Suntracker....opinions on quality and my intended uses

[SoCalAngler]

Hello everyone--

Pontoon newbie here....

I have made the decision that a pontoon is the boat for me. My uses are 90% local lake use (in So. Cal) like Diamond Valley Lake (DVL), Lake Skinner, with occasional trips to Big Bear, Lake Havasu, and Lake Mojave (Lake Mojave maybe 1-2 timer per year). I plan on using the boat 2x per month at DVL and Skinner. Fishing and cruising.

I fish with a friend, my two kids (13yo and 8yo). My 8yo has Autism so this lead me to consider the safest boat possible for my intended uses and hence a pontoon with the railing all the way around (safety) appeared to be a logical choice. Typically 2-3 adults and 2 kids aboard.

So......I have found a 2010 Suntracker Fishing Barge 21 with a Mercury 60hp Big Foot four stroke. The boat has about 40-50 hours total use and is in excellent condition. Carpeted floor (wish it had a vinyl floor), wireless 75# thrust trolling motor, boat cover, tandem axle trailer with brakes, and spare tire. Price: $16K.

I know that a 90hp would better in terms of speed, but with my intended uses (fishing/cruising, no water sports), I am hoping the 60hp to be sufficient.

What is the quality and track record of Suntracker pontoons?
How do they compare to other pontoons (Premiere, Bennington, etc)?
Will the 60hp be sufficient for my intended uses?
What would be my approx. speed with 4-5 aboard, full tank of fuel, gear, at an elevation of 1600'?

Thanks for the input!

[Texoma Toon]

Welcome to the forum.
You should get 15 to 20 mph loaded at cruising speed and a little more wide open. From what I remember Havasu and Mojave are windy lakes and can get ruff but for the most part you should be fine. Sounds like a good price assuming it includes a good trailer. What are you pulling it with? Some forum members here are already on those two lakes and will chime in.
We like pics of all new toys!

[badmoonrising]

What is the quality and track record of Suntracker pontoons?

As good or better than any other brand.

How do they compare to other pontoons (Premiere, Bennington, etc)?

The same. It used to be the so called premium brands were more "plush" than Sun Tracker boats, but that's no longer the case. By paying thousands more for these brands, you aren't getting a "better" boat. You're just paying more.

All of the engine/drive package are the same across all brands. The engine wiring harness and controls are also made by the engine manufacturer.

Most pontoon components are made by different companies and supply the major 'toon builders.

Best advice is to find a dealer with a good reputation no matter what brand you buy. Keep in mind that Tracker has been around forever and a lot of the other brands have been in financial trouble. Tracker's warranty is also one pf the best if your boat has Duradeck.

[smltooner]

I bought a new 2007 SunTracker Party barge w/ 60 hp Bigfoot.
The only boat I would trade it for is a new SunTracker.
It is a solid, well-made toon with all the ammenities that I need.
We use 303 protectant on the vinyl seats and they look brand new.
Price is good.
You are making a good selection.

[BoatCop]

Ditto on all the above.

With an intimate knowledge of Havasu and Mohave, I can tell you that the 21' will handle both lakes with ease, but keep an eye on the weather as the 60 won't get you back to the ramp very fast when the lakes get blown out.

[SoCalAngler]

Thanks for the input....

smltooner.....how does your 22 do with the 60hp when you have 4-5 people aboard with all their gear?

BoatCop......glad to hear it will handle Mojave and Havasu with the 60hp. Yes, I will keep and eye out for the wind......family will not like to boat/fish in windy weather anyway!

Will the 60hp pose a safety issue, not being able to motor into wind/cross wind or get back to ramp safely?

Texoma......pulling it with a 2004 Toyota Sequoia 4.7L V8

Thanks

another nice feature....it does have the pop up changing/potty room!

[Bamaman]

What is the quality and track record of Suntracker pontoons? The quality is okay, and they'll do you a good job.
How do they compare to other pontoons (Premiere, Bennington, etc)? They're not as high in quality, but as long as the seats on the SunTracker suit your needs, it'll do you a good job.
What is the quality and track record of Suntracker pontoons?[/b] The quality is okay, and they'll do you a good job.
Will the 60hp be sufficient for my intended uses? A 60 horsepower is okay for many people. I'm just used to 115 hp on my old 24' pontoon, and we're on a wide deep water lake. Our 2 grandchildren will be tubing in the future, so we went tri hull and 150 hp on the new boat.
What is the quality and track record of Suntracker pontoons?[/b] The quality is okay, and they'll do you a good job.
What would be my approx. speed with 4-5 aboard, full tank of fuel, gear, at an elevation of 1600'? I'll have to yield to others with comparable boats.

Pontoon boats have a long, long lifespan, as my old boat is 27 years old and perfectly servicable. My best suggestion is to go to the lake and see how the boat performs before you buy it. If weather doesn't permit it in your locale right now, table your search until the weather breaks. We see people on this website time and time again complaining about their motor not being strong enough to service their needs.

It's cheaper to buy one boat that suits your family now AND in the future--rather than having to upgrade later.

[smltooner]

smltooner.....how does your 22 do with the 60hp when you have 4-5 people aboard with all their gear?

It will run about 15 mph.....some on here think that is very slow, but all we do is cruise so it is perfect for use.

[Texoma Toon]

Texoma......pulling it with a 2004 Toyota Sequoia 4.7L V8

That should do well pulling that toon. Make sure you have a spare, jack and wrench that will fit the trailer.

[SoCalAngler]

I have been looking for one (fishing model) with a 90hp, but few used ones avail out her in So. Cal. Don't want to spend $25K for a new one.

At a later time if a 90 is needed, I can always sell the 60 and upgrade. Used 4 strokes have a strong market out here in So. Cal. Price of a new 2013 Mercury 90hp 4 stroke is $7200. Should be able to get $3500 for the 60hp. About a $4K difference. Is this a bad way to approach my purchase?

I've been looking for one with a 90hp for about 4-5 months with no luck. The ones I have found were nearly $21-$23K for years 2005-2008.

[screwball]

We just bought an 18' Sun Tracker Party Barge with a 75hp Merc. I can run 24mph with 4 adults on board. Bought it brand new at Las Vegas Bass Pro Shop for just under $19,000 on a trailer (with breaks) and vinyl flooring. We've run the Colorado River from Davis Dam, through Lake Havasu, to Parker Dam. Also towed it to Cottonwood Cove and floated on Lake Mohave. I'm sure the Bennies, Manatus, and other 'Cadillac' toons are worth the extra bucks, but I'm very happy with my Tracker 'Chevy'.

Good Luck, maybe we'll see you out there, we will be in one of the zillion Tracker Toons you will see out there, driven by fat old men. Oh, then there is the Pirate Flag.....

[jshumphries]

Anyone with questions on quality of Suntracker needs to look at the '13 Regency 254. Went to BassPro yesterday and saw the floor model with ProXS 250 and trailer. Close to $49k price! The fit and finish were very good. Raised helm with all the goodies, rear lounger and a ton of storage and features. Had I seen it, I would have shopped much harder for my new toon. My '11 Party Barge 21 fit the use very well for the 6 months we had it. Would have no hesitation getting one again for an entry level, and their new ones show you can go high-end as well.