Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Hi. Looking to buy first tritoon for our new move to Cape Coral. Anyone have experience with saltwater and possible 1-3 foot chop that we can experience when going through Charlotte harbor on way to barrier islands? Local boat show more center consoles down here but did like the premier pontoon that was on display. Want at least 250 hp . And about 25-27 feet.

Thanks

3 foot would be one hell of a chop....not a place for a toon. Just go out on better days.
Any of the better brands will work for you. Pick the dealer closest to you.
Make sure the purchase price includes completely treating the whole boat with "Sharkhide"

Any of those brands would be fine. Just make sure you have the saltwater version. It's also best to have the toons painted if you're 100% saltwater use.

I'm a Bennington owner and therefore my opinion is slanted.

I can't offer any insight into a pontoon into the type of water you're going to use it in, but I can offer what I consider the most important advice.........

Pick your dealer, then pick your boat!

Boats dealerships aren't like car dealers where you can take your chevy to any chevy dealership. You'll quickly learn that boat dealers give much higher priority to boats bought from them as compared to somebody dropping off a boat from another dealer for work, especially warranty work.

We’ve been running ‘toons in saltwater, and keeping them docked in fresh water, year round; for over 20 years now. They actually ride better and cut through the chop better than monohulls do.

I’ve found that pontoon lengths of 22’ and over do better in a chop because they stretch across the tops of more waves than the shorter ones do; resulting in a better ride with much less constant “up and down” motion. When you get into the bigger waves; just slow down your forward speed. That’ll place the front of your pontoons at a higher angle; which cuts through the waves without pounding, and results in a more comfortable ride, with less stress on the boat.

We’ve been using pontoon boats to go offshore for spearfishing, and traveling up and down the coast for 50-60 mile trips for over 20 years now, and much prefer them to monohull boats for comfort, and ease of maintenance.

I had my Harris Solstice 220 w/150 Verado rigged for salt. I choose Harris for their dealer network in the areas I boat.

Remember, it's all relative to your boat handling skills, but windy days, choppy bay, running near shore .. no problem. Extra anodes, reinforced nose cones, and reinforced fencing are the differences my model has.

If you're ordering your boat, I never regretted a double bimini for the extra shade. Just for kicks, I'd price that 250 against twin 150's and see what difference that would be. Having twins on a 27 ft'er around a tight marina is a joy to maneuver.