Bennington Pontoon?

[Watkins60]

I am looking to buy my first pontoon and I have a 2011 bennington 22ft sfi with 4 stroke 115hp yamaha. Curious if this is a great pontoon or if i should keep looking. would pay 28k for it if i buy it. Has some upgrades not striped down and added 80 pound trolling motor.

Also for my first boat with little exp and knowldge should I buy new or used?

I will mainly fish chill and at time tube.

Also - would you dry store or pay for the slip.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Bennington Pontoon?

Welcome to iboats.

If this is your first ever boat I would go used at least for your first year then maybe upgrade, you always mess up your first boat banging docks ect so it is good to get some time under you before you screw up a really nice boat.

Running a boat is completely different than car, as I say, the only similarities between a car and a boat is they both have steering wheels and burn gas, always a good idea to take a safe boater coarse as soon asyou get your boat too, it will at least get you the basics of what to do on the water.

Yes, Bennington is regarded as one of the best boats on the market, you really can't go wrong there.

As for storage if you are on saltwater dry dock it if it is fresh water slip.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Bennington Pontoon?

I agree with 5150 about buying used. For the same reason he mentioned, plus it is a buyers market so used prices are very attractive.

Dry storage can get pricey but that is the way to go if your budget allows.

 

[katman819]

Re: Bennington Pontoon?

You didn't say where you are: if there are some really nice, clean used boats with sound engines that can be had for less go used. The bennington is a great boat and the Yamaha is also a great pick. But I have to agree that for a first boat, used mught be a better option but only if it is in great condition and significantly less. Scratching a new boat will be painful, but there is a warranty for any mechanical or manufacturing problems. With a used boat, the bills for service can quicky eat up the difference between new and used unless you do the work yourself. Parts are not cheap, in my area mechanics start at $100/hr and seem to always bill in 4 hr increments. Plus, there is no such thing as a quick repair during the summer.

A lift or storage are great in salt water areas. Mine is properly bottom painted and stays in my slip. I like being able to walk out of the house and jump on the boat without having to deal with a launch. A call ahead drop in service would be good if you don't live on the water.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Bennington Pontoon?

We have a 24 ft pontoon boat, and I trailer it every place. The marina I use charges $450.00 for winter storage if left on the trailer. You cover it or they can shrink wrap it for a fee.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Bennington Pontoon?

You didn't say where you are: if there are some really nice, clean used boats with sound engines that can be had for less go used. The bennington is a great boat and the Yamaha is also a great pick. But I have to agree that for a first boat, used mught be a better option but only if it is in great condition and significantly less. Scratching a new boat will be painful, but there is a warranty for any mechanical or manufacturing problems. With a used boat, the bills for service can quicky eat up the difference between new and used unless you do the work yourself. Parts are not cheap, in my area mechanics start at $100/hr and seem to always bill in 4 hr increments. Plus, there is no such thing as a quick repair during the summer.

A lift or storage are great in salt water areas. Mine is properly bottom painted and stays in my slip. I like being able to walk out of the house and jump on the boat without having to deal with a launch. A call ahead drop in service would be good if you don't live on the water.

And katman, you didn't say where you are. It makes it easier to answer questions when the forum member adds their approximate location with their information. Sorry, but this is kind of a pet peeve for me.

 

[katman819]

Re: Bennington Pontoon?

Sorry about that Ray. Ocean City Maryland and Annapolis Maryland.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Bennington Pontoon?

There are 392 pontoon listings in BoatTrader.com within 250 miles of you. EBayMotors.com is another big site for used pontoons. The concensus here is to start used, and upgrade as you better know your needs. Bennington is top of the line (with Harris, Premier, Manitou and others), but they also come with a high price tag.

I personally am not in need of a boat with nicer furniture than my home has. I would prefer to put my money into a 24' tri-toon with strakes (or high performance hull) and a larger engine.

If you will get online, you can often find one or two year old pontoons at very good prices--many of which have very little use. They will be a better "value" if you need to trade up in a year or two. It's also easy to figure out online who the dominant boat dealer is in your market--one that's willing to earn your business through lower prices. And, sometimes it pays a lot to drive a little.