Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

[jafo9]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

couple of thoughts.

the sunsation line is a great place to start with the premiers. if you are looking at a 3rd log, i'd think real hard about going all the way with the PTX package. this will help performance and resale tremendously. what we found for kids swimming is that we really like an extended bow. our 1st pontoon was a 22ft sun tracker regency and there was very little "bow" area outside the fence. our 24ft premier has a great deal of space on the front to serve as an impromptu jumping platform. another difference we noticed with the premier was that the bimini was much larger on the premier than on the sun tracker.

if you go with the premier, i highly recommend the bow filler seat. it really increases the seating space and it is easily moved when we stop to play in the water. this opens up the bow door to serve as a runway for "big" air jumps.

 

[Tejhummer]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

winty03
Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Looking for some guidance, and or suggestions. Like many, we have out-grown our runabout. We currently have a 05 Glastron GX 185, and its just not able to hold our growing family. After a few years of "fighting" with the idea and mulling it over, the way to go is with a pontoon. We have never owned one, let alone even rode on one, that I can remember?!?! Doing a bit of looking online, it seems there are 50 some manufactures and MANY layouts of each model.

Our main needs are...
Hold 11-15 people
Kids swimming from craft would be our main use, anchored middle of lake
Have available shade/sleeping area for infants/small children during long days on the water
Pull a 2 person tube (kids) nothing wild or crazy

Looked into Suntracker just because it was the only manufacture I could think of. Looking keep the purchase around 30k.

Please post with your suggestions and reasoning. If there is any sites or links that would help in decision making, please post those too.

Thanks






I would recommend a sterndrive. Just saying, hate if you want to, but you can't compare any outboard to a 5.7 Litre V-8. On a 25' Crest, it not only sounds (I can't describe it, you have to hear it), but pulls 3 skiers with no problem. Storage and seating is no problem. Crest has used every bit of space very effectively to either sit people or store boating accessories. If you are looking for the best, go Crest.

 

[sasada]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

Bennington and manitou are very nice pontoons. I had a 2003 Tracker, which at the time i had it it was 6 years old. I just realized that pontoons were not for me....with the utmost respect just too "mini vanish" for this guy. The new toons they have out now that can make the rig get up on plane are the way to go! Just a thought...for 30k you can get a heck of a rig just a couple years old.

 

[winty03]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

Looking like our searching has come full circle. We really were looking to go with a 24' xp3 Sun Tracker, but after July 4th and seeing and talking with a lot of Premiere pontoon owners, they are in love with their toon. We made a trip to the dealer and took a look at their stock. We went to the dealer focusing on a Sunsation 22’ with bench seating. They had a Sunsation 20’ with bench seating, but knew off the bat that 20ft is just not going to cut it. We REALLY want to do the PTX package, and or their package with 3 toons, 150hp and upgraded steering, but pricing becomes an issue. We are really looking to get a stock 22ft sunsation with the 115hp and hope it is able to handle a fully loaded boat and pull some kids on the tube. Talking to their service dept. we KNOW the 3 toons are the way to go, but they are looking at 6-7k more just for the package. And since its mid to end season we probably are not going to find the setup we want, so 2013 brand new boat looks to be the only option. So with the stock Sunsation in mind, any must have upgrades or things we NEED to do or get on it? Would love to upgrade to 3 toon package but just don't want to push 40k

 

[WaterDR]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

As you already figured out, anything larger than a 20, with a 115 or 150, a Premier, and a PTX is going to be north of 40k. So, I guess that means you need to sacrifice something, or spend the 40....or go used. Inventory is getting hard to find.

As to a 22 footer, a 115, and towing a tube with a fully loaded boat, I think that might be a slow ride. You could do it, but it depends on how fast you want to go. You might make 20 mph if you are lucky, but it might only be like 15 too, or even slower. Not sure how much difference the third toon would make in that situation, but it will help. The other thing to consider is that is turning will become an issue too with so much added weight.

