Pontoon Boat-Planning for Purchase

CateP · 02-26-2011, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camp guy

Having followed your other posts about moving to the Lakes Region this summer, I'd say you have a pretty full plate already, without the addition of a boat. I'm not intending to throw a wet blanket over your ideas, but I do think you have a lot going on.

So, my first suggestion would be to spend time this summer doing some hands-on research about what boat would be best for you and your boating plans. A pontoon boat provides a lot of benefits, but it also is lacking in some areas, most notably, as already mentioned in an earlier post, limited potty facilities, and limited protection from weather, and weather can blow up very quickly on the Big Lake. Maybe you could rent a pontoon boat for a weekend and try it out. Pontoon boats handle differently than monohull boats, and, although there is no tide and current to deal with on the Lake, pontoons present a large sail area to deal with in close quarters in windy conditions. You might try out other boat styles and other sizes. Over and over I read about people buying one size boat, then two years later they go up a size, and then up again a few years later. Quite possibly, if you rent several styles/sizes this first summer, you will get a handle on what you actually feel comfortable with, then you can buy something in the size category that will last you for a while.

Hi Camp Guy- You bring up a good point about taking on too much. BUT..we've been renting pontoon boats all over New England over the years and I currently own a 25 foot sailboat that we use for overnights. My partner lived on a lake in NJ and her family owned several boats. We're not really newbies to the boating world and we certainly have been out there in rough seas with a 9.8 hp motor trying to dock. Lots of stories to tell. I guess that's why sailors drink a lot.

I still think your advice is good in that we should get up there, settle in, do the boat rental scene, get more familiar with various bodies of water and conditions, and shop around. It's just that we are so excited about getting out there.

Our plan to pontoon and trailer is based on wanting to go to smaller lakes and fish with the doggies who LOVE the pontoon. We don't want to pay for storage or slips. (Been there, done that-you would be shocked if you knew what we've spent on our sailboat here in NJ over the years...I could be driving a Lexus...)

As far as creature comforts on the pontoon...we're okay with a 3 gallon porta potty and holding up a towel or something. We don't plan to be near crowds. The bimini provides enough shade and we've been in a few downpours so we know about that. We bring a little tarp with us to cover stuff in case of rain.

Will definitely look for a motor with tilt so we can beach. Will probably take the portable VHF radio from the sailboat too.

TiltonBB · 02-26-2011, 09:26 PM

One other thing about pontoon boats is the lack of protection from cooler weather. Most have a small windshield for the pilot and maybe a small windshield for one passenger.

The season in NH is short. If you have a boat with something substantial to block the wind while underway it will be much more pleasant on cooler days. Pontoon boats are so open that when the temperature is in the 50's and 60's it will be really cool while underway. If you have a more enclosed boat it could extend both ends of the boating season quite a bit.

We all think about the sunny 80 degree days that make boating enjoyable but in NH there are many more days when it is just not that warm and you still want to take the boat out. Some protection from the wind while underway will substantially expand your season.

soxfan · 02-27-2011, 10:08 AM

Kate, take a look at winnisquam marina's website, Great people and great sevice with a large inventory.

NoRegrets · 02-27-2011, 10:30 AM

Your posts and questions are great! While many come to the lake to sit on the porch and look to relax you are building a life. You are bringing the excitement and energy to the region that we need. Thank you!

We bought my parents a 22 foot Princecraft with a 50 HP mercury. It was enough for tubing and cocktail cruises only. Not really suitable for Winni. It was used on a small lake in Mass. The trailer and boat were huge to view but light and easy to haul. You probably want a changing screen and some sort of toilet.

The boat show idea is great. Even though there are many reputable marinas, we have always used Irwin Marine and highly recommend them.

We started our boating thinking we would trailer and explore the country but after we spent the first summer on Winnipesaukee the desire to trailer and explore was gone.

ronc4424 · 02-27-2011, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

One other thing about pontoon boats is the lack of protection from cooler weather. Most have a small windshield for the pilot and maybe a small windshield for one passenger.

The season in NH is short. If you have a boat with something substantial to block the wind while underway it will be much more pleasant on cooler days. Pontoon boats are so open that when the temperature is in the 50's and 60's it will be really cool while underway. If you have a more enclosed boat it could extend both ends of the boating season quite a bit.

We all think about the sunny 80 degree days that make boating enjoyable but in NH there are many more days when it is just not that warm and you still want to take the boat out. Some protection from the wind while under
way will substantially expand your season.

