New Toons

[worntired]

So I've really been looking at used tritoons and it seems the well cared for ones run as much as some of the new ones. I know boats aren't investments by any means, but does it make any financial sense to buy a 7 year toon that is still 70% of the cost of a new one? Or maybe buy an unpowered one and put a rebuilt engine with a warranty on it?

 

[MaPaHa]

Re: New Toons

That's a tough one to answer. My thoughts are that the initial cost is important for sure but what's more important to me is to get the right one for what you want to use it for. We don't know you're history and/or experience with pontoons nor what you want out of one so it's hard to say. If you're looking at tritoons that tells me you want to either have a big party on it or you want to use it for water sports. I suspect the water sports. Tritoons have been around a while but not in abundance so the used market is pricy it seems. In another 5-10 years the story will probably change but for now they are sought after with a limited market on used ones. It will take some work and you'll have to be ready to fork out the cash when you find a good deal on one or someone else will.

The other route is to find a builder and start from there. Twin toons will only get you to a 125 hp or so motor and unless they have lifting strakes you wont be able to ski behind the very well if at all. Tubing ik ok but they don't turn very well. Bottom line is you need speed for skiing and maneuverability for tubing. A straight log, no-strake twin toon doesn't do either well no matter how much power you throw on it.

If you get a builder twin toon with a 125 hp or so you're best "bang for the buck" is a pontoon water glide. They do what they say, I've had one and they work. From there many have added third toons and/or lifting strakes to build up to a tritoon.

Personally I wouldn't get less than a 150 hp on a tritoon if you're looking for water sports. My built up tritoon had a 125 on it and wouldn't do what I wanted. Changed it to a 150 and got what I wanted.

Let us know what you want to do with it and more people will kick in here.

Mark

 

[fergusmj]

Re: New Toons

I was in the same boat. I ended up buying a tritoon chassis with strakes and am in the process of building it up on my own. Finding a tritoon with a 150hp motor for less than 20k isn't easy. If you have the ability and space, you may look into building your own. I can point you in some directions for stuff if you want. Just let me know. you can build your own for less than 20K with a decent used 150 on it.

good luck!

 

[worntired]

Re: New Toons

My only experience with pontoons is a twin toon with a 90 HP we rented from the MWR on Robins AFB. My family has traditionally done the ob deckboats or fish and ski types. We loved the toon but weren't able to do anything but float around. Have a six year old and a two day old that we want to grow up outside like I did growing up. So obviously the water sports will be necessary in a couple of years, and plenty of room for friends. I ran across a voyager w/ a 225 optimax that could get up and go, but I didn't like the layout. It was a fishing model and didn't have a whole lot of room for as far as seats were concerned. It was an '07 with 86 hrs on an '09 motor. He wanted $17k for it. I thought it seemed high, but I'm starting to think it might be worth it and then just start reconfiguring it during the off season. There's a 2011 landau for $30k that is brand new with full warranties. It is already configured the way I want it with a 150hp ETEC on it. And then there are 2007 with low hours in the low 20k range. I came across a 22' fisher for $13k, but that seems a little small. So many different ways to go about it I'm not really sure what way to go. I was really hoping to get a boat for this summer. We live in central texas, so boating season is nearly year round and it might be worth spending the $30k on a boat that I don't have to wonder the history on. There is also a really nice hampton that has no power for $27k. I know where I can get a 225 4 stroke yamaha for around $4k. Decisions, decisions...sometime it sucks being an adult!

 

[The Rooster]

Re: New Toons

Those prices don't seem that high to me for what you're getting. Not that hard to reconfigure the seating on the Voyager. Low hours for an"09". I'd definetly stick w/ a 150 hp+ on triple tube barges if you plan on a lot of water sports. Good luck !!!

 

[worntired]

Re: New Toons

Yeah, I guess I'm just being cheap. Hate to spend that kind of money only to turn around and spend some more! Here's a link to the ad:

2005 Voyager Tri-Toon - 25 FT

I'm thinking take out the back sundeck/fishing area and add some lounges, change out the captains chair, and then add one more couch on the front left and should actually be just about perfect. It'll still be able to have all the fishing amenities, plus the room for the family and friends. Hate the color of the carpet also, but I think I can deal with that.