Need advice on "new" toon

[jafo9]

I really like my current toon, but its loud as can be and needs more speed. Its an 05 Sun Tracker Regency with the 3.0L I/O. 2 toons, no lifting strakes. I've come across a 2003 Premier Grand Majestic 25ft with the PTX package. Its got a 225 Honda 4 stroke OB. Interesting, its only rated for 14 people, which is what my 22ft Tracker is rated for. He's asking 18,750 with a trailer. It looks clean from the pictures. Its got some sort of sink/entertainment center which i really don't want since it takes up room on the walkway to the stern door.

We like to ski/tube/wakeboard and often times we'll have 10+ folks on board (kids/adults/dog) when we have company over. Our biggest tube is a monster. We'll have up to 7 kids on it at a time.

Questions....

Whats a fair price to offer. I'll have to spend a day driving and about 500 miles round trip. How will the engine noise compare to my current 3.0L I/O? How will fuel economy differ (assuming reasonable speeds)? Are Honda OB's as reliable as their cars? Anything special I should look out for? Thanks. Brian.

[Bamby]

I may be able to help a little. A guy recently purchased a new tri-toon with a 225 HP Honda who boats in my area. He states he get better than 40 Mph with his, and observing him it does appear
to be going that fast. The one thing I really like is the boat is quiet, you don't hear any distinctive motor noise when he's coming up from behind you, or any as he blows by us ether. All you really hear is the sound of the water being turned up by his toons, as he goes by, yes it's that quiet and it's a darn nice pontoon boat.

[dockholiday]

According to this article the 225 is the same motor used in the Honda vehicles. The article is from 2001 but interesting, didn't know that.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoor ... 77111.html

Not sure what year the DFI's came out
doc

[jafo9]

good info. the more i look into this boat, the more i like it. i found a review on pontoon.net that posted a 42MPH top speed. i don't really care about going that fast, i'd just like to be able to comfortably and quietly cruise around at 20-30MPH. any ideas what i should offer?

[dockholiday]

http://knoxville.craigslist.org/boa/1340089300.html

this the boat? looks pretty good from what I can see. Probably be safe to back out about 2k for the trailer, seem like they don't depreciate like boats and motors. Bet a stainless prop would really help that boat out. Try searching boat trader for something close, to determine price
no doubt it would do 40 or better. Sure would want to get a certified mech. check it out, probably of your own choosing.
doc

[jafo9]

thats the boat. seller estimates 200 to 300 hours on the motor. not sure what that means for a honda. if it is the same engine as a car then it should be just broken in. heck, my nissan is about to turn 100k without a hitch.

[mike]

I say go for it! My boat NEEDS a honda 225