Pontoon Boat size question

[MikePNJ]

I would say it all depends on what activity you want to do on the boat. I just sold my 2013 Harris Cruiser 200 with a rear single lounger. The capacity was 10 people. I put 8 on it all the time 4 of them children ages 6-10. It had a 60HP big foot merc. It was great to cruise around and maybe pull a tube but not for speed. Just depends on what you plan on doing. The 8 people on board was great, plenty of room. I just upgraded to get more people on and faster.

I've heard good things about the Honda engines, but don't have any experience with them. I've had Merc's and Yamaha.

Good luck with the search!

[Goudax3]

Be sure to look closely at the capacities. Many at say 10 people but look at the actual weight. Ours states 10 people or 1200 lbs. that's all fine if everyone only weighs 120 lbs each. How likely is that? Not very. Also the floor plan might effect how comfy every one is. Size needs more HP, towing can be a issue, get what you need, but be very sure. I have always had good luck with Evinrude and Honda engines, but will never own another Merc.

[Xscash]

Another thing to think about is, drivability....when a pontoon is loaded close to capacity(loaded at the front) they tend to nose dive if you come off power too quickly. Moving up to a longer boat will help stop these issues, My 21' Suntracker would dive all the time when loaded. Now my regency 24 has not come close to diving with more people on it. Besides, if your asking the question now, you already know the answer....you will always regret not buying the longer boat, so don't waste the money on the one you don't want.

[ron nh]

I just had a week of visitors so the boat was loaded every day. Even when you put 6 adults on the ride is much wetter and a lot of sloshing around. If you all ready know that you'll often have 8 aboard, I feel you'll be making a huge mistake with a 20'er. Of course it's just my opinion but any one who say's it will be fine is blowing smoke up your ass, or in denial, or has never been on a bigger toon.

[cobblestone1820]

We purchased the 20' Bennington and we LOVE it. It is rated for 13 people, as it has the larger pontoons on it. You can barely hear the 90 HP Honda run.

[ROLAND]

We purchased the 20' Bennington and we LOVE it. It is rated for 13 people, as it has the larger pontoons on it. You can barely hear the 90 HP Honda run.

Congratulations on the new Benny... they make very good boats... we love our Benny and hope you have as much fun on yours as we do on ours... congrats again...