Advice Please

[Rosie]

I have been out of the boating scene for a number of years. I have owned a few boats in the past, including two pontoons. I now have the ability and time purchase a pontoon, but things have changed so much it can be confusing. The deal I have out there is a dealer demo 2013 Bennington 2250 RSR. It has a 150 Mercury, Sea Legs, and will cost me about 40k. I know it is a quality boat, but that seems like a lot of money. A couple of people have indicated I should look at a tri-toon if I am going to be looking at that purchase price. Another brand tri-toon with a larger engine might cost less and I would be just as happy. I plan on holding on to the boat a long time. It will be mainly for cruising with some moderate water sports (mainly tubing).

I guess my main question is 40k reasonable for the above mentioned Bennington? Or if I am spending 40k should I just look at a tri-toon worth a larger engine

Thank you

[Gonefishing]

While I don't know the cost of the toon new. But I just checked on sea legs and they are 5000.00. So I think if you haggle some you can get it for in the mid 30 range and that would be a good price.

[garygve]

I bought a 2014 Harris Solstice Tritoon 22' with a Mercury 150 and Sea Legs for just under $50,000.00. The Sea Legs are about $7000 for a Tritoon. I would get a Tritoon it gets up on plane and really rides nice in rough water, it goes about 36-37 mph. I had a two tube pontoon before and I'm like you I hang on to my boats for a long time, I was going to buy another two tube but was told to get the Tritoon with the lifting strakes I'm glad I did. If you are going to do tubing you really should get the Tritoon they go faster and turn better for water sports you won't be disappointed.

[PlaynDoc]

the biggest question is.... do you need the sea legs?

if i had to choose... id choose tri toon with strakes, 150 motor...

[RcgTexas]

the biggest question is.... do you need the sea legs?

if i had to choose... id choose tri toon with strakes, 150 motor...

Yep!

[garygve]

Sea Legs are a pricey option, you need a shallow lake around the shore for them to work. My pontoon is on a shallow lake and I didn't like putting a lift in and out every season. You need to decide if it is right for you depending on where you boat, it sure works nice when you go to dock it no tying off and no movement from waves.

[rbiederwolf]

Get a Tritoon and don't look back.

It is the only way to have a "pontoon" handle and ride like a "v" hull boat. Tritoon is the only way to go!!!!!!

[dodger]

Have you had a ride on the said pontoon? Where you happy with the handling and speed if you did? If possible, get a ride on a tritoon with a 150 and see the difference. Other dealers may have one on the water that are willing to give you a ride, don't mention you have another deal going by the way, until you are ready to really deal.

The big thing about a tritoon is even if you put a lot of people on the boat you will stay on top of the water and run better than a two tube. You just have more buoyancy. More buoyancy more speed, more fun even with the same 150 motor.

But if you will be happy with a two tube then that isn't a bad price, but, try a tritoon, then you will not wonder later or spend more money later getting one.

I agree a tritoon with a 150, be sure it has full underskinning. You will be a very happy owner for many, many years and when you do sell, it will hold it's value better than a two tube, because it is more fun, goes faster.

The gas use will be the same no matter if that 150 is on a tritoon or a two tube, but it will be a lot more fun!!