Newbie shopping for first boat - a Pontoon - a few questions for the experts here

[pnut333]

I?ve never owned a boat before, but have ridden in, and rented them a few times a year. We are shipping for a pontoon with a budget of about $7k and had a few questions for you experts. We want to get one which is a traditional 2 hull design, with a motor big enough to pull tubes and skiers. We will use it on a small inland lake about 1mi around. It also needs to have a folding top to keep the sun off. We want to be able to carry up to 8 people on the boat. Radio and other extras are not important to us. We just need a nice reliable boat to cruise around in and pull the kids on tubes. Edit: freshwater lake 100%.

- What problems or issues should I look for, and be aware of when shopping for a pontoon boat? What is a common failure, or typical problems?

- What size boat is appropriate for 8 people?

- How much HP to I need to pull tubers and skiers (I was thinking 90hp)?

- Has there been much hull design developments in the last 10 years?

- Might I be better off buying the boat cheap with a small or no engine, then just putting a bigger engine on it (money wise)?

 

[Dave1251]

Re: Newbie shopping for first boat - a Pontoon - a few questions for the experts here

22 ft boat should hold eight people. With a 90HP and eight people you will not be able to pull skiers other than small kids. For sking, you should have a tri-toon, but they will be over your budget. So I would look for a boat with a 150HP engine. Used engines are hard to find, so I would look for a boat with the engine you want.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Newbie shopping for first boat - a Pontoon - a few questions for the experts here

Although you can ski behind anything, pontoons and skiing are not the best combo. Look at what you will do most, and buy either a skiiing boat or a party barge.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Newbie shopping for first boat - a Pontoon - a few questions for the experts here

You probably will not find a pontoon boat that can carry 8 people and pull a tube or skier at the same time, especially for 7 grand. To carry that many comfortably it should be 24 ft and to get up to a decent cruise speed, you'll need a 150 hp. You might want to look around for a deckboat with a more traditional hull. You'll get the speed and the space.

 

[roozter2550]

Re: Newbie shopping for first boat - a Pontoon - a few questions for the experts here

You probably will not find a pontoon boat that can carry 8 people and pull a tube or skier at the same time, especially for 7 grand. To carry that many comfortably it should be 24 ft and to get up to a decent cruise speed, you'll need a 150 hp. You might want to look around for a deckboat with a more traditional hull. You'll get the speed and the space.

x2 on the deck boat idea...

I had a 24' Fisher Freedom 240DLX pontoon with a 90 Merc
great for slow cruising, some fishing, lounging annd taking the kids to the beach...tubing was a no go with the 90hp


if the OP is set on a pontoon...
look for 20'-24', over 100 hp

do some research...
start looking for some boats to see what is in your price range then search the net for pros and cons on different manufacturers.

most guys might tell you that all pontoons are built exactly the same and for the most part, they are but you find some differences which could sway your decisionn.
my Fisher Freedom 240DLX did not have plywood decking/flooring, it was plastic resembling starboard with no worries about rotting.

 

[pnut333]

Re: Newbie shopping for first boat - a Pontoon - a few questions for the experts here

Thanks for the replies.

I am the one more sold on the pontoon over something else. I will look into deck boats to see if that may be an alternative, I know nothing at all about them.

Alternatively we can just plan to get a smaller motor. The one we rent often is a 45hp 24footer, and while of course it is no good for tubing, the power is enough for putting around the lake.

I would like opinions of these from the forum:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998..._Motorboats?hash=item4149c48cb3#ht_500wt_1182

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KAYO...Motorboats?hash=item35a44bfbee#ht_1440wt_1165

MS

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Newbie shopping for first boat - a Pontoon - a few questions for the experts here

Get a pontoon boat with a small motor and a 14' skiff for a couple of people to ski with nearby. You can get one for what you'd pay to go from 45 hp to 150.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Newbie shopping for first boat - a Pontoon - a few questions for the experts here

Thanks for the replies.

I am the one more sold on the pontoon over something else. I will look into deck boats to see if that may be an alternative, I know nothing at all about them.

Alternatively we can just plan to get a smaller motor. The one we rent often is a 45hp 24footer, and while of course it is no good for tubing, the power is enough for putting around the lake.

I would like opinions of these from the forum:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998..._Motorboats?hash=item4149c48cb3#ht_500wt_1182

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KAYO...Motorboats?hash=item35a44bfbee#ht_1440wt_1165

MS

The Kayot appears to be in exceptional shape for it's age, and shows all the signs of a boat that's been well cares for. Unfortunately, it appears to be sold. The Sea Ark, on the other hand, appears to be just the opposite, left out in the elements without a cover, and generally not looked after. There are some redeeming qualities though. The aluminium hull would be preferable over fibreglas for weight, maintenance and repairs, and a 150 hp four stroke is the right motor for your needs. A tandem trailer with brakes is a must for a boat of the size your contemplating, and this boat is also a good size for you. Plan on spending some time and dollars bringing it back to where it should be.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Newbie shopping for first boat - a Pontoon - a few questions for the experts here

i have a 20 ft with a 140hp rude. it is fine on straight runs, but you have to slow down when making turns. does not make a good tow boat really. when a skier or tuber goes down, it is extremely hard to make the sharp turn to go back to them.