Considering a New 2007 Osprey

[TooManyQuestions]

New to the site. Im hoping to be back on a consistent basis.

Im new to considering a pontoon. Had a 30-yr-old 14' Starcraft boat with a 40 HP that tooled around our small 65 acre lake and took me tubing (why should the kids have all the fun). It served us well for the 3 years weve had it (paid a 1K for it).

Now considering upgrade to a 22' Osprey by Manitou powered by a 90 HP Optimax for $19100 total (6500 for engine).

Its a nice boat.

Was offered a 2009 Bentley at 19300 with a 90 Merc HP 2 stroke (I know of the restructure issue ... or at least I think I know)

I like the layout of the Osprey. Live fish well would be converted to Live beer well.

My first of too many questions.

Good deal on the Osprey?

 

[5150abf]

Re: Considering a New 2007 Osprey

Manitou makes a nice boat and that price seems to be right in there, of coarse always try to get that down as much as possible but that doesn't seem out of line.

A 90 is a good size motor for that boat, not too big not, too small, should do everything you want it too.

Make sure you look at everything in your area, find the one you like best, get your best deal and pull the trigger and start having fun.

 

[TooManyQuestions]

Re: Considering a New 2007 Osprey

5150,

Thanks.

Doing more checking in last couple days has shown the savings over a 2009 is nearly 5K.

Appreciate your comments as well.

 

[TooManyQuestions]

Re: Considering a New 2007 Osprey

Is there anything I should have done on the motor installation or with the 2007 Osprey Pontoon while Im in the process of purchasing.

I understand they come pretty well self contained. But many of you out here have done this for years, so Im open to suggestions.

(Im putting a ladder on side entrance as a way for swimmers to get back on since back isnt a swimming deck)

Doing this once, so Im going to do it right.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Considering a New 2007 Osprey

Really the only way to know what you will want on the boat is to take it out and when you want something and don't have it, there you go.

 

[TooManyQuestions]

Re: Considering a New 2007 Osprey

Went with new 2009 Osprey that dealer helped with floor layout (even changed the layout from brochure). Got the floor plan i wanted (over 2yr old new) by spending an extra 3K. Saved a grand by getting the Optimax 90 over the Evinrude and put in the boat layout. Hope it all works out. Im looking forward to a nice time on the lake this summer.

Any idea how fast a 90 HP will go with a boat weighing nearly 2400 with gas?

Anyone with ideas for tubing, let me know please. I want to make sure I have fun with it.

 

[imported_John o]

Re: Considering a New 2007 Osprey

Did you get the vers-a-track ladder?


They usually come in a four step version. BUT if you have any large people or people with bad knees, the 5 step version makes reboarding much much easier. I put a four step on one side and then bought the five step for the other when we found how difficult it can be for bad knees on the four step.

 

[TooManyQuestions]

Re: Considering a New 2007 Osprey

Thanks for backing up the idea of me getting the versa track ladder. I was not going to do it when i got the 350 quote, however I got it because I wanted a side entrance away from engine. I will check on number of steps (picture shows 4).

By the way, I went with a 2009 Manitou with a 90 HP Mercury. Any thoughts on the Merc? I can still get Evinrude E-TEC. A grand savings between the two (Mercury is less).

I got the 2009 because I got the floor layout I wanted.

 

[TooManyQuestions]

Re: Considering a New 2007 Osprey

Sorry i repeated myself. Didnt know I posted the 09 info.

 

[imported_John o]

Re: Considering a New 2007 Osprey

Thanks for backing up the idea of me getting the versa track ladder. I was not going to do it when i got the 350 quote, however I got it because I wanted a side entrance away from engine. I will check on number of steps (picture shows 4).

I put a four step on one side and a five on the other. (It was an easy self install) Since I have two people in the family with bad knees I needed the other step. but if your folks are in good shape 4 steps will be fine. I'm 48 and I use the 4 with no problem.

By the way, I went with a 2009 Manitou with a 90 HP Mercury. Any thoughts on the Merc? I can still get Evinrude E-TEC. A grand savings between the two (Mercury is less).

I've got a Yamaha. Only because my dealer only handled Yamaha's. I actually spec'd the boat with a Merc. (From what I remember in late 06 the three engines were neck and neck and neck.) I'm thrilled with the Yamaha by the way.

I ended up going with this dealer (in upstate Indiana) because he was over $5,000 cheaper than the local guy. Gave the local guy 2 tries to match and he just wasn't interested

 

[TooManyQuestions]

Re: Considering a New 2007 Osprey

Thanks for info on ladder. Got the 5-step. Only have one side door. Will work perfectly.

Cant handle the Yamaha thing (want American made product).

And I actually changed my mind AGAIN. I went with the E-tec. I figured Im only buying one engine in my lifetime, so get the one thats going to last and fit the boat well. I even upped the HP to 115. Cost me 2K more from Mercury Optimax. Plus I have 3 yr warranty instead of one.

I know. I know. Couldnt make up my mind.

Hope I did the right thing.

 

[TooManyQuestions]

Re: Considering a New 2007 Osprey

Hey. Another question.

Im getting four chairs on this Manitou Osprey (I replaced a row of seats on front to get a captain chair and side table) and I have two fishing seats on rear of deck.

Heres the question. I want to protect all of these seats and the console. Ive got a mooring cover.

Do I do more? Do I get individual covers for all (including bench seating)?

I want to last for years, but I dont want to go over the top with care too.

Im also worried about the sun bleaching out color on material.

 

[imported_John o]

Re: Considering a New 2007 Osprey

Heres the question. I want to protect all of these seats and the console. Ive got a mooring cover.

Do I do more? Do I get individual covers for all (including bench seating)?

I want to last for years, but I dont want to go over the top with care too.

Im also worried about the sun bleaching out color on material.

That should be enough. I've had mine since 2006. While the mooring cover is a bit faded the seats and all are still perfect. Get some 303 protectant and treat them. They'll stay cleaner and last longer.