There is tubing and there is tubing.....if you are just looking to go in a straight line, fully loaded, and with some kids in the tube, they will have fun. 15 mph especially for a small child is plenty fast enough. Older kids will want to go more like 25.

I wish I could try the same platform with 2 tubes and then with 3 to compare.

 

[winty03]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

After more talk with dealers and service men, we have decieded to go with a Premiere 220 RE with the 3 toon package, not the PTX, but the intermedial step. Which if I understand right, and I believe WaterDR you had mentioned....it upgrades to 3 toons 25", strakes, under deck sheathing, upgraded flex steel captians chair, and going with a 150HP 4 stroke Yamaha. Theres nothing we have found in stock, so it looks like new might be our only option. Thoughts?

 

[WaterDR]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

That is a GREAT setup. I just sold our Legacy 225 RE a few months ago. THIS option will be a much easier sell in the after market too. Most people won't care about the PTX, they will just care that it has three toons. I think the 150 may be a bit on the overkill side with that package and may hurt you in the after-market a bit. A 150 is a must-have with the PTX, but most of those 220 RE's will be powered with 60 to 115's. Heck, ours had a 40. All depends on where you use it and the options in your area. i am not saying to NOT get the 150, just noting a potential downside. Frankly, I think the more power the better.

I am not sure what you are paying, but Bentley has a package I have seen that is a 24 footer (i think it is called a 243), with their LE package, with three tubes, and a 150 Merc priced in the mid to upper 20's. I see them at 25 to 26K and closer to 30k. Frankly, I think it often depends on how the dealers are showing additional charges. I think that is the best priced package on the water that I have seen for under 30k. I would have bought that bought had I been able to find one at the time. Their 20 footers with a 115 are only 20k.

 

[winty03]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

We are planning on the 150hp just because of the fully loaded boat and or pulling a double tube at the same time. Everyone at the dealership said defiantly go 3 tubes with the load and pulling a tube. I am going to look into the Bentley for a comparison. We are over 30, but its coming down to getting what we need and want, rather than cutting too many corners and in the end not getting what we wanted and being disappointed. The dealer said adding a 3 toon you need to keep the HP up otherwise the 3 toon doesn't help, but hurts the performance. Now if he talked 40,60,90hp or 115hp, Im not sure. He just said the 3 toon max out at 175hp so 150 seemed to be in the middle. Moving to engines...is Yamaha a good manu? Other Premiere dealer put on Suzuki. We've owned mercs. I think they are all name brand engine manu, but any of them have any stand out performance or features?

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

Winty03:
There are many, many good brands of pontoon/tritoon boats, but they get to the point that they're kind'a generic. But, let me say that the "BIG 4" most popular pontoons are Bennington, Harris, Manitou and Premier. Bennington is dominant in the retail market right now. Harris has a little more conservative styling. Manitou is the performance and handling leader. Premier boats have nice interiors, but are conservative in styling, expensive and don't perform as well. They're all fine boats, however. Let me (as a new Bennington owner) give you my newly learned observations:
1. The boat business is seeing an improved 2012, after dismal 2011 and 2010 years. Business still sucks, however.
2. Dealers were conservative in 2012 orders, and they're going to be again conservative on factory orders going in next month for 2013.
3. Boat business goes south right after July 4th. They mostly have big, expensive boats and smaller, cheaper low horsepower boats in stock. Tritoon mid line 150 hp 23' boats are difficult to find right now.
4. Are you really going to be carrying 11-15 people? If so, you need the largest hull you can get. If you're going to be tubing with a few smaller kids, you could get by with a 22'-23' and 115 hp motor.
5. If you're in the Minnesota area, check out the largest pontoon dealer in the U.S.--T&MMarine.com who's north of Minneapolis. They have more pontoon boats in stock than I've ever seen, and buy Tahoe and Avalon factory overstocks and boats from dealers going out of business. These are very high quality boat lines and T&M powers them by Mercury.
6. I didn't mention other high quality boat lines. There are also many medium line boats like the Bentley, Lowe and SunTracker that would also do the job. Warning: Don't go to a boat show and see'em side by side. You'll quickly come back to the BIG 4 for high quality seating and workmanship.
7. The best place to get your feel for the pontoon market is on Boattrader.com--filtered for your area/region.
8. Try to buy in your retail market. This is not always possible due to low inventories, but still try to stay at home. I had to go 100 miles to find the model boat my wife wanted. Any warranty claims will require substantial driving (400 miles for each trip to the dealership including going back after my boat.)
9. My motor's a Yamaha 150, but I'm sold on ETEC motors' performance pulling tubers/skiers. A 115 hp ETEC 2 stroke might just pull tubers better than a 150 4 stroke from another manufacturer--at a substantially lower price. Any of the Merc, Yamaha, Suzuki, ETEC, Honda motors are fine, however. I have noticed that the new Mercury 150 Fourstroke can be bought substantially cheaper than the Yamaha 150.
10. Pontoons pull like they weigh 1000 lbs. more due to poor aerodynamics. Side forces and yaw can come into play when you have a short wheelbase 6 cylinder tow vehicle. Pontoons need to be pulled by V8 SUV's or 1/2 ton pickup trucks.

