Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Hi All. First post. I'm lakefront on Lake Norman, NC (but not moved yet).

I tried to resist the "pontoon phenomenon" because I've always loved the look of a Chaparral or Sea Ray fiberglass I/O but it's tough to argue against all of the advantages (especially since I'm older, lazier and more frugal). I have a habit of asking too many questions in a single post or email and I'm probably going to do that here, but I also don't want to blast into a forum (as a brand new member) with multiple posts either. So here goes:

After many rounds of research (online, personal experience and talking with owners and salespeople) I have it narrowed down to one of the 6 Bennington models I'll list below (based on a filter search on their site) and a similarly equipped Manitou. I'm only looking at 3 tube models with the ESP or SHP system, power steering and a 225 or 250 HP 4 stroke outboard. I don't know the Manitou line that well yet but here are 6 models from Bennington that seem the most likely choices:

2274 GL
2275 GL
2250 RCL
2275 RL
2275 RLC
2275 RLCP (same as RLC but with port side gate)

As for engines, I'm trying to avoid the Yamaha 250 only because it requires 89 octane and I plan on using auto gas. All of the other brand 250s require only 86 or 87. The Yamaha 225 doesn't require mid-grade or premium so that one would be fine. A head is a must but the changing room is a bonus but I guess on these models the changing room IS the place for the porta-potty.

I'm sure somebody is going to ask about my planned uses. I know one boat can't do it all so I'm not going to try. I might get into wakeboarding and if I do then I'll just grab a used inboard. My understanding is a pontoon laid out like one above can handle all the rest with ease. I'm not into fishing but I'm sure someday it will be involved in a fishing trip (when my brother visits). My immediate family is my wife and I and two adult children. Grand nieces and nephews and future grand children will all ride on this boat a few times a year, I'm sure.

Pricing: I'm an aggressive car shopper. I have friends that come to me to help them get the best deal. Boats present a challenge. I understand the volume is much lower and a dealer's bread and butter is from new sales whereas a car dealer makes it from service and used sales so I'm not looking to put anybody out of business. However, I'm reading about deals where a LOT of folks are getting 27 to 29 percent off MSRP, even on the current model year (in-stock and even orders). Just yesterday I called a couple of dealers who have 2012 leftovers and they were asking $2000 below MSRP so I might need a little help on how to approach dealers. I'm not against going several states away for a killer deal but I really, REALLY want a good relationship with the local dealer and would much prefer to buy from them. Paying an extra thousand for that privilege is fine but if it's going to save me multiple thousands of dollars, I'm hitting the road.

Trailer: Pontoon trailers are big, ugly and expensive and I know very few lakefront homeowners buy them. My dock needs updating. I don't have a lift and if I leave it in the water, the tubes will get dirty and need to be cleaned. If I had a trailer I would just yank it out of the water anytime. Also, I might end up driving to Gaston once a year since I have family in VA Beach and that's halfway between us and they go there every so often. I do have room to park the trailer on my property but it will be prominently visible. Should I just get one or should I still look to renting? I saw a thread about people modifying standard boat trailers for pontoons but does that work the other way around? Can I put a same length inboard on a pontoon trailer?


Thanks.

Welcome aboard. I'll try to help you somewhat. I've had a 24SSLX w/F150 Yamaha for a year--40 mph w/15 pitch Reliance stainless steel prop and the Express Tube Package. It does a great job and is as much boat as I need.

Any of the models listed will do the job for you. The 225 Yamaha would be a good choice. The question is whether a F225 or 225 SHO would suit you better? I would like to see someone compare the two engines in the water because I don't know.

As far as a Manitou, I really like them--along with Premier and Harris. But Bennington is the leader of the pack in sales right now. As far as models, the tritoons with the rear facing sunbeds appear to be the hot thing right now.

I have heard many tooners say a head/porta potty is a nasty thing to have to clean, and they just don't use theirs. Many people just use the lake when swimming. If your house is on the water, go home if you've got to really go.

If someone's going to be into really serious water sports, you can get an older Mastercraft or SkiNautique for $6-8K. Can't beat'em. My cousin next door has one.

As far as fishing off a pontoon, it's not really that good. With the slightest wind, these boats are like sails--wind really pushes them. Many people do fish from toons, however.

As far as being an aggressive shopper: The marine business is not the car business. Charlotte should have a number of boat dealerships, and you have good dealers over in the Greenville, SC area and another group of dealers 100 miles south around Columbia, SC. High Point/Greensboro/Winston-Salem has 1 million people, and there should be a # of boat dealerships around there. My suggestion: Go into Boattrader.com and filter the search for 200 miles. See what dealers are in the area and try to figure out which dealers are willing to compete for your business with a fair price. It's not hard to decide who the "leader of the pack" is in the market. Try to buy local, even if you've got to consider another brand.

I'm on a lake where few boaters buy trailers--me included on past boats. I did buy a good trailer this time round, as there are just so many incredible places to visit within 150 miles. We intend on trailering our boat upriver 200 miles and doing some river cruising--staying in hotels and state park resorts. Spend the $3k and get a pontoon trailer.

As far as a lift: Get one as soon as possible. Our river system has fixed piers and boathouses, as our water level is very stable. Some lakes require floaters. Some shallow lakes use the cantilever style boat lifts. Also, many lakes require permits that take quite some time to get, along with blue prints and environmental impact studies on snail darters, etc. You might want to get on the lift issue as soon as possible. (Boathouses on our lake run about $60K for a pontoon boat with a 10x30' concrete decks below and above. Ouch!) I wouldn't want to leave any boat of the caliber you're talking about in the water for any extended time.

I have a new Bennington 24rl. 150 yamahopper. 43 mph with 2 adults. I use mine mostly for kids and skiing. I does everything I need. I did not chose to have a head or changing room installed . More room for the kids. I do have a trailer bc I go to different lakes with different friends
I agree with what bam aman said verbatim.

We can advise you all day on what we like but it comes down to what you want and need. You seem to be doing the homework just don't get bogged down over little things. When you find the toon that grabs you then get it.

I always say buy the trailer because when you need one it is there. When you get your dock finished just pull the tires and block the trailer on jack stands so when you need it you don't have to buy tires because yours are rotten

Buy from a dealer that has been in business more than 10 years. Buy the boat that fits your style. BUY a trailer! You won't be sorry you did.