First Timer Looking For Advice
Moderators: Redneck_Randy, badmoonrising, lakerunner
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
With a 30 mile drive to the lake you might see if your marina has dry storage...they keep your boat in the warehouse and launch it for you every time you want to use it. I think it is usually about the same price as a wet slip.
[color=#FF0000]SOLD[/color]1975 24 ft Kayot, 1980 70hp Johnson formerly "Joy Toy", now named "Waterlogged" Sold
'03 F250 Powerstroke
2 60's 17ft Richline canoes Sold one
A place for everything...Everything out of place!
'03 F250 Powerstroke
2 60's 17ft Richline canoes Sold one
A place for everything...Everything out of place!
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
Well, that's kind of the problem - We don't know what our budget it. It goes back to what we are comfortable spending on what is really just an idea for us newbies. If we decide that our budget is near new prices, we would think hard about just getting new. I still feel better spending much less than new until I know more. And it would not be nice to buy someone else's problems. I would hope the dealer feels obligated to pass on any known knowledge. But we know that's not always the case.
I'll have to look into dry storage. I wondered about that, but kind of like the idea of just heading over at almost any time and casting off. Will check.
Thanks
I'll have to look into dry storage. I wondered about that, but kind of like the idea of just heading over at almost any time and casting off. Will check.
Thanks
Paul
- NonHyphenAmerican
- Posts: 1383
- Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2014 11:39 am
- Location: South Central Kansas in Hooterville
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
urbnsr,
In 2014, we bought a New 2013 22' SunCatcher with a 90 hp Yamaha.
Boat, motor, trailer, trolling motor and GPS/Depth Finder/Fish Finder set us back $26,000 with taxes.

It has a tow pole for a pull toy and it has live wells and fishing stations for fishing.
All in all it's been a good boat and we get lots of enjoyment out of it.
I'd have no problem buying another SunCatcher.
That $26k figure should give you an idea.
Check with some dealers and look at last year models that they've still got in inventory.
In 2014, we bought a New 2013 22' SunCatcher with a 90 hp Yamaha.
Boat, motor, trailer, trolling motor and GPS/Depth Finder/Fish Finder set us back $26,000 with taxes.

It has a tow pole for a pull toy and it has live wells and fishing stations for fishing.
All in all it's been a good boat and we get lots of enjoyment out of it.
I'd have no problem buying another SunCatcher.
That $26k figure should give you an idea.
Check with some dealers and look at last year models that they've still got in inventory.
[color=#FF0000][b]22' G3 SunCatcher V22F
Yamaha F-90
Tooning on El Dorado Reservoir[/b][/color]
Yamaha F-90
Tooning on El Dorado Reservoir[/b][/color]
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
NonHyphenAmerican,
That is very nice. If I knew we could enjoy boating to what I have built up in my mind, your SunCatcher and the like would be great.
Thank you very much for your info to compare.
Paul
That is very nice. If I knew we could enjoy boating to what I have built up in my mind, your SunCatcher and the like would be great.
Thank you very much for your info to compare.
Paul
Paul
- mrbigs3toon
- Posts: 68
- Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2011 7:27 pm
- Location: Tenkiller Lake
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
Don't know if this helps, but my .02. We live 6.5 hrs from the lake. From June 1 to the end of August we are at the lake almost every weekend. Usually get in Thursday night in time for evening cruise leave Sunday morning. We have a slip at Marina runs 1700 a year. Bought used hydrohoist lift for 1500 two years ago. Nothing better then pull in head to boat lower in water and go. When boat needs serviced there is a place that will service on site on the lift. Yes we spend a lot but for the family I think the convience is worth it. Boat stays on lift year round. Lake has had two major floods this year had not had any issues at Marina.
2014 Silver Wave 25' 250 Island RL / 250 Suzuki
Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma
Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
Thanks - That helps and sounds ideal to get in on Thursday for the weekend. I imagine traffic on Thursday would be much lighter than Friday or Saturday, too.
Paul
- NonHyphenAmerican
- Posts: 1383
- Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2014 11:39 am
- Location: South Central Kansas in Hooterville
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
This is the deck layout.
We like it as we can fish, cruise, or pull a tube.
The pull pole mounts immediately aft of the aft live well fishing station. You can see the indent for it.
Port side front is a live well, Starboard side front is a cooler with drain. We leave it stocked with soft drinks, water and beer. Drop a 20b bag of ice on it and drinks are cold by the time we're on the lake.

I've also found these to be handy to clamp to the side rails to hang life jackets to dry, the snak bag, the trash bag and the "Throw Floatation Device" all where they're handy, out of the way, and don't blow off the boat while cruising.

