Lifespan of Pontoon Boats/Motors

[thinkxingu]

A couple notes (#3 might answer some questions):

1. I have it stored indoors and serviced my Melvin Village Marina every year and always follow their recommendations (oil and lube, plugs, etc.).

2. The upholstery is perfect as, as Dan mentioned, it's covered when unused and treated with 303 twice a summer minimum.

3. The main reason I'm asking is not because I need/want something new but because my wife and I are debt-free and want to remain so. To do that means no more loans, which means saving cash ahead of when things are needed...including replacement cars, golf carts, boat, etc etc.

So, I was mostly wondering how many years I have left before starting to save!

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

A couple notes (#3 might answer some questions):

So, I was mostly wondering how many years I have left before starting to save!

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

Based off your excellent standards for storage and upkeep...I would estimate you have 12 - 15 years left of good life on your motor...my opinion of course...

Dan

[codeman671]

350 hours is nothing and the Mercury 150hp 4 stroke is a solid motor. Our new (new to me that is) 2013 Bennington had 390 hours on the Yamaha 300hp when we bought it this summer. My 2020 Eastern with a 150hp had 300 hours on it at the beginning of this season. Both will run for years to come.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

A couple notes (#3 might answer some questions):

3. The main reason I'm asking is not because I need/want something new but because my wife and I are debt-free and want to remain so. To do that means no more loans, which means saving cash ahead of when things are needed...including replacement cars, golf carts, boat, etc etc.

So, I was mostly wondering how many years I have left before starting to save!

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

Here is my thought as you are evidently in a wonderful place with no debt.... If you take the Money, that you would have felt comfortable with spending per month on a boat, and put that into a "Boat" savings account.... when you need to think about a new or newer boat you should have the money to do so.... I would anticipate a well cared for pontoon, to last 25-30 years.... my experience tells me that isn't out of the realm of possibility in your case...

[Descant]

A few years ago, we wanted a new (bigger!) boat. The first step was to get a bigger slip. THEN we went boat shopping. If you're happy with the current slip, no need for a new(er) boat.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Descant

A few years ago, we wanted a new (bigger!) boat. The first step was to get a bigger slip. THEN we went boat shopping. If you're happy with the current slip, no need for a new(er) boat.

But...........As the kids get older and want to bring their friends more room would be nice! More horsepower would be nice too.

One thing I have found with pontoon boats is the diameter of the pontoons makes a big difference. As with boat size, bigger is better. My first pontoon boat had two 19 inch pontoons. The current one has three 27 inch pontoons with lifting strakes, way better.

A 20 foot pontoon boat is a little small for some conditions on the lake so picking and choosing when you will venture far from home becomes important. It is too bad that that the length restriction is in place. That limits opportunities to move up.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

But...........As the kids get older and want to bring their friends more room would be nice! More horsepower would be nice too.

One thing I have found with pontoon boats is the diameter of the pontoons makes a big difference. As with boat size, bigger is better. My first pontoon boat had two 19 inch pontoons. The current one has three 27 inch pontoons with lifting strakes, way better.

A 20 foot pontoon boat is a little small for some conditions on the lake so picking and choosing when you will venture far from home becomes important. It is too bad that that the length restriction is in place. That limits opportunities to move up.

I have seen many 20 ft. pontoons on the lake, and do quite well even in adverse conditions..... As you eluded to the toon size is important.....I have ended up in the 25ft area with my pontoon, not because I was concerned about the conditions of the lake, but because I wanted room, to have my sons girl friends, and the grand parents to be able to spend the day on the water with my wife and I...... of course that happens rarely, and as the boys have gone out on their own.... going back down to a 20-22 ft. boat with performance toons, wouldn't hurt my feelings... Anyways I digress, my first pontoon had smaller 20" logs there where times that was an issue... the newer boat I picked up last year has 26" logs.... and yep much better ride...... but what I have is paid for..... and I like not having a payment.... so I will keep the longer boat....