Ready for a toon...I think...

[Englewood]

I've owned many custom boats and rest of my crew all has toons. I'm REALLY considering a Twin outboard toon, although I am picky and they are tough to find.

In the last few years I've had:

Ultra 27 Shadow
Ultra 26 Deck
Magic Deck
Nautique G23
Eliminator Speedster
Howard Deck

After this last weekend and a boat full of people, I realized that the max that we go is 60 and nobody else on the boat really cares.

I am looking at Trifecta, Berkshire, South Bay, and MAYBE Avalon or Manitou but not unless I can't find one of the first 3 mentioned.

Questions:

1. Has anyone owned similar boats and made the switch? Any regrets?
2. Anyone have a lead on a twin outboard toon (300hp+ | MERCURY only)?
3. Right now Im seeing these things for 250k+++...Do these become more available in off season and/or prices drop a little bit?

 

[JFMFG]

I've owned many custom boats and rest of my crew all has toons. I'm REALLY considering a Twin outboard toon, although I am picky and they are tough to find.

In the last few years I've had:

Ultra 27 Shadow
Ultra 26 Deck
Magic Deck
Nautique G23
Eliminator Speedster
Howard Deck

After this last weekend and a boat full of people, I realized that the max that we go is 60 and nobody else on the boat really cares.

I am looking at Trifecta, Berkshire, South Bay, and MAYBE Avalon or Manitou but not unless I can't find one of the first 3 mentioned.

Questions:

1. Has anyone owned similar boats and made the switch? Any regrets?
2. Anyone have a lead on a twin outboard toon (300hp+ | MERCURY only)?
3. Right now Im seeing these things for 250k+++...Do these become more available in off season and/or prices drop a little bit?

If you’re looking for a Avalon with 400s Dave’s would be the one to buy. It’s hands down done right and wouldn’t need to touch a thing on it.

 

[wallnutz]

I've owned many custom boats and rest of my crew all has toons. I'm REALLY considering a Twin outboard toon, although I am picky and they are tough to find.

In the last few years I've had:

Ultra 27 Shadow
Ultra 26 Deck
Magic Deck
Nautique G23
Eliminator Speedster
Howard Deck

After this last weekend and a boat full of people, I realized that the max that we go is 60 and nobody else on the boat really cares.

I am looking at Trifecta, Berkshire, South Bay, and MAYBE Avalon or Manitou but not unless I can't find one of the first 3 mentioned.

Questions:

1. Has anyone owned similar boats and made the switch? Any regrets?
2. Anyone have a lead on a twin outboard toon (300hp+ | MERCURY only)?
3. Right now Im seeing these things for 250k+++...Do these become more available in off season and/or prices drop a little bit?

Check out Dave’s, it for sale at Horizon.

My Pontoon is 4 sale Please call Horizon

https://www.horizonmotorsportsllc.com/New-Inventory-2021-Avalon-Boat-Excalibur-Elite-Windshield-27-FT-Lake-Havasu-City-Arizona-12370599 Standard description is there.. Fully loaded 27’ Avalon with Twin 400’s RDP mods on Trailer 1.Extra step added on main rail to make it easier to get in 2.All...

www.riverdavesplace.com

 

[ricky e]

have to ask... how did you like your Howard deck and how did it compare to the magic deck?
thanks...

 

[RiverDave]

I will show you mine Scott, and can go through all the pros and cons of it. Preston also had a twin 300 trifecta right now.

 

[Englewood]

have to ask... how did you like your Howard deck and how did it compare to the magic deck?
thanks...

I've been asked that a lot actually. I owned the Magic for 5 years. Never left me stranded once. I've had it loaded w/ 14 people for a midnight Foxes run as well as solo "top speed" runs. Never missed a beat nor had any of the infamous "Magic Rattles". The kids played and jumped off of every corner of that boat.

The Howard is just a notch above in every category. The boat feels more solid in every aspect. The rigging is 10x better. No stress cracks, etc. The Howard does feel slightly more compact than the Magic did. Howard rides over rough stuff better. I'd consider the Howard an escalade and the Magic a Tahoe. Both great just different levels of fit/finish/design.

Magic @ 100k vs. Howard @ 150k, that would be a tough decision.

I will show you mine Scott, and can go through all the pros and cons of it. Preston also had a twin 300 trifecta right now.

I'll be back in a few weeks and I'll get together with you. I didn't see a twin 300 one on his site?

 

[ricky e]

I've been asked that a lot actually. I owned the Magic for 5 years. Never left me stranded once. I've had it loaded w/ 14 people for a midnight Foxes run as well as solo "top speed" runs. Never missed a beat nor had any of the infamous "Magic Rattles". The kids played and jumped off of every corner of that boat.

