any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

[rooooney]

I'm looking to buy my first pontoon. I've been looking for a while and this one just popped up. I know little about these things - I need a 9.9 and it has to be less than 22 ft. This is about my budget, should I pick this up or keep looking. Any advice would be great. Thanks

http://www.boats.com/boat-details/Spectrum-19-Resort/112980001

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

Looks like a clean, well looked after rig. That being said, I'd have a few concerns. I'm not a fan of seats outside the rail if small kids are in the picture. Falling off when underway is bound to cause serious injury. The rear seat has been recovered, and it appears to have been done by a non-professional. The pontoons appear to be 19", which will give less bouyancy than 21" or 23". The trailer is single axle. Your at the max. for this trailer. A tandem would be much better if you are towing any distance. Finally, I would consider the price to be about a thousand too high. Hope I didn't burst your bubble.

 

[dodger11]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

Looks like a nice boat, floor have any soft spots?, wiring all work ok? Ask the dealer for a test ride. I am with Jeep Man, seats outside the rail scare me while underway. Not familiar with Spectrum. Buying from a good company? Any kind of warranty available?

 

[OldePharte]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

It would appear that it used to have a heavier motor on the back (based on the water line). The reinforcing angles for the transom would concern me a bit. But then, you're only going to have the 9.9 on it, so maybe no biggie. Since the "scum line" doesn't appear on them, they look newer.

Besides what was said above, I'd also look at the cross stringers and the underside of the deck.

If it all checks out, bring cash; $3,500 or so.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

That price seems awfully high for a 'toon with little furniture and a tiny motor. The motor being an '03 4-stroke does add some value but sheesh, that seems like a $2500 boat to me.

 

[rooooney]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

where I live thats a 1500$ motor easy, and with the trailer and cover I think 3500$ would be more than fair. I'm going to go see it in person today but I doubt I can get a dealer to drop the price a grand. It's worth a shot though. Thanks for the help.

 

[rooooney]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

I checked it out- Not nice at all. This one was parked next to it- the seats are terrible but great boat otherwise with a sweet motor (for a 9,9 restricted lake).
http://www.boats.com/boat-details/Spectrum-20-Cruise/112991401

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

too much coin, and I don't see a trailer!!!

 

[Bearfan]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

too much coin, and I don't see a trailer!!!

Absolutely! With no trailer, seat repairs and such, way too much coin. Keep looking. Dealer seems to be on the high side of pricing.

 

[dbblackburn]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

go on ebay craigslist and other sites look at motors trailers and boats see what they are going for. then combine the cost if you buy one with out a trailer whats it going to cost for a trailer and so on. check the over all condition of boat motor and trailer. you will know when you have found the right one.take into consideration of the location too some places they bring a lot more money then other locations

 

[rooooney]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/f...D-4E4F-B86F-EAD156EA814A}&inv=750A1A950D74356

I'm really digging this one- the owner says the seats and floor are perfect with no wear or fading (after a good cleaning of course)- he's asking 5 without trailer(which i really do not need)

The dealer is priced pretty high. I may go with a private sale.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

Well I think it will clean up. However, I can't understand how someone can ask $5k for something and not even bother to clean it!!

 

[rooooney]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

He actually apologized and regretted sending me those pics before he cleaned it. He said he's having it cleaned this weekend but he pulled the wrap off this morning because I was bugging him for pics.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

There's a chance he left it too tightly covered all winter and it molded all up. I had that happen to me once in a matter of only 2 damp weeks.

 

[rooooney]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

There's a chance he left it too tightly covered all winter and it molded all up. I had that happen to me once in a matter of only 2 damp weeks.

Did it clean up ok?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

Yeah. Soap and water clean up.

 

[rooooney]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

so does 4,600 sound like a fair price for this? it cleaned up real nice . It comes with a mooring cover, cockpit cover, bimini top, and grill. The seats and deck are in great shape with no holes, rips, etc. Carpet is great. Boat has AM/FM cassette player, plenty of life jackets and a changing area/latrine. He asked 5 but said he would take 4,600-

http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/f...D-4E4F-B86F-EAD156EA814A}&inv=750A1A950D74356

 

[Bearfan]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

Still seems high to me, two tubes and no trailer...Make sure you check that deck sitting out like that.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

I know you have been looking for a while. It is too much money in my book, but if that's the going price for your area, then it's your call. Just don't be still looking in August and wishing you had bought this one. If you can live the deal, then do it. I'd still try to get him down a few hundred. If you buy it, use the covers. The more the seats are out of the sun and weather, the longer they will last.

 

[OnTheWaterNow]

Re: any advice on buying this boat- my first pontoon

$2,500. Im in Ohio too you can do better. toons are for sale everywhere here in that shape(if not better) with trailers for 2,500-3,800 My brother is in Marysville not far from you He just bought a super clean toon a year ago with 40 hp and trailer for 3,800. good luck.