Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)

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katieclooney · #1 Post by **katieclooney** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 7:28 pm

Hey Everyone!!!!

I am looking at a used pontoon and it will be my first boat. I found a 1989 Harris Floateboat Pontoon. Owner had it on the lake last season.
90hp Evinrude 2 stroke (not oil injected. it was originally but the owner before the current owner coverted it. year of engine is unknown)
Needs a new powertrim hydrolic cable.
Front seats are good, back seats are cracked and will need to be replaced in the future. But for now, duct tape will suffice.
Deck and toons are in great shape.
Friend did a compression test, all 4 cyliders registered between 90-100 PSI. (marina mechanics werent too thrilled with those results)
Friend suggested it will take about $200 in minor mechanical work to be water ready.
They are asking 2k for the boat.

If you are on a limited budget, what would you do?
Buy it?
Walk from it?

lakerunner · #2 Post by **lakerunner** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 7:44 pm

Welcome

What kind of work?

Harris has been in business many years and build a good boat. If the motor can be mad to last a season or two then upgrade to a late model 4 stroke you will be fine.
Is it trailered or docked?

If you haven't check the rebuild/restore thread

Ron Burgundy · #3 Post by **Ron Burgundy** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 8:00 pm

Sometimes a low price is deceiving. If it needs an engine you will more than double the asking price.

#4 Post by **HandymanHerb** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 11:05 pm

What size and what size pontoons are on it, you want at least 23 inch pontoons, is this with a trailer?

katieclooney · #5 Post by **katieclooney** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 6:08 am

1. It does not have a trailer. i will keep it slipped at the marina.
2. I am not sure on the toon size. They look to be 23. The water line shows that it hits center of the toons.
3. Work needed was some general summer tune up stuff (spark plugs and such) and new pump

I am told that Harris toons tend to split on the front seam. They have already done that and have been welded together about 3 years back.

I was gonna low ball him to about 1k-1300 if the engine checks out again with low compression. then ride it for the season and learn on it. And then next season put in a new used motor

Bamaman · #6 Post by **Bamaman** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 10:32 am

The Harris is a good hull, but this boat may be a little old in styling.

And replacing upholstery is downright expensive.

You might be happier in the long run if you bought a new model boat with a little more modern motor.

playcat · #7 Post by **playcat** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 5:16 pm

The positive side is you can design the interior YOU want. Forget reupholstering - buying new seating is cheaper and a better investment. I would seriously consider it for $1K, budget for a new/newer used motor and use the first season to figure out how you will use the toon. Then you can set up the interior to suit you and your family.

katieclooney · #8 Post by **katieclooney** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 5:44 pm

I figure the "reupholstering" will consit of duct tape and a towel. I would redo put in new furniture (as soon as I figure out how to do that

)
I am considering going the 1k route and putting a new motor on it.

I also came across this boat I found. Thoughts on it? Doesnt have the size of motor but I already have an email in for that.

http://www.boats.com/boat-details/Capri ... /120285061

#9 Post by **HandymanHerb** » Sun Apr 07, 2013 5:55 pm

That year I'm betting on a 50 hp

Bamaman · #10 Post by **Bamaman** » Mon Apr 08, 2013 5:31 am

Only problem is that the front fencing has been removed to turn it into a fishing pontoon. There's a safety issue here.

Somebody spent substantial $ on the boat to get that seating configuration. It looks pretty good for the age.

Bryden24shp · #11 Post by **Bryden24shp** » Mon Apr 08, 2013 5:59 am

$2000.00??? Boat, motor and trailer? Given the age and condition...
If you don't buy it I will!
Thats a frickin no brainer, people are buying pontoons that are shot, no motor or trailer for $500 to 1500 and stripping them to use as floatin boat docks. Your runs and has a trailer! Ya....buy it and use the hell out of it. I would use it for a slow nighttime BoozeCrooser!
Where is it???

oldcoot · #12 Post by **oldcoot** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 11:53 am

The Capri doesn't look too bad for a beginner boat...short enough to learn how to trailer it and maneuver docking...if it runs...take it to a trusted marine mechanic and have him go over it. Make sure the fencing on the front is PROPERLY ATTACHED...agree with the safety issue. Check the trailer and wheel bearings for grease.
All in all...not a bad starter. At that price, if it's good...I'd get it.

katieclooney · #13 Post by **katieclooney** » Tue Apr 09, 2013 6:51 pm

now if i can get the damn marina to return my call, life would be good!

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Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)

Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)

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Re: Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)

Re: Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)

Re: Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)

Re: Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)

Re: Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)

Re: Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)

Re: Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)

Re: Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)

Re: Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)

Re: Buying a used pontoon......help talk me off the ledge :)