which would you buy

[docster]

helping friend find pontoon, which would be best buy (i just own one, know very little). Wants something that will last them a long time, has potential to do what im doing, which is add center tube with motor mount for 115-150 hp motor.

so which would you get and why?

http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/boa/3276076727.html
-no trailer, can be had for 4000.

http://muskegon.craigslist.org/boa/3252408063.html
-price can be had for 5500

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/bod/3271429559.html
-no trailer, said they will do 5500 no motor.

personally i said go this route and build how you want from PontoonStuff.com
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/3285740617.html

 

[The Rooster]

Re: which would you buy

I think the last one would work for him "Doc", but there's going to be a lot of work involved. At 25' w/ lifting strakes, I would consider a 150 hp. minimum, depending on the load. If he can get the rig w/ trailer for $5,000 + dosen't seem like a bad deal. Good luck !!!

 

[docster]

Re: which would you buy

I think the last one would work for him "Doc", but there's going to be a lot of work involved. At 25' w/ lifting strakes, I would consider a 150 hp. minimum, depending on the load. If he can get the rig w/ trailer for $5,000 + dosen't seem like a bad deal. Good luck !!!

thats what i thought, but not sure if he is willing to spend that, plus he is the least handy person i know. Kinda has me tempted to sell mine and try that...its all set to be built exactly how i like.

 

[5150abf]

Re: which would you buy

If the guy isn't very talented at building things the last one is the last one he should get, that is a major project, just finding rails to fit the boat could be a real challenge.

The 3rd one is out because of the engine, if he wants it to last a long time he doesn't want a Force, can't get parts for them.

Between the remaining 2 I would go with the Crest, they make a really nice boat and it has a Yamaha engine, in my opinion that boat is the most likely ot last him a long time, it is the most expensive but it is the best boat.

2nd choice would be the Riveara Cruiser, it is the cheapest but it is older and isn't in as good of condition as the Crest.

 

[The_Kid]

Re: which would you buy

I'd go with the last one since either he or the boat can time travel.

From his add.

2012 custom built tritoon pontoon. I built this about 2 years ago for my dock and boat lift business

A 2012 that he built in 2010

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: which would you buy

I would tell him to keep looking.

 

[docster]

Re: which would you buy

If the guy isn't very talented at building things the last one is the last one he should get, that is a major project, just finding rails to fit the boat could be a real challenge.

The 3rd one is out because of the engine, if he wants it to last a long time he doesn't want a Force, can't get parts for them.

Between the remaining 2 I would go with the Crest, they make a really nice boat and it has a Yamaha engine, in my opinion that boat is the most likely ot last him a long time, it is the most expensive but it is the best boat.

2nd choice would be the Riveara Cruiser, it is the cheapest but it is older and isn't in as good of condition as the Crest.

I was under the impression that the late 90s Force motors were basically all Mercury by that time. Is that not correct?

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: which would you buy

First three are not rated for that much power. Toons are smaller, therefore less load capability. Last one is a solid platform to start with. The 3rd toon is already there which is expensive. I can believe the PO had 12k into it but that would have included the equipment he removed. Motor is old. 4 grand would be a good offer. 5 grand with a good trailer (tandem axle only).

 

[docster]

Re: which would you buy

well, we looked at the Riveria today, its in awesome shape. I would have htought its only a few years old. Runs terrific. We also found a trailer for 800 by us, its a bunk style, so that nice. He may pull the trigger, he has been watching this thread, so looking for more input if you have any. Looks like it was well maintained and cared for. Only thing thats sad is its almost 20 years old already.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: which would you buy

I guess you get what you pay for. But used pontoons in this price range are very easy to find, especially with online sources for used boats.

I personally wouldn't want a pontoon of any size with a 40 hp motor--too small.

What's hard to find is a good used pontoon trailer for a 24' boat. I've just replaced my 1985 Starcraft 24' pontoon with a new Bennington but I long since sold my original trailer since I never used it. (It's only been on a trailer 3 times, and has been kept in a boathouse.) I've got it sitting on my new trailer temporarily.