Quote:
Originally Posted by thebix
I'm looking to change from a Four Winns 240 Bowrider to a Pontoon, for easier entry from the dock, etc. I've seen the chatter on the great handling and performance of the modern tri-toons on the big lake and I'm sold. But my budget only allows for a used boat, not the latest Bennington or Premier.
I see available at the top of my budget a 2011 Aqua Patio 220 tri-toon with a 150 Yamaha 4 stroke outboard. The specs and online video sales pitches look good. Will try for a test ride in a day or two.
Does anyone have any pros or cons, things to look out for on the Aqua Patio.
Does their tri-toon model handle and run similar to other tri-toons, or is it just an extra tube bolted on (most of the online references are twin tube models). I don't need super high speeds, BTW, cruising at 20-30 MPH would be ideal.
Any reason to be concerned that there is no Aqua Patio dealer on the lake to handle any possible warranty issues. I have no doubt that the Yamaha engine can be serviced easy enough.
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First let me tell you there is a dealer for Godfrey boats which includes Aqua Patio and SAN PAN. It is Meredith Marine. Chris is the manager and is a great guy.
I sea trialed the San Pan and Aqua Patio. They have different hull configurations for both models. Aqua Patio is a stripped down version of the San Pan. The lower end tritoon Aqua Patio I did not care for it. It didn't perform well. However it is much better than just a pontoon boat. It was sluggish and the turning ratio was too extreme for me. To turn you had to turn the wheel six revolutions.
The higher end Tritoon, I forget now the model name. I don't have their catalog in front of me. That model I thought was much better. The only thing I did not like about the full Tritoon line is that the center log is moved back about one foot. It looks strange. No one could tell me why it is designed that way until I called Godfrey boats and talked to their engineer. He said that it is designed that way to handle today's larger engines. I did not care for that answer.
You might want to call Channel Marine or Winnesquam marine to see of they have any used tritoons. I do know that the Bennington 220 is a great boat and has a very low entry price point. Call Jay or Jason to check to see what they have in inventory. I would sea trial the Aqua Patio you have your eye on and then sea trial the entry level Bennington and Preimer tritoons. PM me if you want more detailed information.
Good luck. You are making the right move to go to the tritoon over a pontoon. There is no comparison.