G3(Suncatcher) vs. Veranda vs. SunTracker

[Capt Josh]

Thanks to the help of everyone who contributed to my previous thread in the manufacturer's forum, I have not narrowed it down and know of what I want in terms of options. Now all I have to do is choose a brand. I have narrowed it down to three due to proximity of dealer and having a good floorplan/features (all 22' fish models).

It appears that a Veranda will run a couple grand more than a G3(Suncatcher). I havent priced out the SunTracker Fishing Barge yet, but I am going to assume it would be less. I feel as if I have a negative connotation however for no reason with SunTrackers due to the fact that they sell so many of them in bulk at Bass Pro Shops. There is no rhyme or reason to support my claim either, so I think I may be being unfair.

Does anyone have any insight on how these boats weigh up against one another or anything that would really set one apart from the others in terms of the boat builder or features wise? It would be a tri-toon, hydraulic steering, lifting strakes, Hummingbird side scan, large thrust Minn Kota, second livewell, the works.

If you read my previous thread, this will be our first pontoon. I owe this forum BIG TIME for helping steer me in the right direction, thus far

Thanks in Advance!!

[badmoonrising]

All of the major manufacturers are of equal construction quality and it used to be that Sun Tracker boats were just less "plush" than boats costing a lot more. Even that is no longer the case. The engine packages are engine manufacturer specific.

Tracker has been around a lot longer and has better warranties than most. No one that owns Sun Trackers here or on any other forums has had trouble with them, but have with other brands costing a lot more.

[Drmanko]

I don't think you could go wrong with any of your choices. Last spring I purchased a suntracker 20 DLX. The main difference between the 20 and 22 is the length of the playpen, both are on identical pontoons. The family liked the plush lounges and carpet over the fishing model, while the vinyl rear section outside the playpen worked fantastic for mounting 2 fishing chairs. Plus the 20ft is about $4K less money. Honestly it's all about what you like. Personally I was pleasantly surprised by the tracker. I opted for the 75hp Mercury 4stroke, and run 29-30 MPH on GPS with 2 aboard. Happy Shopping!

[Texoma Toon]

Don't forget to factor in the dealer that you are buying from. That can be worth a lot.
For instance:
What do they charge for standard maintance
Can you talk to the service techs
Do they have a large inventory of parts so you aren't waiting for something on back order
Did you check to see if their are any BBB complaints and how we're they resolved
As was said before most of the newer pontoons are built well but if you need service how will they treat you. That is where 90% of the complaints are.

[BoatCop]

I picked up the 22' Sun Tracker Party Barge last summer. Couldn't be happier. It's plenty plush and my local dealer gives me excellent service and after-sale support. My only suggestion would be to get the biggest engine available. In my case it was the 90 Merc 4 stroke.

Since Sun Tracker has a set price and promos, dealer prices won't vary, whether an independent shop or Bass Pro Shops. I'd recommend an indy shop, since you'll get better attention than a big corp like Bass Pro.

There is absolutely no difference between the 2012 and 2013 models, so you could save 500 bucks or so by going with a leftover new 2012. Sun Tracker lists the 2013 w/90 and dual axle trailer for $24,865, while the 2012 goes for $24,315.

While there are definitely nicer boats out there, (Bennington, South Bay, Premier, Avalon, Crest, etc) you'll pay through the nose for their features, while the Sun Tracker is a nice base boat with a modest price.

[screwball]

OK, my turn to rave about my 2012 18' Party Barge (Sun Tracker) Bought it at Bass Pro in Las Vegas, Nv. Paid just under $20,000 with the biggest engine that would fit the transom, 75 hp. I get 24 mph WOT. with 6 adults on board. Also optioned the vinyl flooring (Grand Kids) and a tandem trailer with breaks. None of the boat manufacturers build engines, steering, or cables, so you get what you get. We are absolutely happy with our choice. Turn the key, it starts. Jam the throttle, it goes. Enough room to carry 9 people, a ton of food and a truck load of water toys for the kids. I found a 3.5 gal per min, 45 psi water pump for a motor home that I mounted under the rear seat. Ran a feed line down a pontoon and put a hose bib in the base of the rear seat. When the water fights begin, I WIN! I also mounted a second battery and have 2 low pressure, high volume air pumps for filling all sorts of water floaties. Does it sound like I REALLY enjoy my barge????