The Howard is just a notch above in every category. The boat feels more solid in every aspect. The rigging is 10x better. No stress cracks, etc. The Howard does feel slightly more compact than the Magic did. Howard rides over rough stuff better. I'd consider the Howard an escalade and the Magic a Tahoe. Both great just different levels of fit/finish/design.

Thank you for taking the time to share that with me...
I thought that was the answer and appreciate hearing it from somebody who actually did both...

best of luck on your search for the perfect toon!!!

 

[Singleton]

@Wmc - had a magic deck and based on race results has a faster toon then RD now.

 

[RiverDave]

@Wmc - had a magic deck and based on race results has a faster toon then RD now.

Well.. not so fast on that there was a couple of things that have changed since then. Namely getting the motors aligned. Lol. Plus raising them from the dead bottom holes etc.

Trifectas are way faster though hp to hp. Avalons are way more comfortable / larger and the windshield alone is worth it.

It’s all preference.

 

[Englewood]

@Wmc - had a magic deck and based on race results has a faster toon then RD now.

We've boated with him for years. I tried to buy their boat last week while drinking in the pool...@wendi wasn't having it

 

[pixrthis]

I can’t wrap my head around pontoons, spent many of days on them and never felt that I’m happier here than I would be on a performance boat.

 

[riverroyal]

I would bump avalon up your list
We bought in 2015 and its been trouble free.

Twin OB toon i dont understand. But thats just me. Its the cost, not the cool factor.
To me 45 mph on 3 aluminum logs feels like the right speed. Thats a single OB.

I would go back to a deck boat immediately if the money part worked out.

 

[sintax]

I can’t wrap my head around pontoons, spent many of days on them and never felt that I’m happier here than I would be on a performance boat.

I think for me, the attraction of a pontoon is simple. The pontoon is the beater workhorse of the boat world, you dont have to worry about scratching it, getting sand on it, kids eating cheetos, your drunk brother in law dragging the cooler over the side. You can run it all weekend on 20 gal of fuel on the 115hp outboard. Little bbq hanging off of the back, decent little stereo. Maybe 25k total cost. Not having to worry about people banging / scratching my fully capped boat, priceless.

Once you start talking about anything outside of that, you lost me.

 

[TCHB]

Toon boats slow way down with lots of weight.

 

[TCHB]

I think for me, the attraction of a pontoon is simple. The pontoon is the beater workhorse of the boat world, you dont have to worry about scratching it, getting sand on it, kids eating cheetos, your drunk brother in law dragging the cooler over the side. You can run it all weekend on 20 gal of fuel on the 115hp outboard. Little bbq hanging off of the back, decent little stereo. Maybe 25k total cost. Not having to worry about people banging / scratching my fully capped boat, priceless.

Once you start talking about anything outside of that, you lost me.

I kept my toon boat in the same condition as my Howard.

 

[sintax]

I kept my toon boat in the same condition as my Howard.

knowing how I am, I prob would too...

but it does seem attractive not to have to worry as much, I honestly know I would spend way more time enjoying myself, and way less time worrying and having to be at 100 all of the time.

 

[Gonefishin5555]

Why do you want to fit in with the other toons? Seems like you should offload a few people onto the other toons and keep your boat. Why do so many people ride on your boat?

 

[Englewood]

Why do you want to fit in with the other toons? Seems like you should offload a few people onto the other toons and keep your boat. Why do so many people ride on your boat?

I'm definitely not even a little bit concerned with fitting in. It's more of an "envy" as I see how simple they get ready and the ease of use.

We often have some cousins and their kids on the boat. It's no fun having all this crap if you can't share w family and friends.

I was always stressing about people hanging in the boat, eating Cheetos, making a mess, trash, water spots, scratches, etc. I'm ready for a place to hang out, bbq, go 60mph if I want to, etc.

Will a 400r get a toon to 60? I can't do 40 all day, I'l sell it in a week.

 

[Englewood]

I would bump avalon up your list
We bought in 2015 and its been trouble free.

Twin OB toon i dont understand. But thats just me. Its the cost, not the cool factor.
To me 45 mph on 3 aluminum logs feels like the right speed. Thats a single OB.

I would go back to a deck boat immediately if the money part worked out.

I need to be able to go 60 or I can't make this change. Will a 400r push up to 60?

 

[Gonefishin5555]

I don't know how much more you would relax with a 250K+ toon. You like to go through a lot of boats so you might as well scratch your itch.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I need to be able to go 60 or I can't make this change. Will a 400r push up to 60?

Not with 10 people. With 4 yea probably right there. Friends with 350s do mid 50s.

