Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

In the market for a tritoon. Driving a Veranda 22 tomorrow with a 200 Yamaha to see how it handles. Do you really get that much less banking with 3 of the same size tubes with inside strikes vs. the other patented toons (larger center tune, esp, etc)? We'll see how it handles sharp turns at mid speeds. What's your take???

That boat ought to be a honey with the F200. My question is whether the motor's worth $2800-$3500 more than the F150. That engine does appear to perform well, however.

Cannot help you with the tritoon vs. high performance tritoon. Often, the high performance boats are much, much more money--and they come with higher line upholstery. The tritoons designed for 150 hp to 200 hp serve most owners' needs.

Are there other brands available in your retail market? My favorites are Bennington, Manitou, Harris and Premier. There are also a dozen other brands of boats I'd be happy to own. All the popular brands have a number of different models at all price ranges. The best brands often have superior welding, more seating options and better dealer bases.

The reason we liked the Veranda is that they use all of the deck on the front for seating, so I was like lower price/more seating. I am also testing a bennington soon. Probably an S series to get close in price to the Veranda.

It well be interesting to see how how you make out testing

I'm in the stages lf buying one as well and I think I'm heading for the manitou Aurora 23 RF Shp. 175hp Zuki on the back.

I'm not a fan with the deck up front. But I'm sure it's for a reason. To keep the weight further back. I'd rather go with a 20-21' boat but the lack of seating was the problem for me.

Good luck with your test. I'll be glad when our snow is gone! Another 30-45cm coming tomorrow :/

Well, first test drive done. The boss is sold!!! She fell in love with the seats. They are the softest, most plush seats that we have sat on in a pontoon boat. Most all of the other seats in the higher end boats (Bennington and Harris) were harder. The 200 seemed to have plenty of power. Handled well and fairly aggressive at lower speed, but it took a lot of turning on the wheel at higher speeds. I get it's a pontoon, but have to say I was a little disappointed. Personally, I just think it needs power steering to make quicker turns. Hopefully we can test the Bennington soon. I hear we won't be disappointed. Think we are going to have to try the S series to get close in price. I'll let you know what we find!!!!

Crazy weather here lately.....our yearly snowing here week before last and 65 today! It's getting close! Our high school senior says, "You have to get this by Spring Break!" He was with us on the test drive, too.

Dont dismiss the Lowe boats on the market. You will be surprised at the comfort design and affordability. Get at least the 150. I am found of the 4 stroke

I know what you mean about the SeaStar steering getting hard to turn. Owners with more than 150 hp should invest in the power steering assist pump, and a second battery is required. My F150 steers okay at slow speeds, but it gets hard to steer in tight turns between 30 and 40 mph.

The power steering pump is about $2,200 more than just the SeaStar--plus labor to install it. With it, turning tight turns is a one finger proposition. If someone is going to be towing tubers or water skiers, the P/S assist is required. If you're financially tapped out buying the boat, the power steering assist can easily be added later.

LakeNester wrote:Crazy weather here lately.....our yearly snowing here week before last and 65 today! It's getting close! Our high school senior says, "You have to get this by Spring Break!" He was with us on the test drive, too.

Tell High School Senior to chip in on the purchase price......

Alot of the companies have gone to that "soft touch" fabric for 2015, it feels great. I don't know what the difference inside is but they feel much more comfortable.

Yes! Senior can help make decision when he gets a job!

Bamaman wrote:I know what you mean about the SeaStar steering getting hard to turn. Owners with more than 150 hp should invest in the power steering assist pump, and a second battery is required. My F150 steers okay at slow speeds, but it gets hard to steer in tight turns between 30 and 40 mph.

The power steering pump is about $2,200 more than just the SeaStar--plus labor to install it. With it, turning tight turns is a one finger proposition. If someone is going to be towing tubers or water skiers, the P/S assist is required. If you're financially tapped out buying the boat, the power steering assist can easily be added later.

It's a shame it costs so much. I have ordered it with our new boat but dayum it seemed like a lot of money. I'm sure if I had first hand experience I would understand better.

Glad to hear confirmation of it's greatness though

Those getting a high performance tritoon vs. a 2 toon boat will easily pay $8K more for the third hull package. Add $3K for SeaStar with power steering option. Then a 250 hp outboard might cost you $17K. And if you've spent that kind of money, you certainly want the high line seating for another $6-$8K.

Before long, you're mortgaging the soul of your last born child to buy the boat.

I was talking to an established Manitou dealer before I bought my Bennington. He said that the vast majority of his boat sales are the Oasis VP tritoon hull with 150 hp. They're plenty nice, plenty fast and they don't break the bank--too badly. He's glad to order big engined SHP hulls for customers, but he's not willing to stock too many really high dollar boats.

A word of caution for the OP. I would NOT test anything like the Bennington ESP or the Manitou SHP (or others that bank in a similar fashion) if you are not really considering them. They are amazing in my opinion and once you test one there is really no going back. They bank much like a v-hull, slice through the waves like you expect a great tri-toon to do, and they are as comfortable as your living room when you drop anchor in a cove.

Thanks for the info. I am testing a used Bennington G series with ESP and power steering with same 200 Yamaha motor. Much lower retail than a new one AND no sales tax because it is a private sale. Actually less than the Veranda because of sales tax. It's a 2014. Also found a 2012 Bennington G with 150 for even less. Will have the next test by this Sunday and hopefully a decision next week!!