What to buy...???

[BiancaOZ]

Hi everyone,

I've only just joined the forum as I'm from Australia and there isn't much information at all down under about the pontoon boats.
I've been doing some research about starting up a water taxi business where we live in Australia and have come across these two boats for sale not too far from where we live;
At this stage I think I am leaning towards the 2005 model which has more of a single hull and a 4 stroke, but would really appreciate your thoughts and opinions.
NO one in Australia can really offer me any information as it seems they are not used widely, so without this forum it's my own conclusions and opinions from someone who has no experience in this industry.

http://www.boatsales.com.au/boats-for-s ... ?R=8316885

http://www.boatsales.com.au/boats-for-s ... ?R=8747888


With regards to the water taxi business I should give you guys a quick bit of back ground about the uses and area where the boat will be used.

1. It will be used in large salt water lake which feeds into the ocean, however we will not be venturing anywhere near the ocean end of the lake.
2. I anticipate the longest journey would be about 10 miles but more often will just be short trips of a couple miles.
3. The water surface will be smooth mostly, and only affected by winds of up to 30 knots.
4. Hopefully commercial use, so would either of these boats suit the purpose more so than the other.
5. Would a 4 stroke suit this purpose more so than a 2 stroke, as high speeds are not required on most occasions.

I'm sure there are a lot of issues which I haven't covered here but at this stage I reckon I should learn to crawl before I walk!!!!!
Thankyou so much for any feedback or help.

Cheers all,
Bianca

[OldePharte]

Welcome, we don't have many sheilas here.

How many passengers would be the maximum? What kind of other boat traffic are on the lake. I assume it would one of the lakes on the east coast?

How is boarding and off-boarding to be conducted? Using a pier/dock?

Generally, even if you don't need a lot of speed, you may still need horsepower to maneuver during high winds or waves.

You sure don't need any seats outside the rail.

[dockholiday]

Like the fact the 2nd one is a tri toon but that is about it. I know if I were operating a taxi service boat wise, I would want the tri toon. If something happened to one of the toons the other two should keep you afloat or it did me. Sure would not want an upper deck where someone might fall off.

The first, I guess that is a deck boat, looks better especially with the double biminis. The two front seats would be of no use to you. Not sure what your laws are but they can't be used here when underway. The deck boat won't be as stable as a toon.

Not a 100 percent sure but think my dealer said he sent a toon to Australia. If you like I can ask.
Forgot to say if you will be operating in salt, you would need to have the toons painted.
doc

[BiancaOZ]

Thanks for the quick replies!
Have just about crossed the 2009 deck pontoon off the list, as would have insurance implications and is also 2 stroke. Thinking that 4 stroke would be better for passengers, not to be smelly etc!! What do you think about that??

Would not use the front seats for paying customers on the other boat, but the boat will also be used for private use occassionally and I think they might be fun to have for a fish/relax etc when the boat's motionless!

Yes, is to be used on an East coast lake a couple of hours north of Sydney, hence will be in salt water but the lake is never rough! Is is usually pretty smooth.. This lake also has heaps of jetties which I already have council approval to use for a water taxi business.

Thanks again any extra info really appreciated!!!

[curtiscapk]

I would go with number two You can't beat a tritoon!

[WaltF]

That first one isnt a pontoon?
Looks like it has a fiberglass hull.

[oldmn19]

I would go with the Tri toon! Modern 2 strokes don't smoke and smell like the good old days! With Synthetic oils and modern injection systems you should only ever see a little smoke on a cold start. The tri toon will be the more stable boat, for folks who like to walk around. I fish off mine all the time and love it. Can you take either or both for a test ride? Thats always the best comparison. Your really compareing apples and oranges here. Two different boats in more ways than one. Good luck which ever way you go!

[BiancaOZ]

Thanks you have just confirmed what the boat dealer was saying yesterday about the newer 2 stroke engines, he ran the engine and it seemed fine to me.. So now in typical female fashion I have changed my mind!! I really fell in love with the Tritoon yesterday. It is amazing inside and out and was very stable in the water. It has a powerful engine and seems to be what we are looking for.
The only minuses now would be that it has no clears and that I would have to block off the upper deck to paying customers..(although will be great for our personal use!!)
Boat dealer says he can get a bloke to do clears for about a grand for this boat. Is this a fairly regular price?? (approx $850 US)
Cheers,
Bianca