Another newbie needs advice

[tkill]

Hello all,

I'm a new member, thought I've been lurking for a while. I am looking to buy my first pontoon and wondered what advice I might get here.

I have a strict, no bs buget max of $12,000. $10,000-$11,000 would be even better.

I have a family of 5 (2 adults, 1 teenager, 2 little kids), and we'd like to go out with another family of 3-4. Also would use the pontoon for fishing, so I definitely want one with fishing chairs up front. I want something that won't be a turd, so 115 hp or bigger. Maybe pull a tube with the kids on it. It would be used exclusively on nearby lakes (Think southwest MO, so Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, etc). And I'd want to trailer it occasionally from one lake to the other.

I've found quite a few boats in my price range. Here's a couple of my dilemma's.... Do I go with a newer used model of something not necessarily the highest quality (i.e. 2005 Tracker) or a slightly older model of higher quality (i.e. 2000 Godfrey or 2000 Landau). Or am I even on the right path with those examples? I've even seen a 96 tri-toon in my price range. I love the idea of a tri-toon but what would some of you experienced pontooners recommend?

Tom

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Another newbie needs advice

Welcome Tom !!! Your budget is right in the sweet spot for a really nice used rig. Overall condition, sea trial, and mechanical survey would be high on my list for any rig. With the amount of people you're talking about, you might consider 22' - 24' barges versus 18' - 20'. I don't believe most people consider "Godfrey/ landau" top of the line barges. Those would be more like " Harris Flotebote, Bennington, Premiere" and some others. Most modern barges are well constructed in my opinion, and it's hard to go wrong with any these days. Triple tube barges w/ V6 power are nice for faster watersports, and/or larger, rougher bodies of water, but it's going to cost you $$$. Good luck.

 

[tkill]

Re: Another newbie needs advice

I don't believe most people consider "Godfrey/ landau" top of the line barges. Those would be more like " Harris Flotebote, Bennington, Premiere" and some others.

You're right. I wasn't trying to say Godfrey/Landau top of the line, just higher quality than a Tracker. I don't see many 'top of the line' pontoons for sale used. I guess their owners are less likely to give them up.

 

[rutcutter]

Re: Another newbie needs advice

Rooster, I am one who was in your shoes 2 years ago. I agree with the poster above that there a a lot of nice used boats out there in your price range. Here is my advice. First, don't get too hung up on brand names and top of the line things. Lots of manufacturers are making nice toons now. Don't even mess with anybody who won't let you test drive. Find you a nice boat that fits your needs and don't rush. You will immediately be able to tell who has taken care of their boat and who has not. Good luck.