purchase of a pontoon boat

[joann721]

Hi everyone,

We have sold the bowrider and are now in the market for a pontoon boat... family / friends are getting to numerous for the old boat.

What guidance or suggestions could you give us on selections, brand, etc...

Thanks

[fatlazyless]

For a good blend of gasoline economy, quiet operation, no smoke, no stink, easy start, low end torque w/ symmetrical power curve, long life, reliabilty and performance; suggest a Honda, Suzuki, or Yamaha 4-stroke outboard in the 70-90hp size on a 20' aluminum pontoon.

Having said that, it's interesting that the Marine Patrol uses a lot of 150hp Mercury Optimax two-stroke outboards and seem to do real good with them.

E-Tec's by Evinrude which are two-strokes are supposed to be excellent, too.

So many outboard choices.....but it seems like the silver Honda's are the favorite for pontoons, now-a-days. Hey, they blend with the silver aluminum 'toons?


For a used pontoon, check out the outdoor line-up on their parking lot at Glendale Marine, in Gilford.

[AC2717]

I have been thinking Pontoon but I am young and still want some speed
also how do they handle the main part of the lake, I know I would want a tri toon and also not have the water running down the deck
don't some of them have solid walls so that does not happen?

[EZ-Pass]

Try viewing the site below as it may give you some ideas.:goodl:


http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...=pontoon+boats

[SOB]

I bought my first pontoon boat last year. 20 foot Bennington, its the 2075GL model. 50 HP Yamaha 4 stroke. other option was a 90 HP, but all you gained was about 4 mph. The gas usage is minimal on these motors.

As for what brand to buy, Bennington is rated very well. I went to the boat shows and sat on 4 or 5 brands and the quality is obvious from one to the next brand. If you want to get one this year then hit the showrooms and sit on them, take some test drives even if you dont want to buy one this year.

PDB Magazine is great, if you subscribe they send you a "new models" review issue. They probably have a lot to review online as well.

As for room on a pontoon boat like I said I have a 20 ft model and I can fit about 7 people tops. It is also rated at 7 people max. Generally I have 4 or 5 people max so it works out. Keep in mind once you stop people can sit on the sunbed, sit on the front and read platforms etc, so it really opens up then.

So size and motor should come first, then get an idea on brands based on what options you want. I am very pleased with the Bennington brand, but I have seen many other brands that looked nice as well, and I would buy them without question.

Let me know if you have any questions as I did all the homework last year on this topic.

[secondcurve]

I bought a pontoon boat from Winnisquam Marine this year and can't say enough good things about them. You should give them a look. Good luck!

[OFD232]

I have a 22 Ft Harris Float boat with a 90 Horse Evinrude V TEC. While I will never have to worry about breaking the Speed limit unless I can find a waterfall to drive it over, my family and I love it. Great except for the real choppy days when the front riders better wear bathing suits but fun to cruise on, fish from and relax on

[steadyon]

I have a 20' sweetwater that we bought in 04. We upgraded the engine to a 90h. merc with hydrolic steering when we ordered it. great boat with no complaints.
definately go with the max. engine rating if you don't want the boat to be doggy.
good luck

[The Watcher]

The triple pontoon setup is the way to go on Winni. Keeps the bow on top of all but the worst waves.

[Winnicandle]

Originally Posted by The Watcher

The triple pontoon setup is the way to go on Winni. Keeps the bow on top of all but the worst waves.

This is the best advice yet.

and as far as HP - as much as you can spend.