It's the pontoon life, Baby

[Warlock1]

My wife has finally convinced me that we need a pontoon rather than another go fast boat. Still struggling with the lower speed thing, but I can't argue with her reasonings. Yes I would like to do twins but that's just not in the budget. I also realize these are overpriced for what they are, which is an RV on the water and their build quality unfortunately can match their land cousins.
That being said, who builds the better ones? Better build quality? Merc is the standard but what about the other motors as far as reliability and performance.

Ultimate goal her is one that is close to 50 as I think that is a good speed for what we will be doing. Somewhere around 25 feet. Rear loungers is a plus. Decent stereo, maybe lights and whatever else that that is desired.

Drop some pics and comments on what yall think.

 

[Ziggy]

I'm beginning to lean towards an aluminum sofa barge too, just don't need another expense right now.

 

[Singleton]

I'm beginning to lean towards an aluminum sofa barge too, just don't need another expense right now.

I was about to do that move, then my daughter last year got the desire to tube and wakeboard.
She loves wakeboarding now, so the deck boat stays. Sofa Barge will be added once grandkids arrive (oldest son - 30 this year says he wants to settle down).

 

[Riverbottom]

Check out the 2019 Avalon in the classifieds. Nice clean boat, been on it several times, and it checks all of your boxes.

 

[PlanB]

Bennington has treated me well the past 18 years. Have had two in that time and both have been solid toons. That said, prices are stupid for a new one. I was at Sun Country this past week getting new stainless rub rail installed and looked at a new R25 with A 350 Merc. MSRP is 225k. It does seem like inventory is sitting at the dealers in town though. Maybe there are deals to be had, especially if you can find a holdover.

 

[185EZ]

We gave up the speed thing and never looked back.
Amazing all the things we see now that we missed going fast lol.
We have the 25' Avalon VRB with a 300 Verado. All 27" tubes and full fuel and both biminis up will do 48 to 50 mph.
Can't say the build quality is any better than the rest. The bimini boots and one top got holes in it after the first year. They gave me tops for both biminis. Material feels like cardboard and i don't see the new ones lasting very long.
The floor decking is hotter than hell. It's a light color too.
I wish I still skied because toons don't have to plane off, they just rocket out of the hole and turn on a dime.
The VRB , versatile rear bench is awesome. The back rest moves to make a bench seat or lays flat for a big sundeck.
The picture isn't ours but gives an idea.
Nice thing is you can ride in back since there are rails all around and makes it legal.
Also make sure you get center tube storage. Amazing amount of storage in there.
And 2 biminis.

 

[RiverDave]

Bennington has treated me well the past 18 years. Have had two in that time and both have been solid toons. That said, prices are stupid for a new one. I was at Sun Country this past week getting new stainless rub rail installed and looked at a new R25 with A 350 Merc. MSRP is 225k. It does seem like inventory is sitting at the dealers in town though. Maybe there are deals to be had, especially if you can find a holdover.

The prices are insane.. Just a couple years ago I paid 202 OTD with a 2785 Excalibur with Twin 400's.. That same boat right now is like 380K

For that I'm buying a power boat.

RD

 

[RiverDave]

My wife has finally convinced me that we need a pontoon rather than another go fast boat. Still struggling with the lower speed thing, but I can't argue with her reasonings. Yes I would like to do twins but that's just not in the budget. I also realize these are overpriced for what they are, which is an RV on the water and their build quality unfortunately can match their land cousins.
That being said, who builds the better ones? Better build quality? Merc is the standard but what about the other motors as far as reliability and performance.

Ultimate goal her is one that is close to 50 as I think that is a good speed for what we will be doing. Somewhere around 25 feet. Rear loungers is a plus. Decent stereo, maybe lights and whatever else that that is desired.

Drop some pics and comments on what yall think.

I think you will be very unhappy with a single engine toon.. It isn't the same as a fiberglass boat..

RD

 

[PlanB]

The prices are insane.. Just a couple years ago I paid 202 OTD with a 2785 Excalibur with Twin 400's.. That same boat right now is like 380K

For that I'm buying a power boat.

RD

I told the sales guy that I would go to a deck boat before buying another new toon.

 

[mobldj]

mines about to go on the block for 27000.150 merc, polished toons,bbq,full bimini,under a 100 hours

 

[riverroyal]

Sent you a reply last night....I know everything about 3 logs pushing water. I dont plan on boating in the next few months, if you are still searching you can hop on ours.
Ziggy, you can also. Its just a poor guy single outboard RV.
There a days where one quiet outboard cant be beat

 

[FlyByWire]

As much as I want / crave / need a fiberglass deck boat. I can’t deny that this big fat fucker is just perfect for the kids and bonus kids. 5 kids total, and this this just takes it all. Hose it off at the end of the day, and take it to Chris Griner once a year for a detail. There’s really no stress at all.

When I was looking, I narrowed it down to only 2 builders really; Manitou and Avalon.