Exactly what TiltonBB said......an enclosure will extend your boating season by a month or more. We put ours on as soon as the weather cools down and boat well into November. We use a portable Coleman propane heater, and that besides the solar effects from the sun I spend more time out of the room cooling off and grilling...lol. The only downside is you can't tow with it on. After towing boats for many years ( gets old fast ) we finally got a slip on Squam. We have had the slip for 15 yrs.
Also, don't forget you will have to take classes for a boating license.

LIforrelaxin · 02-28-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronc4424

Exactly what TiltonBB said......an enclosure will extend your boating season by a month or more. We put ours on as soon as the weather cools down and boat well into November. We use a portable Coleman propane heater, and that besides the solar effects from the sun I spend more time out of the room cooling off and grilling...lol. The only downside is you can't tow with it on. After towing boats for many years ( gets old fast ) we finally got a slip on Squam. We have had the slip for 15 yrs.
Also, don't forget you will have to take classes for a boating license.

Two things to comment on:

First the boating Certificate... Make sure you get enrolled into a conveniently located class one your up here, and get it taken and over with. I even recommend this if you have a certificate some where else. Having a NH certificate will keep you from having to prove the equivalency of an out of start certificate.

The other, is on enclosures / windscreens for late / early season use. I have seen a few recommendations in this thread for them. And will not disagree that they will help extend your season. My comment is that this is an option that can always be added on later. Find a boat, by it, make sure for a season or two that it really fits your need. By that time, you will know if you like extending the season or not, and at that time, you can add an weather enclosure. Sometimes they can be added to existing Bimini tops, other times, it requires replacing the binimi top... But the bottom line is this shouldn't be a hard requirement, especially if you are looking at used boats.

codeman671 · 03-07-2011, 11:06 PM

Just saw this one pop up on craigslist. Having owned 2 Manitou's I can attest to the fact that they build a good boat. It looks like a good deal.

http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/2253177889.html

SigSauer · 03-08-2011, 12:49 PM

On lake Winnipesaulkee......."go big or go home".

Just an expression, I wish you and your partner an enjoyable move to the lakes region.

I have friends who have purchased the Southbay Tritoon, the lower cost option is the Berkshire Pontoon. Great products and plenty durable for the big lake.

Paugus Bay Marina may have some 2010 left over inventory of the Southbay models for a bargain.

http://www.southbaypontoon.com/

http://www.berkshirepontoon.com/defa...p?page=aboutus

gf2020 · 03-14-2011, 04:29 PM

Nice deal right here:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...?do=ad&id=3154

Steve Di. · 03-14-2011, 07:09 PM

I took a look at Winnisquam Marina's site and saw some good deals there. Most of the good deals are the Pontoon boats. There were some relatively new pontoon boats in the price range of being asked for by the 8 to 10 year old fiberglass boats.

In an earlier post I saw that someone mentioned the pontoon boats lack shelter from the elements; I disagree. I have seen some with side curtains and removable windshields. Most come with a good deal of canvas; I think one could even turn their toon into a camper if necessary.

SAMIAM · 03-21-2011, 08:41 PM

Wow,gf2020...that is like a brand new boat for 10K....somebody better jump on that !

Woodsy · 03-22-2011, 08:51 AM

Cate...

A girlfriend of mine has both a 26 Donzi and a 24 'toon.... guess what one she spends the most time on??

I think shopping around is your best bet... go to the dealers and see what different ones they have in inventory, what you need for amenities (porta potty) and the different layouts you like...

then start scouring craigslist....

lots of financially distressed boats to be had!

Woodsy

Seeker · 03-22-2011, 01:54 PM

I have a Bennington 2075FS I bought new in 2003. Absolutely no problems with it. It has the optional larger logs, bow mounted trolling motor, privacy enclosure, 2 fishing chairs forward and a 50hp 4-stroke Mercury Bigfoot. I've used it well for 8 years and it still looks brand new.

I have this on a smaller lake and would NOT take it to Lake Winnie. Even on my small 1000+ acre lake I can get pretty wet when the wind really kicks up. I would definitely recommend this for calm waters. It does just about 22 with the 50 Merc. It would be underpowered for the big lake. The dog loves it also.

I have a deep v center console I kept on Winnie and I found that more suitable when the weekend warriors arrive.

02-26-2011, 09:26 PM	#2
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 3,164 Thanks: 750 Thanked 2,277 Times in 986 Posts	No protection One other thing about pontoon boats is the lack of protection from cooler weather. Most have a small windshield for the pilot and maybe a small windshield for one passenger. The season in NH is short. If you have a boat with something substantial to block the wind while underway it will be much more pleasant on cooler days. Pontoon boats are so open that when the temperature is in the 50's and 60's it will be really cool while underway. If you have a more enclosed boat it could extend both ends of the boating season quite a bit. We all think about the sunny 80 degree days that make boating enjoyable but in NH there are many more days when it is just not that warm and you still want to take the boat out. Some protection from the wind while underway will substantially expand your season.

