Selecting a Pontoon

[shootandfish1]

I have learn alot the past few weeks, mainly I have learned just how little I do know. Making new discoveries daily.

New or used is going to be debated until I sign the check. Here are some possibilities. Remember I am mainly interested in fishing and camping. This will be my first boat.

I am a big guy and some of the smaller toons have just being too weak on weight capacity, especially when on a front corner. They were older boats and I'm sure they had small logs.

Suntrackers 18' bass buggy is neat, sort of the CJ Jeep of pontoons, Perfect playpen for fishing. However, I was on one a few years ago and was not happy with the stability of this model- not sure how large the logs were.

Reviewing various specs- the 20' toons are a big jump in weight capacity-like 30%. I have also learned that certain playpens (those that enclose the entire deck) and extended engine pods make this size as efficient as most 22' and a lot of 24' boats.

I had originally thought I wanted a 24' toon, but now I am considering 20' and 22' as well. I am not sure if there is going to any difference in hauling, launching, and loading between these lengthes. Remember that I will be solo lots of the time.

Fisher makes a 20' Liberty Fish model that I really like- Simple and plain- I like the playpen and of all things, a dealer is close by. Removing the front storage/livewells, Maybe the rear one also is about all I would need to do (making room for my big feet). 24" logs, Max. Weight Capacity is 2405 lbs.

The Fisher Liberty 240 is also another model I like. Plenty of room, 24" logs and just weighs 200 more lbs. than the 20', but has a max capacity of 3000 lbs. I would remove the front bench seats and sundeck -leave playpen as is. For overnight trips this boat is a top pick.

The better models have 26" logs, but the boats are heavier and the max. weights are about the same. Bentley has some 20' and Fisher has a 22' I like. Lots of Bentleys in my area.

Lots of Suntrackers are closeby- However I would want to redo most of the deck layouts. Seems to make more sense to get something closer to my idea of a perfect toon. I could live with that 32' party hut, though-lol. Seriously a used 32' may be the best deal out there.

Mercury has the lock on the market in my area. Good? Bad? I don't want to start a flame war. One thing I am considering is that with my lack of experience around marine engines, I am relying on trained techs to take care of my motor- One reason I was wanting an E-tec.

Your thoughts are appreciated-Fred

[wwind3]

Hi Fred---I too am interested in a fishing model. I ordered a Beachcomber Cruise and Fish---18 ft.

It's made in Oklahoma. As a lot of manufacturers--I hope they survived the economic times last winter and will stay in biz. Got an email from them saying they are gearing up for the season and the boat show orders have been better than expected. Hope so.

As far as the boat----it has 25 in logs and is rated for 90 hp--a little unusual for an 18 ft toon. May be worth considering altho they are probably regional and dealer network may be a little lax..

Good luck

[lakerunner]

Fred, The best I can do to help you is this. When you find the perfect boat for you you will know it. Your doing your homework very well so just hang in there and keep narrowing your search.
As far as Merc they are a tried and true brand. My only gripe with them ( but other motor manufacturers are to) is no longer have a model year. You could buy a new motor and it might be 2 or more years old. Makes it hard to find a deal on carryover motors. Tracker is a good boat. Mine has 26' logs and really ride the rough water well. As far as size 20/22 in a good size although 24 will ride smoother yet catch more wind.

You only have to please yourself so keep shopping and soon you will find YOUR toon. Good Luck.

[shootandfish1]

Thanks Guys- wwind- I need to google 'beachcomber' It would probably be a long drive to see one, but it is good to learn about different makers.

Lakerunner- Appreciate the feedback-you guys have no idea how much I am learning. My philosophy has lately been to research the heck out of major purchases as 'do-overs' can add up money wise. Except for the forums, internet, and a few friends- my sources of recommendations of 'A' over 'B' will be from someone who wants to sell me something.

Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of Fisher pontoons. I think that Tracker owns the company. I realize that the Liberty models are an entry level, old school type of toon, but this model appeals to me.

I need to call the company to verify the deck construction ( I think the Z-bars are on 24" centers). Not crazy about that.

Moving up in grade like the Bentley's or Fishers Freedom line, I gain 25-26 inch tubes, 8.5' wide deck. Better pontoon? I hope so. In what ways? I have to learn (from you guys?). Worth the extra costs? Used Suntracker Regency's are also listed at reasonable distances from me.