Single 400 is good for mid 50s easy. Would have loved to do twins but I couldn’t justify the cost for the performance gain. I’ve also had 15 people on it up to Topock and back.

The drawback is, it’s boring as FUCK to drive…..

 

[Groper]

We love our 25' JC Tritoon, though I still have a smaller boat for speed when the family's not out at the lake.

 

[rivermobster]

My wife has finally convinced me that we need a pontoon rather than another go fast boat. Still struggling with the lower speed thing, but I can't argue with her reasonings. Yes I would like to do twins but that's just not in the budget. I also realize these are overpriced for what they are, which is an RV on the water and their build quality unfortunately can match their land cousins.
That being said, who builds the better ones? Better build quality? Merc is the standard but what about the other motors as far as reliability and performance.

Ultimate goal her is one that is close to 50 as I think that is a good speed for what we will be doing. Somewhere around 25 feet. Rear loungers is a plus. Decent stereo, maybe lights and whatever else that that is desired.

Drop some pics and comments on what yall think.

Whatever you do...

Get the Biggest fuel tank they offer. That's the biggest draw back on mine, but I'm going to try and fix that during the rebuild.

 

[PlanB]

Whatever you do...

Get the Biggest fuel tank they offer. That's the biggest draw back on mine, but I'm going to try and fix that during the rebuild.

Good point! I have a 58 gallon tank, which is the biggest one offered and it still will get drained fast if on the throttle or carrying a lot of people.

 

[throttle]

As much as I want / crave / need a fiberglass deck boat. I can’t deny that this big fat fucker is just perfect for the kids and bonus kids. 5 kids total, and this this just takes it all. Hose it off at the end of the day, and take it to Chris Griner once a year for a detail. There’s really no stress at all.

When I was looking, I narrowed it down to only 2 builders really; Manitou and Avalon.

Single 400 is good for mid 50s easy. Would have loved to do twins but I couldn’t justify the cost for the performance gain. I’ve also had 15 people on it up to Topock and back.

The drawback is, it’s boring as FUCK to drive…..

View attachment 1341231
View attachment 1341232

Blue lights, noted.

 

[Warlock1]

I'm beginning to lean towards an aluminum sofa barge too, just don't need another expense right now.

You and Janet always have a seat on ours..

 

[FlyByWire]

Blue lights, noted.

Heard all the stories, never had a word said to me.

 

[C-Ya]

I am guessing the BeachCat in the video costs less than half what the same size pontoon boat costs. The BeachCat also comes with a fully enclosed head, that you can stand up in. With sink.

These things can also be modified. I put a few sample pics under video.

Too me, the BeachCat is the best bang for the money, for a sandbar boat.

 

[throttle]

Heard all the stories, never had a word said to me.

Me too

 

[throttle]

@Warlock1

You might recall, this... some seemed to think it was a good read before.

2019 Berkshire Pontoon, 25 Sport RFX Dual Console, Single Mercury Racing 400R

Pontoon life... Good livin, its the simple things that makes it good! Here is the down and dirty for me, I had put almost 100 hours each year on my old boat, I had been talking about how I wanted to upgrade into a new motor for years, it was going to be pricey... Maybe just buy a new boat? The...

www.riverdavesplace.com

 

[DLC]

Toons are great zero performance but very fun relaxing & easy.

We cruise 36 - 38-42 mph !

Otherwise the wind just jiggles ya !

I have a Crest w/ merc 350 & she runs great!

52 gallon tank ran out of fuel 1 time when it was new didnt realize 1/4 tank while on plane was empty ! When off plane ….

Get a grill and a good stereo !

 

[throttle]

The prices are insane.. Just a couple years ago I paid 202 OTD with a 2785 Excalibur with Twin 400's.. That same boat right now is like 380K

For that I'm buying a power boat.

RD

Is this Avalon ever on your list of boats that you wish that you had kept? I always thought of it as a perfect boat for you and the fam along with the ability to entertain Stacy's clients.

 

[curtiej10]

No way you’d do twins?

 

[throttle]

No way you’d do twins?

For me, twins add an additional expense in fuel and maintenance and I continue to talk myself out of it.

 

[throttle]

Bennington has treated me well the past 18 years. Have had two in that time and both have been solid toons. That said, prices are stupid for a new one. I was at Sun Country this past week getting new stainless rub rail installed and looked at a new R25 with A 350 Merc. MSRP is 225k. It does seem like inventory is sitting at the dealers in town though. Maybe there are deals to be had, especially if you can find a holdover.

I am still in a holding pattern with them.

 

[throttle]

I don't think there is an outboard that operates or shifts smoother than the Mercury line up, and they do it quietly.

Look for welds and through bolted products. Watch for drywall screws in plastic that use metal hinges.

Ask lots of specific questions about manufacturer warranties!

You will find a Yamaha 425 will be cheaper that a Mercury 400... However it is also 250lbs heavier. Some pontoons with the Yamaha's have to be longer than 25 feet to accommodate the weight and HP.

