Need help on pontoon selection

[Fraziermotorsports]

I looked at 2 pontoon boats yesterday---

I really need help figuring out what type of boat is the better design for my needs.

Boat #1--

Older Kayot--1986

24" round pontoons- Omc In/out- Chev. 4 cylinder 3.0 ltr.
Boat is well maintained and in good shape (stored mostly indoors) 151 total hours.



Boat #2--

1995 Misty Harbor- Mariner 150 2 stroke outboard-- Large square pontoons-- Upholstry needs some work, but not the worse i've seen- mechanically, the boat seems in good shape-- no hour meter, but boat owner lives on the lake, so i'm assuming lots of hours.

Both boats are about close to same price.

My questions are this-- The kayot has the round toons and they appear to be about 1/8" thick. The Misty harbor has square toons and they feel paper thin. I think the square toons will perform better and achieve more speed- but being foam filled, what happens if I hit something? I would be scared to try and weld one- because the foam would catch on fire. The round ones seem like they would be cheap to repair.

Also, what power plant is going to be the better of the 2?

I want to be able to get to around 35 mph-- and would like to cruise in the 28-30 range.

Which is the better boat?

Thanks guys---

 

[lmuss53]

Re: Need help on pontoon selection

See my response to your other post about square logs. I would stay with the newer boat here, I think it will give you more of what you want. If the motor is a 1995 and that boat is in the $5 to $7k range that is a pretty good deal. You can pull seats off one at a time and get them fixed as time and budget allows. I don't think you'll get 35 mph from either of these but the Misty will get you closer.

Go for a ride in both before you decide, if either isn't ready to use RIGHT now I would eliminate it. A boat that hasn't been used regularly will have issues, like cars that sit.

 

[Fraziermotorsports]

Re: Need help on pontoon selection

Thanks for the reply Imus53.

I am still concerned about the foam filled 'toons. What if the foam gets waterlogged-- how would I remove the water? Can you repair a square foam filled tube if it gets a rip in it?

My buddy has the round toons. He beaches it (gently) all the time. I would be scared to do it with the square toons. I am hoping someone on here has these types of toons and can tell me not to worry.

Thanks guys!!

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Need help on pontoon selection

Are they Square or U-Shaped?

 

[Fraziermotorsports]

Re: Need help on pontoon selection

U-shaped

 

[Fraziermotorsports]

Re: Need help on pontoon selection

Update---

Purchased a 1995 Misty Harbor 24' pontoon with a 150 horse Mercury Mariner on Friday. Woohoo!

Took it out yesterday-------
Boat runs great--Really windy day. Hit 38 mph with 11 people and a dog on board. (In to the wind)

Pulled a 3 man tube with 3 large teenagers on it--

I am now a happy and satisfied pontoon owner!

Thanks to all of you for your help!

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Need help on pontoon selection

38mph with 11 people on board???? Was that GPS speed? Does it have lifting strakes?

Congrats and if your numbers are accurate you did very good. I have seen 150hp toon run 38 but they had strakes and 4 or 5 people aboard max.