Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Ok guys and gals, im planning to purchase my first pontoon in the next 3-5 months and am currently doing my homework to find out exactly whats going to fit my family the best.

Budget - $30k max. Prefer to be 25k and under but will push it a little more for the perfect boat. (New boats only)
Prefer seating for 10+ as I have a family of 4 and would prefer to be able to take some friends/family as much as possible. Want to be capable of some mild watersports, skiing and tubing. Nothing crazy but enough we can have a good time. Dont care about any fishing options, we have access to fishing boats for that. Build quality is very important, i want this boat to be apart of our family a long time.

I live in central ky and have access to many lakes but i will mainly be sticking to some of the smaller lakes in the area that range from 6k to 11k acres, and after the first year will probably decide which lake we like best and get a covered slip and store it there for easy access to the water.

If you were in my situation what boat/motor combination would you go with and why? Really appreciate any input anyone can provide. Like i mentioned above im in the planning stages now. Hoping to buy over the winter and maybe grab a little better deal.

My current top pick is a Lowe extreme 210 with a mercury 115 4stroke or possibly the merc 150 if I can find a good deal.

If your budget is $30K, you'll probably be limited to two toons and a 115 hp maximum. You'll want to stick with a 22' to 24' boat with the size loads you expect to carry.

JacosMarine.com is located in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and they're about 85 miles south of Nashville. It's interstate and 4 lane hwy. all the way. Nobody will beat their prices on Lowe pontoon and Mercury engines. They're one of the dealers other Mercury dealers hate because of their low internet pricing.

If at all possible, see if you can swing the 3rd toon and the Mercury 150 FourStroke engine. You'll be glad you did ultimately.

Jacos has sold all their 2016 models, but is looking for their next year boats to start arriving any time.

Thanks for the reply really appreciate the heads up about Jacos, I will definitely keep a eye on there site/inventory.

I really want the the 3rd toon thats why the Lowe is my top pick currently. Trying to prevent the need for wanting to upgrade in just a couple years. Of course everyone always wants more or something different but when making large purchases like this i prefer to go ahead and try to buy what I think is gonna keep me happy for years to come. Not just what gets me into it and leaves me trying to sell and buy again in just a couple years.

Anything that anyone can add is much appreciated, anything you didnt have in your first pontoon that was a must have on your 2nd?

I think crest has some boats in the mid 20'S that are tritoons. Also look for an avalon or Tahoe dealer as they should be able to get you a tritoon in that range.

I would get 3 toons and a 150. To find that, you will get your best deal finding a leftover. There are some big volume dealers out there that love to get rid of their leftovers at rock bottom prices. I purchased a leftover and saved over 25k. You just have to be willing to travel or have it delivered. Start scouring the net.

James

I will add that you should look to get the largest diameter pontoons that you can. I know your only going to be in inland lakes as opposed to me being on Lake Erie. However, the larger the pontoon the higher and drier you'll ride in the water. I have 27" pontoons and love them.

Good hunting.

The reason I mentioned Jacos is that Middle Tennessee is just a close drive from "Central Kentucky." And I honestly don't know how he sells boats (and motors) so cheap. You can call'em to see if any new models are in and when they're expected.

I had a 2 toon boat that lasted 28 years, and it's hard to believe we've just got 4 years on our Bennington tritoon with the F150 Yamaha. The tritoon is simply a different animal--running on top of the water with lifting strakes. That's why just about everyone mentions to spend the extra money to go tritoons and 150 hp. The 115 hp motors are far, far less powerful and not nearly as enjoyable to own.

Good luck in your search.

lookout marine marine in somerset is where I got my Avalon tritoon with 150 hp mercury under $30 thousand. I think they just got bought out and it is now singleton marine.

Check out forest River they make South Bay and excursion. I have the excursion and it was in you price range and it's a 23 foot with 115 Yamaha and tandem trailer. Plenty of power for tubing not sure on sking as I haven't tried pulling a skier with mine.

Gonefishing wrote:Check out forest River they make South Bay and excursion. I have the excursion and it was in you price range and it's a 23 foot with 115 Yamaha and tandem trailer. Plenty of power for tubing not sure on sking as I haven't tried pulling a skier with mine.

Will do thanks for the reply

With the internet for a tool, I would urge you to buy used. We bought a used Berkshire 23-footer tritoon with a 150 Yamaho 4-stroke w trailer for under $30. The motor only had 30 hours on it. The interior was superb. Could not be happier.

If you're serious about waiting 5 months, that's right on the heals of all the spring boat shows. Look for one close to you. You might find a decent deal.

XxJamesAxX wrote:Ok guys and gals, im planning to purchase my first pontoon in the next 3-5 months and am currently doing my homework to find out exactly whats going to fit my family the best.

Budget - $30k max. Prefer to be 25k and under but will push it a little more for the perfect boat. (New boats only)
Prefer seating for 10+ as I have a family of 4 and would prefer to be able to take some friends/family as much as possible. Want to be capable of some mild watersports, skiing and tubing. Nothing crazy but enough we can have a good time. Dont care about any fishing options, we have access to fishing boats for that. Build quality is very important, i want this boat to be apart of our family a long time.

I live in central ky and have access to many lakes but i will mainly be sticking to some of the smaller lakes in the area that range from 6k to 11k acres, and after the first year will probably decide which lake we like best and get a covered slip and store it there for easy access to the water.

If you were in my situation what boat/motor combination would you go with and why? Really appreciate any input anyone can provide. Like i mentioned above im in the planning stages now. Hoping to buy over the winter and maybe grab a little better deal.

My current top pick is a Lowe extreme 210 with a mercury 115 4stroke or possibly the merc 150 if I can find a good deal.

I bout the Lowe SS 210 RFl back in 09/14 with galvanized trailer and we absolutely love it. Tri-toon with 150 HP Merc, full under skinning, strakes, etc. Was just a bit over 30K OTD. I think the Extreme is a bit more than the regular 210.
Good choice and I would buy it again.

zoom650 wrote:If you're serious about waiting 5 months, that's right on the heals of all the spring boat shows. Look for one close to you. You might find a decent deal.

No major hurry here so that's what I'm hoping to be able to do. We have a huge boat and rv show that's about a hour away at the end of January. I'm just not sure what all manufactures/dealers will be there.

Reiner wrote:
I bout the Lowe SS 210 RFl back in 09/14 with galvanized trailer and we absolutely love it. Tri-toon with 150 HP Merc, full under skinning, strakes, etc. Was just a bit over 30K OTD. I think the Extreme is a bit more than the regular 210.
Good choice and I would buy it again.

Nice! Do you find the 210 plenty roomy? How many people can you comfortably take out before you start to feel cramped? Of course i know people's opinion differ when it comes to comfort.