Toon options

[OldePharte]

Getting ready to buy a triple log, 26' pontoon with perhaps 150hp OB.

We mainly just putz around but anchor out occasionally. *And oh, I don't fish and we boat on a rather large inland lake.

Without bashing a mfg'r, my questions are:
1. *What options did you get that you were happy that you got?

2. What options didn't you get that you wish you had or added later?

3. *What options did you get that didn't work out as planned or go unused? Examples would include a full length bimini versus the "typical", anchor locker (I already have a Danfoth), sink, front chairs versus lounge seating, etc.

Items that will be a must will be lifting strakes, hydraulic steering,*and under-deck shield.

 

[Joe R.]

Re: Toon options

I have a 21' 2001 Oddessey Millenium "Triphoon" w/ a 300 hp mercruiser. This is the greatest all-round boat i have ever owned.

As for the options:

Engine: Bigger the better. I/O is very powerful and quiet. Only draw back would be it is a little more difficult to do seasonal maintenance (I have to remove a gas tank to get to the fuel/moisture seperator).

Grille: We spend all day on the water. Cooking lunch is fun and keeps expences down. We use it often.

Changing room: Use it all the time.

Camper cover: We purchased the 1/2 camper cover. It encloses from the front of the helm to the stern. Nicely made, works well, but used only twice in 6-7 years.

Bimini top: I'm sure that is standard, but mine has lights in it. This makes for nice evening cruises. There is floor lighting also which is very nice.

Seating: We have lounges. Wrap-around stlye in the rear with large sun deck area for people to lay on while anchored. No sink and plenty of storage.

Stereo: I need good tunes. I did install a 8 disc changer when I bought it. Now, I would like to add an i-pod adapter.

Ski pylon: A must for my family.

Basically, triple hull is the only way to go. If you entertain a lot of people and are into water sports, get the biggest motor you can. And lastly, DRIVE BEFORE YOU BUY.

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Toon options

Joe R - Ooooh. a half camper enclosure! Darn near forget about that.

Could make sense for us to use during early Spring or the fall. Neither care for chill air rushing past us, unless it's 95 or so outside.

Also, there are several golf courses that are quicker to get to by boat, than by car. Park at the dock and they bring a shuttle to pick you up and bring you back; gratis.

On the downside, looking out that wavy plastic may not be all that pleasant.

For us an I/O could be an option, but one needs to winterize them puppies. We set a record for 6 below on December 6 and another for 73 on the 26th.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: Toon options

My wife and I purchased a 1993 '24 Starcraft pontoon this past Labor day from a family friend who purchased it new. He choose Starcraft because of the larger floats and the fishing set up.


We really enjoy our full enclosure as it gives us shade on the hot days and warmth ( with the curtain closed) on the cool days.

Our has both hard and soft tops.

We have a 115 Merc and "twisted tight" at 5200 rpm it does 21 mph ( according to my GPS ). A more economical cruise of 3000 rpm gives 16 mph.

Jeff

 

[papasage]

Re: Toon options

a friend of mine built this . factory pontoons the rest he built. he had the frame welded by a professional .

 

[rlk]

Re: Toon options

OldePharte, we purchased our second pontoon last June, a Crest Model 2260 www.crestpontoons.com

Some things we did:

We purchased a bimini top that covers the whole pontoon. Our old pontoon only had half the boat covered. As we get older, we want less sun, therefore, the double bimini.

We went with a 4 cycle Suzuki engine. Hard to believe how much quieter a 4 cycle engine is over a 2 cycle.

Our old pontoon was 24 feet long. 4 feet was in front of the railing, therefore was seldom used for anything other than holding the cooler. We always considered that to be wasted space, so our new pontoon is only 22 feet long, but the entire deck is inside the railings.

We almost purchased a 25 foot long boat that had 2 reclining chairs up front. They are nice recliners and are very comfortable, but at the last minute we asked ourselves who would use those seats. Since it is usually only my wife and I on the boat, we decided those seats would never be used.

In addition to the normal seating, we have a bench seat in the back for fishing. I don't use this seat a lot, but it is great to be able to set up the down riggers and troll from this area. Under the seat is large enough to hold the tackle box, battery, and down riggers when not in use, etc.

Ours came with a changing room. Personally we had rather loose the changing room and pick up another 2 feet of usable space. We took the curtain out, took out the porti-potty and use the area for storage.

Fortunately for us, the dealer who sells Crest and Suzuki is also on our lake. When it comes time for an oil change, or any type of service, I drive the boat over. They have a VERY LARGE forklift they use to lift the boat out of the water and take it to the shop. Seems funny to see your boat about 10 feet in the air.

Hope these comments help you. Good luck deciding what boat you want, along with the options.

Bob

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Toon options

rlk - from one Bob to another, I do like the full bimini idea as well. Although, I heard that they could be a real pain to get together after a couple of years. But, It'll depend on the mfg'r that I go with.

Like you, it will be mainly the Bosslady and myself with an occasional family gathering. I did see that G3 now offers a dual console unit. That would be the best for us, but will have to check the $$$.

Two of the 5 marinas are on the water and both are about 10 miles away, in opposite directions. This too will be a factor, everything else equal.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Toon options

i have just gotten use to my first toon.. my 1st requirement was center console, which i love. makes docking so much easier to see. portapotty is a necessity, i would really like to have a grill. i don't like fixed furniture, i think some decent folding chairs would be nice, so you can sit where you want and see the scenery.

 

[DJ]

Re: Toon options

We have two toon's.

One a 2001 Starcraft with a 75 Merc. 2-stroke.

The other a 2007 Starcraft with a 75 Merc. four stroke.

The noise are about the same, at cruise. The noise is just different between the two engines.

The fuel economy is about 1/3 less, at cruise, with the four stroke.

There are center console toons out there but you'll have to look for them.

I DO NOT recommend non attached furniture. People can fall out of lawn chairs. If fishing seats are what you need, then get extra recepticles for them.