2011 Suntracker PartyBarge 20 Classic, Opinions wanted

[shadetree_fish]

Hello to all,
I'm shopping for a new pontoon & have been looking at the,
2011 Suntracker PartyBarge 20 Classic with 2 engine options.
http://www.dealers.com/boats/index.cfm?dealer=494&Ntt=2011+PARTY+BARGE^?+20

(NEVER OWNED A PONTOON)
60hp mercury Bigfoot 4stroke OR upgrade to a 90hp mercury 4stroke.
To me the price difference is huge, but i can fit either into the buget.
I'll be fishing(sandbass&stripers) on mainly Eagle mountain lake & Lake Texoma. I also want the option to be able to get the hell off the lake as fast as i can, maybe 25mph? in the unlikely event of a storm.
Now i know these aren't speed demons, So what MPH should I expect from a 60hp bigfoot & 90 hp 4stroke? and will these motors be able to pull a 3 person tube with 3 teen boys, I was hoping for at least 20 mph & enough torque with 60hp or 30mph with 90hp???
NOW is 30 hp more with the same prop-foot print worth the extra 2100.00?

So my goal for the 60hp is to be able pull a 3 person tube with 3 teens approx. 150lbs each at a speed of 20mph. and be able to run 25 mph with a family of 5 across the lake chasing fish!
The goal for the 90hp would be 25 mph pulling the tube & 30mph running WOT
There will also be some distance trolling, is there any negative effects on either engine for this?
Based off of trackers web site this boat will run 20-22 mph with a 60hp, but a bigger barge with same motor runs 24-26mph ??? re-proped is all i can figure, because that barge is about 450lbs heavier?
Also, what kind of wave action can this toon handle, Both Texoma & eagle mountain can get pretty choppy unexpectedly at times due to both weather & big boats!

All responses & comments greatly appreciated

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: 2011 Suntracker PartyBarge 20 Classic, Opinions wanted

Now i know these aren't speed demons, So what MPH should I expect from a 60hp bigfoot & 90 hp 4stroke?
15 to 20 with the sixty and 20 to 28 with the 90.

and will these motors be able to pull a 3 person tube with 3 teen boys, I was hoping for at least 20 mph & enough torque with 60hp or 30mph with 90hp???
60-no. 90-probably not fast enough to satisfy teenage boys.

NOW is 30 hp more with the same prop-foot print worth the extra 2100.00?
Yes

So my goal for the 60hp is to be able pull a 3 person tube with 3 teens approx. 150lbs each at a speed of 20mph. and be able to run 25 mph with a family of 5 across the lake chasing fish!
IMHO this is an unreachable goal.

The goal for the 90hp would be 25 mph pulling the tube & 30mph running WOT
IMHO, I don't think you'll reach those speeds with three teenage boys, but you'll be close.

There will also be some distance trolling, is there any negative effects on either engine for this?
No.

Based off of trackers web site this boat will run 20-22 mph with a 60hp, but a bigger barge with same motor runs 24-26mph ??? re-proped is all i can figure, because that barge is about 450lbs heavier?
You should always be skeptical of manufacturers claims.

Also, what kind of wave action can this toon handle, Both Texoma & eagle mountain can get pretty choppy unexpectedly at times due to both weather & big boats!
Up to about two feet. A little more if going very slow.

All responses & comments greatly appreciated

 

[00247]

Re: 2011 Suntracker PartyBarge 20 Classic, Opinions wanted

I have lived all of your questions over the last two years. Buy the 90. The 60 will come up short in all categories. The 90 might keep you satisfied. Most of our tubing with teenage boys is one at a time with occasionally two at a time. Three is a tough pull, becomes to crowded, and increases the chance of injuries. The 90 will be worth every extra penny and will hold a better resale.

 

[pontoonsteve]

Re: 2011 Suntracker PartyBarge 20 Classic, Opinions wanted

Bought a Sweetwater with the 90 in the spring. Oh am I glad I bought the ninety, that is the best money you'll spend and if afterwards you wanted to upgrade 2100 won't even come close.
I like the three person tube with two teenagers on it at a time. Will get about 22mph with the tube in the water and 6 on the boat. Like stated above, not fast enough for teenagers but good enough for most occassions.

 

[shadetree_fish]

Re: 2011 Suntracker PartyBarge 20 Classic, Opinions wanted

Thanks to all for the responses.
Today the dealer is trying to switch me to a Pro Guide V175 combo with a 115 4stroke!!!
Sure is tempting for 800.00 more out the door. but i really wanted a toon. guess we'll see & i'll let yall know by this weekend.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!