Bow Rider VS. Pontoon Boat

[Kevin C]

Originally Posted by joann721

I am throwing this question out to the only experts I know who arent trying to sell me something. We currently have a 19 ft 2002 Crownline Bowrider. (that the folks at Channel told us was a great lake boat- yeah when nobody else is out there... maybe) We love being out on the lake but are tired of getting beat up in the 19 ft. My question: We can not afford the money they are charging for a 24- 26 ft bowrider... so we are "considering" , actually I am considering, "HE" is not even discussing. The possibility of a 24 ft pontoon boat... How do they handle the chop on the lake- can you trailer them... pros and cons... educate me.... we are not out on the lake for speed we never go more than 28 - 30 in the bowrider... but after this weekend and about 45 tylenols I have had it with the 19 ft bowrider... so I am throwing this out to the forum and looking for some advise on what you would suggest..

We got back into boating over the last 5 yrs and went from a 20ft Maxum Bowridert o a 24 ft Maxum Bowrider (my 2000).....all the difference in the world. We were tired of getting hammered weekends on the lake with the old 20 footer. We find the 24 ft Maxum fantastic out in the chop on weekends and with the high freeboard on the bow we have never yet put it under in chop. Last year we used it over 100 hours without a comfort problem. There is nothing I would change on this boat comfort-wise.

I have zero experience on pontoon boats but would like to consider pontoons in the future but question their performance when it gets rough.

I noticed that Channel has some low hour 24 ft bowriderss used at relatively reasonable prices. Perhaps a trade is in order? They are all listed on their website. Good luck.