Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Hello all! I am looking to join your fine company and buy a pontoon boat and need some advice. I have rented pontoon boats before but never looked at buying one. I am looking at one now and would like to know what it's worth.

2006 Bentley 240 with 110hp motor and decent trailer. He is asking 17,500 for it. He is taking me out to the water to try it out and I would like to have an idea of what to look for and what is a good price to shoot for.

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

I would start on the trailer and inspect the pontoons for pits, usually along the water line, and damage (look between the pontoons too).
If possible, remove the pontoon plugs and check for leaks. If they are top side plugs, air should come out if it was sitting in the sun.
Look at all the fasteners and inspect the bottom of the deck for soft spots. Tapping with a small hammer is handy if you see a suspect spot. Make sure all the rail fasteners are solid, particularly around the doors.
Look under all the seats for rot and check all the seams in the vinyl. Turn the wheel both ways lock to lock feeling for binds and check the shifter the same way. That can indicate bad cables.
Look over the motor under the cover and around the outside. Look for corrosion, oil leaks etc. Run the tilt up and down and make sure it is smooth.
Take out the bottom plug in the foot and let a few drops of oil come out into a cup, Make sure there is no water in it.
Check the prop for bent blades and dings.

If that looks OK, dunk it and take it for a ride. Try it at different speeds and see how it does idling for a while after running hard for a while. Turn it off and back on hot a few times. Make sure it starts hot, cold and after it has been sitting a while after going.

That's a start. I am sure others have more ideas.
Listen for missing, strange mechanical noises etc.

Seems high for a 06.

welcome
If it is a merc motor it is probably a 115. Pretty good size for that boat. Think they were using the rotocast furniture in 06 so probably won't be looking for rot. The deck is wood and should be sound for an 06. From there just check condition of vinyl and carpet. Not sure of price just check boat trader iboats and see what they are asking. Sound a little high if it is a two log boat. Underskinning would be a plus. Good Luck.
doc

Yeah I agree with LR. Check out http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats for pricing.

+1 on BoatTrader.com. I'd also look into EBayMotors.Com to see what comparable boats are running. The NADA guides on anything other than automobiles are fiction--and a waste of time.

We see quite a few Bentleys in the south, and the company is re-organizing after past business problems. Bentley's not a Bennington/Premier/Harris in quality, but they've never been priced that high either. They should be okay boats, however.

I think you'll find the price is a little high.

With a 50hp mid retail is around 9,000. I was thinking of 15,000 with the 115hp motor (I had the number wrong). Does that sound right?

boat 10210 average retail
trailer 2775 average retail no brakes tandem axle
more info on the motor brand 2 or 4 stroke can get you a price on that

trott46 wrote:boat 10210 average retail
trailer 2775 average retail no brakes tandem axle
more info on the motor brand 2 or 4 stroke can get you a price on that

Thanks for the numbers its a Merc 4stroke 115hp

motor 4615 average retail
so hes spot on nada price i would throw him a 14000 offer see what happens

You should not have all the "drivability" problems I alluded to with a EFI 4 stroke. They generally just run. See what the oil looks like.

The only problem I have heard about the 115 merc 4 stroke is my neighbor lost a high pressure fuel pump.

You guys are great, we'll see what happens.

Bamaman wrote:+1 on BoatTrader.com. I'd also look into EBayMotors.Com to see what comparable boats are running. The NADA guides on anything other than automobiles are fiction--and a waste of time.

We see quite a few Bentleys in the south, and the company is re-organizing after past business problems. Bentley's not a Bennington/Premier/Harris in quality, but they've never been priced that high either. They should be okay boats, however.

I think you'll find the price is a little high.

If NADA is fiction someone needs to tell the finance companies. USAA uses that data to determine if they will give you a loan. If the loan amount is over what the NADA value is then you won't get a loan.

I dont know what your price range is or where you are from but you can get a bran new Bentley 2011 for about 1 grand more at the Marina's here and have it shipped to you. They come with 5 yr warrant on the motor, lifetime on the deck and the toons and 5 yrs on the seats and carpet.
The boat I am buying ( Still not sure if I am going to do it this year or next) is a 2011 with a 90hp and the price is 17,995.
115 at 18995
After the experience I have just had with a used boat, I would not buy this one if I were you.

Brandon wrote:I dont know what your price range is or where you are from but you can get a bran new Bentley 2011 for about 1 grand more at the Marina's here and have it shipped to you. They come with 5 yr warrant on the motor, lifetime on the deck and the toons and 5 yrs on the seats and carpet.
The boat I am buying ( Still not sure if I am going to do it this year or next) is a 2011 with a 90hp and the price is 17,995.
115 at 18995
After the experience I have just had with a used boat, I would not buy this one if I were you.

I was thinking about that but the new boats usually don't come with all the extras that I am getting with this guy. Trailer, half shelter, GPS/Depth/Fish Finder. All that with the 115hp will put a new one well outside my price range. What issues did you have with the used boat?

Would I still have a warranty on the deck/toons? I don't know if that transfers or was even in effect for 2006.