Should I consider a Toon?

[BobGinCO]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

We'll be boating on inland lakes so no big water.

We got the third toon because we'll be boating on Lake Powell.
Definitely big water there, when a big storm blows in.

 

[mj05]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

So how about strakes on a two toon boat... will they work at all or just with three tubes?

I've also seen hydrofoils and water glide kits mentioned..... what are they and do they help?

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

If you are trying to stay in your budget, looking for a solid platform (toon/deck/fence) and power (outboard), would be the best target for the funds.

Getting more speed with boats and with pontoons especially, can be a rich mans game. It is reasonable to spend your money and get something that will hit the low to mid 20's. To get it beyond there it gets much more expensive for less and less gain.

I would look for a 2-toon unit with the largest toons you can get and a 90-120hp class out board. They will run at around 9-12 gallons per hour at WOT. If you jump to the 150 class, you will burn more gas and the gain, based on a non-planing hull will give you marginal speed increases.

For tubing, 24-25 is the fastest you want to go anyway. With smaller kids, much less.

I just sold this spring a 1992 25 foot 2 toon with 1989 90hp Nissan for $5200. The deck and furniture was functional but needed a rebuild. Just for comparison.

 

[mj05]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

If you are trying to stay in your budget, looking for a solid platform (toon/deck/fence) and power (outboard), would be the best target for the funds.

Getting more speed with boats and with pontoons especially, can be a rich mans game. It is reasonable to spend your money and get something that will hit the low to mid 20's. To get it beyond there it gets much more expensive for less and less gain.

I would look for a 2-toon unit with the largest toons you can get and a 90-120hp class out board. They will run at around 9-12 gallons per hour at WOT. If you jump to the 150 class, you will burn more gas and the gain, based on a non-planing hull will give you marginal speed increases.

For tubing, 24-25 is the fastest you want to go anyway. With smaller kids, much less.

I just sold this spring a 1992 25 foot 2 toon with 1989 90hp Nissan for $5200. The deck and furniture was functional but needed a rebuild. Just for comparison.

Sounds like good advice! Thanks!

 

[Water logged]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

So how about strakes on a two toon boat... will they work at all or just with three tubes?

I've also seen hydrofoils and water glide kits mentioned..... what are they and do they help?

Yes they do work on 2 toons. My boat planes out with 115 hp. Not sure what the speed is when it lifts up on the strakes.

Glenn

 

[mj05]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

Cool! Is that factory or aftermarket?

Also, tell me about water glide kits and hydro foils...

 

[Water logged]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

The strakes were factory on mine. I hear it is a hassle to add later, although I don't recall anyone actually completeing that conversion even though it comes up often.

Glenn

 

[mj05]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

Anyone know anything about water glide kits and what they do? How well they work?

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

Anyone know anything about water glide kits and what they do? How well they work?

Why, yes we do "Mj", yes we do. Back in 2005, we installed one on our 24' Starcraft w/ 90 hp Merc. Optimax. Basically, it did what they said it would. Gained 5-7 mph speed, but took a good bit of tweaking to get there. It's basically a 10' fiberglass hull that bolts up in between your tubes, just ahead of your motor pod. +/- $2000.00 and you do the labor yourself. With a lighter load, you should see good results, but it's weight sensitive. Too many people up front, and you will fall off plane. Now a days, a third tube can be purchased for much less. You just need a good welder. I hear "5150" gives 50% discounts for iboats members !!! Good luck !!!

 

[mj05]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

Thanks for the info, Rooster! COCKADOODLE DOOOOOO!!! I bet that toon in your sig rips with that 250 optimax!

Any info on hydrofoils?

 

[mj05]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

Any info on hydrofoils?

...

 

[halmc]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

Most of my boating life I laughed at draggin-butt Pontoon boats. But when I deigned to finally get one, I discovered that all along, and for all those years, THEY were laughing at ME the whole time.

BTW, pontoon boats can be made to go fast, but for me, that kinda misses the point.

 

[cat toon]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

I'm hoping to be a boat owner next year, and have been trying to find what fits the family best. I have a wife and three kids.... 12, 4, 2 years old(next yr). I plan on the boat being an "all - arounder". Your usual pulling tubes n stuff, throwing a worm in the water on occasion..... just having a good time on the water with family and a few friends.

I've been looking at bow riders, and they're great except the lack of room...... Which is what got me thinking about a pontoon. I'm looking for a relatively cheap boat..... under $5,000. I can do some work, but not too excited about tearing into a rotted glasser. I've seen toons powered from 9.9HP up to over 200HP. Tell me what would be a good engine size that would provide some fun without being too hard on gas...... 50hp? 80? is over 100 necessary? Let's say it's a 24' for example.....

I used to catfish from a Bass Cat bass boat talking about no room,there is no room on one,I went to a toon 3 years ago and love it.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

Pontoons have come a long way. We had this one out the day before Thanksgiving. It has Bennington's ESP package. Handles better than a glass hull boat.

 

[emilsr]

Re: Should I consider a Toon?

OH, AND:

Go out and RENT a Pontoon, and see if it's right for you! We rented for years before buying.

That's sound advice. It may cost you $300 or more to rent a boat for the day, but boats cost a lot to own and operate. Simply plopping down the money for payment is just the beginning.

Renting gives you an opportunity to try out different types of boats before making the financial commitment to buy one. Money well spent IMO. Renting saved me from buying a boat I just THOUGHT I wanted a couple of times.