Newbie needs advice

[IronHayden]

Hi all ... I am a boat rookie. I have bought and sold cars for years but I'm a moron when it comes to boats.
My wife and I are considering a pontoon boat purchase this year as our first boat. We live in a lake community and its an awesome party on the lake.

We are considering a new 2016 Harris Cruiser 200 / 90hp Merc / lots of gizmos. No trailer we are at $28,500 before the governor gets his cut. This is an awesome boat but I kind of feel like someone who decides they want to learn to ride a motorcycle and buys a Harley before you know what you are getting into.

I have been looking at used boats but not having much luck. I found a 2007 Bennington 1850GL with a 50HP Merc and 95 hours on it. Asking $13000 with trailer.

My concerns with this boat are..
1.) the siding around the boat is beat up.
2.) the owner stated he has had the boat for 4 years and "changed the oil when they first got it." He says they only used it 6 times total since they have had it. The owner claims he purchased the boat from an old couple that kept the boat in the water and the siding was that way when they got it.
3.) The prop looks beat.

I like the fact that it has low hours and the interior is perfect. It has been covered and stored inside.

What is considered acceptable when looking at a pontoon used boat? Do siding damage and prop damage occur thru normal use? What is considered acceptable hours on a 9 year old boat?

[jafo9]

welcome...

i'm a big fan of buying used, but i'd pass on that bennington. it sounds like maintenance wasn't a priority for either owner. in an older motor, i get worried with ultra low hours. 50hrs/season is about average. if any motor (boat or otherwise) sits for long periods of time, bad things can happen. i'd much rather have a well maintained motor with a realistic number of hours. you didn't mention what you want the boat to do? floating/putting and drinking beer require a different pontoon than pulling tubes, etc.

[IronHayden]

welcome...

i'm a big fan of buying used, but i'd pass on that bennington. it sounds like maintenance wasn't a priority for either owner. in an older motor, i get worried with ultra low hours. 50hrs/season is about average. if any motor (boat or otherwise) sits for long periods of time, bad things can happen. i'd much rather have a well maintained motor with a realistic number of hours. you didn't mention what you want the boat to do? floating/putting and drinking beer require a different pontoon than pulling tubes, etc.

Thanks for advice ... We plan to float/putt and swill beers .... no interest in tubing or ski.

[zoom650]

If your wallet is okay going new, the Harris sounds good. A little more boat, and a 90 over a 50. That way you don't have the problems running an older boat that hasn't had the best of maintenance, other than been kept under cover.

If taking the used route, at least budget enough $$$ to run that engine through a good service and get the fuel lines checked out. New battery too.

I'm guilty of having too many toys, one of which was a Kawasaki atv that sat unused too long. The fuel in the lines turned to jelly. Cost more to fix than what the whole bike was worth.

Its all a money pit, but what a fun pit to jump into.

Good luck!

[NonHyphenAmerican]

I don't think you're a moron, you're ignorant. However, you're smart enough to ask questions, research, and cure your ignorance.

So you're ahead of the morons.

The Harris doesn't sound like a bad deal. It's more money, but more boat and newer. See if they'll make a trailer part of the deal.

I'd rented some 40 & 50 hp pontoons and like my Yamaha 90hp much better.
It's not the fastest boat on the lake, but it does well and is fun as well as economical to operate.

And this site did a lot to cure a lot of my ignorance.

So enjoy what you buy, post pictures, and come here often for advice, ideas, opinions, and good pictures in the "No Holds Barred" section.

[LittleRiver]

2008 24 foot party barged cost me under 9 grand. I added about 2500 worth of custom stuff but could not be happier. New is nice, I like building them like I like them. I'll always buy used.

[crookedlaker]

The Harris sounds nice but maybe a little high priced
I have a 2014 Harris cruiser 200 with a 90 hp merc and I love the boat
mine is well equipped and paid 24,500 before taxes no trailer.
it depends on the options but sounds kind of high to me
after having several old boats, it's nice to have a boat you don't have to work on

good luck with what ever you choose

[ralph]

The price sounds in line to me. We paid about $30 for our Sweetwater last May (new), but have numerous upgrades (under skinning, 27" pontoons, interior upgrade, vinyl floor instead of carpet, upgrade stereo, yada, yada). Sounds like yours will have some upgrades too.

We have a 90 Yamaha on our 20 footer and it pushes is around just under 30MPG with 2 people on the GPS just to give you and idea of what that boat would do.

As far as being new to boating, perhaps you have a neighbor who has a pontoon and could take you out for a lesson or two in operating and docking, and talk about maintenance?? I don't think it would take too much time to get the hang of things.

Whatever you do, best of luck.

[steveiam]

Welcome to the site, what state are you in, just curious-

I will only add that if buying used, I strongly recommend finding a mobile mechanic to check the boat out before you purchase, according to where you are at should be around $100, and it could save you thousands of dollars and much frustration.
A true knowledge of the good points and negatives also can help with your negotiations.
I was very surprised at the amount of detail my guy looked for.

[IronHayden]

Welcome to the site, what state are you in, just curious-

I will only add that if buying used, I strongly recommend finding a mobile mechanic to check the boat out before you purchase, according to where you are at should be around $100, and it could save you thousands of dollars and much frustration.
A true knowledge of the good points and negatives also can help with your negotiations.
I was very surprised at the amount of detail my guy looked for.

I am in southeastern Indiana

[gerg]

I would suggest that you make sure that if you buy used(or new) to get at least 25" tubes.
I boat at Brookville Lake in s/e Indiana and the water there can get pretty rough on the weekends/holidays. The waves come from every direction. The larger tubes/higher ride = dryer ride/ less rouge wave drama.

Buy as much HP as you can afford too.(ask me how I know.)

[crookedlaker]

check out dry dock marine in angola Indiana
they have 8-10 harris cruisers with 90 hp engines in 25-26,000 range in stock

mike

[IronHayden]

I would suggest that you make sure that if you buy used(or new) to get at least 25" tubes.
I boat at Brookville Lake in s/e Indiana and the water there can get pretty rough on the weekends/holidays. The waves come from every direction. The larger tubes/higher ride = dryer ride/ less rouge wave drama.

Buy as much HP as you can afford too.(ask me how I know.)

Welcome to the site, what state are you in, just curious-

I will only add that if buying used, I strongly recommend finding a mobile mechanic to check the boat out before you purchase, according to where you are at should be around $100, and it could save you thousands of dollars and much frustration.
A true knowledge of the good points and negatives also can help with your negotiations.
I was very surprised at the amount of detail my guy looked for.

Thanks. I'm at Hidden Valley so rough water isn't an issue. I'm going to Indy on Thursday to check out a used 2012 South Bay 520. The boat has @50 hrs on it, comes with trailer and owner is asking 18,500.

[Mosnowman]

I paid right at 30k for a new 2012 Harris Crusier 240 with trailer. It has a Verado 150 on it.

The dealer made this point which I agree with: You buy the motor..the boat comes with it.

I would not buy a new toon with less than a 90 on it, and personally my 150 now seems small. I would definitely go with either a 90 or 115 with that boat.

Good luck and happy tooning!!!

[IronHayden]

Looked at 2011 South Bay 520CR with 60HP Yamaha and single axle trailer. Boat is in good shape, low hours, needs a new mooring cover ...

What's a fair price for something like this?

I also got quoted $25,600 for a new 2016 Sweetwater 2286 (22') with a 90hp Merc Cmd Thrust, and a majority of the equipment the Harris Cruiser 200 (20') has on it for $28,800.

Are Harris pontoons naturally more expensive or do I have more room on the Harris to deal than I originally was told?