Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Mr Crabbs

Mr Crabbs

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Storage, docking and maybe slip fees if you keep it in the water. Storage lots around here charge by the foot.
 
lncoop

lncoop

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Okay. Yes, you definitely need a big one. I don't know Dr. Ganus personally but understand he's a beloved Searcy institution. I also understand and share you desire to take a barge on long river trips. I keep making threats to do so but haven't made good on them yet. I will though. Maybe this fall. Have you seen this one? http://littlerock.craigslist.org/boa/2430196615.html Old barge, but appears to be pretty nice and it's sporting a drool-worthy E-Tec. That motor would be great for your trip down the Big Muddy. Be happy to make an excursion to Benton to see whether it would be worth your drive.
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

I never could understand the thought behind putting an I/O on a toon.
 
lncoop

lncoop

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

ezmobee said:
I never could understand the thought behind putting an I/O on a toon.
Click to expand...

You're not the only one. That's probably why there aren't that many of them around these days.
 
Mr Crabbs

Mr Crabbs

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

12 guns, if you are willing to put off this season and are handy, have you considered buying a much older project boat? You can build a 24'+ boat to YOUR specs, all new furniture and put your money into a good power plant. I'd hate to get on the Big Muddy and have my OB die. :(

We all like to look at the project boats here!
 
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12guns

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

I prefer a project boat, however the guy that is paying for the boat doesn't want to mess with a "fixer upper". They did not take care of their Arriva and the sun has slowly eaten away at the interior. They replaced all of the seats a few years ago for a steep bill of something like $2500.
I'm thinking about the Party Hut right now. I'll be out of town, but will have a friend in Little Rock go look at it Monday or asap. It will have some things that need attention due to it's age, but overall the pics show it to be in good condition. It has a newer Evinrude motor...I would guess 2003 ish?? We'll see.
 
Mr Crabbs

Mr Crabbs

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

WOW, Nice price too! Looks clean.
 
lncoop

lncoop

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Mr Crabbs said:
WOW, Nice price too! Looks clean.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I like that one. That's actually a dealer. They're kind of new in the area but are already gaining a good reputation. I met a guy on the river a couple of months ago who works for them. He was blowing the cobwebs ot of an old Playcraft built for speed. Really nice guy.
 
1

12guns

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

All good suggestions.
I also found a place in Jacksonville, "pontoon alley" that sells boats. They have three in stock, one of which was/is on craigslist. Here's their link

http://www.pontoonalley.net/picture-gallery.php

More and better pics on facebook, just search Pontoon Alley and their facebook page will come up. The 99' Suntracker w/ a hard top would be awesome if it weren't falling apart! Not sure prices on most, but I know the 02' is $12,500 which seems like a bargain if it's in the shape it appears to be in. I'm in Hawaii right now, so I can't go look at these (poor me...I know)
but my buddy and his dad are going tomorrow to check them out. There is a 2000 Playbuoy Calypso and the 02' Suntracker 25'. The Playbuoy was and should still be on craigslist for 8500, which seems like another good deal. And it has a galvanized tandem axle trailer. I should know something by tomorrow, hope they find a clean one and buy it! Just wish I could be there to help!
 
lncoop

lncoop

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

12guns, I don't want to start any rumors or unfairly bash anyone, but I feel I should tell you this. Pontoon Alley is a very new venture. I've met the owner and he seems nice enough, but I'm not sure he really knows what he's doing, and one of his buyers was really raking him over the coals on CL a month or so ago. There are definitely two sides to every story, and he wasn't very specific, so whatever beef he thought he had may or may not have been legitimate. He (pretty sure his name is Mike Clendenin) also frequently changes up his listings, sometimes posting from Cabot, other times Jacksonville, which is kind of cheesy in my opinion, but that may just be me. I know he's trying to get his business going, and the last thing I want to do is give him a bad name when I don't know whether he deserves one. I guess what I'm saying is take anything he says with a grain of salt, which should really be the approach when buying a used boat anyway. Trust but verify.
 
1

12guns

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Thanks for the honesty.
Both myself and the guy buying the boat have worked on outboards, cars, mowers, etc all our lives. I'm confident we can get a clean boat even if the guy is clueless. I am also an Insurance Adjuster, so I know what damage to look for both on the boat and motor.
It's always nice to buy from a dealer/person who is knowledgeable and overall good at what he does. However, I will be happy to stoop down and buy from a skeeze bag IF I am happy that the boat is in good condition for the price. He does have a couple "clean" looking boats, so we'll see how the search goes. Thanks and I'll keep you posted.
 
lncoop

lncoop

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Okay, good. Sounds like you'll know what you may or may not be getting into. That was my only concern. Again, I am definitely not in a position to judge the guy. Let us know.
 
1

12guns

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Well after all the hard work to find a newer, clean boat all to find out his mom just bought a boat! Not sure what brand, but it's a 89' 24 foot w/ a metal hard top (not deck). Has a three year old 50 hp Suzuki four stroke. Not sure that's enough motor, but it will work for now.
My buddy just got the "ok" from his dad to make an offer on a 2002 Suntracker w/ two soft tops, then found out mom already bought one! They said it's clean, so I'll hope for the best. May have to put the motor up for sale and upgrade to a 115 hp or so. I just hope the boat is not a typical 89' in need of new everything. They say it is solid and looks good. I'll find out this weekend! It was $5600 or so, and with the newish motor, maybe they got a good deal. Now to go buy a cheap gas grill!!! We'll be on the lake this weekend. I'll update after we run it for a while.
 
lncoop

lncoop

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Re: Looking at this pontoon...Help w/ value??

Not sure how much you want to spend on a grill, but I got this one and love it. http://www.wholesalemarine.com/pc/M...Grills/Magma+Marine+Trail+Mate+Gas+Grill.html Can be removed and used with legs off the boat. I have yet to do that, but it's nice to know I have the option when camping, etc. I went ahead and ordered mounting hardware when I ordered the grill. It's a two bracket setup that bolts to the railing and allows me to grill while underway.
 
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