I'm buying first pontoon boat and need a little help

[sandylowlead]

Hello,

I'm planning on buying my familys first pontoon boat. We have two young kids (6 and 2). We have been boating for a long time. Recently we have decided to switch from a cutty cabin to a pontoon. Since my kids are young we really aren't looking to ski or tube. We really just want something roomy and comfortable that we can pack a whole days worth of supplies on. Then drive to the swimming area and anchor for the day.

We are looking for an 18-22 pontoon. The main question is, what size engine should I use? I've been told that you need a minimum 60 hp on an 18 ft or you'll be blown around the lake. I'd appreciate any thoughts an opinions

Thanks in advance

[HandymanHerb]

Welcome, glad to have you with us!!!

Don't go smaller than 20 feet unless your on really small lakes, you get smaller than 20 and rough water will beat you up and most think a 22 is the right size, a 60 will get you around 17 to 18 Mph and if your running right into a heavy wind it will slow you to 10 or 12 with all the wind pontoons catch.

But if you can find one with a bigger engine, get it, as you can always slow a big engine down and it's cheaper to buy it first and not add it later if you decide you need it.

[dockholiday]

Well put Herb. The lake size does have a bearing on how much hp you need an how far you are able or plan to travel.
doc

[texaspontoon]

Brother, in my opinion, you need to consider what your kids will enjoy in a few short years. I have 4 kids ages 8-16, and your oldest is probably already to host that "perma-grin" kids get while holding on for their life on a tube. I would suggest a 22' tritoon (used or new) with at least a 90 or 115. Sell your cuddy for what you can get out of it, and buy a brand new toon for $300 a month and you will have MANY years of great boating ahead of you. I go from fishing, to cruising with adults to go out for dinner, to pulling as many as 8 kids on two giant 10' tubes called Mass Panic (made by Oreagous). My boat can have 16 people on it and we have SO MUCH FUN my kids named our boat the "Fun Machine" and as I have said in other posts...it lives up to it's name.

Good luck in your hunt!

[texaspontoon]

Here is a glimpse into your future with a pontoon and your two kids. One little girl is 6 (on water skis) and the the other is my daughters ridding one of our 4 different tubes see the PERMA-GRIN! Trust me (that's me at the helm), you can't go wrong with kids and fun!