![]() |
![]() |
|
Home | Forums | Gallery | Webcams | Blogs | YouTube Channel | Classifieds | Calendar | Register | FAQ | Donate | Members List | Today's Posts | Search |
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,075
Thanks: 1,158
Thanked 2,006 Times in 1,236 Posts
|
![]()
Does anyone have input on the lifespan of my 2016 20' Harris Cruiser tritoon and Mercury 150 outboard?
It's in immaculate shape with something like 350 hours, but I'm wondering when it might make sense to look into replacing it. I'm relegated to a 20' vessel for where I keep it, and it looks like there have only been minor advances in that time (200 HP max now vs. 150, slightly better performance packages, etc.). Thoughts? Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,212
Thanks: 123
Thanked 439 Times in 266 Posts
|
![]()
My first 2 boats (not pontoons though) lasted/have lasted 20 yrs. The first was traded in when I started having engine problems. The last is still running. A good yearly maintenance plan and proper storage goes a long way. I guess it also depends on whether you want a boat for good solid transportation or to impress.
Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 62
Thanks: 0
Thanked 16 Times in 12 Posts
|
![]()
As for life span, mine turns 40 next year…Harris.
If you are happy why replace it? My motto “just because you can write the check does not mean you have too”! Performance…it’s a pontoon boat! If it’s skinned, straked, and fuel tank in the center toon it is what it is! What is a 2016 performance package going to do over 2024 package with the 3 items mentioned above? I have a 150 on mine, you can go bigger but it goes to diminishing returns… HP to speed to fuel usage. |
![]() |
![]() |
The Following User Says Thank You to mofn For This Useful Post: | ||
Biggd (09-26-2023) |
![]() |
#4 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Long Island, not that one, the one on Winnipesaukee
Posts: 2,836
Thanks: 1,019
Thanked 885 Times in 518 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
I have owned two pontoon boats since 2018..... The first was a 1999 Sylvan 24 elite, that was in fabulous shape when I boat it at 19 years of age, with to notable exceptions, the cover needed to be replaced and it need more then its 60 H.P. engine (my opinion only)... I was going to repower it and get a new cover made, when I found a 2004 Crest, roughly the same size, with a 90 H.P. engine, and a cover in great shape... If fixed both my problems.. and with the sale of the 1st pontoon actually saved me money.. Both these boats where being sold because the owners just didn't use them enough..... At 7 years old and 350 hours, you average around 50 hours a year..... average use in my book....but at this point the age of the boat is the detractor in the sale.... the engine has plenty of life left in it.... My point is this, if your boat full fills your needs and is not in need of any major repairs due to age... all your doing is spending money, and allow someone else to reap the rewards of you taking the depreciation hit..... Currently I have an older boat, in great shape and I owe nothing on it.... I couldn't replace the boat even with a used one for any less then probable 30K....
__________________
Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island..... |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,978
Thanks: 246
Thanked 739 Times in 440 Posts
|
![]()
1500 hours is pretty easy to achieve on an outboard if maintained well. If you prop it for max RPM at WOT with a typical load on the boat, and then run it at or below 75% max RPM, it can last way longer. 350 hours is not much even if you run it hard all the time, assuming it's well maintained.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 553
Thanks: 526
Thanked 313 Times in 154 Posts
|
![]()
Sounds like Think has the new boat itch, nothing wrong with that we all get that itch from time to time with boats, cars, trucks etc... Or he is looking for an excuse to tell the wife it is on it's last leg we need a new one, LOL.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Alton Bay
Posts: 5,574
Blog Entries: 2
Thanks: 2,423
Thanked 1,936 Times in 1,070 Posts
|
![]()
I'm relegated to a 20' vessel for where I keep it, and it looks like there have only been minor advances in that time (200 HP max now vs. 150, slightly better performance packages, etc.).
