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Feb
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| Subject: |
Reviving Pontoon Boat Talk
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Date:
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9/11/2008 11:26:48 PM
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OK, We had this discussion last year. I am starting to shop for a new pontoon boat.
Who has been shopping or has bought a new pontoon this year? What do you see and what do you like?
I think most of you convinced me the tri-toon is the way to go last year. I am still thinking int he range of 22 to 24 ft.
What is the latest thinking on the Evinrude E-Tec? I know this was discussed also.
I have looked at two makes so far, eg: the Harris and SanPan. Both are 2008 barges. I am also wanting to look at the Manitou and Bennington. I talked to Mitchell and they have nothing in this year's model (2008). I may wait for 2009, but everyone looks for a deal.
Where should I look?
Your thoughts and suggestions on any of the above.
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| Name: |
slownez
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| Subject: |
Reviving Pontoon Boat Talk
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Date:
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9/12/2008 5:59:34 AM
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I spent months shopping different models around Lake Martin and then other boat dealers within a 100 mile radius. The best buy for the money is the Yamaha G3 series. Comes in tritoon and different lengths. I found the 22' to be plenty big enough as it is close to 24' compared to other mfg models. It comes with your choice of Yamaha outboards, but the best seems to be the 4 stroke 150. Plenty of power to pull the skier or tube, around ~40mph on the top end and very easy on gas usage. A friend of mine went through the same shopping experience a year later and in the end bought the G3. Pick your model and then call the AL dealers to shop prices, all will deliver to the Lake free of charge.
URL: G3 SunCatcher
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| Name: |
Pontoon
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| Subject: |
buy cheap its just a
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Date:
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9/12/2008 7:36:55 AM
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pontoon
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| Name: |
Pontoonfisher
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| Subject: |
Reviving Pontoon Boat Talk
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Date:
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9/12/2008 8:40:27 AM
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Yamaha or Honda 4-stroke is by far the best. Mercury has always been an inferior ouboard motor. (Sorry Mercury owners, but it's true). I wouldn't mess with the E-tec. It has a little bit more power out of the hole than a 4-stroke but top speed is the same. You will still have to mess with two stroke oil. I would wait for the Atlanta or Birmingham boat shows before I buy one. You could probably get a great deal at one of those shows, especially with the way the economy is. Boat dealers must be hurting these days.
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| Name: |
Summer Place
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| Subject: |
Reviving Pontoon Boat Talk
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Date:
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9/12/2008 9:18:09 AM
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Those who sell for less know what their stuff is worth, or so they say.
If you want the best quality pontoon on the market today check out the Premier. I researched for two years before selecting the PTX Premier. If your plan is to buy a new pontoon every four or five years then go with just about any on the market. The Premier line of boats are custom made and not produced like most in the cookie cutter style.
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| Name: |
BigFoot
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| Subject: |
Reviving Pontoon Boat Talk
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Date:
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9/12/2008 10:12:53 AM
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hey feb....check with the water muskrats...they prefer the Manitou seats...ate mine up overnight....
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| Name: |
Feb
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| Subject: |
LOL
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Date:
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9/12/2008 7:08:55 PM
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I am off the floor now; although still suffering some pain in the rib cage. I remember your previous post.
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| Name: |
Feb
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| Subject: |
Reviving Pontoon Boat Talk
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Date:
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9/12/2008 8:40:06 PM
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Thanks Summer Place, I plan to visit WaterScape Marine either tomorrow or Monday to look into the Premier. I went by there yesterday and saw a huge pontoon boat outside with two 350 HP engines on the back. I thought to myself, this is not the place for me except in my dreams. LOL
Is this where you acquired your boat?
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| Name: |
Maverick
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| Subject: |
Reviving Pontoon Boat Talk
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Date:
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9/13/2008 1:39:11 AM
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Your question is a loaded question as you have not defined your overall wants in a pontoon boat. When referring to pontoon I am referring to a tritoon or triple toon boat.
As there are probably about 10 or so good manufacturers. So first define your needs such as
- Stability
- Performance
- Maneuverability
- Comfort / Luxury
- Resale value in say 5 to 7 years
- Use to cruise the lake or ski behind
- Etc.
As Premier, San Pan, Bennington, JC Mfg and Harris probably make the most luxurious pontoon and top of the line pontoons. Expect to spend around $40k+ or so for a new pontoon with a 150hp or so motor in the 24' range. Recently have been looking at Premier, but they really like their boats.
While Manitou is a great pontoon boat and one of the top performance pontoon boats these are not as luxurious as the other noted above. But again be prepared to spend $40k or so with a 150hp. Have heard for 2009 they are upgrading the interiors to a be more luxurious.
Then you drop down just a little and could look at the Crest, Tahoe, Aloha, and several others and save maybe $5k or so.
Actually I know exactly were to find the boat you need. Go by Waterscape and if they still have a 2007Premier 22.5' tritoon with a 150hp (boat currently has a 115hp on it, but they will upgrade) and I would think you could probably pick up this boat in the low $30's with the 150 and would get a full factory warranty, etc.
Best 3 words of advice I could give you is DO NOT under power your pontoon in term of HP as this is a very large lake, make sure the dealer is someone you feel comfortable with servicing you boat when warranty work is required and before you buy any boat test drive your top 2 to 3 picks as they will all ride and handle differently.
Also the Premier website has a nice comparison chart comparing their boats to Bennington, Harris and Manitou. Have to say one of the nicest riding boats I have been on in rough water was a Bennigton.
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| Name: |
Feb
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| Subject: |
Thanks Mav.
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Date:
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9/13/2008 9:08:59 AM
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| Name: |
H2X
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| Subject: |
Reviving Pontoon Boat Talk
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Date:
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9/13/2008 12:09:51 PM
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If you are looking for a killer deal on a very nice boat, Jerry Hamilton still has one new leftover Misty Harbor TriToon. 25' Four Stroke. Beautiful boat.
His number is 391-4700. Call about this boat before you buy.
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| Name: |
H2X
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| Subject: |
Reviving Pontoon Boat Talk
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Date:
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9/13/2008 12:31:36 PM
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Sorry...334-391-4700
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| Name: |
Feb
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| Subject: |
Thanks Everyone -
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Date:
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9/13/2008 8:10:18 PM
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for your help and advice. I went with the SanPan 2200 BC Tri-Toon with a Yamaha F150. It is a 2008 model year.
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| Name: |
roswellric
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| Subject: |
Tri-Toon?
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Date:
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9/18/2008 9:30:54 PM
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I'd try driving a pontoon with lifting strakes first. I'm not sure 3 are worth the weight and handling. Unless you want to break the sound barrier you might get by with less HP too.
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| Name: |
roswellric
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| Subject: |
Reviving Pontoon Boat Talk
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Date:
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9/18/2008 9:32:55 PM
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They may have been winged Muskrats... We had some turkey buzzards do a number on some around here.
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| Name: |
Rooster
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| Subject: |
Reviving Pontoon Boat Talk
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Date:
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9/23/2008 9:43:12 AM
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Just read your post. Bought new G3 (Sun Catcher) 22 ' last year from Montgomery Marine in Montgomery. Love the boat, ride and storage. Seats are comfortable. Got the one with lounges up front on both sides. Powered by 115 yamaha. 27 " tri-toons make all the differance. Farther away from the lake you are, the cheaper the price.
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