Purchasing A New Pontoon Boat

codeman671 · 03-26-2012, 10:22 AM

I would suggest Manitou boats (Rochester Sports Center on 125) or Premier from Winnisquam. Having owned both brands I was happy with each.

I think the fit and finish is better with Premier, although my last Manitou was an 07 and I know they have improved since. I think the Manitou was a better handling boat in rough water as well as faster. The Premier rides well, don't get me wrong.

I had a problem with the bimini frame on my Premier snapping last season in the wind at a relatively low speed. I have the 13.5' long version which is considered very large. I am hoping Premier did something to reinforce/correct this going forward. Winnisquam had it fixed in no time, right in my slip.

Go 4 stroke. I was talked into the Optimax 250 Pro XS on mine. It is a great motor, and definitely quieter than my last Optimax 225 but it still is not as quiet as the Verado. I notice that with my monster bimini extended it is a bit loud under power. With the bimini stowed it is very quiet.

Being an islander our boat is constantly hauling a lot of people, dogs and gear. Winnisquam dropped my prop pitch considerably to get me out of the hole better and to get my overall RPM's up. I didn't notice any real loss of speed at top end as the motor is turning where it should be now and it sounds a lot better when under load.

LIforrelaxin · 03-26-2012, 11:26 AM

As others have mentioned I would recommend Winnisquam marine, I boat my Four Winns from them was very pleased. Mine was a used boat. But regardless, they gave me no hassles when it came to issue happening during the warrantee period. And never skimped on the fixes. They have also been excellent in offering advice over the years as well, even though I no longer stow the boat or service it with them. the only downside is they aren't located on the big lake... so if you wanted to use them for service, you would have to haul the boat to them, or have them come and get it, which can be pricey.

As far as pontoon boats go, I the biggest difference I have seen over the various manufactures is the level of finish, pontoon size, and available options. Premier, Harris, and Bennington all build very nice boats... I have been on all three.

Last if I had to chose between Melvin Village and Channel, it would be Melvin Village... They do take care of their customers... and off the boat lines they carry. Even though they know my boat was purchased at Winnisquam, they have always treated me well... And my Uncle has purchased two boats from them, and always been treated excellent....

codeman671 · 03-26-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

the only downside is they aren't located on the big lake... so if you wanted to use them for service, you would have to haul the boat to them, or have them come and get it, which can be pricey.

We get free pickup and delivery to the lake for service work, included in the purchase. We do not have a trailer, they launch and pull for us. They have gone as far as grabbing it from our slip at Gilford Yacht Club, driving it out to Glendale, then haul from there.

At the end of the season I gave them a date to pull it, left it at Glendale and they took care of the rest.

Greene's Basin Girl · 03-26-2012, 06:27 PM

I want to thank everyone for all of the pontoon boat suggestions. I attended the New England Boat Show and I looked at the various brands. At that time I decided on Harris or Bennington. Melvin Marina has been been wonderful to me as I have been thinking about purchasing a pontoon for a couple of years. Melvin Marina is also much closer to us so. The salesperson has Channel Marine has also been top-notch. Probably by the time I decide summer will be over once again. Big toy purchase decisions are not easy.

RLW · 03-26-2012, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green's Basin Girl

I want to thank everyone for all of the pontoon boat suggestions. I attended the New England Boat Show and I looked at the various brands. At that time I decided on Harris or Bennington. Melvin Marina has been been wonderful to me as I have been thinking about purchasing a pontoon for a couple of years. Melvin Marina is also much closer to us so. The salesperson has Channel Marine has also been top-notch. Probably by the time I decide summer will be over once again. Big toy purchase decisions are not easy.

I say, just go for it and go into hock like many of us. Ya, there is the monthly payments, but look at the fun you will be having during the summer and then looking forward to every March and April to start all over again.

03-26-2012, 11:26 AM	#2
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,912 Thanks: 1,048 Thanked 900 Times in 530 Posts	As others have mentioned I would recommend Winnisquam marine, I boat my Four Winns from them was very pleased. Mine was a used boat. But regardless, they gave me no hassles when it came to issue happening during the warrantee period. And never skimped on the fixes. They have also been excellent in offering advice over the years as well, even though I no longer stow the boat or service it with them. the only downside is they aren't located on the big lake... so if you wanted to use them for service, you would have to haul the boat to them, or have them come and get it, which can be pricey. As far as pontoon boats go, I the biggest difference I have seen over the various manufactures is the level of finish, pontoon size, and available options. Premier, Harris, and Bennington all build very nice boats... I have been on all three. Last if I had to chose between Melvin Village and Channel, it would be Melvin Village... They do take care of their customers... and off the boat lines they carry. Even though they know my boat was purchased at Winnisquam, they have always treated me well... And my Uncle has purchased two boats from them, and always been treated excellent.... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

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03-26-2012, 10:22 AM	#1
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,546 Thanks: 222 Thanked 829 Times in 500 Posts	I would suggest Manitou boats (Rochester Sports Center on 125) or Premier from Winnisquam. Having owned both brands I was happy with each. I think the fit and finish is better with Premier, although my last Manitou was an 07 and I know they have improved since. I think the Manitou was a better handling boat in rough water as well as faster. The Premier rides well, don't get me wrong. I had a problem with the bimini frame on my Premier snapping last season in the wind at a relatively low speed. I have the 13.5' long version which is considered very large. I am hoping Premier did something to reinforce/correct this going forward. Winnisquam had it fixed in no time, right in my slip. Go 4 stroke. I was talked into the Optimax 250 Pro XS on mine. It is a great motor, and definitely quieter than my last Optimax 225 but it still is not as quiet as the Verado. I notice that with my monster bimini extended it is a bit loud under power. With the bimini stowed it is very quiet. Being an islander our boat is constantly hauling a lot of people, dogs and gear. Winnisquam dropped my prop pitch considerably to get me out of the hole better and to get my overall RPM's up. I didn't notice any real loss of speed at top end as the motor is turning where it should be now and it sounds a lot better when under load.

03-26-2012, 06:27 PM	#4
Greene's Basin Girl Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Moultonborough, NH Posts: 1,515 Thanks: 394 Thanked 527 Times in 269 Posts	I want to thank everyone for all of the pontoon boat suggestions. I attended the New England Boat Show and I looked at the various brands. At that time I decided on Harris or Bennington. Melvin Marina has been been wonderful to me as I have been thinking about purchasing a pontoon for a couple of years. Melvin Marina is also much closer to us so. The salesperson has Channel Marine has also been top-notch. Probably by the time I decide summer will be over once again. Big toy purchase decisions are not easy.