New Member, Possible New Manitou Owner

[Gypsyman]

New member here. Very glad I found this site and I have a couple of questions.

First off I've been out of boating for a while now and have been looking at pontoon boats over the last few weeks. I ran across a 2009 Manitou Legacy 26 SHP with 44 hours on the meter last week. Seller wants $40,000 and won't budge a penny on the price. Since I've been away from the boating world for a while does this sound like a fair price in todays market?

Second, I know that you rarely wish that you had a smaller motor but what about overall length? Do any of you ever regret going with a 25' or 26' boat over a shorter model? I have the indoor storage space for the 26 but it sure seems like it could be a handfull compared to a 20' or 22' pontoon.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Richard

[gramps]

Welcome aboard, For 40k you can get a lot of new boats out there with a 200 or 225hp motor. I don't know what the Legacy has on it but 40k for used is to much as far as I'm concerned.
Go and price some new boats before you buy anything so that you know whats out there and their prices.

[Ron Burgundy]

I would't want a 26' pontoon boat, but I supppose it depends on how you plan to use it.

[Gypsyman]

I've been to all of the dealers around here numerous times. Many in my city have closed up shop and the few that are left only carry the entry level boats.

This unit has the Evinrude 250 HO E-TEC.

New the unit was about $60k and the only dealer that carries Manitou in the PNW is clear over in Montana. A new 2012 Legacy thru this dealer is $64k.

[dockholiday]

Welcome...........I purchased a 24' but next one I may opt for the 22'. Not so much cause the 24 his hard to handle but If I can save a good bit on a 22 over a 24, I would put that back into a larger motor.
doc

[Bryden24shp]

I agree with the size, it will be harder to handle in the wind, not as peppy on aceleration, will turn alittle more cumbersome than a 22 or 24 footer. Pricewise, thats not bad. I got $34k out of my 24' 07 X-plode, 250 Etec w/300 hrs on a Hoosier trailer.
$40k is good for that model, always loved the Legacy's. Nice boat! There was a 2008 26 Legacy for sale at Lake of the Ozarks with the 350 HP 377 ci SB Chevy for 42k. That is really a sweet boat!
Manitou rocks on customer service!
Like I tell everyone, I own a Premier, but Manitou is in my blood! If I could mount my S-series on a SHP hull, I'ld be forever happy!
Any questions on Manitou's... Ask away. I know the company very well!
Bryan

[Gypsyman]

Thanks for the input gentlemen.

Bryan,

I've followed your post and would like to get more information on the deflectors you made for the rear of your Manitou if you saved any of that information.

Richard

[JohnO]

Thanks for the input gentlemen.

Bryan,

I've followed your post and would like to get more information on the deflectors you made for the rear of your Manitou if you saved any of that information.

Richard

If Bryan doesn't have it, I still have the drawings he made me. The transom deflectors (mounted under the boat where the transome meets the tube) bought me about 1.5 MPH. I haven't done the rear splash deflectors yet.

[Bryden24shp]

I got them yet! Send me a PM with your E-mail address, I'll get them off to you! They really lifted the stern out of the water. The Premier may get a set, someday.

[Gypsyman]

Looks like the Manitou is gone already. Sold for the full $40k to the first couple that looked at it after me. I guess I'm back on the hunt.

Thanks guys.

Richard