Just bought a 2019 SX23 a few weeks ago with a Yamaha 115 SO. I wanted a tri-tune originally, still do honestly, but was presented with a great deal. I’ve only had it out once, going out again tomorrow. Anybody with experience with a similar type setup that would mind weighing in on this motor/size boat? Anything I can do to rev her up? Here’s a few pics. . She’s a beaut, but I was wondering how much a difference maybe an upgrade to a 150 may make? Also, any tips on navigating a pontoon in general? Coming over from a Sea Ray bowrider I had for ten years. Thank you!!
New Bennington Owner
- Thread starter The Big P
- Start date
Dennis T.
Well-Known Member
nice looking boat, enjoy it the way it is. there will be some tips given here, but for the most part you have to buy what you need on the front end like motor size and tri toon. now that you got a deal i would not look back and enjoy it as is, with some minor tips from this site. welcome to the Bennington family!
SEMPERFI8387
Moderator
Welcome aboard! Nice ride. As stated, enjoy it as is. Throwing money at a 2 toon “after the fact” is almost worthless unless you have deep pockets or they give you almost top dollar to trade the 115. You don’t even have strakes, so you wouldn’t even see the full potential of the 150.
As for navigating, they are like sailboats and will move with the wind. Docking/ trailering can be fun in a crosswind.
Take waves at a 45 angle or you may stuff the bow and end up with panel damage.
As for navigating, they are like sailboats and will move with the wind. Docking/ trailering can be fun in a crosswind.
Take waves at a 45 angle or you may stuff the bow and end up with panel damage.
kaydano
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 4,287
- Reaction score
- 2,163
I'd say you are realistically maxed out with the 115 on that hull. Putting a 150 on it would be like putting a large engine in a Yugo. Just not a good match.
ILLINOIS AVE
Well-Known Member
Just enjoy ! You look happy giving a "Thumbs Up" keep it that way !
Vikingstaff
Moderator
Ditto the above comments whole heartedly. You’d be throwing away money increasing HP on that set up. You wouldn’t see the performance gains at all. Enjoy what that is giving you now that you bought it. Have a great summer on the water.
sjhorner9475
Well-Known Member
Agree with what others have said. Enjoy it as is. Make note of what you like and don't like about it and when the time comes to upgrade, take that information into account. Combine that with what you will learn on this forum and you will be in a great position to get the package that best fits your needs and budget.
Beautiful boat. Enjoy it!
Beautiful boat. Enjoy it!
Michael Lyman
Active Member
Good looking boat! I bought a 2016 this past year, playing with prop a bit with the consult of people on this forum. You could consider addressing that but enjoying is great advice. One thing I learned as I am new is engines don't come with props and they are put on at dealer. Might consider looking into that.
Shmily
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 241
- Reaction score
- 366
Another vote for excellent boat as-is.
Just enjoy her in safety and in health!
Just enjoy her in safety and in health!
Tomc
Well-Known Member
I have a 21’ with 115, got it last fall. Also have a bow rider I have had for 7 years. Navigation wise, as Semper mentioned, the most notable area is docking in crosswinds. The pontoon goes with the wind so you have to be mindful of that. Navigation in tight spots is also more difficult as the turn raidius is not nearly the same, but that is easily compensated for. For the docking, we have a lift, and I have started to enter the lift a bit faster to compensate for the continuous drift, and that has worked for me so far.