Affordable tritoon

[greenvilleNC]

We just sold our bay boat and are thinking of getting a pontoon. We are a family of 4 and wanted a safer boat with more room and seating capacity. We know that if we get a pontoon we want a tritoon because of the speed. We will be using it mostly in the river and the sound. I worry about the ride in the sound, can a tritoon handle the wake of a busy sound? We have looked at Manitou because there is a local dealer but they are so expensive. Can you get a good quality tritoon 20-22ft for less than 40K? We considered deck boats but I just dont think they compare to a tritoon. We usually just cruise, park at a sandbar, tube, knee board, and sometimes fish. I want this boat to be able to fit our family as it grows (in age, not in number). I dont care about being the flashiest boat out there, I just want it to be good quality and affordable. Any advice??? Any manufacturers to avoid?

 

[5150abf]

Re: Affordable tritoon

I have ruin pontoons in 3'-4' wake on a local lake with no problem and yes, you should certainly be able to get a tri in that length for under 40, just watch the option boxxes but you should certainly be able to do it.

You may need to drive a bit to other dealers to find one or possible go with newer used, nothing wrong with a 2-3 year old boat.

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Affordable tritoon

BTW, tri-toons are SLOWER than two-toons, UNLESS you also get lifting strakes on the toons.

My tri-toon rides like a dream. The Admiral insisted on a tri-toon because of the smoother ride in rough water. It seems that women have a certain dislike for being bounced up and down a lot.

 

[WaterDR]

Re: Affordable tritoon

Bentley has a nice model....24 foot tri-toon with a 150 hp Merc that I have seen for under $32k.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Affordable tritoon

Bentley has a nice model....24 foot tri-toon with a 150 hp Merc that I have seen for under $32k.

+1 ^^^

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Affordable tritoon

I love my JC Neptoon, With a Honda 115 I spent about $32k with trailer brand new. BTW my triple log runs the same speed as an identical 2 log toon and I can carry more weight.

 

[Old Screwball]

Re: Affordable tritoon

All depends on how fast you want to go. More speed means more engine, means stronger transom. All 2 and tri toons will eventually get to top speed, it all depends on how fast you want that top speed to be, and how fast you get there. I'm still getting used to leaving my 'go fast' 70mph boat to a 75hp, 24mph barge. Life is a trade off.

Good Luck.

 

[greenvilleNC]

Re: Affordable tritoon

We have narrowed it down to a Manitou and a G3 Suntracker. Both are tri-toons, both are 22 ft, both have 150hp yamaha, both ride the exact same. The Manitou seems to be better quality but the G3 is more affordable. There are plenty of features on the G3 that are comparable to the Manitou but the one feature that I really like about the G3 is it comes with vinyl flooring. The Manitou comes with carpet (not snap in carpet). How does the carpet on pontoon boats usually hold up? What is the best way to clean it?

 

[dls322]

Re: Affordable tritoon

Are you going to be using your toon in salt water? If so that might sway your decision

 

[greenvilleNC]

Re: Affordable tritoon

Yes, it will be in salt water and brackish water. The Manitou does have a salt water package on it (not really sure what that means). What else about the salt water would make a difference between the two? We want the Manitou but we are just having trouble deciding if the differences in the 2 boats are worth the $8,000 difference. And I'm still a little uneasy about the carpet.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Affordable tritoon

I bought vinyl with mine as the carpet is a pita to keep nice. You can always install snap in carpet as an aftermarket thing. I love that I can just hose it down and a little scrub when it gets dirty. Will never have sand embedded in it or moss growing on it.

Just my .02

 

[the big cheese]

Re: Affordable tritoon

how much is tritoon paying you??
I'm a little skeptical of only 6 posts and 2 threads about the product.

 

[brotherkicksave]

Re: Affordable tritoon

Yes, it will be in salt water and brackish water. The Manitou does have a salt water package on it (not really sure what that means). What else about the salt water would make a difference between the two? We want the Manitou but we are just having trouble deciding if the differences in the 2 boats are worth the $8,000 difference. And I'm still a little uneasy about the carpet.

If you are going to be using the boat in beach sand with shells, I'd try to stay away from carpet. The shells get caught in carpet and can cut bare feet. At least it does in South Florida. Salt water Packages usually include a full aluminum deck bottom and lots of anodes (Two on each log and two on the engine.

 

[greenvilleNC]

Re: Affordable tritoon

how much is tritoon paying you??
I'm a little skeptical of only 6 posts and 2 threads about the product.

What kind of question is that? Is there a manufacturer named Tritoon or is a tritoon an option from many different manufacturers? Just as I thought, it is an option from many different pontoon makers so obviously "tritoon" isnt paying me anything. If you had taken the time to read my posts it would be obvious that I just recently joined this site seeking guidance as I am new to pontoons and about to purchase one. So far, everyone except for you has been very helpful.

 

[Okieboatguy]

Re: Affordable tritoon

Yea, "TheBigCheese" obviously did not read the thread. However, the thought of vinyl, with snap in carpet if the wife wants it sounds appealing, if that is an option. However, I am a cash kind of guy and refuse to finance a toy, so I would go cheaper and add the options as I could afford them. And G3 does make a nice boat, it looks allot like my Voyager TT, only upgraded, and I love my Voyager.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Affordable tritoon

Don't worry about that guy.. He only has 4 posts so who is the troll.. I would bet you could get the Manitou with the vinyl floor. I would bet it is about a $500 upgrade without the snap in carpet.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Affordable tritoon

With a new 22' tritoon (with lifting strakes) and F150 Yamaha pushing a 15 pitch stainless steel propeller, you should be seeing 40 mph. The boat will be very seaworthy. I personally prefer the 24' hulls at very little price difference--longer seating.

Almost every very brand of boat has a high performance hull package, and many have a tritoon designed for 150 hp. That's the best value hull, and are often available for just under $40K. (Note: You should also get a galvanized or aluminum trailer.)

Don't jump into the market without shopping for more than two brands. Bennington is the leader with 25% of the total pontoon/tritoon retail market. Other great brands are Harris, Manitou and Premier. There are another dozen brands of boats that I'd be proud to own, like Tahoe/Avalon, Cypress Cay Berkshire, Xcursion and many others.


Unfortunately, many manufacturers don't allow actual pricing on the internet--just MSRP prices. I like Boattrader.com, filtering for 100 miles from your zip code. It's pretty easy to figure out which dealers are willing to compete for your business with a fair price.

Just take your time talking to dealerships and let your fingers do the walking. Don't get hung up on any specific brand, as you may be leaving too much $ on the table. Most popular brands of boats will meet your needs.

If you're going to be towing your boat, make sure you have a proper tow vehicle, like a V-8 powered SUV or a 1/2-3/4 ton pickup. Pontoons/tritoons are not necessarily very heavy, but feel heavier behind a tow vehicle than they actually are.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Affordable tritoon

A word of caution about the vinyl floor. It will show every footprint, be hot when the sun is on it and slippery when it's wet. IMHO it makes the boat look cheap.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Affordable tritoon

how much is tritoon paying you??
I'm a little skeptical of only 6 posts and 2 threads about the product.

Says the guy with 3 posts prior to this... You know what a tritoon is, right?

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Affordable tritoon

how much is tritoon paying you??
I'm a little skeptical of only 6 posts and 2 threads about the product.

Proof that there are people on this site who couldn't BUY a clue.