Well, the story. I tried to buy a new pontoon boat back in about the 2008 - 2010 range in the Ft Myers FL market. I wanted a Benny, or really more so, a Premier or Manitou. I'm from MI. But the new boat dealers greed stopped me cold! I came down to FL in 2001. My family (father & uncles) were in the car and Boat business in the 90's so I have an intimate knowledge of the car & boat markets and the mark ups there of. More of a mark up in the boats. (you'd choke if you knew how much).
As the family (luckily) got out before the "Great Recession". I found myself on the outside looking in. But, with the knowledge of what these robber barons really are paying for these boats. And not like the Detroit suburban market that I came from there was only one dealer of each brand that I was considering in the greater Fort Myers/cape Coral/Naples market. So, No competition between same brand dealers. I refused to be bent over in half and loaded from the rear.
They really have us by the short kinky hairs here. I could save thousands by buying out of state but due to some manufacture none compete agreements and the shipping costs the savings were negated.
So... I bought a used 18' Sea Cat. My last three boats before leaving MI were all Sea ray's in the 30's + size range. as I am now retired and trying to live on my S.S. (entitlement). I can no longer afford to feed fuel and maintain toys in that previous price & size range. Simplify your life my divorce attorney said. I really tried to make a go of that little cat. But, at my age (72) the boat was just to small.... I know have it for sale.
To make a long story short (please?) Last week I found a 22' Premier Cast a way (4 fishing seats) with a 115 Honda and 4 wheel trailer. The rig is a 2012 with only five (5) hours on the motor. It has Sea Star steering, trolling motor, Ski tow apparatus, and play pen cover. The boat has very plush seating.
The Lexus of pontoon boats. I got it for 23K. Crossing my toes & fingers because I have not seen it in person. A leap of faith in the sales man in WI. I have to pay $2,600 to have it shipped on a flat bed truck (1,400) miles. I've got lots of pictures via e mail. If I could figure how to post them, I will. I'm like a little kid waiting for Christmas! I'll keep you posted with pictures when it gets to Ft Myers. Going into rack storage. My towing days are over (bad back).... Finally (almost) a pontoon owner.
Rascal