03-08-2011, 12:49 PM	#8
SigSauer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 18 Thanks: 1 Thanked 11 Times in 5 Posts	Go with the Berkshire Hathaway Tri-Toon On lake Winnipesaulkee......."go big or go home". Just an expression, I wish you and your partner an enjoyable move to the lakes region. I have friends who have purchased the Southbay Tritoon, the lower cost option is the Berkshire Pontoon. Great products and plenty durable for the big lake. Paugus Bay Marina may have some 2010 left over inventory of the Southbay models for a bargain. http://www.southbaypontoon.com/ http://www.berkshirepontoon.com/defa...p?page=aboutus Last edited by SigSauer; 03-08-2011 at 01:29 PM.

03-14-2011, 07:09 PM	#10
Steve Di. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Wolfeboro, NH Posts: 61 Thanks: 8 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Good Deals! I took a look at Winnisquam Marina's site and saw some good deals there. Most of the good deals are the Pontoon boats. There were some relatively new pontoon boats in the price range of being asked for by the 8 to 10 year old fiberglass boats. In an earlier post I saw that someone mentioned the pontoon boats lack shelter from the elements; I disagree. I have seen some with side curtains and removable windshields. Most come with a good deal of canvas; I think one could even turn their toon into a camper if necessary.

03-22-2011, 08:51 AM	#12
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,974 Thanks: 80 Thanked 984 Times in 443 Posts	Cate... A girlfriend of mine has both a 26 Donzi and a 24 'toon.... guess what one she spends the most time on?? I think shopping around is your best bet... go to the dealers and see what different ones they have in inventory, what you need for amenities (porta potty) and the different layouts you like... then start scouring craigslist.... lots of financially distressed boats to be had! Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

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02-27-2011, 10:08 AM	#3
soxfan Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 16 Thanks: 21 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Kate, take a look at winnisquam marina's website, Great people and great sevice with a large inventory.

02-27-2011, 10:30 AM	#4
NoRegrets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hudson - NH Posts: 408 Thanks: 233 Thanked 212 Times in 88 Posts	Your posts and questions are great! While many come to the lake to sit on the porch and look to relax you are building a life. You are bringing the excitement and energy to the region that we need. Thank you! We bought my parents a 22 foot Princecraft with a 50 HP mercury. It was enough for tubing and cocktail cruises only. Not really suitable for Winni. It was used on a small lake in Mass. The trailer and boat were huge to view but light and easy to haul. You probably want a changing screen and some sort of toilet. The boat show idea is great. Even though there are many reputable marinas, we have always used Irwin Marine and highly recommend them. We started our boating thinking we would trailer and explore the country but after we spent the first summer on Winnipesaukee the desire to trailer and explore was gone.

03-07-2011, 11:06 PM	#7
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,605 Thanks: 223 Thanked 856 Times in 519 Posts	Just saw this one pop up on craigslist. Having owned 2 Manitou's I can attest to the fact that they build a good boat. It looks like a good deal. http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/2253177889.html

03-14-2011, 04:29 PM	#9
gf2020 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North of Boston Posts: 203 Thanks: 11 Thanked 35 Times in 28 Posts	Nice deal right here: http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...?do=ad&id=3154

03-21-2011, 08:41 PM	#11
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,937 Thanks: 349 Thanked 1,708 Times in 602 Posts	Wow,gf2020...that is like a brand new boat for 10K....somebody better jump on that !

03-22-2011, 01:54 PM	#13
Seeker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Effingham Posts: 408 Thanks: 37 Thanked 19 Times in 15 Posts	I have a Bennington 2075FS I bought new in 2003. Absolutely no problems with it. It has the optional larger logs, bow mounted trolling motor, privacy enclosure, 2 fishing chairs forward and a 50hp 4-stroke Mercury Bigfoot. I've used it well for 8 years and it still looks brand new. I have this on a smaller lake and would NOT take it to Lake Winnie. Even on my small 1000+ acre lake I can get pretty wet when the wind really kicks up. I would definitely recommend this for calm waters. It does just about 22 with the 50 Merc. It would be underpowered for the big lake. The dog loves it also. I have a deep v center console I kept on Winnie and I found that more suitable when the weekend warriors arrive.