Would Like Advise On My First Pontoon Boat Purchase

[Fish-N-Dive]

The logic that has gotten me to this point is that I like to fish, my wife likes to read, we both like to scuba dive. That lead us to determine a fish/cruise pontoon boat with the two fish seats in the rear for trolling and to be removed giving us more room by the ladder for diving. I can only physically see 3 boat makes in my area (Sun Tracker, Bentley, Lowe) so I've had to do my research on the Internet. With all that, I narrowed down a short list from all the sites I've visited. I'd love to hear from you folks with experience with pontoon boat ownership. Do any of these stand out as particularly good or particularly bad? This is our first pontoon and we'd hate to have a bad experience especially with something so expensive. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

LOWE SF232 Sport Fish
Premier Alante 251
Godfrey Aqua Patio AP 220 DF
Crest Crest II 250 Chiller
Starcraft Starfish - 236 C-N-F
Sunchaser 8522 C-N-F
South Bay 522FCR

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Would Like Advise On My First Pontoon Boat Purchase

I wouldn't sweat it too much. After all, these days a pontoon boat is just toons, a deck, and furniture. I don't see any on your list to avoid. Typically the fish and cruise set ups have some sort of livewell, tackle, rod holder on the rear. Pick which ever set up you like. Most if not all pontoon prices do not include a trailer. Many do not include freight and prep. Engine size? Need more info to give advice. Typically I tell people to get the biggest motor the budget can afford. Never had anyone come back and tell me they wished the motor was smaller.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Would Like Advise On My First Pontoon Boat Purchase

I wouldn't sweat it too much. After all, these days a pontoon boat is just toons, a deck, and furniture. I don't see any on your list to avoid. Typically the fish and cruise set ups have some sort of livewell, tackle, rod holder on the rear. Pick which ever set up you like. Most if not all pontoon prices do not include a trailer. Many do not include freight and prep. Engine size? Need more info to give advice. Typically I tell people to get the biggest motor the budget can afford. Never had anyone come back and tell me they wished the motor was smaller.

+1 ^^^. I don't believe there are any of todays manufacturers you need to stay away from. It seems you are looking at the larger 22' - 25' barges. If you will be boating in larger bodies of water or expect to have a large crew, these would be a good size range. Good luck !!!

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Would Like Advise On My First Pontoon Boat Purchase

And of course you can easy customize it to your needs, I bought a older one just to strip and rebuild for my needs, and I did.

 

[Fish-N-Dive]

Re: Would Like Advise On My First Pontoon Boat Purchase

Thank you everybody. I appreciate it!

 

[5150abf]

Re: Would Like Advise On My First Pontoon Boat Purchase

In that list I would go with the Starcraft, in my opinion that would be the higest quality, best built boat in that group.

All I can say is Google reviews on Southbay and Godfrey and make up your own mind.

 

[WaterDR]

Re: Would Like Advise On My First Pontoon Boat Purchase

I don't see much of a difference in any of those. Don't forget the ease of getting service. Would be a benefit to stick with a local dealer.

 

[harley707]

Re: Would Like Advise On My First Pontoon Boat Purchase Hello and welcome

Re: Would Like Advise On My First Pontoon Boat Purchase Hello and welcome

I also just bought a pontoon and I have been boating mosy my life Ski Boat Fishing boats etc
This purchase of a pontoon is the best purchase I have made we love it wife and I go out most every weekend.
Easiest boat i have ever fished from launching is a breeze thought it may be hard but its simple they drive like a car.
Mainly will be wife and I on the boat. And we like to get in tight areas so we went with a 16 foot crestliner.Tows easy barely feel it behind my 1/2 ton full size truck. I have a min kotta trolling motor 24 volt sytem last allday with that set up good luck. Brian

 

[Fish-N-Dive]

Re: Would Like Advise On My First Pontoon Boat Purchase Hello and welcome

Re: Would Like Advise On My First Pontoon Boat Purchase Hello and welcome

I think I'm going off my list. I found one of these brand new with a good price.

2012 BENTLEY ENCORE 240 FISH-N-CRUISE SE