You have received a lot of advice. If you feel overwhelmed, take two steps back and punt. Look closely on the internet in your area. Dealers will be more apt to cut you a deal a month from now when they've not sold as many boats.

My boat hunt was down to a 24' Bennington SSLX with 150 Yamaha--the model with the 48" rear facing sun bed. I was also very interested in a 23' Manitou Aurora VP with ETEC 150 hp HO motor @ $32,995 plus a trailer ($2500.) The Bennington was slightly more, but also downright luxurious.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

"Winty", since "WaterDr, & Bamaman" have done such an excellent job hogging the thread, I've got virtually nothing to add. I do think you will be happier w/ a 150 hp V6 for your needs. You may also consider for options: a second bimini & second battery w/ selector switch. Good luck !!!



PS- "Bamaman", clear your PM box. It's full !!!

 

[WaterDR]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

Sorry for being a hog!

- We pull our toon with a Chrysler Pacifica. It tows absolutely fine and w/o any issues. It has a 250 hp V6 and is AWD. I don't hesitate one bit with it, BUT for going longer distances, using a larger vehicle would serve better for sure. We don't tow much anymore as we are in a wet slip. A typical trip for us would be anywhere from 2 to 40 miles.

- As stated previously, I think buying in your local market is a good option for warranty work. However, engine work can be done at ANY local retailer that services the brand you buy. Some marinas will do boat warranty work too on all boat brands. Takes some work though.

- ETEC 2 stroke are GREAT motors and big bang for the buck. They perform really well, frankly, in some ways, they should be on every pontoon. But, hardly no one wants one. When selling a pontoon recently, everyone wants a four stroke due to noise, ease of starting, etc... the ETEC 2 stroke simply gets a bad rap from being a 2 stroke.

- T&M marine....interesting place. They have tons of boats....i considered them a few years ago. But, the Tahoe boats just seemed very generic. If you want the biggest toon you can get for the dollar and don't care about a mismatched motor, you can get your money to go pretty far with them. Thyey do have a nice website with all of their inventory and deals, so easy to shop.

 

[winty03]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

What Bennington boat would be comparable to the 22' Sunsation RE with tritoon/PTX with 150HP? Price and proformance wise. First an for most would be seating...we want 11-12 people capacity for sure. We would like some room on front and or back for swimmers to jump off of, but it seems we would have to step up in size to keep the interior seating capacity. Motor wise I would like to go with a Merc just because thats all we have ever owned, but the 2 dealers we have talked with go with Yamaha ad the other Suzuki. Checked on towing specs and service dept at dealership and they all gave the go ahead. I understand bigger tow vehicle would help, just trying not to rebut all vehicles at once

Side note what does the 2nd battery add? Just a back up to the starting battery? I know for sure we would be adding an inverter and deep cycle battery to run inflator/deflator for sure, its been a god send

Don't know pricing but looks Bennington 2275 looks very comparable....