At .99 ea, they're cheap and handy.
We like it as we can fish, cruise, or pull a tube.
The pull pole mounts immediately aft of the aft live well fishing station. You can see the indent for it.
Port side front is a live well, Starboard side front is a cooler with drain. We leave it stocked with soft drinks, water and beer. Drop a 20b bag of ice on it and drinks are cold by the time we're on the lake.

I've also found these to be handy to clamp to the side rails to hang life jackets to dry, the snak bag, the trash bag and the "Throw Floatation Device" all where they're handy, out of the way, and don't blow off the boat while cruising.

At .99 ea, they're cheap and handy.
[color=#FF0000][b]22' G3 SunCatcher V22F
Yamaha F-90
Tooning on El Dorado Reservoir[/b][/color]
Yamaha F-90
Tooning on El Dorado Reservoir[/b][/color]
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
Very nice! Thanks for the layout and ideas with clamps. Just curious, but does anyone on your boat complain about not having bench seating upfront? We looked at a few different configs and while I don't mind the twin buckets up front and we understand the convenience for fishing, a bench was voted in for upfront for us.NonHyphenAmerican wrote:This is the deck layout.
We like it as we can fish, cruise, or pull a tube.
The pull pole mounts immediately aft of the aft live well fishing station. You can see the indent for it.
Port side front is a live well, Starboard side front is a cooler with drain. We leave it stocked with soft drinks, water and beer. Drop a 20b bag of ice on it and drinks are cold by the time we're on the lake.
I hope no one mistakes your cooler for a live well.

Paul
- NonHyphenAmerican
- Posts: 1383
- Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2014 11:39 am
- Location: South Central Kansas in Hooterville
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
The live well and cooler both double as a foot rest when "The Admiral" for one example is wanting to put their feet up and get some sun.
Once had a Niece put a towel out on the deck and sunbathe while we were fishing.
The only problem with that was my brother was using stink bait and wound up "Plopping" a big wad of it on her tummy.
Her nickname is now "Stinkbait"
Seriously though, what you're talking about is one of the "Cruise" models.
Looks like this if my boat was configured that way:

Under the Bimini top, you can see an area that is typically a "Changing Room". Your Admiral will appreciate one of those.
Use a 5 gal bucket and a "Luggable Loo" lid. Line the bucket with a 13 gal kitchen trash bag and keep some TP onboard.
About the time you're in the middle of the lake with a ton of people around and your Admiral needs to "Go", she'll appreciate you.
Once had a Niece put a towel out on the deck and sunbathe while we were fishing.
The only problem with that was my brother was using stink bait and wound up "Plopping" a big wad of it on her tummy.
Her nickname is now "Stinkbait"

Seriously though, what you're talking about is one of the "Cruise" models.
Looks like this if my boat was configured that way:

