Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

My husband and I have decided that we would like to purchase a pontoon boat. We have a tracker bass boat and a jet ski. I sometimes go out on the bass boat but dislike sitting that low on the water, not to mention sitting in the glaring sun. I know we would both enjoy cruising around the lake on a pontoon and think this would be more suited to our needs, husband likes the idea that I would be more willing to go out more often if we had a pontoon. Our skiing days are over and we have no plans on pulling skiers but might consider throwing a tube out and towing a grandkid. Most of the time, it would be just my husband and I going out for some leisurely cruising and fishing. I don’t see the need to get a huge pontoon and was thinking of 18-20, or 22 ft. max, something that “could” accommodate up to 8-12 people if needed. We want to make sure that the pontoon would fit into our garage or carport and not have to build something new to store it in. We live at Lake Texoma so the boat would be used exclusively on Texoma. We’re less than 5 minutes (country roads/golf cart community) from the water so we need to make sure that we could pull a pontoon with my husband’s Tacoma, it wouldn’t be pulled on high traffic roads unless it needed servicing. Right now we’re trying to do some research and figure out exactly what we need. We’re budget conscious and don’t want or need a top of the line boat so I’d like to see everything kept way under 25K( is that possible?). We’re going to the Boat Expo in Dallas next week to look at some different manufactures.

So I do have a few questions…

New or Used? I don’t want to get stuck with a “problem” and lean more towards new. I’ve been looking at craigslist and I’m not seeing much of anything.

Best time to buy? We would like to get serious about the purchase in Feb-June 2014. Can we get a better deal at a boat show or at a dealership off season?

Vinyl or Carpet? I like the idea of the vinyl but wondered about the durability and if it gets too hot in the North Texas/Southern Oklahoma heat.

Tubes? Are 2 tubes adequate or do we need 3? What about U shaped? We looked at a local dealership that carries SunCatcher G3 with the U shaped tubes, don’t guess I’ve ever noticed u shaped before and wonder about the advantage or disadvantage of them. How do the tubes affect rough water? We don’t go out when it’s rough but Lake Texoma can get rough quickly and we do want something that can handle it . I assume that tri-toons are more costly?

MSRP? Since we’ve never bought a new boat, how much should we reasonably expect a dealer to come down off the sticker price?

Financing, any advice?

We have 2 dealers nearby that sell SilverWave and SunCatcher. Any input on those boats?

North Texas or Southern OK dealerships recommendations. Let me know if anyone has some good recommendations. We're originally from the DFW area and I'm willing to travel to the metroplex to shop.

All information or advice is welcomed. And, if you would like to give me some ammo for next week’s Boat Expo so that I know what to ask or look for I would be very appreciative! THANKS

First of all welcome to the forum and Pontooning. It is a wonderful boat to own and is so versatile. Good luck with your purchase and happy boating. Now....


New or Used? I have owned both and of course am happy with our new one. However, our used one was also a later model so it was in fine shape. You will of course be able to find a better deal on a used one more than likely as someone else has taken the hit on it.

Vinyl or Carpet? We live in Tulsa, Oklahoma and our new South Bay has carpet inside the fencing and Vinyl outside. To me if you buy new get Vinyl with Snap In carpet. The vinyl stays surprising cool and will hold up fine in the heat. It is also MUCH easier to clean.

Tubes? We have a 2 tube boat with a 150 Mercury 4 stroke and hit about 36 mph. It pulls a 200 lb guy at around 29-30 mph wide open which is plenty fast enough. I imagine it would also pull a skier if necessary. I will say that a 3 tube (tri-toon) boat will be more stable but you will definitely pay for it at the dealer. It was a $4K difference on ours if we would have went with 3.

MSRP? A dealer on a new boat has a lot more wiggle room than on a used boat so it depends. If you buy in the Winter months October-February a dealer is more likely to deal on a new or leftover boat from the previous model year. For example we bought ours in February and we were able to get the boat down 5 thousand off what they were asking.