Although, I think that I can buy an new 08 or mildly used 'middle grade' boat for about the same money as a new 09 entry level.

April 15th is a magic date- Mercury's extended warranty offer on new motors to 5 yrs. expires.

[FloterBoter]

my 2c--get as big of a boat as will work and you can afford. ditto on the motor.
if 24' is too big to maneuver in tight fishing areas, then go shorter. if not, go 24'.
we use our 28' for outings with friends, skiing, wakeboarding, tubing and plenty
of fishing. it's a little big for fishing but that's ok. lots of extra room for coolers
and grill food.

we went camping on an island on the mississippi river with the boat. camping gear
weighs a lot. i would keep that in mind when sizing a boat. we even hauled our
own firewood which really added to the weight.

fb

[wwind3]

Thanks Guys- wwind- I need to google 'beachcomber' It would probably be a long drive to see one, but it is good to learn about different makers..

K---where do you live? Beachcomber lists their dealers on their site..

[dockholiday]

Pretty much agree with lakerunner. Now far as having to launch by yourself. Remember the launch is going to take 5 to 15 minutes and you are probably going to be on the lake all day. First toon was a 25 and the one I have now is a 24. Personally I like the room, although I might consider a 22 but wouldn't want to go any smaller. The merc's are great engines, and have been for longer than most of us have been alive. They just keep getting better every year, partly due to the competition from honda yamaha etc. Had 3 mercs two 150's and a 90, all were 2 stroke. Actually, amazed me when I hadn't ran the motors for many months an just go down there and hit the starter an it runs like a top.

[WaltF]

You are correct... Fisher and SunTracker -> Tracker Marine
We have 26 inch logs and they are really nice... weve been loaded to the max, 14, in our 22 footer a few times and it floats right along.

My thoughts on buying a toon...
Bigger the engine, the better.
Bigger the dia of the toons, the better.
Bigger the enclosure, the better.
Colder the beer, the better.

New vs used?
We bought new... its not a boat mecka out here in Colorado, and if i bought used and needed big time work, it would cost me a mint. I wanted the new warranty.
Course if nothing breaks, i could have saved a mint...

Good Luck!

[shootandfish1]

You are correct... Fisher and SunTracker -> Tracker Marine
We have 26 inch logs and they are really nice... weve been loaded to the max, 14, in our 22 footer a few times and it floats right along.

My thoughts on buying a toon...
Bigger the engine, the better.
Bigger the dia of the toons, the better.
Bigger the enclosure, the better.
Colder the beer, the better.

New vs used?
We bought new... its not a boat mecka out here in Colorado, and if i bought used and needed big time work, it would cost me a mint. I wanted the new warranty.
Course if nothing breaks, i could have saved a mint...

Good Luck!

Funny thing that every used car,truck, boat, ect. for sale is gently used and in perfect condition. It comes down to 'risk' doesn't it. I come from a do-it-yourself mechanical type of background, but I realize my limitations and assuming that marine engines have evolved like car engines, proper maintenance, trained techs and their equipment are required pieces of the total price in owning an internal combustion engine.

If I go the used route, I going to be very selective- My thought are a trade-in on a dealers lot that the dealer sold new and the previous owner had same dealer perform scheduled maintenance and could produce records would be a 'first choice'.

In essence-new or used- I am buying the dealer and techinal staff-and I hope a lot of good will.

[shootandfish1]

Hi Fred---I too am interested in a fishing model. I ordered a Beachcomber Cruise and Fish---18 ft.

It's made in Oklahoma. As a lot of manufacturers--I hope they survived the economic times last winter and will stay in biz. Got an email from them saying they are gearing up for the season and the boat show orders have been better than expected. Hope so.

As far as the boat----it has 25 in logs and is rated for 90 hp--a little unusual for an 18 ft toon. May be worth considering altho they are probably regional and dealer network may be a little lax..

Good luck

I looked at the Beachcombers-nice boats- From what I could tell, I would look closer at them.

Get this- I did the dealer locate and sure enough I have dealers listed close by. But these are the same dealers that I have been reviewing. This brand is not mentioned nowhere, not in their web sites, inventories, boat trader adds, ect. I have to wonder if these dealers got the right to sell Beachcomber in order to keep someone else in the same local from selling this brand thus reducing the competion between makes at the same lot. Kind of like a car dealer that sold Fords and Chevys side by side.