Another Newb joining the forum

[gacpro]

Ron,

I had an opportunity to shop the west coast today and you are right, those Fiestas are very nice and reasonably priced. The dealer showed me an 18' powered by a 60hp Merc. After explaining the type of boating and places I'd be frequenting, he indicated the 18'/60hp would meet my needs. I noticed you have a 50hp on a 20'. What comments or suggestions if any, on the combination he has suggested. My uses would include Egmont Key, Caladesi, Boca Grande and some inland lakes. Would be pulling a towable from time to time also. Will a 60hp get this rig on plane? Probably have an average of 6-8 people, adults/children.

[Ron Burgundy]

Cost is always a top consideration for me, but I think you might feel a little cramped on an 18' with 6-8 people. After owning my Fiesta for less than a year I am pretty satisfied with it's speed. I use mine exclusively in the Gulf up around Anclote Key, but if I had my wish I would want the 90HP. I don't really need to go faster because the conditions are usually pretty choppy, but I would like to extend my range. There are so many places to take your boat in our area that you are limited only by the fuel in your tank. I don't think you will get up on a plane with 60HP. Pontoon boats are displacement hulls by nature. It is going to take llifting strakes and probaby at least 115HP to get up on a plane. You will have to decide what your budget can handle, but I think you will be most happy with a 20' and a 90HP if you want to pull tubes and hold 6-8 people. With that being said...anything that gets you out on the water and keeps you out of the poor house is .


p.s. What did that 18' look like? I drive by that place all the time, and probably have a photo of it.

[ROLAND]

gacpro... I agree with ron... 6 to 8 people on an 18 footer and you might feel a bit cramped. I've got a 20 footer and I start feeling "hemmed in' when I've got 6 adults on board... If you are planning on taking out 6 or more on a "normal" basis I think you might be more comfortable with at least a 20 footer. I've got a 75 yamaha on the back of our boat and it gets us around 24 mph with just me and the wife.... fine for us, we don't pull tubes or anything just cruise and fish...a 60 would do you ok if you just plan to cruise but if you want to pull tubes or pile 6 to 8 adults on board, you should think about at least a 90 hp, if it's affordable. Just my 2 cents worth... good luck boat shopping.

[Ron Burgundy]

another thought...The layout of the playpen can make a big difference also. If it extends all the way to the bow it will feel bigger than if it stops short, and has a couple fishing chairs up on the bow outside of the playpen. You may have seen that 20' Fiesta with the yellow bimini while you were at the dealer. That is my idea of a perfect setup

[margaritaman]

I have a 22' with a 2' setback in front and six adults with two kids feels crowded real fast especially when you have some fat ones like me.

[Ron Burgundy]

I have a 22' with a 2' setback in front and six adults with two kids feels crowded real fast especially when you have some fat ones like me.

Do you have any pics margaritaman? I've never seen your Fiesta.

[margaritaman]

I have a 22' with a 2' setback in front and six adults with two kids feels crowded real fast especially when you have some fat ones like me.

Do you have any pics margaritaman? I've never seen your Fiesta.

Family on Mother's day

K640_P5110252.JPG (37.43 KiB) Viewed 4556 times

[Ron Burgundy]

[gacpro]

Thanks for the input everyone. I was also thinking the 18" was a little small, and it had the two fishing seats outside the rail in the front. Again, it was in his inventory and was at the recent boat show. Your advice is heeded. I'm afraid I'll get buyers remorse if I feel cramped.

margaritaman, good point!

Ron, it was the one with the Red top and is sitting along the front road at the lot. The dealer said they can work with the layout of the seats, customizing it somewhat. he said the factory is very accomodating. They also had a 24 or 25' with 28" diameter tubes. Those things were huge, but it's more than i'm willing to burn.

I'm probably going with something bigger, 22 seems to be about right. However, there is some wife convincing strategy I have to figure out. I'm thinking once I take her shopping, she'll want the larger boat. I plan on keeping this boat for a long time, probably the last boat I buy new. I'm in no hurrry, but I'll admit my mouth is watering

[Ron Burgundy]

Ron, it was the one with the Red top and is sitting along the front road at the lot. The dealer said they can work with the layout of the seats, customizing it somewhat. he said the factory is very accomodating. They also had a 24 or 25' with 28" diameter tubes. Those things were huge, but it's more than i'm willing to burn.

I'm probably going with something bigger, 22 seems to be about right. However, there is some wife convincing strategy I have to figure out. I'm thinking once I take her shopping, she'll want the larger boat. I plan on keeping this boat for a long time, probably the last boat I buy new. I'm in no hurrry, but I'll admit my mouth is watering

Yep, I have seen that one. I think it is in the background of one of the photos below from the boat show. It will get you out on the water, but it will be too small for you and the family. I think you will be happy with either a 20' or 22'. I would go for the biggest motor you can afford. I'm not sure if you are familiar with lifting strakes and underskinning, but I would recommend those upgrades also. The Gulf can get pretty choppy and the underskinning should keep you from slowing down from the waves slapping up against the cross members. Also you mentioned wanting to get up on a plane so you will need lifting strakes to help you do that. The boat below is the one that has me considering a second mortgage on the house . They were asking 28K at the boat show. Man was it tempting.



This is my favorite. Lifting strakes, underskinning, 115 HP. Perfect for island hopping.

[cga2012]

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

We initially were leaning new boat for same reason -limited cash on hand. But when we applied for boat loan through our credit union we were told financing rate is the same for any new or used boat model years 2001-2011. So now we've narrowed our search to 2 used boats! You may want to ask your bank for sure!

[Ron Burgundy]

I went the used route as well. Whatever gets you on the water. Here is my 2005 Fiesta in action. My wife won't drive a car, but I was able to get her on the helm.

[Ron Burgundy]

I was driving home from work today and I passed that red 18' pontoon that you looked at. For a minute I thought maybe you bought it, but I realized that it was being transported back from that big boat show in Tampa. Did you go to it? How is the boat shopping going?