[Dad sold the C * C]

Hillcountry,
There were several good threads on 'Toons the past two years if you haven't seen them yet.

I copied this from one of my post last year explaining the difference between a "performance" and a "base" Tri-Toon.

There is a difference between tri-toons and how they handle. I'll use Premier as an example because I have rented at least 6 different 2 and 3 toon boats and just bought one. The "performance" ( PTX ) tri- toons have Lifting strakes and a "faceted" bottom on the center toon; this allows for quick planning and banked turns. These performance toons behave similar to a fiberglass hull and often have 150 to 250 HP engines, or higher.

They also make what I would call a base tri-toon, these have 3 round toons. The center toon on mine stops a few feet from the stern and does not connect with the motor well. These still ride the chop nicely and are very stable. The turns are flatter without much lean, the dogs like this much better. We have a 23' with a 150 four stroke and it moves OK, it works for water sports, but minimal wake of course.

So yes, there are significant differences. Also the motor makes a difference, I liked the performance of a 2 stroke, but the four strokes really seem quieter. You can have a conversation that includes people from one end of the boat to another at "touring speed". And if you don't want to listen to someone, just "go faster"

As others have said, layout is an important factor, I gave up an extra lounger because I wanted 4 doors, one on the helm side makes docking easier for me. Also we liked a straight path down the center so we can carry a kayak.

Happy shopping and hope you have a great summer on "this years" new boat.