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

While running the barge, I'm using both batteries. Once stopped at a beach or sandbar, I switch to one or the other for the 5-7 hrs we're listening to the radio/i-pod and charging phones w/ one of the 12-V outlets. That way we always have a fresh batt for starting. The Bennington 2275 would be comparable. I think any of the triple toon packages you mentioned would satisfy your need for speed. I don't think the upgrade to the larger center tubes, either 27'-32" is going to get you that much more performance for the up charge you'll pay. "5150, may be able to elaborate further for you. Good luck !!!

 

[WaterDR]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

You cant go wrong with an extra battery. I dont use one and have never had an issue. We use air pumps, run the radio, etc..., sooner or later i think it pays off. Only downsides are cost, added weight, and some loss of storage.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

Trolling motors and power steering on a SeaStar unit require 2 batteries. Also, a powerful sound system requires 2 batteries, as big amplifiers are power suckers.

Otherwise, I prefer a single car battery--not a deep cycle battery. They're cheaper to buy and last longer. If you don't feel comfortable, carry a set of jumper cables.

 

[jestor68]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

What ever brand you decide on, make certain you get a "tri-toon" for the performance advantage. We're talking 40+ mph, depending upon power. If you are buying new, don't skimp on power. You will thank yourself later.

The biggest mistake folks make when getting a pontoon boat is not realizing the performance disadvantage of a two-log pontoon boat; compared to what they are used to in a "regular" boat.

The world's "fastest" pontoon boat(a tri-toon of course) is on U-Tube. It has triple 300 Mercs and breaks the century mark! (the gps shows 107 mph!)

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

I'm getting ready to sell my 24 ft StarCraft pontoon boat.It's an 07.With a 5 Starr bunk trailer.The trailer is an 06. My asking price is a lot lower Then $20,000. So far this year we haven't had it in the water once .Maybe Wednesday or Thursday. We only used it three times last year.We're located on the head waters of the Chesapecke Bay. lots of deep water.We are getting up in years,I'm 70 so I need a boat that I can slide into when in the water like a nice sized Bass boat. It's to had for us to pull ourselves up those pontoon Ladders. The motor is a 90 HP Merc oil injected.And it pulls a raft with three teenages easily.

 

[winty03]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

Going to make a trip to the dealer tomorrow, they don't have our size toon in stock, but they have the same layout and model we are looking at but in the shorter model. So it will give us a good feel of the features. We might end up going with the PTX package for the only reason is that after adding the 3 toons, the PTX package gives you all the options in the performance package with for 2k $ more. So it will really have everything the Sunsation can have for performance. Sounds like it only 2-3 mph more going with PTX but there video kinda sold me and 2k more...in the end why not?!?! So Premiere 220 RE with bench seatnig in front, 150HP and PTX package...assuming its the 30" not the 36" I would think those are on 24ft and up models???

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

Good luck tomorrow "winty". This is the fun part !!!

 

[JK60]

Re: Buying first pontoon, need advise/suggestion

If you're close to MN. check out T & M Marine, they are on the web and also advertize several new 2011 and 2012 pontoons on e-bay very reasonable. I just ordered mine and they were great to deal with. Especially since I'm still deployed and did everything on line. I will get home about the same time as the boat will be delivered. They carry Tahoe/Avalon and several other brands. You can do your research at the manufacture web site www.tahoepontoons.com . I researched pontoons for the last 6 months as this will be my retirement gift for me and the wife, I didn't find anything derogatory about the Tahoe and Avalon lines but I did see good remarks. The company has several production video's on you tube to take you through the factory and they will also give you a personal tour if go to the plant in MI. T & M is one of their biggest dealers in the U.S. and they will rig the boat with single or double tops or even a complete enclosure. You even have the option of a center log and your choice of motors. I found them to be very completive with anything on the market and they have a 5 year bow to stern warranty. Check them out, so far I have nothing but good things to say about them. I'm hoping that doesn't change when I get home and put the boat on the water LOL...