[ROLAND]

Capt. Josh.... like others have said, I don't think you would wrong picking any of those three brands... I can tell you that last summer I was in Branson, Mo and noticed that bass pro had set up a "mini boat show" featuring their pontoon line.... so naturally I stopped to look around.... they had a 20 and a 22 foot toon on display rigged for fishing.. I was really impressed with it.. Seemed to be well built and it sure was a good looking boat as well...don;t know anything about the Veranda, but I do know that just before I bought my toon, I came very very close to buying a G3 pontoon rigged for fishing... but at the last minute, the local bennington dealer ( which was much closer to my home ) actually gave me a better out the door price than the G3 dealer offered... otherwise I'd probably would have purchased the G3...

[badmoonrising]

The problem I had with Bass Pros Shops is terrible, incompetent service AND they subcontract everything out. As far as my sales experience, no complaints except I knew more about boats than their sales staff did

The guy who sold us our boat had no idea how to work a portable head, the stove, etc.

Stick with an independent dealer for service and parts.

[Capt Josh]

Perfect! Great insight everyone. I have all I need now

Hope to post pics of the new boat soon...............decisions, decisions................

[Bamaman]

My only complaint with Tracker Marine is their one price policy on new boats. It takes the competition out of their earning my business with a fair selling price.

Every major pontoon boat manufacturer has three or four models of the same hulls. Many local dealers of other brands of boats are also willing to accept a lower profit margin than Tracker allows in their 1 price strategy. Tracker's transportation/delivery, boat setup and trailers are also higher than many independent dealerships--as much as $1,000 higher price.

For example, my 24' Bennington with a Yamaha 150 hp motor was $2500 cheaper than the comparable Tracker trihull with a Merc. 150 FourStroke.

But SunTrackers are great used boats, and there are many on the retail market for sale because they have so many dealers nationally.

[playcat]

You can buy a Sun Tracker online, without ever setting foot at a dealership. the prices are exactly the same. if I were buying a Sun tracker new, i would buy it online equipped the way I want it, and save the shipping by picking it up at Springfield MO just around the corner from Branson. I could test it at Table rock Lake right at the Tracker plant.

[lx22f/c]

I own a g3 lx22fc and couldn't be happier. The whole fit and feel of the boat just feels right. We looked at alot of brands and settled on the g3. Now i wont say we havent had any problems but the way the manufacture handle them was outstanding. The first problem i discovered a small crack in the corner of the transom. We were due to leave on vacation in two weeks and there was no way to get a new one sent and installed, so rather than that ruing iur vacation g3 authorized the removal and had it welded up saving our vacation.
New transom was sent and arrived while on vacation when we got back we dropped it off and was ready in a week.
The other problem we had was a popping sound from one of the pontoons nose cone. We contacted g3 and they said they would replace it with no question.
When we picked it up the lady at the dealership was telling me how easy it is to work with g3 on warranty. She said some of the manufactures will just drag their feet until the dealer and customer get frustrated and just go away.
The seats and the fit if the boat are great. The carpet has held up great for a 08 model
We love our boat the only thing i wish i had done differently was i wish i had got a triple toon. Mine rides rough water well but some days in rough water and a long ways to go a triple toon would be nice.
Hope this helps and good luck on what ever you choose.
Robert

[Texoma Toon]

Wow Robert! Glad they took care of the issues for you!
We bought our 2007 LX 22FC in 2006 new and had no problems at all. Seats, carpet, and every still look almost new.