Re: pontoons
Joy Joy<br /><br />I will not get into the wood vs alum or plastic debate. I think with proper care either will last and you will enjoy.<br /><br />Some of the things I will suggest come from my experince with my 2000 25' Crest classic.<br /><br />Bigger is better both in boat size and motor size. In your price range, I would for go the 3rd log if it meant you could get every thing else you want. What ever size boat you get there is only one correct HP for the boat, and that is the MAX HP that the boat will take.<br /><br />Make sure that the boat comes with a privacy unit, and a porta pottie. The women in your life will not enjoy the boat with out some means of relief, and they can not just go over the side!<br /><br />If you can get one with a sink, do it, refer to above paragraph. After they use the porta pottie they want to wash thier hands. <br /><br />Bimini front and rear if possible, but at least a rear bimini. There needs to be some where to get out of the sun. Most of the time when I put one up I end up pputting both up. Make sure the are easy to put up and down. Also make sure that they can be folded up and stored in the upright postion.<br /><br />Rear entry is a plus for any type of water sports, but more important, is a self storing ladder, that is easy to open and pull out of the water. I do not have a Rear Entry. The ladder stores in a locker, and can not be left in place while moving. Ever time I need to change the person in the water, I have to put the ladder in, the pull it out.<br /><br />Cooler storage space. If it stores under the seats, It will be the seat that someone is always sitting in. Also most coolers that come with the boat are to small.<br /><br />Make sure the helm has some where to mount a VHF radio.<br /><br />Anchor storage, most pontoons are lacking a good place that is easy to access.<br /><br />Cleats, again most pontoons are lacking enough cleats. If you are going to dock the boat or raft off of other boats, you will need three on each side. One in the front, one in the back, and one in the middle. You will also want one dead center in the fron for your anchor. <br /><br />None of the items other than a privacy unit for the porta pottie should be a deal breaker, but I wiuld look at each item when comparing boats.<br /><br /><br />Good Luck and keep us posted.
