Soon to be Newbie

[Linda L]

On Friday we put the wheels in motion to purchase a 2009 (new) Suntracker Classic Party Barge 19. I think we got a great deal price wise, as we got the entire deal (boat, motor, trailer with brakes, snap on cover, and radio, with freight, dealer prep and TTL) for only about $500 more than a comparable 2010 model with only the dealer prep and freight added.

It is a pretty modest little pontoon, but I think it will serve me and my kids (9 & 12) well. I look forward to hanging out here and learning from you.

I've heard horror stories about towing a pontoon, but already drive a truck camper that is higher than the boat, and downsized to that from a 30 foot fifth wheel. Am I crazy to consider towing the pontoon on our vacation this summer (about 2000 miles)? I know enough to keep my driving speed down.

Linda

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Soon to be Newbie

Welcome to iboats, and congrats on the new purchase.

If you used to pull a 30+ RV the toon will give you no problems at all.
As for the 2000 miles, what size tires does the trailer have?
The bigger the better. Small tire/wheels dont tow a long way well. NOt impossible but just now well. They spin to fast and the tires and bearings get hot.

As for the rest, have fun!!!

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Soon to be Newbie

Is your trailer a single axle or tandem? You'll do better with tandem. Single axle will be close to max. with that boat.

 

[Linda L]

Re: Soon to be Newbie

I've already mentioned to them this morning that I want to upgrade to a tandem axle trailer. My other question is do I need to think about upgrading the engine? Right now it has the 50 ELPTO 2 stroke. My girls really want to be able to ride in a tube behind the boat, although I've warned them it won't be a very speedy ride behind any pontoon. Looks like the 60 hp 4 stroke is the biggest they offer on this model. Salesman told me that there really isn't much difference in the 60 and 50 engines power wise. Are they telling me the truth?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Soon to be Newbie

Well normally I'd always say MORE POWER but in this case if a 60 is the max, I'd just save my money.

As for taking your boat on vacation.....make sure it wouldn't end up costing you more in the long run to take your boat as opposed to just renting one (if that's an option) at your destination.

 

[SnapperHunter28]

Re: Soon to be Newbie

Well normally I'd always say MORE POWER but in this case if a 60 is the max, I'd just save my money.

As for taking your boat on vacation.....make sure it wouldn't end up costing you more in the long run to take your boat as opposed to just renting one (if that's an option) at your destination.

Agreed...

 

[lncoop]

Re: Soon to be Newbie

I've already mentioned to them this morning that I want to upgrade to a tandem axle trailer. My other question is do I need to think about upgrading the engine? Right now it has the 50 ELPTO 2 stroke. My girls really want to be able to ride in a tube behind the boat, although I've warned them it won't be a very speedy ride behind any pontoon. Looks like the 60 hp 4 stroke is the biggest they offer on this model. Salesman told me that there really isn't much difference in the 60 and 50 engines power wise. Are they telling me the truth?

One axle is plenty for a 19' barge. The 50hp should be fine as well. I had that setup last year and I was able to pull my daughter on a tube around 20 mph at WOT. That's not warp speed, but it's plenty fast for a little girl. Just curious. Are they still decking them with aluminum?

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Soon to be Newbie

If the 60hp motor is a 4stroke buy it. It will use way less fuel than the 2 cycle and is much quieter.
We had a 50 2 cycle and now own a 60hp Yamaha it's a world of difference, trust me.

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Soon to be Newbie

Go with the 4 stroke.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Soon to be Newbie

If the 60hp motor is a 4stroke buy it. It will use way less fuel than the 2 cycle and is much quieter.
We had a 50 2 cycle and now own a 60hp Yamaha it's a world of difference, trust me.

That's all true. However, just be aware there are some trade offs in addition to a greater initial outlay. There is an ongoing two stroke vs four stroke debate, but all things considered the four stroke's probably a wiser choice. That said, if you decide you can't afford the four stroke 60 it's not as if you'll be miserable with the two stroke 50. Either one will be fine with that barge.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Soon to be Newbie

The issue with the 50 HP 2 stroke ELPTO is that it's older technology. It will use more fuel, be much noisier than the 4 stroke and resale value will be less down the road. I think it would be money well spent to upgrade at the time of purchase..

 

[lncoop]

Re: Soon to be Newbie

Let us know when you bring her home.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Soon to be Newbie

I've heard horror stories about towing a pontoon, but already drive a truck camper that is higher than the boat, and downsized to that from a 30 foot fifth wheel. Am I crazy to consider towing the pontoon on our vacation this summer (about 2000 miles)? I know enough to keep my driving speed down.

What type of pontoon trailer? If it is a scissor trailer, check your track width... Now compare that to a camper. HUGE difference. Scissor trailers are a handful, and 2000 miles would be incredibly nerve racking. A strong crosswind at highway speed WILL tip it over for you.

If you need to do lots of trailering, a bunk trailer is the only way to go. Ease of use, scissor trailer...