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General Horsepower Recommendations for Tri-Toons

Feb. 11 2025 Buying Guide By Hawkeye Boat Sales

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Key Considerations

When selecting the right horsepower for your tri-toon, several factors impact performance:


  • Boat Size & Weight – The larger and heavier your tri-toon, the more horsepower you'll need to maintain optimal performance.
  • Passenger Load – If you frequently carry 10–12 passengers, additional horsepower is necessary to ensure smooth handling and consistent speed.
  • Tube Size & Riders – Larger tubes or multiple riders create more drag, requiring extra power to maintain performance.
  • Water Conditions – Rough or choppy water demands higher horsepower for better control, stability, and speed.


Horsepower Recommendations by Boat Size

21’ or Smaller Tri-Toon


  • Minimum Horsepower (50 HP) – Ideal for leisurely cruises on small lakes with light passenger loads and minimal wind.
  • Optimal Horsepower (115 HP) – Great for increasing cruising speeds and introducing tubing for younger kids (12 and under). Expect top speeds around 30 MPH with a light load.
  • High-Performance Horsepower (150–200 HP) – Delivers speeds near 40 MPH, easily handling passengers and larger tubes.


22’–24’ Tri-Toon


  • Minimum Horsepower (115 HP) – Suitable for light loads and calm conditions, allowing for basic tubing with young children.
  • Optimal Horsepower (150–200 HP) – Offers speeds in the upper 30s MPH. Power steering is recommended based on your boat's toon configuration.
  • High-Performance Horsepower (250+ HP) – Ideal for pulling tubes at higher speeds and handling fully loaded boats with additional gear. Provides excellent acceleration and towing power even with heavier loads.


25’–28’ Tri-Toon


  • Minimum Horsepower (150–200 HP) – Suitable for light tubing with 1–2 riders and minimal additional passengers. Performance will be limited with heavier loads or rough waters.
  • Optimal Horsepower (250–300 HP) – Perfect for tubing with larger groups and multiple riders. Provides ample speed and torque for towing while carrying passengers without straining the engine.
  • High-Performance Horsepower (350+ HP) – Recommended for rough water conditions, boats frequently carrying 10+ passengers, or 10’ wide pontoons.


Additional Considerations


  • Mercury & Yamaha Variations – Mercury offers different 200 HP engines with either six or eight cylinders, while Yamaha also has multiple 200 HP engine options with varying displacements—both worth considering when making a selection.