Premier Gemini or explorer

[Norqo]

Need some advice. I am ready to pull the trigger on a premier and have decided on the Gemini with a 115hp or the explorer with a 135hp. The explorer is about $4k more due to the135hp. Is there a noticeable difference in the 115 vs135?
Also what are your opinions on the floor layouts? This is my first pontoon and am not to sure which I would like better.
Your opinions are appreciated.
The Gemini is a sharp looking boat with black on black panels.

[LongLakeLegacy]

After my last black truck and motorcycle i said never black again... Lol

[Rascal]

It looks like the Explorer has four fishing seats (two in the front) versus a circular couch in the front? Are you going to use it mainly for fishing on inland lakes (ponds). Then get the fishing four seat model. If you have to deal with women and rug rats... get the Gemini.

Not much noticeable difference between the 115 and 135 hp..... Now the 150 is quite a difference. But if your only pushing two tubes the extra hp won't over come the two tubes from plowing the water unless you order strakes.

The catalog doesn't show the strakes but it might be done on a "special order" if you ask the dealer to call the factory. They will do it for sure on the Cast A Way model as it has the 16" cross beams. They might not do it on the Gemini/Explorer as they only have 24" cross members (not as strong), but good enough for small inland lakes. If they'll let you do it, I recommend doing that and the 115 hp will get it on top of the water (more speed) at the same cost as just adding a 135Hp without the strakes. Another problem is that the Gemini/Explorer tubes are only 23" round the Cast a Way and the rest of the Premier boats offered are all 25" round pontoons. You might just be S.O.L.

If any of the above, can't be done by the factory, stick with two tubes without strakes and go with the 115 hp and save the money not spent for a bigger motor for a down/side scan GPS/sonar fish finder. The 135 hp is not worth the cost for the minimal speed difference you will get, forgetaboutit. In the future, Please let us know where/what size water you will be boating on..... It helps us, to be able to help you.

Rascal

[Norqo]

I ended up going exactly the opposite as you suggested. Lol. The evinrude 135 was an HO so it should help a produce a little more speed. I didn't have the option for strakes b/c it was a stock boat at the dealer. The explorer front seats are reclining and not really fishing chairs. I figured those would be more comfy for the adults and the kids can lounge in the L-shape bench. I hope I made the right choice!
The lake I am on is 1 mile wide x 6 miles or so long. I will probably use it mostly for fishing and cruising and pulling some kids on a tube once in awhile.

Thanks for your input !