Any info on Weeres Pontoon boats? Looking at a used one to buy and need some advice.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Piston

I do know that I wouldn't want to go any smaller than the 22'. I may find that after using this for a couple seasons I may want to upgrade if the timing is right. I'm pretty confident that with proper judgement I won't have any issues on the lake. I am very prudent with my decisions on when to go where depending on the weather conditions and boating traffic. The wonderful thing about Winni is there is always a cove to putt around in and throw a few lines no matter what the wind is.

I think with proper experience, knowledge, and sound judgement, even a 16' toon with a 25hp engine can have a wonderful day on the lake. Likewise, a 25' tritoon with an incompetent captain can make everyone on the boat have a horrible day. I see people mentioning the size of a boat a lot, but I think it has more to do with knowing the limitations of your equipment, rather than trying to buy a boat that can take on anything, because as we all know, there isn't a boat on earth that can take on anything

Piston:

In a perfect world you are correct. However, let me give you an example of what often happens in the real world. You wake up in Wolfeboro and head to your boat and find perfect conditions so you load everyone in and head to Meredith for lunch. The ride is wonderful with calm conditions. After enjoying lunch and shopping for a couple hours your family piles back in and you head to Wolfeboro only to find the prevailing west wind has kicked in and the chop is unforgiving making the return treck uncomfortable, at best. You can pick any two ports on the lake and have the same experience. Yes, small pontoon boats are fine if you want to putt around in a very limited space on certain parts of the lake but if you want to have any range at all I'd think long and hard about what you purchase. Winnipesaukee can be incredibly rough. My advice is take your time and rent a few different boats before you buy. There is always a deal to be had in the used boat market, especially if you wait until the fall to buy. Good luck.

[Jonas Pilot]

What if you pay attention to the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly. Personally I'd follow the advise of those who have spent the most time on the water.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Jonas Pilot

What if you pay attention to the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly. Personally I'd follow the advise of those who have spent the most time on the water.

That would include Steve A and myself who have both experienced under sized/under powered boats first hand. Also, the weather changes rapidly on Winnipesaukee so it is not as easy as watching the morning forecast.

[Jonas Pilot]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

That would include Steve A and myself who have both experienced under sized/under powered boats first hand. Also, the weather changes rapidly on Winnipesaukee so it is not as easy as watching the morning forecast.

Yes it is. For the accomplished boater anyways.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Jonas Pilot

Yes it is. For the accomplished boater anyways.

Happy Easter Jonas Pilot.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Piston

Piston:
In a perfect world you are correct. However, let me give you an example of what often happens in the real world. You wake up in Wolfeboro and head to your boat and find perfect conditions so you load everyone in and head to Meredith for lunch. The ride is wonderful with calm conditions. After enjoying lunch and shopping for a couple hours your family piles back in and you head to Wolfeboro only to find the prevailing west wind has kicked in and the chop is unforgiving making the return treck uncomfortable, at best. You can pick any two ports on the lake and have the same experience. Yes, small pontoon boats are fine if you want to putt around in a very limited space on certain parts of the lake but if you want to have any range at all I'd think long and hard about what you purchase. Winnipesaukee can be incredibly rough. My advice is take your time and rent a few different boats before you buy. There is always a deal to be had in the used boat market, especially if you wait until the fall to buy. Good luck.

The good news is... my boat is all paid for, the bad news is... I made a terrible decision 6 years ago and bought a WAY undersized, and way underpowered pontoon, (20' - 50HP). Now, while we have enjoyed the boat in certain conditions, we have severely limited when, and how, we can use the boat.

I really like pontoons, the style and space on the boat is ideal for what we consider a great Winni boating experience. Way too many times we take a quick look at the lake and decide, "not a good day for our boat".

I'm actually considering a "good used", (now, there's an oxymoron for ya!) and am looking for a 24' (Max size for the LSP Marina) Tri Toon with at least 150HP, prefer more. Size does matter!

JMHO

[Grandpa Redneck]

Originally Posted by SteveA

The good news is... my boat is all paid for, the bad news is... I made a terrible decision 6 years ago and bought a WAY undersized, and way underpowered pontoon, (20' - 50HP). Now, while we have enjoyed the boat in certain conditions, we have severely limited when, and how, we can use the boat.

I really like pontoons, the style and space on the boat is ideal for what we consider a great Winni boating experience. Way too many times we take a quick look at the lake and decide, "not a good day for our boat".

I'm actually considering a "good used", (now, there's an oxymoron for ya!) and am looking for a 24' (Max size for the LSP Marina) Tri Toon with at least 150HP, prefer more. Size does matter!

JMHO

I know I'm probably sounding like a broken record but ckeck out the Premier PTX tripples at Winnisquam Marine. If you don't mind waiting till the end of the season you can get a good price on their 2012 rental fleet, and still get a warranty on the boat and motor. That is what we have done and we couldn't be happier.

[Piston]

Originally Posted by Grandpa Redneck

I know I'm probably sounding like a broken record but ckeck out the Premier PTX tripples at Winnisquam Marine. If you don't mind waiting till the end of the season you can get a good price on their 2012 rental fleet, and still get a warranty on the boat and motor. That is what we have done and we couldn't be happier.

We rented a couple premiers from Winnisquam and we really liked those boats. If I was gonna buy new they would have been on the top of my list!

I've never been in a tritoon but from what everyone says they are obviously the way to go! I bet the PTX that your talking about is one great boat!

[Grandpa Redneck]

Originally Posted by Piston

We rented a couple premiers from Winnisquam and we really liked those boats. If I was gonna buy new they would have been on the top of my list!

I've never been in a tritoon but from what everyone says they are obviously the way to go! I bet the PTX that your talking about is one great boat!

It is awsome. Winnisquam is having their in water demo days this coming weekend, you should go take a ride in one of the PTX packages, they are VERY impressive.

[Piston]

Originally Posted by Grandpa Redneck

It is awsome. Winnisquam is having their in water demo days this coming weekend, you should go take a ride in one of the PTX packages, they are VERY impressive.

That is the LAST thing I should do!

I learned a while back that if I don't know how much 'better' something is, I won't 'need' it.

If I compared the toon's that I've rented in the past, to a top of the line Tritoon, I know I would realize how much I need one! I can't afford that realization right now

In all honesty I'd love to try out the demo toons but I'm out in the middle of the ocean right now and won't be back for a couple weeks.

[Grandpa Redneck]

Originally Posted by Piston

That is the LAST thing I should do!

I learned a while back that if I don't know how much 'better' something is, I won't 'need' it.

If I compared the toon's that I've rented in the past, to a top of the line Tritoon, I know I would realize how much I need one! I can't afford that realization right now

In all honesty I'd love to try out the demo toons but I'm out in the middle of the ocean right now and won't be back for a couple weeks.

Im sure they would give ya a demo anytime.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Grandpa Redneck

I know I'm probably sounding like a broken record but ckeck out the Premier PTX tripples at Winnisquam Marine. If you don't mind waiting till the end of the season you can get a good price on their 2012 rental fleet, and still get a warranty on the boat and motor. That is what we have done and we couldn't be happier.

I already planned to go see the folks at WM. Thanks for the advice, and ALWAYS feel free to repeat yourself to me... especially if it will save me money!

[jrc]

I love that last picture, I hope he's not your designated driver

Have fun with the new boat!!