Re: Need recommendation
WHOOPS! I didn't realize it was an old post either!
Incoop, I didn't realize that TD had passed away.
As far as trailering, I've been trailering pontoons for nearly 30 years, including my last 32 footer, and have never experienced any trailering problems. Just make sure you have guides on the trailer and it will l load as easy as any other boat.
I had to chuckle when I read some of the previous posts. Granted, I don't tow my pontoon more than an hour and a half from home (on some very bad country roads) it's no worse than pulling my travel trailer (8 destinations and over 5000 miles last season). Some trips I end up towing both (not at the same time!) By the end of this season I was launching and retrieveing my 20' Suntracker all by myself. I fish off the open bow (no fence) and prefer it that way, but we fish smaller, quiet Ohio lakes. The bimini top doesn't get in the way of me and my kids (22 and 12) when we fish but if it did I could take it down if it did.
We bought a new Suntracker PB 20 last June and got a great deal on an entry level boat. We bought new because I didn't want to spend time fixing things even though 'm a shop teachers and build/fix stuff all the time. It has a 90 HP Merc (the sales guy told me I'd be OK with the 50hp) and has enough giddyup for us, but we haven't tried pulling a skier yet. We really like the open deck and room to spread out. We know that when we retire in about 10 years we'll be getting a longer 'toon, probably around 24'. Sooner if grandkids start showing up.
Most of the issues will all come down to your own preferences. My only advice, make certain it will have the capacity for your cargo and crew. We've already maxed out our PB with 6 adults and 2 teenage kids and it handles like a pig. On those few times we have that many people with us, I wish we had a bigger boat, but it doesn't happen frequent enough for me to go out and get a bigger boat.
Go hit up the boat shows and have fun with your search!
