Another Newb joining the forum

[gacpro]

Hello, Recently got the bug for a new boat and I think a pontoon is the right choice for me. Living on the west coast of Florida, Tampa Bay area. Been lurking here but I'm getting the fever more and more. Won't be too long before I pull the trigger and bring one home.

[margaritaman]

Welcome to the forum and if you have any questions someone here can help you.

[smltooner]

Welcome to the club.

[dockholiday]

Welcome give us the price range and what you will be using it for. We are better than the blue book and boat trader.
doc

[ROLAND]

Welcome give us the price range and what you will be using it for. We are better than the blue book and boat trader.
doc

Doc's right about that. Years and years of pontoon experience on this forum. They were and still are instrumental in helping me thru my "boat learning experience". Great group here. any questions, ask away, somebody will be sure to help you out.

[PlaynDoc]

welcome aboard... since you're new.... you've got to pump out and clean all the heads!

[gacpro]

Thanks for the welcome everyone.

Our rule has always been ; if you use the head, you have to clean it out.



I know there is a wealth of knowledge here for sure. I'm still haven't decided which way to go , new or used. obviously some better deals in the "used dept", but I can only have about 6k cash on hand. New boats have easy finance deals, but hate paying those prices. I know I want dependability most importantly. Have owned boats previously and don't like being broke down.

I'm thinking no less than 20' , up to 24' max. thinking 75hp as minimum, probably 150 maximium. Will use in both salt and fresh water, several kids on board, definately need a top for shade. Will use for fishing as well as pleasure riding.


local dealer has clearance sale on Sun Chasers, any good?

Thanks for your opinions

[Ron Burgundy]

Welcome. We are pretty much neighbors. I live in Trinity/New Port Richey. I would highly recommend that you check out Fiesta Pontoon Boats. They are manufactured locally up in Hudson and are "Designed and Engineered for Salt Water"

Check out this link to a recent boat show. If you like them I can give you the address of a dealership. It's only about 5 miles form my house. viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9179

[Ray Jr.]

A good compromise between new and used is a rental boat, we have bought 2 that way, and have had no problems. You get a year old toon, a great discount on the price and as new warranty. And I highly recommend Premier pontoons, but others brands are very good as well.
Something like the Premier cast away or Alante combine fishing with cruising setups.

[cbavier]

Welcome aboard. A toast to you. Pepsi


You won't be sorry you bought a Pontoon and remember no matter how big you get. They are small and tight quarters on the water. So go the biggest you can afford. Also the kids will grow up and want to tube and ski and bring friends along so a 20ft will really shrink fast.

[gacpro]

Thanks for the suggestions and advice. Ron, yep we're pratically neighbors, I was actually fishing off Dunedin today, near Honeymoon Island. Please post the link to the dealer you mentioned. nice pictures!

@ cbavier, I've always heard bigger was better!

@ ray jr, great suggestion. I'll look around my area for rental places

[Ron Burgundy]

Honeymoon Island is very nice. I have been there a couple times. One of the trips on my list is Caladesi Island. As you probably know it is just offshore from Honeymoon Island, and they have a nice marina where you can dock your boat. They have a snack shop and miles of white sand beaches.

Here are the links for Fiesta Boats.
http://www.fiestaboats.com/

...I am having trouble finding a link for the dealer, but I'll keep looking and let you know when I find it. It is on the corner of SR54 and HWY 19

[Ron Burgundy]

I think this is the right place, but I'll check on my way home from work when I drive by it.

http://www.saltwaterpontoons.com/

[gacpro]

Thanks! I'll be up in your neck of the woods tomorrow. I have to do some work up at the Crystal River Power Plant. Plan on stopping bt the Fiesta dealer on my way back.

[Ron Burgundy]

Thanks! I'll be up in your neck of the woods tomorrow. I have to do some work up at the Crystal River Power Plant. Plan on stopping bt the Fiesta dealer on my way back.

Cool. All the boats from the boat show I referrred to before are at their lot. I never dealt with the people so I don't know how they are, but the boats are nice. They also have several used pontoon boats for sale. Let me know how it goes.