Financing? Depending on your credit most credit Unions will loan 100% on a NEW boat. Of course boats lose their initial value rather quickly (think RV's Etc) so a minimum of 5 years of ownership will be required to get your money back out of it if you decide to sell it. We were fortunate enough on our first pontoon (used) to get a really good deal and actually got more than we paid for it when trading it in at a different dealer less than a year later.

Silver wave and G3 (suncatcher) both make really good products. G3 has the U shaped logs which will start a whole different debate all together. Funny, but our first boat was a G3 fish and cruise model. G3 tends to hold its value better because silver wave has only been manufacturing pontoons for 4 years I believe.

I dont think you can go wrong with either in all honestly. We looked at a new Silver Wave when we bought our used G3 but the bank would not lend money on it because until 2013 they were not listed in NADA or Kelly Blue Book.


PS: Get Aluminum underskinning and lifting strakes. If you dont you will wish you did.

PSS: Get the largest motor the boat will take and you can afford. Remember that you can always run slow even on a big motor but you can only go so fast on a small one. If you get caught out in a storm you will want as much speed as possible to outrun a supercell!

I hope all this helps.

Oh, and definitely consider South Bay which is a little more high end then the other 2 you are considering. If you do consider South Bay please go to North Texas Marine in Gainesville and speak with Brian Wallace. The best buying experience I have ever had. Tell them Todd Stewart sent you

I was in your shoes last year. I looked around all summer for a newer pontoon and they just are not available around here. It was the end of August and I found a 2012 South Bay 525. They really wanted to push it to clear out for the 2013's. I was at dealers who didn't have any in stock and wanted to order me in one, but they would not budge on the price. In my opinion, you will find a better deal (depending on whats sitting on the lots) in August-October than you will at any boat show. And yes, I was told that I would be happy with a 115 four stroke.... and I am kicking myself every day for not stepping up to the 150.

Cycleman07 wrote:Oh, and definitely consider South Bay which is a little more high end then the other 2 you are considering. If you do consider South Bay please go to North Texas Marine in Gainesville and speak with Brian Wallace. The best buying experience I have ever had. Tell them Todd Stewart sent you

As a matter of fact.. we have been caught out in a storm and had to run to cover. North Texas Marine was on my shopping list! Thanks for all the info.

New or Used? If you're looking to spend $25K max., a 1-2 year old used boat may get you more for your money. I saw some factory sponsored sales in Pontoon and Deckboat Magazine in the bookstore the other day--pretty good deals.

Best time to buy? You're essentially at the end of the season right now. Boat show season is another good time to buy if you order a boat. Manufacturers often throw in some freebies at the boat shows--and dealers get competing against each other on price.
Vinyl or Carpet? Many people prefer vinyl. Those with snap in carpet on top of vinyl often say they never use their carpet. I wish my new boat came with all vinyl.
Tubes? I've had U shaped toons on my old Starcraft, and it performed very well. My new Bennington has the Express Tube package which is two full length hulls and a third 3/4 length middle toon. It all depends on what you're going to do with your boat. My Express tubes were under $1900 option, including underskinning.
MSRP? Ignore MSRP, as they are not consistent from dealer to dealer. Boattrader.com is a great place to figure out which boat dealers in your area are the most competitive. Many manufacturers won't let'em price boats on the internet.

Financing, any advice? Credit unions are best place usually, but rates are substantially higher than automobiles. I paid 4.99% a year ago. The dealer was quoting 5.99% with 20% down.
SilverWave and SunCatcher. Any input on those boats? I'd go with the Suncatcher--a bigger name.
North Texas or Southern OK dealerships recommendations. I can't help you there.
My other observations:
You'll spend at least 110% more than you plan.
Even if you get a 2 toon boat, make sure it's got lifting strakes on the toons. They'll give you another 5 mph.
Don't get hung on one brand. Even some of the luxury brands have boats in every price range.
If you're going to be doing water sports or tubing, go with 115 hp or 150 hp

Traillblazer wrote:I was in your shoes last year. I looked around all summer for a newer pontoon and they just are not available around here. It was the end of August and I found a 2012 South Bay 525. They really wanted to push it to clear out for the 2013's. I was at dealers who didn't have any in stock and wanted to order me in one, but they would not budge on the price. In my opinion, you will find a better deal (depending on whats sitting on the lots) in August-October than you will at any boat show. And yes, I was told that I would be happy with a 115 four stroke.... and I am kicking myself every day for not stepping up to the 150.

thanks for the advice, I'm taking notes!

