Buying first tritoon - need help deciding between these 3

[ToonGuy]

I don’t think the full pontoon makes much if any difference unless you put more power behind it. A 250 hp full tritoon should be a little faster than a 250 hp ¾ tritoon. Both fitted with 150 hp and they’ll be the same. Also usually the full tritoon has a much larger fuel tank. That is extra weight that needs to be hauled around. (This is all just what I’ve been told, I have no actual experience).

Sorry but definitely not true. IIRC the in-transom tank is +/- 32 gallons. The in-tube tank is about 51 gallons, and it's mounted more towards the center of the boat so it's not that big of a weight issue. The flotation on equally motored boats is substantially different. And while it might make only slight differences in straight line top speed between 2 otherwise identical boats, when you start loading it up and/or getting into water sports it makes a HUGE difference. Besides the extra flotation you are also gaining 2 more lifting strakes, which not only help at the 150HP mark but really start to make a big difference if you up the HP.

[Pegjam]

So... I am leaning more towards the Berkshire or Xcursion tritoons, and had considered going from the 150hp Yamaha to a 200hp Yamaha. Do I need to add power steering if I go to the 200hp? One dealer said I would need to get power steering and that was adding another additional expense.

[tms0425]

So... I am leaning more towards the Berkshire or Xcursion tritoons, and had considered going from the 150hp Yamaha to a 200hp Yamaha. Do I need to add power steering if I go to the 200hp? One dealer said I would need to get power steering and that was adding another additional expense.

Generally anything over 150hp and you'll want power steering. We test drove both a 150 without and 225 with it and my wife made that an easy decision. Once you've had it, you'll wonder how you managed without it.

[Strake]

So... I am leaning more towards the Berkshire or Xcursion tritoons, and had considered going from the 150hp Yamaha to a 200hp Yamaha. Do I need to add power steering if I go to the 200hp? One dealer said I would need to get power steering and that was adding another additional expense.

YES...... you will need power hydraulic steering going over 150 hp..... I have skippered my buddies 2013 24 ft Bennington with a 150 and no power steering and it's a completely different ride...... having to pull the wheel around. I would have bought the power steering for that one, although it's not totally necessary. The power steering is just SOOOOOO easy, and much smoother.

I also spent considerable time looking at all the data reviews on Yamaha's website comparing several different tri-toons with 150, 200, 250 and 300 hp engines. It appeared clear to me that the most bang for the buck was the 200 as at speeds I would typically cruise at for a given RPM it had the best fuel economy, yet had nearly the highest top end. We've only had our boat out a few quick times due to the weather, but in testing out the prop for max RPM we got 46 mph ( GPS). I have a couple of sweet spot cruising speeds ...... about 14 mph, and about 24 mph.... for both those speeds this boat with the 200 Yamaha F200 LB and the Reliance SS prop is a great, economical combination. Again, we have full length center toon, 52 gallon fuel tank that was 3/4 full.

In generic terms, the price difference was about $5k going from 150 to 200 hp at our dealer. Round numbers, of course.

[Pegjam]

YES...... you will need power hydraulic steering going over 150 hp.....

Is "power hydraulic steering" different from "power steering"?

[Strake]

YES...... you will need power hydraulic steering going over 150 hp.....

Is "power hydraulic steering" different from "power steering"?

The Berkshire Performance 3 Package includes SeaStar Hydraulic Steering, but you need to add the optional "Power Assist Steering pump".

By the way, all of the power steering pump and Sea Star set up goes under one seat near the rear. On ours, it is on the starboard side seat behind the Capt's seat. Our dual battery set up and switch with built in charger is under the starboard rear corner seat.

Hope this helps.

[robertm]

YES...... you will need power hydraulic steering going over 150 hp.....

Is "power hydraulic steering" different from "power steering"?

The Berkshire Performance 3 Package includes SeaStar Hydraulic Steering, but you need to add the optional "Power Assist Steering pump".

By the way, all of the power steering pump and Sea Star set up goes under one seat near the rear. On ours, it is on the starboard side seat behind the Capt's seat. Our dual battery set up and switch with built in charger is under the starboard rear corner seat.

Hope this helps.

Why do you need to add the pump if boat already has the sea star hydraulic steering? What does adding the pump do, just make it lower effort to turn?

I've got a 200hp on order and don't think it's coming with the pump.

