Windshield or No Windshield on a Pontoon boat

[jtsiegel]

I am looking at buying my first pontoon boat, a tri-toon. Some of the models have a windshield which is a very intriguing option. I would like some advice on whether to get a windshield or not. To all of you that own a pontoon boat, would you get a windshield or not and why?

 

[JASinIL2006]

How fast will the boat go and in what sort of weather do you see yourself boating?

 

[bruceb58]

I don't have a windshield but my boat cruises around 20MPH and I only really use it in the summer so depends on your use.

On my boat, I wouldn't want a windshield. It would just get in the way.

 

[oldjeep]

My folks pontoon has a small tinted windshield, only thing it is good for is keeping splashing off the gauges. Theirs also only goes about 15MPH

 

[jtsiegel]

The boats were are looking at are 25 ft with a Mercury 250 pro. They'll go upwards of 40 45 mph. Not sure how many seasons we would use it but hope to use it more than just the summers in Missouri so weather could be cooler in Spring and Fall.

 

[oldjeep]

I don't have a windshield but my boat cruises around 20MPH and I only really use it in the summer so depends on your use.

On my boat, I wouldn't want a windshield. It would just get in the way.

Funny, I thought all the SunTracker had the same windshield. From their website it looks standard on all of them.

 

[JoshOnt]

The boats were are looking at are 25 ft with a Mercury 250 pro. They'll go upwards of 40 45 mph. Not sure how many seasons we would use it but hope to use it more than just the summers in Missouri so weather could be cooler in Spring and Fall.

If you are going to be going those speed I would say get one with a windshield, it would be worth it to me.

 

[southkogs]

At 40+MPH, I think you'd want something to deflect the wind.

 

[bruceb58]

Funny, I thought all the SunTracker had the same windshield. From their website it looks standard on all of them.

I do have that little screen that you mentioned before. Not really sure I would call it a windshield. It's not shielding any wind!

 

[jtsiegel]

If you are going to be going those speed I would say get one with a windshield, it would be worth it to me.

$6000 for the windshield option, still worth it?? The cost is the real determining factor here.

 

[jtsiegel]

At 40+MPH, I think you'd want something to deflect the wind.

I do, but the option is $6000 trying to justify the added expense.

 

[bruceb58]

I do, but the option is $6000 trying to justify the added expense.

Yikes!

 

[redneck joe]

Wow not sure its worth 6k. You could fabsomething for a couple hundred that would look nice.. honesty even at 40 mph i rarely use mine, i look over the top. Getting cuaght in a storm is about the only time i ever use mine

 

[southkogs]

I do, but the option is $6000 trying to justify the added expense.

THESE will be cheaper.

 

[JoshOnt]

$6000 for the windshield option, still worth it?? The cost is the real determining factor here.

I would not say for 6k maybe look into after market ones or hell at that price just go without one. I am sure you do get more than just a windshield for 6k though.

 

[MRS]

We need to see a photo of the boat that you want to buy can give you a better reply then 6 grand that is nuts..

 

[jtsiegel]

We need to see a photo of the boat that you want to buy can give you a better reply then 6 grand that is nuts..

The boat is a Bennington 2575 RSBW. I don't have a good photo but here's a link showing the floorplan and then overall options, etc. available for the boat. The windscreen adds 6K to the base price. There are other models available without a windscreen. Really like the idea of a wind break but having trouble justifying the extra cost. Have only had ski boats and always had a windshield so the idea of a co-captain's chair just sitting there with no barrier is a little concerning.​

 

[rallyart]

A dragonfly in the face at 40 MPH would convince me to wear safety googles but you could build a windscreen for much less than 6k. Just trying to see at 30 with the wind in your eyes would be tough

 

[64osby]

http://www.rhoderivermarina.com/new_galleria.asp?veh=489105&CatDesc=&=

Your link didn't work for me.

The one above appears to show a wrap around with walk thru on the over head view.

$6K is hefty.

Some possible options may be http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...nd.TRS0&_nkw=pontoon+boat+windshield&_sacat=0

 

[oldjeep]

Ah, OK. They basically put in a bow rider type windshield guess that explains the cost.