Under the Bimini top, you can see an area that is typically a "Changing Room". Your Admiral will appreciate one of those.
Use a 5 gal bucket and a "Luggable Loo" lid. Line the bucket with a 13 gal kitchen trash bag and keep some TP onboard.
About the time you're in the middle of the lake with a ton of people around and your Admiral needs to "Go", she'll appreciate you.
[color=#FF0000][b]22' G3 SunCatcher V22F
Yamaha F-90
Tooning on El Dorado Reservoir[/b][/color]
Yamaha F-90
Tooning on El Dorado Reservoir[/b][/color]
-
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Sun Apr 06, 2014 8:19 pm
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
Hers some feedback from someone who was somewhat in your shoes a few years ago. Wanted to get a pontoon after getting out of motorcycling but didn't want to drop a ton in it in case we decided we really weren't into it. Found a 7yr old boat, clean , no damage and yada yada yada.
Paid cash and felt good about it. Didn't have so much invested I wouldn't feel obligated to be on it every spare second.
Went to a local lake 40 miles away and rented a slip. Still felt good about it. Was really liking this lake stuff as 40 min door to door and family enjoyed it...a lot.
3months I to owning this goat , I broke down three times, towed twice and was looking for a pistol to shoot it with. During this time I bought a used lift and still felt,good about the investments I had made. I'm in about 17k at this point for boat slip rental and lift. However, after two weeks total in the shop and no fix found, I pulled that bastard to the marina and traded it off for an overstock, end of season screaming deal on a new toon . A new toon with no issues, no fear of being stranded and the stress that comes with it.
Point is, we found we love the lake life and looking back, it was a lesson learned in buying someone else's issues despite how much you are told it's fine with no problems.
Do yourself a favor. Make an investment that you can afford and love with. Don't settle for something cause you may save a buck or two and end up like me...pissed off and being towed multiple times. If you find you don't like boating, sell the DAMNED thing and chalk it up to at least you tried.
A slip at the marina is worth it's weight in gold. Trust me on this. Do your homework, ask questions and if you pull the trigger, pull it smartly. Don't be like me when I got started.
Best of luck and welcome to the club!
Paid cash and felt good about it. Didn't have so much invested I wouldn't feel obligated to be on it every spare second.
Went to a local lake 40 miles away and rented a slip. Still felt good about it. Was really liking this lake stuff as 40 min door to door and family enjoyed it...a lot.
3months I to owning this goat , I broke down three times, towed twice and was looking for a pistol to shoot it with. During this time I bought a used lift and still felt,good about the investments I had made. I'm in about 17k at this point for boat slip rental and lift. However, after two weeks total in the shop and no fix found, I pulled that bastard to the marina and traded it off for an overstock, end of season screaming deal on a new toon . A new toon with no issues, no fear of being stranded and the stress that comes with it.
Point is, we found we love the lake life and looking back, it was a lesson learned in buying someone else's issues despite how much you are told it's fine with no problems.
Do yourself a favor. Make an investment that you can afford and love with. Don't settle for something cause you may save a buck or two and end up like me...pissed off and being towed multiple times. If you find you don't like boating, sell the DAMNED thing and chalk it up to at least you tried.
A slip at the marina is worth it's weight in gold. Trust me on this. Do your homework, ask questions and if you pull the trigger, pull it smartly. Don't be like me when I got started.
Best of luck and welcome to the club!
Broken Arrow Ok
2014 G3 Suncatcher
115 Yamaha 4 stroke
Paradise Cove Marina on Ft. Gibson Lake
2014 G3 Suncatcher
115 Yamaha 4 stroke
Paradise Cove Marina on Ft. Gibson Lake
- solidhadriel
- Posts: 68
- Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2016 7:47 am
- Location: Southern Cali
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
This is sound advice x10000.Soonertoon wrote: A new toon with no issues, no fear of being stranded and the stress that comes with it.
Point is, we found we love the lake life and looking back, it was a lesson learned in buying someone else's issues despite how much you are told it's fine with no problems.
My brother and I went through this same experience with his first boat purchase. I looked at buying a used tritoon for $18k. The toon looked great in person. We told the seller we wanted a lake test before we purchased it. Once we made it to the lake, we all instantly knew this was a bad idea. The engine didn't start right, gauges didn't work right, and I immediately felt uneasy. That test told me to skip being cheap, and go with a new boat with a warranty.
Being able to pull up to a ramp, unload, and just go is going to be much more enjoyable than fighting with breakdowns.
2014 Bentley Encore 220 Elite Lounger
with Mercury 4-Stroke 115HP
with Mercury 4-Stroke 115HP
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
Sounds like very sage advice! I appreciate that. After reading these, I do get that uneasy feeling about breaking down. I will have to sit down and see where we are at. I do feel like we are not buying at the best time as far as pricing. I offset that by figuring a late season purchase might cost less, but it wouldn't be long before we have to pay for storage.
Thank you...
Thank you...
Paul
-
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Sun Apr 06, 2014 8:19 pm
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
Boating isn't cheap no matter how you cut it. you are going to have to come to terms with that before anything. whether you slip it, store it , tow it doesn't change the fact that there is expense involved in all of them. Buying the boat is beginning of the journey, not the end.
however, its a great recreation that the entire family can enjoy. The trick is to send it smart. the most important part of the money being spent is on the boat itself. Spending more on something that wont cause issues will save you thousands in the future plus it wont sour you on the experience. I spend 140.00 month for a covered slip . On weekends I spend maybe a hundred or less on fuel ( a tank every two to three trips) food, beer, ice etc. Aside form the initial investment I made in the boat and lift, its reasonable .
