Pontoon Boat size question
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Pontoon Boat size question
Like I stated last week, we are looking for a used pontoon boat in excellent condition. There is one out there that is a 2003 Bennington 2075RL, with a 2013 90 HP Honda motor and a 2011 Shorelander trailer. Questions are : Is 20' too small for a Pontoon as I was initially looking for a 24' one. Does a 20' ride ok or does it rock too much or any other drawbacks to it ? What about the Honda 90 HP motor, I know Honda vehicles are top shelf but mainly have been more familiar with Johnson / Evenrude, and Mercury. Any input on boat AND motor are most appreciated. Would use the boat to mainly haul 8 people counting grandkids.
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Re: Pontoon Boat size question
My 2cents opinion is 20' is too small to be hauling 8 constantly. After a white it will feel crowded and make you wish you bought a larger boat.
Cruising the salt waters of East Florida.
- killerkernrich
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Re: Pontoon Boat size question
I have a 22ft set up for fishing with just me and one other it is getting smaller
Premier 221 Explorer 60hp merc
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Proud Father of a Drill Sergeant at 193rd Basic Training Infantry Brigade, Ft Jackson, SC
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Re: Pontoon Boat size question
It all depends on what you have room for. When you get a 20' pontoon with an engine hanging off the back sitting on a trailer with 4-5 feet of trailer in front of the boat--you have a seriously long beast. And then you have the tow truck to deal with.
My Bennington 24', trailer and SuperDuty crew cab truck takes a huge space to park in my driveway. I simply don't have room for it--despite having a large yard. But fortunately, I keep it hanging in a 30' boathouse--and it barely fits it adequate overhang to protect the engine.
Get the biggest boat your space allows because 3-4' gets you much larger lounge seats, etc.
My Bennington 24', trailer and SuperDuty crew cab truck takes a huge space to park in my driveway. I simply don't have room for it--despite having a large yard. But fortunately, I keep it hanging in a 30' boathouse--and it barely fits it adequate overhang to protect the engine.
Get the biggest boat your space allows because 3-4' gets you much larger lounge seats, etc.
'12 Bennington 24' SSLX Yamaha 150
- NonHyphenAmerican
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Re: Pontoon Boat size question
I have a 22'.
It works great for us.
If I were constantly hauling 8, I'd have at least a 24'.
I'd also have at least a 115hp motor.
A 150 would be nicer.
Just My Opinion.
It works great for us.
If I were constantly hauling 8, I'd have at least a 24'.
I'd also have at least a 115hp motor.
A 150 would be nicer.
Just My Opinion.
[color=#FF0000][b]22' G3 SunCatcher V22F
Yamaha F-90
Tooning on El Dorado Reservoir[/b][/color]
Yamaha F-90
Tooning on El Dorado Reservoir[/b][/color]
Re: Pontoon Boat size question
I also think it depends on what you intend to use the boat for.. if it's just you and your wife and maybe another couple for the most part, then a 20 footer is fine.. I personally have a 20 foot bennington with a 75 yamaha on the back.. 90 % of the time it's just me and my wife going out fishing on weekends and there is more than enough room for the just the two of us.. on occasion we will go out with another couple and there's still plenty of room... the most I've had on my boat at once was 8 people and that was pretty crowded.. but keep in mind my boat has two fishing chairs up front so I lose a little bit of seating by not having the normal "bench" seat... If you're planing to take 5, 6, 7 or more out on a regular basis, I would say go with a larger boat, at least a 22 footer, but if it's just you and your wife going out the majority of the time, you'll be fine with a 20 footer. As for the 90 Honda... I hear they;re pretty good motors..... good luck with your decision.
late add... just noticed that you said you would be hauling 8 on a regular basis... I personally think that would be too crowded on a 20 footer.. go 22 minimum...
late add... just noticed that you said you would be hauling 8 on a regular basis... I personally think that would be too crowded on a 20 footer.. go 22 minimum...
Roland & Jo
2010 Bennington 20 Sfi
Yamaha 75 4 Stroke
Shreveport, Louisiana
2010 Bennington 20 Sfi
Yamaha 75 4 Stroke
Shreveport, Louisiana
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Re: Pontoon Boat size question
Actually, 8 would be the MOST we haul. Generally it would be 3 adults and 2 kids.
- rancherlee
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Re: Pontoon Boat size question
I find 6 OK on my full 20' (some 20' only have a 18-19' deck) 10 people is cramped and uses all my available seating but still gets the job done and handles well since it's a tritoon.
1988' Kennedy 20' "Haley's Comet"
Rebuilt 2016 with 25" single strake outer tubes and a 25x23" straked U-tube
2003 Suzuki DF140 - Yamaha 9.9HT kicker - 39.1@6300rpm
Rebuilt 2016 with 25" single strake outer tubes and a 25x23" straked U-tube
2003 Suzuki DF140 - Yamaha 9.9HT kicker - 39.1@6300rpm
Re: Pontoon Boat size question
I've owned a 22' Bennington with a Honda 115 for going on 15 years. The Honda is a great motor. For several years, it was the most sought after outboard (in my opinion). If I bought new today, Yamaha would be my first choice, but Honda would be my second.
And I agree with most of those above, 20' is too small to haul 8 people regularly. But if you usually have 2 adults and 3 kids, 20' would probably work out OK for you.
And I agree with most of those above, 20' is too small to haul 8 people regularly. But if you usually have 2 adults and 3 kids, 20' would probably work out OK for you.
Re: Pontoon Boat size question
For 8 people it's too small for sure. If it was occasional 8 but usually 4 that's different. I get very aggravated with 8 on.
2015 Qwest LS 818XRE Tri-toon w/mercury 115.
- curtiscapk
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Re: Pontoon Boat size question
this is my 24"er with 11! 20 is too small.
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Craig and Paula
"THE FLOATER" rebuild Spring 2013
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15328
94 Party Barge 24' 115 merc
Turning Point hustler 14 x 13 prop
22mph gps 3 people
12 F150
Overland Park Ks
Hillsdale Lake, KS
"THE FLOATER" rebuild Spring 2013
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15328
94 Party Barge 24' 115 merc
Turning Point hustler 14 x 13 prop
22mph gps 3 people
12 F150
Overland Park Ks
Hillsdale Lake, KS
- OldePharte
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Re: Pontoon Boat size question
Besides the above comments, one thing not mentioned so far, is what type of boating do you plan to do. General putting around on a calm lake, tubing, operating on a busy lake with large wakes . . . ?
'09 Neptoon Sport 25TT SunLounger w/150 Honda
What happens at the lake stays at the lake. Unless I have my camera handy.
What happens at the lake stays at the lake. Unless I have my camera handy.
Re: Pontoon Boat size question
Typically, what is the coast guard limit for 20 ft pontoon boats? My mid 90's 24 foot boat is coast guard rated for 10 people max.
Re: Pontoon Boat size question
i would say it depends on the boat, my '96 20 footer is also rated for 10
if it ain't broke-it ain't ours
94 smokercraft 20ft 90hp johnson
fish and cruise
I am not ADULT SUPERVISION !
94 smokercraft 20ft 90hp johnson
fish and cruise
I am not ADULT SUPERVISION !
Re: Pontoon Boat size question
Our 20' Bennington is rated for 10 people/1900lbs. With my wife and myself most of the time, 20' is fine of course. Something else, it's easy to maneuver a shorter boat. Turning around at the marina or restaurant dock is not bad.
Paul