Single Outboard Speed Record

Years ago if a pontoon could reach the 20 mph mark it was considered fast. Today speed numbers continue to climb and it may surprise you just how fast these pontoon boats can really go. Once thought to be impossible, activities such as tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding and other water sports can now easily be done with pontoons.

How fast a specific pontoon can go depends on a number of factors including the tubes beneath the deck, the size of the engine, and the load the boat is carrying for starters. Pontoons aren’t usually known for their speed, but the manufacturers are clearly doing what they can to change that.

Ronnie Alstott is also striving to change that view as a consumer who is passionate about pontoon boats. In April, a new record for the fastest single-engine pontoon boat was set. It was an accomplishment achieved by Ronnie, at the age of 74, as his 24-foot, 3,000-pound Hypertoon pontoon reached a water-shaking speed record of 94 miles per hour.

“When I got to 94 I was really excited and especially proud of the moment when I beat the previous single-engine pontoon record of 79,” stated Ronnie. “However, I soon realized that I could potentially run even faster with Mercury's Max five-blade prop and would probably produce even more speed.”

Ronnie cruised into the world of hydro boats when he was 16 years old. He found his love for boats only got stronger as he got older. In the 70s, he commissioned a 13-foot, 230-pound Checkmate Boat, with a 150 short shaft Mercury that ran about 80 mph in a quarter mile. In 1988, Ronnie found work for Roy Summerford as a dealer for eight years. He enjoyed his work and his experience and love of boats increased.

That experience expanded even more when Ronnie developed “the need for speed.” In 1993, he won the Tennessee Drag Boat Association’s Unlimited Outboards Points Championship. That same year he also won nationals in Jasper, Tenn., with a 260 Mercury with Nitrous on an STV drag boat. The approximate speed was 120 mph for that win.

The 450R Difference
The need for speed is the same reason Ronnie decided to strive for the fastest single engine pontoon record last year. He originally got the record-breaking boat in 2009 from Hypertoon. The top speed for the boat was originally 70.2 mph. In May of 2020, he purchased the 450R Mercury Racing engine for the boat and hit 93.8 mph with the Hypertoon, before hitting the 94 mph record in April 2021. 

“I had a big obstacle of navigating the engine height and the biggest obstacle was finding the right prop for the boat,” stated Ronnie. “I had to find the right type, pitch and diameter of the prop. There are so many props available so I had to frequently test to find which one produced the most speed. It was all about finding the maximum speed and learning the boat. The 450R Mercury engine height was important to understanding the significant water pressure: the engine requires 22 PSI.”

Ronnie expressed appreciation for Mercury's 450R model and believes it is the perfect pairing for a Hypertoon. A faster record might even be in his future, as he believes the Mercury Racing MAX 5 propeller can get him there.

“A unique design of the hull of the Hypertoon makes it so special,” stated Ronnie. “No one in the pontoon industry right now can compete against it.”

Next Gen
Pride of this achievement runs deep within Alstott’s family, especially within his grandson Gavinn Alstott. Gavinn enjoys boating much like his grandfather and the memories that come with it.

“I love boating,” said Gavinn. “Boating is a great place for memories because you can always have fun out on the lake. I think growing up going to the lake is always something I looked forward to when I was a kid.”

Gavinn feels he has learned so much from his grandpa and will remember boating with his family for the rest of his life.

“I think it's awesome that my grandpa accomplished this record,” stated Gavinn. “I believe his determination and passion runs very deep in our family, and it makes me feel motivated to accomplish goals of my own.”

Ronnie feels his experience and knowledge of boats is what helped him to reach his point and achieve his goal.

“I am 74 years old and I have been doing this all my life,” stated Ronnie. “You’re never too old to keep pursuing your dreams.”