As previously mentioned, size matters... get the bigger gas tank, and consider its fill location(s).

 

[rivermobster]

No way you’d do twins?

The better question is...

Why would ya?

 

[185EZ]

The better question is...

Why would ya?

Twins don't add much speed for the price tag.
Maybe if you were hauling 15 of your friends all the time
It also ruins the rear deck area for swimming
Those Chase toons are a perfect example. A lot of money with no center tube storage, lack of sun protections, and poor performance for a mere $300k lol

 

[Warlock1]

I guess I should have put in there that I will be buying used as well. I have to be south of the 6 figure point of purchase. That being said are warranties transferrable and what are the typical terms?

 

[Riverbottom]

I have owned Merc's all my life. Have my first Yamaha 350 on our Bennington, and could not be happier. Smooth, quiet, easy to service. Really liked the idea of a larger cubic inch naturally aspirated motor on a barge than a super charged smaller motor. So far 375 trouble free hours. Would not hesitate to buy one again.

 

[185EZ]

I guess I should have put in there that I will be buying used as well. I have to be south of the 6 figure point of purchase. That being said are warranties transferrable and what are the typical terms?

Might be hard to find according to your list for something under 6 figures that's still under warranty.
I would sell mine for $100k but it's a 2020 and out of warranty
The extended warranty was stupid expensive

 

[MooreMoney]

My dad bought a Barletta a couple years ago after a bunch of research. The boat is built very well and the rear lounger can move a bunch of different ways. If you got a 450 on it you would be going 50+. These mercury motors accelerate very hard for a single engine and im saying that coming from a dcb.

Reserve Pontoon Boat Floorplans | Barletta Pontoon Boats

The Barletta Reserve

www.barlettapontoonboats.com

 

[MooreMoney]

Heres a video of the one I would buy. The rear lounger is really the best part about the boat.

 

[throttle]

Heres a video of the one I would buy. The rear lounger is really the best part about the boat.

That has some nice lines, very nice fit and finish!

 

[Warlock1]

Might be hard to find according to your list for something under 6 figures that's still under warranty.
I would sell mine for $100k but it's a 2020 and out of warranty
The extended warranty was stupid expensive

The warranty would just be a bonus. It's not a deal breaker.

 

[DaytonaBabe]

Heres a video of the one I would buy. The rear lounger is really the best part about the boat.

We'll eventually be in a toon again in the future.

This one is awesome $292K

 

[PlanB]

Heard all the stories, never had a word said to me.

They cared for a season or two and seemed to have moved on. I was contacted three times for blue interior lights.

 

[Melloyellovector]

The warranty would just be a bonus. It's not a deal breaker.

If buying used, South Bay, Berkshire, Trifecta lifetime warranty is not transferable, regardless of age. Motor is, so that’s a plus.
But the structure ( toons ) are not. Any of the “sport toons” CAN and DO implode. Avg cost of 11k + each to replace. I was mislead when I purchased my southbay that warranty came with it. ( toon was a year old when I purchased, no warranty )

Avalon I believe has lifetime orig buyer and 7 year that will transfer to buyer

You can find new under 100k , Avalon 25ft with 300 in Madeira ca. Not in havasu though

Twin Trifecta‘s 450-500s, are so overpriced in Az it’s silly, go to Idaho and buy and you could buy another toon w single w money saved. Bring them back to havasu sell the twin trifecta at market price. Your left w a single engine toon for FREEEEEEEE

 

[DWC]

No way you’d do twins?

Thought you were going to put this up.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

What’s a tow year?

 

[riverroyal]

Blue lights?

 

[X Hoser]

mines about to go on the block for 27000.150 merc, polished toons,bbq,full bimini,under a 100 hours

View attachment 1341230

That seems like a real good deal to me.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

So So Sad whats become of us.... We used to be KINGS!

 

[MooreMoney]

We'll eventually be in a toon again in the future.

This one is awesome $292K

Prices have gone way up! WOW

 

[81Sprint]

So So Sad whats become of us.... We used to be KINGS!

Sorry, couldn't help it

 

[FlyByWire]

View attachment 1341568

Sorry, couldn't help it

It’s Hey Dudes now!!

I own 4 pair myself.

 

[Warlock1]

View attachment 1341568

Sorry, couldn't help it

Add the jorts and the calf high socks and you too can be a Corvette owner...

 

[Englewood]

I was about to do that move, then my daughter last year got the desire to tube and wakeboard.
She loves wakeboarding now, so the deck boat stays. Sofa Barge will be added once grandkids arrive (oldest son - 30 this year says he wants to settle down).

A big single, or a twin engine pontoon will tow everything better than an Ultra Deck. I’ve owned both. A Trifecta or similar outperforms it in every way. Ride, acceleration, turning, seating/capacity, maneuverability, boarding, etc.

 

[81Sprint]

Add the jorts and the calf high socks and you too can be a Corvette owner...