New Member - Tuscaloosa, AL

[scubadad]

Hi everyone. New pontoon boater here. Sold my two jet-ski's a few weeks ago with the intent to move up to a Pontoon in the future...maybe 6-8 months. Made the mistake of going to the local boat show last week and low and behold, I'm now a proud boat owner. Bought a Bennington 22SSRX, should be delivered this Friday. With so many to choose from I'm just hoping we made the right choice. I'm sure you'll be hearing from me with lots of questions so be patient with the newby.

-Marc

[Bamaman]

What engine and hull style are you getting?

[scubadad]

It's a tri-toon with Merc 115.

[ron nh]

Can't go wrong with that boat.

[smltooner]

Welcome to the club.

[RcgTexas]

Welcome, yep not a good idea to go to a boat show unless you want a boat. Even if you don't want a boat!

[Bamaman]

I made the mistake of taking my wife. Our old pontoon had the lower unit go out.

She made the decision to buy the Bennington--not the cheapest brand out there. But we got a good value in a boat.

[ROLAND]

Scubadad.... welcome to the group and congrats on the new bennington.... I think you'll be very happy with it..... had our little benny for 4 years now and love it.... post a few pics when you get a chance.

[redbeard]

welcome to the madhouse

[curtiscapk]

man you don't mess around! Welcome!

[scubadad]

Been going to boat shows for the last 13 years but the time was never right to buy. Couple of years ago a dealer had two prior year model Yamaha PWC's still in the crate he was looking to get off his inventory. We got a great deal and they were a blast for the two summers we rode. But we were always jealous of the folks on their pontoons so made the decision to sell and start looking for one ourselves. I really intended to wait until maybe next fall and try to find a used one before folks started putting them away for the winter. But that was not to be as my annual boat show trip presented us with what we thought was a pretty good deal. It was tough as there were so many manufacturers and models to choose from but I think (hope) we made the right choice. We're going to the showroom for final check up this afternoon then delivery and sea-trial on Friday before we sign everything and it's ours.

Major difference with this as opposed to the PWC's is we'll be storing in a wet slip at our local marina instead of trailering. With it only 10-minutes away and without the hassle of launch/retrieve we figure to use it much more. I'll be in the market for a trailer later this spring because we will want to travel with it some. I'll post pics when I get them.

-Marc

[Bamaman]

I went many years without a trailer for my old pontoon boat. If I had a trailer, I would have taken care of the boat better--in appearance and mechanically. It only lasted me 28 years before I replaced it with a Bennie.

I would certainly suggest you go ahead and purchase the trailer now, as a total package.

It's just so nice to be able to hit the other lakes in the area.

[Waterlogged]

Welcome aboard scubadad, we're happy to have you with us.
Glenn

[scubadad]

Took delivery last friday and went out briefly on Saturday with the family. Way different than a jet-ski. Docking is challenging. Fortunately the the marina is not busy this time of year and the slip next to me is empty...I'm getting the hang of it but need more practice. Now my next task is finding a trailer. I don't plan to haul out very often but it would be nice to take home occasionally to clean up and do general maintenance. Mine center toon is not full length so I'm wondering if I need an actual tri-toon trailer or could I get by with a regular pontoon trailer. My drive from the house to the marina it less than 10 miles and it's all two lane so speeds are less than 45mph. Thoughts on this?