Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

New to pontoon boats. Really like to stay away from Bass Pro Shop brand. Looking for something I could put a trolling motor on. Something that is fishable. Something that will cruise around 25 to 26 mph at no higher than 4200 rpms preferably. Like to stay 35 grand and under. I have done searches and there is so many brands to chose from.

You can certainly find something in your budget.
My first question is what brands of pontoons are available in your immediate retail market?
And where are you located?

I'm in Louisiana just south of Baton Rouge. Plenty of pontoons on the lake here.

captain28570 wrote:New to pontoon boats. Really like to stay away from Bass Pro Shop brand. Looking for something I could put a trolling motor on. Something that is fishable. Something that will cruise around 25 to 26 mph at no higher than 4200 rpms preferably. Like to stay 35 grand and under. I have done searches and there is so many brands to chose from.

With the "cruise around 25-26mph @ under 4200rpm" you eliminated anything less than a straked 2 or 3 tube toon with anything smaller than a 150hp engine. For referance my straked 20' with a 140 cruises 22mph @ 4000rpm. Straked 3 tube with a 150 and a trailer for under 35k new is going to be tough. Probably have to look at the "value" level toons from many of the brands and go with a "3/4 length" center tube option to achieve that price level. You could also look for good deals on used toons, There is a 3 year old "entry level" Premier Explorer 22' near me with 30" PTX and a merc 150 4 stroke that's been for sale for a month now at 28k, I'm surprised it hasn't sold yet as a new one from the local dealer is 40k.

As you can see from my signature I have a excursion and I love it. Check them out the 23rfc is great. Has two fishing chairs in the rear, tackle center, live bait tank, rod storage. Plenty of seating upfront for lounging. Has a changing room for a porta potti for the lady on board. Plenty of storage under the seats for anchor and extra fishing gear, life jackets or whatever you may want.

What kinda speed you run with the 115? You have the lifting strakes?

Gonefishing wrote:As you can see from my signature I have a excursion and I love it. Check them out the 23rfc is great. Has two fishing chairs in the rear, tackle center, live bait tank, rod storage. Plenty of seating upfront for lounging. Has a changing room for a porta potti for the lady on board. Plenty of storage under the seats for anchor and extra fishing gear, life jackets or whatever you may want.

I'm coming from a 24 foot bayboat that ran 55 mph and cruised at 30 getting almost 4 mpg at 3200 rpms with a 300 hp. The lake here isn't big and will never be in rough water.

I like mine.

Similar to this:




Was discussed on this thread a while back:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23371


If I were buying another one, I'd buy the one I've got.

I've noticed 2016s on the lot are starting to be discounted, you'll find one. Boat trader gives you an idea of whats going on, you'll just have to talk to some real humans to get the real price.

I'm new to tooning and was looking for a boat for similar needs. Located in Central Louisiana. After much looking/shopping I settled in on the G3 Suncatcher V22RF. Purchased from Gulf Coast Boats in Lafayette and couldn't be happier. It really suits our needs which is a little fishing and a lot of cruising and tubing with kids and grandkids. Very nice quality boat with exactly the layout I was looking for. Not quite as fast as you want with a 115 but if you're looking for more speed and performance just upgrade to the tritoon version with a 150.

Check out Apex Marine. We have a Qwest LS and love it and their fishing boats look great as well.

http://apexmarineinc.com/

captain28570 wrote:I'm in Louisiana just south of Baton Rouge. Plenty of pontoons on the lake here.

Go check out Premiere Performance Marine, on Airline, in Prairieville. I think this one is still available. It's a "Fish Cruise" series. My wife and I just bought a "C" edition,..basically a regular layout. The Coach line is definitely a higher standard than Sun Tracker... Good luck!



http://www.premiermarine.net/pre_owned_ ... 40219&nv=y