If you buy used from an individual OR a dealer I would highly recommend getting a boat inspector to check it out first. I bought a 3 year old boat and got a great deal on it, but only after I paid my mobile mechanic to check it out.
I spent one hundred dollars but it was well worth the peace of mind.
I know this guy Cary here in the Dallas area but you should be able to find someone in your area, if not I will help you, Just let me know.
Cary is good people.

Here is example of what a good mobil mechanic will check for you, I would have never thought of all these things. I'm on a fishing forum that has contacts all over Texas/Lower Oklahoma.

Cary's Pre Purchase Inspections and Diagnostic Testing:
Inspections I perform are not just of the boat and motor, but the trailer as well. Also listed in my 60+ pt report (that the customer gets a copy of for their records) I also check to ensure whether or not the proper equipment is available according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations.
The outside of the boat is checked beginning with the condition of the hull, and includes the Gel-Coat along with the transom. On the inside of the boat I inspect the floor, windshield (if applicable), things such as the upholstery, carpet, steering, control box operation, hatches, doors, & any other additional compartments.
Next, I begin procedure for motor inspection starting with a cranking test to check the battery, then compression tests on all cylinders and record PSI results. Following the compression testing I check spark on all cylinders, oil check,[stern drive] oil tank, operate the tilt and trim, running test, checking temperature, tail-tail, fuel check by sample, and record data with comments. NAV lights are tested, anchor light, bilge pump, aerator pump, fresh water pump, horn, blower, and gauges. If available, I also check VHF radios, incl. stereo and speakers, plus any other additional switches. The propeller, prop shaft, gear lube, skeg and trim tab, cavitation plate, and any water in the lower unit are inspected next.
Then I move on to the trailer, checking things such as the coupler, trailer plug/electrical, all necessary lights, whinch and strap, tongue jack, tires (including spare) bunks, axles and springs. Most importantly, at the end of my inspection, I have to check all safety equipment, as I note whether or not certain requirements are met (i.e. life jackets) as well as inspect any custom equipment (listed below). After all 60 plus items are checked and noted, the things that are not in working order are estimated for the repair cost. The buyer can use this as negotiating power to get the price where he or she would like for it to be.
This report will be given to the person paying for the inspection and them only. The seller will not see results until buyer lets them. Make no mistake, you will know what you are buying.

SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE:
Fire extinguisher and first aid kit, life jackets (1 for each person) and a throwable flowtation device, paddles (at least 1 preferably 2),flares or flashlights, horn.

CUSTOM EQUIPMENT:
T-top or bimini top, GPS or depth finder, trolling motor, trolling motor batteries 12v, 24v, 36v.

_________________________
Call & Arrange your powerhead re-build today! I can work with trade-ins & I'll give you more for your core! Need a boat mechanic to come to you? I'm a Mobile Marine Tech. also. Call & schedule today! 281-312-9856

you pose some really good questions, but unfortunately, there are no "absolute" answers... your boat purchased should be tuned to what you want to do with your boat.... if all you want to do is take leisurely cruises or fish ( like we do ) then there is no need to spend all that extra cash on a 200 hp or larger motor.... I'm sure you'll get a whole assortment of answers to your questions, but here's mine...

New or Used? I don’t want to get stuck with a “problem” and lean more towards new. I’ve been looking at craigslist and I’m not seeing much of anything.

we bought new, and obviously buying new also buys peace of mind with a warranty, but There's absolutely nothing wrong with buying a used toon... some great deals out there, maybe not during the middle of the summer, but eventually...

Best time to buy? We would like to get serious about the purchase in Feb-June 2014. Can we get a better deal at a boat show or at a dealership off season?

I would think the boat shows would be your best bet.. also allows you an opportunity to compare a lot of different boats and floor plans in one place

Vinyl or Carpet? I like the idea of the vinyl but wondered about the durability and if it gets too hot in the North Texas/Southern Oklahoma heat.

we have vinyl and absolutely love it...but then again we use our toon for fishing 90% of the time... vinyl cleans up easy.. and no, our's doesn't get too hot..

