Lifespan of Pontoon Boats/Motors

[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....