Think, from your initial post, your 20 foot "toon", if well maintained, doesn't really owe you anything. I personally wouldn't spend money on a new boat if the "old" one is low cost on maintenance annually. Just enjoy the Oldie But a Goodie! Dave
__________________
I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH
Posts: 3,883
Thanks: 2,072
Thanked 1,124 Times in 709 Posts
|
![]()
If you take care of it, it will last forever. Usually, the first thing to go is the interior but that can be reupholstered, a 2016 is not that old.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island
Posts: 6,073
Thanks: 2,338
Thanked 5,085 Times in 1,980 Posts
|
![]()
Think;
350 hours is nothing for that motor. Usually the first thing to go on a pontoon are the seats from being exposed to UV rays / the sun. It sounds like you have kept it covered when not in use and properly applied 303 or similar on a regular basis as you say its in "immaculate shape". Those things are critical! I see no benefit to upgrading especially where you are relegated to a 20' max boat where you are at. If you wanted something bigger or a different floor layout then I could understand but that 20'er you have with the Merc 150 must go right along and I am certain you have years left of enjoyment with her. Have you seen the prices on new pontoons?? They are crazy!! Enjoy your toon for many more years!! Edited to add: Dave R response regarding propping is spot on and crucial for motor longevity! Dan
__________________
It's Always Sunny On Welch Island!! ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,075
Thanks: 1,158
Thanked 2,006 Times in 1,236 Posts
|
![]()
A couple notes (#3 might answer some questions):
1. I have it stored indoors and serviced my Melvin Village Marina every year and always follow their recommendations (oil and lube, plugs, etc.). 2. The upholstery is perfect as, as Dan mentioned, it's covered when unused and treated with 303 twice a summer minimum. 3. The main reason I'm asking is not because I need/want something new but because my wife and I are debt-free and want to remain so. To do that means no more loans, which means saving cash ahead of when things are needed...including replacement cars, golf carts, boat, etc etc. So, I was mostly wondering how many years I have left before starting to save! Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island
Posts: 6,073
Thanks: 2,338
Thanked 5,085 Times in 1,980 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
Dan
__________________
It's Always Sunny On Welch Island!! ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
The Following User Says Thank You to ishoot308 For This Useful Post: | ||
tis (09-26-2023) |
![]() |
#13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,407
Thanks: 216
Thanked 781 Times in 463 Posts
|
![]()
350 hours is nothing and the Mercury 150hp 4 stroke is a solid motor. Our new (new to me that is) 2013 Bennington had 390 hours on the Yamaha 300hp when we bought it this summer. My 2020 Eastern with a 150hp had 300 hours on it at the beginning of this season. Both will run for years to come.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Long Island, not that one, the one on Winnipesaukee
Posts: 2,836
Thanks: 1,019
Thanked 885 Times in 518 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
__________________
Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island..... |
|
![]() |
![]() |
The Following User Says Thank You to LIforrelaxin For This Useful Post: | ||
Biggd (09-26-2023) |
![]() |
#15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Merrimack and Welch Island
Posts: 4,167
Thanks: 1,267
Thanked 1,567 Times in 1,017 Posts
|
![]()
A few years ago, we wanted a new (bigger!) boat. The first step was to get a bigger slip. THEN we went boat shopping. If you're happy with the current slip, no need for a new(er) boat.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Gilford, NH and Florida
Posts: 2,944
Thanks: 667
Thanked 2,176 Times in 913 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
One thing I have found with pontoon boats is the diameter of the pontoons makes a big difference. As with boat size, bigger is better. My first pontoon boat had two 19 inch pontoons. The current one has three 27 inch pontoons with lifting strakes, way better. A 20 foot pontoon boat is a little small for some conditions on the lake so picking and choosing when you will venture far from home becomes important. It is too bad that that the length restriction is in place. That limits opportunities to move up. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Long Island, not that one, the one on Winnipesaukee
Posts: 2,836
Thanks: 1,019
Thanked 885 Times in 518 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
__________________
Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island..... |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,958
Thanks: 201
Thanked 617 Times in 414 Posts
|
![]()
20’ tri toons are ok. Dual toons not so much
Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|