[Strake]

[/quote] do you need to add the pump if boat already has the sea star hydraulic steering? What does adding the pump do, just make it lower effort to turn?

I've got a 200hp on order and don't think it's coming with the pump.[/quote]

correct.... the Sea Star Hydraulic steering is the basic set up used, but does not have power assist. Adding the pump makes it so you can spin the wheel around with ease. I'm not sure why they just don't package it as one item. Can't imagine someone buying the boat with the Sea Star Hydraulic and not taking full advantage of the power assist. I would ask your dealer and make sure they are including the power assist pump.

[ToonGuy]

So... I am leaning more towards the Berkshire or Xcursion tritoons, and had considered going from the 150hp Yamaha to a 200hp Yamaha. Do I need to add power steering if I go to the 200hp? One dealer said I would need to get power steering and that was adding another additional expense.

If you add the Trifecta package on a Forest River toon it now includes the power assisted Sea Star steering....





3.0 Trifecta Performance Package
Lifting Strakes • Full Aluminum Underdeck Performance Skin • Full Center Tube • Stainless Steel Ski Tow Bar • Sea Star Hydraulic Steering • 52 Gallon Fuel Tank • Power Assist Steering Pump

[Philpottbennington]

Hi all, I am looking to purchase my first tritoon and am trying to decide between three options. I'm not sure what is a good value for the money and was hoping to get a little advice. I have a family of five and plan to use it to take the kids tubing (maybe wakeboarding), fishing, and cruising around. We will bring friends along occasionally as well. I live in the Houston area, so will be using it primarily on Lake Houston, occasionally on Lake Conroe. These are the three I am considering:

1) 2014 Bennington 22SSX 22' tritoon, sport performance, 150hp Yamaha, full 3rd toon, in-floor storage, tow bar, stainless steel prop, stereo, full teak flooring, 10' Bimini, color depth finder, 7 year warranty
MSRP $48,060 (boat only)
Dealer price: $44,000 (out the door w/trailer, tax, title, license, etc)

2. 2015 Berkshire 233SL 24' tritoon, super sport, 150hp Yamaha, with upgraded trailer, in-floor storage, tow bar, stainless steel prop, led lighting everywhere, upgraded stereo and subwoofer, movable extra seat, full teak flooring, spare tire, 2nd battery, ski mirrors, privacy curtain, 12' Bimini, deluxe depth finder, 8 year warranty
MSRP: $67,700 (boat and trailer);
Dealer price: $57,300 (out the door w/trailer, tax, title, license, etc)

3. 2014 Xcursion X23RLX 24' tritoon, 150hp Yamaha, with trailer, stereo, full teak flooring, privacy curtain, double Bimini, dual battery, sink, 5 year warranty
MSRP: $58,300 (boat and trailer);
Dealer price: $44,000 (out the door w/trailer, tax, title, license, etc)

Thanks for the help!!

First time poster. Long time lurker.
I signed up because of your post.
Learned a lot from this site and I thank everybody.
I just ordered in Aug 2014 a new 2015 Bennington. Delivered in October
22 foot with the sps and Yamaha 150. Able to get 8 hours on her in the Fall until it got too cold.
I first recommend buying the one that you want. Also buy exactly what you want.
More importantly do not rush.
I do not know about the xcursion or the Berkshire but the Bennington you listed is WAY too high $$$
It is very high for a left over 2014. The 2014 sx series is visually different than the ’15. The front seating in the 15 turns the radius and there is a standard forward deck. Seems like a small thing but makes for a better boat. A few other small things like LED lights and such on the 15 also. My point is the 14 is definitely an older model.
Furthermore I would suggest it is too high even for a new non leftover 2015
25% off listed MSRP is fair to seller and buyer.
I ordered my boat. Bought exactly what I wanted. First offer was 26 % off MSRP out the door + taxes. I figured that that was fair and paid my deposit.
I hope this helps.
I do like the 3 full tubes. It does turn well. Much better than my old 1982 2 stroke I had

[Philpottbennington]

Now that xcursion sounds sweet especially with a new trailer and the double bimini

[Pegjam]

Thanks to all for the help and advice here! We decided to go with the Berkshire 233SL Super Sport, with a 200hp Yamaha and power steering... Very excited to pick it up! Does anyone have any recommendations for a good (preferably economical) fish finder with side imaging? Thanks!

[ToonGuy]

Pics or it didn't happen