Pontoon Shopping

[mchenry]

My husband and I are new boat shopping. I used to own a 2004 Voyager tritoon with a 115 outboard. Hubby has always owned i/o runabouts. We test rode a i/o pontoon this weekend. This is the first I've heard of an i/o on a pontoon. Any feedback? Any preferred manufacturers?

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Pontoon Shopping

I don't like I/O's in pontoons. The motors are heavy, consume lots of rear deck space, and are difficult to service.

 

[sfy]

Re: Pontoon Shopping

yes, service on them can be difficult due to the tight constraints of the engine compartment.if something goes wrong it can be very hard to maneuver around inside that space, which is why I will always prefer an outboard for my pontoon.

many manufacturers are offering I/O options on their newer lines, and for the most part those engines will usually put out around 135 HP, based on the stuff i have seen online. unless you go extreme and buy one of the high end pontoons, some of which will put out over 400 HP and hit over 70 MPH.

check out Manitou, JC, Suntracker,Bennington (which many believe is the best brand), Voyager, Sanpan...... so many manufacturers

do your research,they all have very good websites with the floorplans and options. and depending on the state you live in, now may be the best time to get the best deal on '08 or '09 closeouts

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Pontoon Shopping

yes, service on them can be difficult due to the tight constraints of the engine compartment.if something goes wrong it can be very hard to maneuver around inside that space, which is why I will always prefer an outboard for my pontoon.

many manufacturers are offering I/O options on their newer lines, and for the most part those engines will usually put out around 135 HP, based on the stuff i have seen online. unless you go extreme and buy one of the high end pontoons, some of which will put out over 400 HP and hit over 70 MPH.

check out Manitou, JC, Suntracker,Bennington (which many believe is the best brand), Voyager, Sanpan...... so many manufacturers

do your research,they all have very good websites with the floorplans and options. and depending on the state you live in, now may be the best time to get the best deal on '08 or '09 closeouts

I have a Sun Tracker and am happy with it, but that's not why I'm chiming in. I've had a look at a couple of Princecrafts lately. I really liked the styling. How's the quality?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Pontoon Shopping

i say outboard, easier to service, much easier to winterize. over all just easy of care.

 

[mtntoons]

Re: Pontoon Shopping

I went through the Premier factory in Wyoming, MN. I'm going to order a 235 S-Series with 250 HP Yamaha. Impressed by all of what I saw.

 

[sfy]

Re: Pontoon Shopping

a 250? that should get ya moving fairly quick. have fun

 

[imported_John o]

Re: Pontoon Shopping

Bennington and Manitou have been running 1 and 2 or 2 and 1 for the last 7 yeras or so in the JD Powers surveys. Fit and finish is about the same at similiar price points (Bennington may have a slight edge). Manitou (with the SHP performance package) is the most maneuverable pontoon out there. Their legacy model with the I/O is rated as a ski boat (Visit www.manitouboats.com for details) . Premier tends to be the fastest.

I've not ridden the I/O's but the reviews all come in good. The maintenance space is a known issue and has to be part of your trade off.

I've got a 24' osprey pro SHP with a 175 Yamaha Vmax. I get 37.7MPH. I know a guy with a 250 ETEC and he gets over 50MPH. The boats will turn just about on a dime.

 

[mtntoons]

Re: Pontoon Shopping

The performance pontoons are an interesting development. I'm getting the PTX option on the Premier along with the rough water option. My dealer prefers the Premier a little over the Bennington and he sells both. The S-Series is rather unique as you get dual helms. This is quite nice for the second person when weather is cool, or they just want to sit in a "captain" style chair and see forward. Still leaves plenty of couch space. Also got the pop up changing room for longer trips and and the 83 gallon fuel tank. See the video on the PTX option.

 

[cc350]

Re: Pontoon Shopping

Don't look past the South bays either..