Shopping

Check in here and say hi!

Moderators: Redneck_Randy, badmoonrising, lakerunner

Post Reply
Message
Author
User avatar
jimbo21165
Posts: 27
Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2016 9:36 am
Location: South Looziana

Shopping

#1 Post by jimbo21165 » Wed Sep 21, 2016 1:33 pm

Hello from Baton Rouge.

I'm beginning to shop for a pontoon......thought I'd join in for some info.
I need a drank......

Bamaman
Posts: 3679
Joined: Fri May 06, 2011 1:44 pm
Location: NW Alabama--Tennessee River

Re: Shopping

#2 Post by Bamaman » Wed Sep 21, 2016 3:25 pm

If you can swing it, a 22-24 foot tritoon boat with lifting strakes on the toons and 150 hp or higher 4 stroke engine is preferred. They're just so much more seaworthy and enjoyable to own than a 2 toon, smaller hp boat.

Go for one of the premium brand boats. They often have 3-4 different models with a difference only being in the seating and fencing. The better workmanship will be the same in all of their boats.

I went with a Bennington 24SSLX with 150 hp Yamaha and it's as nice of a boat as I choose to pay for.
'12 Bennington 24' SSLX Yamaha 150

User avatar
joe20toon
Posts: 867
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 3:59 am
Location: Central Florida

Re: Shopping

#3 Post by joe20toon » Wed Sep 21, 2016 4:50 pm

Do not listen to dealers that may tell you a 70HP motor is just fine when it's rated for a larger motor, say a 115HP. Unless you are on a small lake, try to get the maximum rated horsepower. I've heard this one several time, 'You'll never hear a boat owner wishing that had under-powered their boat.'
2016 20 foot Sylvan RPT (V Pontoons)
Yamaha Vmax SHO 115HP
80 Pound Thrust RipTide Trolling Motor
Humminbird Helix 7 Side Imaging

User avatar
smltooner
Posts: 2814
Joined: Sat Nov 08, 2008 12:53 pm
Location: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Re: Shopping

#4 Post by smltooner » Wed Sep 21, 2016 6:38 pm

Welcome to the club.
You came to a good place for info.
SMLTOONER
Ted & Emily
2019 Bennington 21SL Tri-toon
2019 Yamaha 150 HP
Smith Mtn. Lake, Virginia

User avatar
jimbo21165
Posts: 27
Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2016 9:36 am
Location: South Looziana

Re: Shopping

#5 Post by jimbo21165 » Wed Sep 21, 2016 7:14 pm

joe20toon wrote:Do not listen to dealers that may tell you a 70HP motor is just fine when it's rated for a larger motor, say a 115HP. Unless you are on a small lake, try to get the maximum rated horsepower. I've heard this one several time, 'You'll never hear a boat owner wishing that had under-powered their boat.'


Well, yea......I ain't new to boats. Been doing this for about 40 years. I've had jets, outboards, inboards, jons, etc., etc.......I've driven 135 mph in a Summerord Tunnel hull......I believe I know a little bit about boats.

I'm in a negotiating deal on a left over 2016 Sun Tracker 24 DLX fishing barge with a 150......$29000.


Just wanted some opinions on that,.......
I need a drank......

User avatar
jimbo21165
Posts: 27
Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2016 9:36 am
Location: South Looziana

Re: Shopping

#6 Post by jimbo21165 » Wed Sep 21, 2016 7:19 pm

Bamaman wrote:If you can swing it, a 22-24 foot tritoon boat with lifting strakes on the toons and 150 hp or higher 4 stroke engine is preferred. They're just so much more seaworthy and enjoyable to own than a 2 toon, smaller hp boat.

Go for one of the premium brand boats. They often have 3-4 different models with a difference only being in the seating and fencing. The better workmanship will be the same in all of their boats.

I went with a Bennington 24SSLX with 150 hp Yamaha and it's as nice of a boat as I choose to pay for.

I've been pricing these for about a year........the premiums are all over the place, but the basic platform is the same, no?

I don't know.......still looking at Bennington's Sylvans, Sun Trackers......I can get a 2016 26' Sun Tracker with a 150 black motor, 4 stroke, for less than $30,000......


Wife shops brand, I shop value........
I need a drank......

User avatar
joe20toon
Posts: 867
Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2015 3:59 am
Location: Central Florida

Re: Shopping

#7 Post by joe20toon » Thu Sep 22, 2016 4:17 am

Well, yea......I ain't new to boats. Been doing this for about 40 years. I've had jets, outboards, inboards, jons, etc., etc.......I've driven 135 mph in a Summerord Tunnel hull......I believe I know a little bit about boats.

Just wanted some opinions on that,.......





Oh, ok... No way of knowing your boating experience from your first post.
2016 20 foot Sylvan RPT (V Pontoons)
Yamaha Vmax SHO 115HP
80 Pound Thrust RipTide Trolling Motor
Humminbird Helix 7 Side Imaging

User avatar
jimbo21165
Posts: 27
Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2016 9:36 am
Location: South Looziana

Re: Shopping

#8 Post by jimbo21165 » Fri Sep 23, 2016 7:33 pm

Well, I pulled the trigger on a '16 Sun Tracker fishing barge......26 footer.

150 black motor......4 stroker. First four outboard I've ever owned. I know how to tweak a tunnel with a 300 hp 2 stroker.......how to set up a Youngblood unblown gas jet with a 468......,or a 36' Skater with tandem blown 496's.....BUT I'm a total newb to the 'toon world.

I could have gone a different route, but I wanted to make sure the Boss Lady and I will enjoy this, and take a bigger bite and plunge down the road.

If this is our appeal, we will sell, and get a Tri with strakes and a Black motor in the 300-400 hp range.


Just can't get over that need for speed.....
I need a drank......

Post Reply