Pontoons vs fiberglass

3

3@sea

Recruit
Joined
Jun 15, 2009
Messages
3
Anyone out there switch from glass to pontoon? Currently have a nice little runabout, but small. Need more space and a head.

Like the newer decks, but big $$. Can't beat the space/value of a 'toon. Need something for cruising but also watersports. Don't need a lot of speed, just for skiers/tubing.

Intersted in any experiences out there of someone who has gone to a pontoon. What is handling & ride, how do they handle chop? Good for watersports?

Thanks.
 
R

rlk

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 17, 2008
Messages
46
Re: Pontoons vs fiberglass

3, I made the switch and have never regretted it. Sometimes I want a little more speed than the pontoon will give, but I quickly get over that urge.

I thought I might miss skiing and fast water toys, but never have. Guess this has something to do with getting older.

Bob
 
OldePharte

OldePharte

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 17, 2008
Messages
633
Re: Pontoons vs fiberglass

I went from a Midships 240 deck boat to a pontoon. It was the best decision that I made lately.

The deck boat was just too rough riding in the nasty chop that we get. I picked up the new triple toon on Memorial day weekend and had to drive it 9 miles home (no trailer). I would have never tried it with the old deck boat. I didn't even get the front carpet wet!

The middle tube was definitely worth the extra $$.

I went from a 225 Yamaha to a 150 Honda. My only regret was not being able to afford the extra horses. But then again, the need for top end speed was more for my ego than a real need.

I can easily seat 10 passengers who can all talk to each other. The old deck boat was basically a bow rider and had 2 separate passenger areas.
 
B

BDubya

Recruit
Joined
May 16, 2009
Messages
1
Re: Pontoons vs fiberglass

I moved from a 21' bowrider to a 22' toon . . . toon is much smoother, quieter, more relaxing and comfortable. Seats 12 easily and still can pull a tube. The bowrider was much faster and handled quicker, but also was cramped and awkward if you had more than 4 aboard. Both have their place, but if you can only have one, go with the toon.
 
rrhodes

rrhodes

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 24, 2008
Messages
636
Re: Pontoons vs fiberglass

I also went from a Cuddy to a 25' Tritoon. Although I wish I bought more HP I love the toon. It is nice to be able to move around and take 12 people out if I want. (Rated for 16) The kids love being able to run and jump off the deck and when the lake is rough all the smaller runabouts fall in behind me to smooth out their ride.. With 6 Adults I still run just over 26mph no matter how rough the water is.
 
S

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: Pontoons vs fiberglass

You can't beat a toon for room smooth ride and flexibility.
You could setup a toon like your back yard patio.a grill ,comfortable lounges
maybe a porch glider of course a little head/changing area.
With some sort of inclosure you could have an over nighter.
The tri toon will allow sking with the right hp.I saw a 24 footer with a 175 etec does about 42.Of course less hp you could still ski.
A regular toon is just plain slow my 18ft with a 50 does about 20 on a good day.Driven below planing speeds it uses about the same fuel as a runabout at the same speed.
 
dooma_Flatchy

dooma_Flatchy

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 18, 2007
Messages
289
Re: Pontoons vs fiberglass

I have always owned bass boats and I just have bought my first pontoon and I like it a lot. I do miss the speed somewhat but I have 2 little girls(ages 8 & 5) I have already fished off of it and it's seems to be a little better (size wise) than my previous boats. Once I get it set up like I wanted I think I will enjoy it more. It sure is nice cruising around just taking it easy.
 
S

smclear

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 14, 2008
Messages
626
Re: Pontoons vs fiberglass

coolguy147 said:
what about a fiberglass pontoon?
Click to expand...

I have never seen or heard of a fiberglass pontoon. Who makes them? I have a JC pontoon that has a small portion of fiberglass on the front end but it is hardly what I would consider a fiberglass pontoon.
 
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