Newb looking for new pontoon suggestions

[DB_Cooper]

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying a new pontoon and would like to spend 30000 or less. I would be on the Mississippi River on Lake Pepin with this (this is the widest place on the Miss.) I would like a fish and cruise type model, with a 90 to 115 on it. Going about 30 I think would be fast enough for me. I also have 3 kids so I will need to be able to pull tubes. Size wise I would guess a 20-22 footer would be ok. Dealers that are close to me that interest me are.....Bennington,South Bay,Lowe,Sylvan and Premier. I would probably put a 70# Minnkota I-pilot on the front of this. Feel free to ask any questions to better your sugestion. Any opions would be appreciated as I am new to this. Thanks!

P.S. if theres any great options that you guys like let me know!

[redbeard]

Hi and welcome to the group. I can't help you much with which one to buy or not buy, I did a rebuild of 86 Playcraft to tight to buy new. I think you need a chart plotter don't leave home without it my just something to think about is a few of the new boats have no way into the lay-back seats what a waste of space. I do think the size you're looking at is about the right size for you I would not go below 20', but you didn't say how old your kids are by the time they bring there friends with them you'll have 6 to 9 kids with you. And you know they will want to bring friends with them.

[bassn386]

+1 on most of what redbeard says. I'll also suggest you get bigger than a 70# thrust trolling motor. Any kind of wind and 70#s is not going to do much for a 22' pontoon. I have a 74# on my bass boat and here at Lake of the Ozarks when the wind comes up and I'm trying to fish into the wind I'll have to turn the power up quite a bit.
Good luck!
P.S. Don't forget pics when you get one.

[Bamaman]

I would suggest you go on Boattrader.com and filter your search for 50 miles. Try to by close to home if at all possible.
Any warranty claims usually take 4 trips to the dealership, and the closer the better.

If you're looking for a 2 toon boat, you won't see 30 mph with a 90 hp or 115 hp motor unless the boat has lifting strakes on the toons. The strakes get the nose out of the water, and they're the only way you'll get over 25 mph. Unfortunately, 2 toon straked boats are often special ordered, which is another option.

Chime back on here with what boats you've found in the market, and you'll get some answers.

[Gonefishing]

check with Southbay. They also make the excursion which is what I just purchased. Check out the excursion 23x RFC mine has the 115 Yamaha the RFC is a rear fishing center. Has two fishing seats, livewell, tackle center. Rod holders very nice. The excursion is like the 5 series of the South Bay very nice seats, helm center, curtain, 10 foot Bimini top, freshwater tank with a sink, plenty of storage under seats. Also can get the 1/2 front gate with trolling motor plug. Tandem trailer mine was under 30,000. It gives you the best of both worlds, fishing and cruising.

[Ray Jr.]

We love our Premier PTX, they handle and ride like a dream, and are great at watersports for the kids and adults too!
If you plan to be out all day, get a porta-potty for the changing room.

[1roadking]

I would get a tritoon with performance package and 150 hp motor. It might be a little over budget but not much with out a trailer. Bennington's ESP package sounds perfect for you. This set up will get you mid to high 30's depending on load and comfortably cruise around 25 to 30. A 115 is not going to be enough for tubing if you really want to sling the grand kids around:) especially with a full boat.

[Bamaman]

If you get into the ESP, SHP and PTX tri hulls, you're talking about substantially more money than many people can even afford. Those hulls really need powered by larger motors than 150 hp for the most part.

But just about every manufacturer has a tri hull package designed for 150 hp maximum. They'll get you to 40 mph usually for $10K less that the top line hull (with larger engines ) getting 43 mph on an average. With a 115 hp, they'll top out at 35 mph. These hulls will still run well over $30K with a trailer and 150 hp, however.

For the budget minded person wanting a new boat, a 25" twin toon boat with lifting strakes will run fast, and they're easily special ordered this time of the year. Two toons boats just don't handle as well when making tight turns as tritoons.

[Texoma Toon]

I would go with at least a 22 ft and 115 for pontoon fish & cruise. That will get you in the price range you are looking at. Speed will be in the 20's depending on your load. Good enough to pull small kids. Problem is they grow up and will want to go faster.
If that doesn't fit your needs and budget look around for a 2 yr old Tritoon with a 150. If you are patient you should be able to find one to fit your budget that will have low hrs and be almost like new.
One other thing...go with a 24volt trolling motor as big as your budget will allow.
Welcome to the party!

[Capt Sully]

Ever notice how everyone suggest the Best Boat is the one they own Just go and look and pick the one that you like and has the floor plan you need to enjoy your day. Any boat that floats is a good boat

[Ray Jr.]

I agree with 1roadking, a performance tritoon with a 150 will do everything you want. A Premier PTX, Bennington ESP, or Manitou SHP, You cant go wrong with any of thes toons, they were all on our short list, and the reason we ended up choosing the Premier was because the of dealerships attitudes. We liked the way the Premier dealer treated us. the other dealers were just annoying, didnt give us a "good" feeling, if they dont treat ya well before they get your money then they sure as heck aint gonna treat ya right after they get your money

[Bamaman]

What I was saying earlier was that the performance pontoons need powering with a larger engine than a 150 hp to get the ultimate performance. And none will be in the $30K range, with a $20K engine mounted on them.

[1roadking]

I don't want to turn this into a pissing match. However, I paid $33,800 for my Benny with ESP new in 2010 and a yamaha f150 motor. It also came with a double axle trailer with brakes. It was a current model year boat that i ordered and was loaded with options. I believe a smart aggressive shopper could get a boat like mine in your price range. The 150hp motor has plenty off power to use the performance package properly and is great for water sports. You said you want to be able to run at 30 mph consistently not just on a good day. My guess is, if you buy a 115 twin tube, you will end up dissatisfied. I also agree that a triple toon in any of the brands listed with a 150 will make you happy. I opted for the 150 over a 115 and am super glad I did. If you get he right boat, it will last a very long time and put a fry big smile on your face very time you use it

[HandymanHerb]

Why wouldn't the boat you have be the best, then when it gets old you can build it into the next boat you want, still may not be perfect, but it's all yours.

[Bryden24shp]

Why wouldn't the boat you have be the best, then when it gets old you can build it into the next boat you want, still may not be perfect, but it's all yours.

You said it Herb! I'm sure mine will be rebuilt when it starts to go south. I'll probably keep it forever. Like I planned for my truck. Until last Tuesday morning, when I was wrecked by a dumbass. Poor thing!