If you get into a marina and you decide you aren't a boater, trust me you can sell that boat pretty quickly thru your marina folks. buying now vs. the fall will maybe save you a little depending on if you find someone who needs to get out from under their boat for financial or other reasons. Those deals are not the norm.
however, its a great recreation that the entire family can enjoy. The trick is to send it smart. the most important part of the money being spent is on the boat itself. Spending more on something that wont cause issues will save you thousands in the future plus it wont sour you on the experience. I spend 140.00 month for a covered slip . On weekends I spend maybe a hundred or less on fuel ( a tank every two to three trips) food, beer, ice etc. Aside form the initial investment I made in the boat and lift, its reasonable .
If you get into a marina and you decide you aren't a boater, trust me you can sell that boat pretty quickly thru your marina folks. buying now vs. the fall will maybe save you a little depending on if you find someone who needs to get out from under their boat for financial or other reasons. Those deals are not the norm.
Broken Arrow Ok
2014 G3 Suncatcher
115 Yamaha 4 stroke
Paradise Cove Marina on Ft. Gibson Lake
2014 G3 Suncatcher
115 Yamaha 4 stroke
Paradise Cove Marina on Ft. Gibson Lake
- NonHyphenAmerican
- Posts: 1383
- Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2014 11:39 am
- Location: South Central Kansas in Hooterville
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
Hey, deals on used boats can be had.
At ElDorado, there's a SunCatcher for sale that the owner had health problems and has asked the dealer to sell for him.
I'll bet it doesn't have 100 hours on it. He bought it the same time we bought ours and put it in the slip.
Got to enjoy it for about 3 months before having health issues.
But that is a "Special Deal" and for a "Used Boat" it wouldn't be that much off but it has low hours and was taken care of by the dealer right there at the lake.
I don't know where you're at, but go to the Shady Creek Marina/Dealer site.
They're a good dealer and Mike would take good care of you.
I'm betting there's good ones wherever it is you live.
Don't focus only on used, you might miss a good deal on a newer one that's a better deal.
At ElDorado, there's a SunCatcher for sale that the owner had health problems and has asked the dealer to sell for him.
I'll bet it doesn't have 100 hours on it. He bought it the same time we bought ours and put it in the slip.
Got to enjoy it for about 3 months before having health issues.
But that is a "Special Deal" and for a "Used Boat" it wouldn't be that much off but it has low hours and was taken care of by the dealer right there at the lake.
I don't know where you're at, but go to the Shady Creek Marina/Dealer site.
They're a good dealer and Mike would take good care of you.
I'm betting there's good ones wherever it is you live.
Don't focus only on used, you might miss a good deal on a newer one that's a better deal.
[color=#FF0000][b]22' G3 SunCatcher V22F
Yamaha F-90
Tooning on El Dorado Reservoir[/b][/color]
Yamaha F-90
Tooning on El Dorado Reservoir[/b][/color]
Re: First Timer Looking For Advice
OK, after spending a few hours on the water with the dealer giving us a test ride, allowing us to drive and going over the boat from stern to bow, we haggled just a little and are now the owners of the 99 Bennington.
The dealer will now address a few minor details and let us know when ready. I realize this goes against the advice of many replies, but this is what I felt the most comfortable doing. Even after a seemingly comprehensive docking training session, I see that I need quite a bit of practice figuring out how to efficiently dock. I got the job done, just wasn't very pretty and took a few attempts. I am sure I would have been as nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs if I trying this with a new boat. Possibly some day, but happy(er) to learn on this one.
Motor warmed up without much delay, but I can't say they didn't run it earlier in the morning. I did pump the fuel priming bulb so it may all be legit. After it was warmed up, it did start very easily multiple times. Ran smooth at lower RPMs without any missing or hesitation. I was told that the lower unit's oil was changed out as part of last year's winterization. I don't know the condition of the water impeller and may have that changed out if I can't find a way to check it myself.
Interior is in nice condition. Seats still soft, no rips or tears. Seams looked tight and clean. The tops of the backs of the furniture does show signs of mildew - The dealer explained that it was caused by the mooring cover laying on them with dampness. We thought that was plausible and assumed that it must have been covered a lot because of the interior's nice condition otherwise.
Thanks again for all the advice and especially the info on how you do things. That gives insight big time!
Paul
The dealer will now address a few minor details and let us know when ready. I realize this goes against the advice of many replies, but this is what I felt the most comfortable doing. Even after a seemingly comprehensive docking training session, I see that I need quite a bit of practice figuring out how to efficiently dock. I got the job done, just wasn't very pretty and took a few attempts. I am sure I would have been as nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs if I trying this with a new boat. Possibly some day, but happy(er) to learn on this one.
Motor warmed up without much delay, but I can't say they didn't run it earlier in the morning. I did pump the fuel priming bulb so it may all be legit. After it was warmed up, it did start very easily multiple times. Ran smooth at lower RPMs without any missing or hesitation. I was told that the lower unit's oil was changed out as part of last year's winterization. I don't know the condition of the water impeller and may have that changed out if I can't find a way to check it myself.
Interior is in nice condition. Seats still soft, no rips or tears. Seams looked tight and clean. The tops of the backs of the furniture does show signs of mildew - The dealer explained that it was caused by the mooring cover laying on them with dampness. We thought that was plausible and assumed that it must have been covered a lot because of the interior's nice condition otherwise.
Thanks again for all the advice and especially the info on how you do things. That gives insight big time!
Paul
Paul