Tubes? Are 2 tubes adequate or do we need 3? What about U shaped? We looked at a local dealership that carries SunCatcher G3 with the U shaped tubes, don’t guess I’ve ever noticed u shaped before and wonder about the advantage or disadvantage of them. How do the tubes affect rough water? We don’t go out when it’s rough but Lake Texoma can get rough quickly and we do want something that can handle it . I assume that tri-toons are more costly?

2 or 3 tubes... a lot of that depends on the lake you will use most often... we have a two toon boat and it's fine on our lake, but if you're going to be in big water with big swells and a lot of chop, then a tri toon would give you a better ride...I like the suncatcher G3... we came very very close to buying one when we were shopping a few years back.. as for the shape of the tunes, I personally don't think it makes a whole lot of difference

MSRP? Since we’ve never bought a new boat, how much should we reasonably expect a dealer to come down off the sticker price?

That's a toughy!!! I can tell you that I bought my Bennington for a little under 21k... but again, I opted for a two toon boat with a 75 hp motor - all we needed for fishing and evening cruises.

Financing, any advice?

not a clue

We have 2 dealers nearby that sell SilverWave and SunCatcher. Any input on those boats?

between those two, my preference would be the suncatcher

All information or advice is welcomed. And, if you would like to give me some ammo for next week’s Boat Expo so that I know what to ask or look for I would be very appreciative! THANKS

Lastly, bennington owners will sing benningtons praises, G3 owners will do the same as will tracker owners and so on and so on... most people love their boat and love to tell you "that's" the one to get, but the truth is most boats will do you just fine... If you're going to have a lot of people on your boat and you're going to pull skiers, then a bigger boat with more horsepower would be best for you... if it's just going to be small groups, just fishing, slow leisurely cruises, then you can find what you want for less money..... now if moneys no option, go big, go fast, go tri toon.... decide how you intend to use your boat and start from there... Good luck....isn't boat shopping fun?

Everyone has great responses. I'll add on how I bought my 1st pontoon after selling my Baja. It was late in November and sales were slow, so it was perfect!
I contacted 3 dealers at Lake of the Ozarks that had the boats I was serious in. Won't go into details on the boats. But all three dealers agreed to put the boats in the water for me. One was going to sell a boat, for sure! After about 4 hours of pure fun test driving and picking apart everything. I did buy one. (More to that story, if ya want to know, I'll tell ya later)
And all 3 dealers had a great time, too! They were jollyjoeing like old schoolmates. Fun Day!
You can't find dealers willing to do that all the time, this was a great expirience! But you can always ask and be sure to TEST DRIVE, before you buy! You wouldn't buy a car without driving it first, a boats no different and in some cases, more expensive!
Good Luck on you quest!

I was in the market for mine in Dec, January and February (this is when we purchased)
You get a lot more attention from sellers in the winter months I think.

My main advise is don't over think it. When you find what you like you will know it. Also I would start shopping the day after Labor Day. That's when boats are put up for winter for a lot of people.

If dealers have not sold their pontoons by Labor Day, they're likely going to be sitting on those boats until March--when all the boat show activities conclude. That's 6 months of floorplan (interest) charges added to what they've got in the boats.

My Bennington dealer's business was slow after July 4th last year. He sold the mid line boats with 150 hp, and just had the cheapies and the really expensive boats left.

I'm with Loyd about Labor Day being a great time to buy.

Thanks for all the advice! I don't want anything extravagant, we really don't need top of the line. The main thing I feel that I need to do is buy something that will be nice, budget friendly and yet still handle Lake Texoma, which is quite large and can become very rough and choppy. Is a bigger boat better to handle that type of lake or do I need to concentrate more on the tubes and the motor? The boat would be used more frequently for just the 2 of us for fishing and leisure cruising. I wasn't sure if boat dealers or manufacturers offered competitive financing rates or incentives. We never put anything down on our car purchases so I was wondering if boat loans worked the same.