New to Pontoon Boats / Need some advice

[kilsam22]

Hi! My wife and I are looking to purchase our first pontoon boat. We have rented pontoon boats on many occasions, but this would be our first purchase. We have the opportunity to buy a 2004 Sweetwater 2086 RE with a 25HP Yamaha motor for $8200. The boat had only one owner, and appears to be in terrific condition. The carpet and furniture look almost new. I'm looking for anyone's opinion on Sweetwater boats in general, and if this is a good price for this boat. I appreciate the input and help and look forward to being a pontoon boat owner! Thanks!

[curtiscapk]

Depending on your location sounds like a fair price seems to be quite underpowered though. What about a trailer?

[kilsam22]

The lake that we would boat on has a HP limit of 25HP, so the motor would meet our needs there. It does not come with a trailer, but we would be docking it at the marina at the lake, so there isn't a pressing need for one. They did say we could purchase a trailer for around $1200. Again, not sure if that's a fair price either. I also forgot to mention that it is a 20 foot boat. Sorry if I sound a little naive, but being new to this I want to get all the info and opinions I can. Again, thanks to everyone for their input.

[COTTS4x4]

I just purchased a sweetwater 2286 triple toon last weekend. So far it seems like a good boat. It's not as fancy as some of the others, but good bang for your buck .

[Bamaman]

If at all possible, I'd be looking for a different lake to boat on. 25 hp on a pontoon boat is just too slow for this old retired guy.

When the storms come up, I like the ability to get home fast.

[smltooner]

Welcome to the club.

[CRF8]

I bought a new 2013 Sweetwater 18 ft. with a 40 hp Yamaha. Use it on a medium size lake/ canal system in the backyard which is fine. We are very happy with it.
Take it to Key Largo, FL once a year for a week. Wish I had more than the 40hp there because we have more passengers, equipment & distance to cover. The boat had the fishing package but I removed the rear facing seat totally. The supplied bimini barely shades 2 people in the Florida sun. The Yamaha is easy to flush after salt water and runs perfectly.
Craig

[NonHyphenAmerican]

Sounds like a fairly decent boat and price, but.... in my opinion, (File this under "O" for opinion), at that price the trailer should be included given the size of boat & motor.

Might do some dickering and haggling to see if they'll throw in the trailer or at least discount the trailer given the price of the boat and motor.