller than a typical aluminum tin boat. Some larger tri-toon platforms with a higher transom take an extra-long shaft (25 in / 'XL'). Measure from the top of the transom to the bottom of the hull at centerline. Send us a photo if unsure.
- Will a Mercury Command Thrust fit my Legend, Princecraft, or Sylvan pontoon?
- Yes — Mercury Command Thrust 40–150 HP is a common factory option on Legend, Princecraft, Sylvan, Manitou, Sunchaser, and Bennington pontoons. Harris Boat Works is an authorized Legend Boats dealer. For other brands we confirm bolt pattern, controls, and harness compatibility when you build your quote.
- How much does a pontoon repower cost in Ontario?
- Most pontoon repowers run $9,000 to $18,000 CAD installed, depending on horsepower (90–150 HP Command Thrust is typical), controls (mechanical vs digital), and rigging. That includes motor, controls/cables, propeller, install, lake test, and warranty registration. Build a quote at mercuryrepower.ca for live CAD pricing. Pickup only at Gores Landing.