 

[Englewood]

I don't know how much more you would relax with a 250K+ toon. You like to go through a lot of boats so you might as well scratch your itch.

Funny you mention that actually...I don't want to keep changing which is why I want to make the right choice. I don't want to buy a single 400 and then want twins 5 minutes later.

 

[fishing fool]

This is what you need Scott

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www.boattrader.com

 

[Englewood]

This is what you need Scott

Shop New 2024 Scout 305 LXF For Sale In Ontario | BoatTrader

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I can probably afford an engine.

 

[hallett21]

No way will you let anyone beat on a 250k boat lol

I don’t think the current high end toons are any easier to clean than a fiberglass deck boat equivalent. I can see where the beaching is much easier but that’s it.

Twin engine toon will be 10x better at handling around the docks (no wind) than a single engine deck boat.

 

[hallett21]

This is what you need Scott

Shop New 2024 Scout 305 LXF For Sale In Ontario | BoatTrader

Check out this New 2024 Scout 305 LXF for sale in Ontario, CA 91762. View this Saltwater Fishing and other Power boats on boattrader.com

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How much with a trailer?

 

[fishing fool]

How much with a trailer?

Add $30K for a Adrenaline trailer.......

 

[185EZ]

I need to be able to go 60 or I can't make this change. Will a 400r push up to 60?

Maybe in a 25' . Our friends had a 27' Avalon with a 400r and it did 52. It was a heavy toon with full bar
We were out last week in our 25' with a 300 and went 51 with 2 people and both biminis up. We also have 27" tubes
Avalons are heavy with the wood deck. The other brands you mentioned have composite decks. Lighter but pricey.

 

[EmpirE231]

Funny you mention that actually...I don't want to keep changing which is why I want to make the right choice. I don't want to buy a single 400 and then want twins 5 minutes later.

sounds like you need the twins....

pretty sure everyone with a 200K toon wished they had a Howard deck boat. I'd stick with the Howard..... but toons are cool too... just not 200k+ cool...I don't care how fast it goes.

 

[C-Ya]

I got this…….

You obviously like nice boats. Have you considered having a custom built tritoon?

First video is for hull only…….. Look at video at 6 minute mark.

This video will show you how shallow it will go…….

Here is a fishing boat with a 425

All you need to do is get Shallow Sport Boats to build you a LUXURY Tritoon. Only your imagination and checkbook will guide you to the possibilities. No tritoon that I am aware of………. Is better than this hull! Shallow Sport boats out of Texas. These can go ocean boating too!

Throw in a little Havasu style wrap, with sea deck, and luxury seating, and you will have a “One of a Kind” versatile Havasu boat.

 

[TCHB]

I need to be able to go 60 or I can't make this change. Will a 400r push up to 60?

With no fuel or people.

 

[Icky]

I would say wiping down a toon is comparable to a deck boat, my Daytona was way easier.

What about the guy who was building those luxe toons? Those looked cool

Lux- Chase toons (pretty impressive!)

The only part I think that could be improved is they need more “patio” on the back and a little more walk way on the front.. but overall I think this thing is gonna be a winner! I have had the renderings for awhile now but was told to keep them quiet. I saw they posted them on fb so here’s...

www.riverdavesplace.com

 

[BingerFang]

I have a buddy kicking around selling a 2017 or 18 Avalon with twin 400R’s.. Boat and engines have less than 50 hours on it. Wouldn’t even let his kids eat on the boat, lol. PM if you’re interested.

 

[TCHB]

I have a buddy kicking around selling a 2017 Avalon with twin 400’s. Boat and engines have less than 50 hours on it. Wouldn’t even let his kids eat on the boat, lol. PM if you’re interested.

I've owned many custom boats and rest of my crew all has toons. I'm REALLY considering a Twin outboard toon, although I am picky and they are tough to find.

In the last few years I've had:

Ultra 27 Shadow
Ultra 26 Deck
Magic Deck
Nautique G23
Eliminator Speedster
Howard Deck

After this last weekend and a boat full of people, I realized that the max that we go is 60 and nobody else on the boat really cares.

I am looking at Trifecta, Berkshire, South Bay, and MAYBE Avalon or Manitou but not unless I can't find one of the first 3 mentioned.

Questions:

1. Has anyone owned similar boats and made the switch? Any regrets?
2. Anyone have a lead on a twin outboard toon (300hp+ | MERCURY only)?
3. Right now Im seeing these things for 250k+++...Do these become more available in off season and/or prices drop a little bit?

By the looks of your boats and a Howard owner you will never stop cleaning.

 

[185EZ]

I would say wiping down a toon is comparable to a deck boat, my Daytona was way easier.

