Which options on new toon?

[The_Hellbilly]

Id shop qround. Seems like boats start To go on sale after labor day.

[dockholiday]

Many thanks to all who responded. Met with the nearby South Bay dealer today and he tried to convince me that 150 hp engine is best for the 522 CRTT toon and anything bigger is a waste of money. He showed me Yamaha online test data and called the South Bay factory rep in Indiana to discuss the engines for this exact model while I was there. The factory rep stated he owns a 2012 South Bay 522 CRTT with third toon (same as what I am ordering) and a 150 hp 4 stroke engine which will go 39.6 mph. The dealer priced the boat with 150 hp and 200 hp engines. The 200 hp engine is $6000 more. I told the dealer I'd think about it and let him know which engine. Stay tuned........

See no problem getting 40 or very near 40 with the 150, depending on the weight and how well the 150 gets it up on the strakes. To me the 150 is a good size (depending on the person) for power an fuel economy. Still with a living room going 40 it's not bad and with the optimum prop should not be a problem. Just to make sure you could price the 175 and decide between the 150 175 and 200. Just make sure you have the option of trying different props till you hit the best one..............doc

[sunnyside]

Id shop qround. Seems like boats start To go on sale after labor day.

I haven't put a dime on it yet and will shop around before I do. I understand the manufacturer is building 2013 models now. I won't buy a 2012 model unless it's a really good deal.

[sunnyside]

See no problem getting 40 or very near 40 with the 150, depending on the weight and how well the 150 gets it up on the strakes. To me the 150 is a good size (depending on the person) for power an fuel economy. Still with a living room going 40 it's not bad and with the optimum prop should not be a problem. Just to make sure you could price the 175 and decide between the 150 175 and 200. Just make sure you have the option of trying different props till you hit the best one..............doc

Dealer told me the same thing today. He already plans on mounting a stainless steel prop and is working with both boat and engine manufacturers to get the right pitch and diameter.

[pond tuuunes]

sunnyside, dont just go for speed, you may have to sacrifice some top end to make sure you can get a skiier up, or a tube to plain out. JT

[Bamaman]

$6K difference between 150 and 200 hp sounds as if they're quoting a Mercury 150 Fourstroke and a 200 hp Verado.

The price difference for engines alone should be $4500 tops , but dealers charge an arm and a leg to mount a "drive by wire" Verado engine. The 150 hp is more "traditional" in it's hookup with cables, etc.

I like to keep things simple.

[sunnyside]

sunnyside, dont just go for speed, you may have to sacrifice some top end to make sure you can get a skiier up, or a tube to plain out. JT

Good point. Dealer has indicated a willingness to try different props.

[sunnyside]

$6K difference between 150 and 200 hp sounds as if they're quoting a Mercury 150 Fourstroke and a 200 hp Verado.

The price difference for engines alone should be $4500 tops , but dealers charge an arm and a leg to mount a "drive by wire" Verado engine. The 150 hp is more "traditional" in it's hookup with cables, etc.

I like to keep things simple.

The difference of $6K is for Yamaha F150 and Yamaha F200 (both 4 stroke) -- both with SeaStar hydraulic power assist steering. I agree with trying to keep things simple. I'm going to challenge the dealer on the price difference.

I also, got a call yesterday from a Bennington dealer about 100 miles away who I've been dealing with on the internet. Says he can sell me a new 2012 Bennington 2275 GL (22') loaded with features and 150 hp Mercury for $36,800 - includes trailer and SS prop.

[pond tuuunes]

a wakeboard tower? And I dont know how much they cost, but tubers, and wake boarders like it more than being. Behind lower boats, just a thought. JT

[GregF]

For $6000 more you should be getting close to a 250

http://www.boats.net/outboard_motor/Yamaha/parts.html

[dockholiday]

sunnyside, dont just go for speed, you may have to sacrifice some top end to make sure you can get a skiier up, or a tube to plain out. JT

Good point. Dealer has indicated a willingness to try different props.

think that was true in the old days when some had speed props and hole props. today most will serve both function well. the 150 with the right ss prop won't have any problem getting a skier up. pretty sure my toon with the 150 has a better hole shot than my bowrider with the 150..........doc

[STEVEBRENDA]

Also keep in mind that summer is almost over. Before long you will see some good deals on used boats as well as new boats. A morgue gets more business that a boat saleman in winter. Don't rush things just to get 2-3 weeks of boating in, beside the grandkids will be in school. Take your time and do some comparison shopping, maybe even wait for the February boat shows. For comparison, Bass Pro now offers the Regency. It is an upscale boat that I think is really nice. MSRP is $35,000. I do not remember if that included a trailer. It came stock with a 150 HP.

I would go for the full tube floatation. Why not support the heaviest part of the boat. If you are wanting 40 MPH, you will be pushing it with a 150 if you have many guests aboard (along withtheir coolers, etc). As stated above, I would do some comparion shopping and maybe get a little more HP somewhee else if they are getting too expensive locally.

Wish list for next boat:
1) Rear entry ladder. This make it nice if you are rafted up or swimming at a dock. We have this.
2) Ski Bar - I installed one and we use it alot.
3) Below deck storage. - We do not have this, but it would be nice.
4) Maybe a double bimini. I am beginning to despise being in the sun and getting hot.
5) LED navigation and anchor lights.

[skudrunner]

The Yamaha 225 uses Premium gas so that is an extra operating cost. The 200 is the same block just less HP and uses regular gas.
Someone said you might want to consider Suzuki. I had a 150 Suzuki for 15 years and it was a very good motor if you have someone who can service it. Suzuki customer service is non-existent but they do make a good product. Since G3 is owned by Yamaha I had a choice between a black Yamaha and a black Yamaha. I do like the Yamaha but am sure I would have been happy with a Honda or Suzuki.
For skiers who are use to a v hull, a pontoon is much easier to get up behind because it starts on plane and doesn't have the drag. My 225 will pull two adult skiers slalom skiing at 35 with no problem. You will not regret getting a bigger engine.
We have a changing curtain that we never use, center tube storage which is a must and plenty of seating. A ski poll is a must along with led lights. Dual battery or a portable jumper is a must. Goo

[sunnyside]

Also keep in mind that summer is almost over. Before long you will see some good deals on used boats as well as new boats. A morgue gets more business that a boat saleman in winter. Don't rush things just to get 2-3 weeks of boating in, beside the grandkids will be in school. Take your time and do some comparison shopping, maybe even wait for the February boat shows. For comparison, Bass Pro now offers the Regency. It is an upscale boat that I think is really nice. MSRP is $35,000. I do not remember if that included a trailer. It came stock with a 150 HP.

I would go for the full tube floatation. Why not support the heaviest part of the boat. If you are wanting 40 MPH, you will be pushing it with a 150 if you have many guests aboard (along withtheir coolers, etc). As stated above, I would do some comparion shopping and maybe get a little more HP somewhee else if they are getting too expensive locally.

Wish list for next boat:
1) Rear entry ladder. This make it nice if you are rafted up or swimming at a dock. We have this.
2) Ski Bar - I installed one and we use it alot.
3) Below deck storage. - We do not have this, but it would be nice.
4) Maybe a double bimini. I am beginning to despise being in the sun and getting hot.
5) LED navigation and anchor lights.

All good info to consider. Still haven't spent a dime or made any commitments so I just may wait till next spring. This is a great forum for obtaining info and getting educated in preparing for a toon purchase. Thanks.

[ronb]

Just don't get into an 'Analysis Paralysis' situation trying to find the perfect one. Let your gut and butt do some of your decision making too.

-ron