Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Hi Ya’ll

Been lurking in the shadows for some time while my wife and I agonized over buying a boat for our family. Too many choices: bow-rider, fish & ski, bass boat, fiberglass, aluminum, pontoon boat, deck boat, I/O, 2-stroke, 4-stroke, new, used, this dealer, that dealer, the other dealer, blue, red, green …… geez!!!!!!

Then we went to the local boat show (just to look) and walked into what we thought was an irresistible deal on a pontoon boat. We took delivery about six weeks ago on our 2009 Fisher Liberty 180 (made by Tracker Marine). It’s an 18 footer with a 40 HP Mercury Big Foot sitting on a single axle trailer. The boat and trailer were a model year closeout (supposedly being liquidated from a defunct Fisher dealer) but I was told the motor had to be ordered. The dealer listed the motor as a 2009 model but the manufacturer’s sticker under the cowl says “JAN 2010”.

We have been on the water five times now and (thanks to reading several threads here) I just about have the launch and recovery down. I even loaded the boat onto the trailer in the midst of a bass tournament launch and nailed in one smooth shot. Talk about sweatin’ bullets …… those guys are impressive to watch – I don’t think a single one spent more than 90 seconds on the ramp and I sure didn’t want to be the clown tying up a spot for 15 minutes.

Anyway, we are having a great time and looking forward to a fantastic summer. She may not be big or fancy but she suits our needs perfectly. I have gained a wealth of information from this site and hope to be able to contribute in the future. And, before anyone gets their knickers in a knot, there should be some pics attached if I did it right.

Hey don't be screwing with our process, we like yelling at people for not including pictures, LOL.

Welcome, looks like a great toon, can't wait to see it on the water.

Welcome.....Congrats on the purchase and nice Toon!

Saaaaweet toon!

I guess my god damnit wheres the pics does not apply here....shit.

Welcome to the world of toon! Where will you be playing with it ? lake what ? It's going to be a great summer. This morning I got, however 5 " of snow but saturday it's going to be a high of 73.

Thanks for the freindly welcome! Sorry to disappoint on the pics but I like to be proactive.

We'll be cruisin', floatin' and fishin' the diamond lakes area of central Arkansas. We reside just outside Hot Springs so we are between 10 and 45 minutes from launch ramps on Lake Hamilton, Lake Ouachita, Lake DeGray and Lake Catherine. So far we have only visited Hamilton but it gets pretty busy with tourists from Memorial Day on so I see Lake Ouachita in our immediate future. This is a water sports mecca and we are thrilled to join the club!!!!

Yep, thats how we ended up with our current 5th wheel RV.... went to a RV show.... just to look.

You got stones! I too am new to boating and don't think I would have tried loading during a tournament... "Ya know dear... looks like a great night to camp on the toon!!"

Nice looking rig. I can see I best stay away from boat shows also..

DBLTRBLPAPA Congrats on the new boat... I hope you and your family get many years of enjoyment on it. and way to go, posting those pics before the "crew" busted your for not posting them... again, congrats on the new boat... sweet looking toon.

dbltrblpapa wrote:We have been on the water five times now and (thanks to reading several threads here) I just about have the launch and recovery down. I even loaded the boat onto the trailer in the midst of a bass tournament launch and nailed in one smooth shot. Talk about sweatin’ bullets …… those guys are impressive to watch – I don’t think a single one spent more than 90 seconds on the ramp and I sure didn’t want to be the clown tying up a spot for 15 minutes.

Man, I would be sweating bullets as well in that situation! My biggest problem isn't getting the boat on and off the trailer, though, it's backing up the trailer on our narrow ramps. I'm really new to pulling a trailer, and it's taking me a while to get used to backing it up just perfectly down the ramp and into the water.

I guess I'll get some practice tomorrow, though. 75 and sunny all weekend. I know where I'll be! (In the parking lot at the lake trying to back the damn boat up!)

Stephen wrote:I'm really new to pulling a trailer, and it's taking me a while to get used to backing it up just perfectly down the ramp and into the water.

If no one else has suggested this tip, maybe it will help.

Put your hand on the BOTTOM of the steering wheel (6 oclock position). Now as you back up, which ever way you want the back of the trailer to go, turn that way. So, if you want the back of trailer to go to the right, you move your hand toward the 3 oclock position. To move back of trailer to left, move toward the 9 oclock position.

Welcome

The fact you said "it fits our needs" is good, and a good thing to keep in mind for others searching for the right boat. Going fast is cool for a little while but just cruising along an enjoying the scenery is what it is all about, and is much more relaxing.
doc

says the man with the 150hp! cute little buggar you got there! dont matter the size of the motor. Gettin there is a whole lotta fun when its pushin a log.