What about the guy who was building those luxe toons? Those looked cool

Lux- Chase toons (pretty impressive!)

The only part I think that could be improved is they need more “patio” on the back and a little more walk way on the front.. but overall I think this thing is gonna be a winner! I have had the renderings for awhile now but was told to keep them quiet. I saw they posted them on fb so here’s...

www.riverdavesplace.com

Cool yes. Practical no
No lounge seating. Difficult to get to back of boat. No in tube storage is a HUGE negative.
And the owner doesn't like "opinions"
Hard pass

 

[baja-chris]

As a data point, our 27 Avalon will hit 60 with all biminis up, 4 people and coolers, with two 350's in stock as delivered motor setup. Might be more if I raised the motors.
Its happy to cruise at 55 but we usually go slower for conversation. I doubt a single 450 would push this pig that fast.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

It’s amazing that we have come full circle back to Magic 496HO speeds for 2x the price

 

[Gelcoater]

It’s amazing that we have come full circle back to Magic 496HO speeds for 2x the price

What are you?
Knew here?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

What are you?
Knew here?

Yes.

 

[golakers]

Funny you mention that actually...I don't want to keep changing which is why I want to make the right choice. I don't want to buy a single 400 and then want twins 5 minutes later.

I’ve driven a 25 Harris w a single. They my uncle got a 27ft Harris w twins. If you can afford it get twins!

 

[J&k beer can]

what is your budget???

we have a crest 270 with twin 400's. lots of upgrades done.
like this..

tossing the idea of selling it to get a boat we can still keep doing havasu and ocean trips again.

 

[baja-chris]

It’s amazing that we have come full circle back to Magic 496HO speeds for 2x the price

I think if Magic did not close shop 13 years ago a new one with a 496HO would be about the same price as a basic twin engine toon.

 

[throttle]

No regrets. Really liked the toon we had. Extremely functional.

Bottom line for me was I had some issues with the manufacture, not standing behind the product warranty! And the dealer I bought from was no longer available to me as an advocate.

Read into it how you wish, but I saw an opportunity to sell a year ago and break even. That as we know doesn't happen in the boating market. Simple, start over.

In my recent search for replacement, the Bennington and the Avalon are at the top of the list. Yes, a bit slower... They both are a heavier builds and in my opinion offer better quality rigging, fit and finish along with durability. Not all things equal between builders, I certainly can appreciate and respect that. A short list of things getting bigger made me feel like I needed to look another direction. As of today, I still have not placed an order for our new boat. Looking to re evaluate again in October.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I think if Magic did not close shop 13 years ago a new one with a 496HO would be about the same price as a basic twin engine toon.

Very likely..

 

[pixrthis]

I'm definitely not even a little bit concerned with fitting in. It's more of an "envy" as I see how simple they get ready and the ease of use.

We often have some cousins and their kids on the boat. It's no fun having all this crap if you can't share w family and friends.

I was always stressing about people hanging in the boat, eating Cheetos, making a mess, trash, water spots, scratches, etc. I'm ready for a place to hang out, bbq, go 60mph if I want to, etc.

Will a 400r get a toon to 60? I can't do 40 all day, I'l sell it in a week.

Can the toon do 60? I think the bigger question is can the Bimini’s do 60? That’s where my friends toons with twins struggle.

 

[Riverryder]

No way will you let anyone beat on a 250k boat lol

my thoughts exactly. 250k for a boat no way kids are going to be able to be kids on it! how big these things are i would hate to have to clean it. need a ladder to wipe it down.

@fishig fool 30k might get you half of a trailer?

 

[dnewps]

Buy better fiberglass. Dial in your storage and detail program. Don’t take the bait to over power your drive. Do twins if necessary. Toons are lame. Sorry Dave, I know you have a bum foot

 

[Crazyhippy]

Toon boats slow way down with lots of weight.

Truth! Neighbors have. Godfrey 21' with a 150 Honda. I can get it to 42mph solo, but 6 people puts it on the mid 20's!

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Buy better fiberglass. Dial in your storage and detail program. Don’t take the bait to over power your drive. Do twins if necessary. Toons are lame. Sorry Dave, I know you have a bum foot

A single engine I/O deck boat with over 650 or so HP is a ticking time bomb in your wallet. They sound like a great idea, but there is a reason no one keeps them long term.

 

[Drew]

To me it’s like saying “ fuck it” to a diet and just buying sweatpants that you can grow into. I understand the comfort and the use of a toon. But where did that childhood crazy kid go? You are supposed to grow up and afford that crazy big shit ( fast) shit you always wanted. Don’t give in to the Proverbial sweatpants unless you got something fast loud that you’re going to cube as your side piece