Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Hello from Baton Rouge.

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

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.

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.'

Welcome to the club.
You came to a good place for info.

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,.......

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........

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.

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.....