Buying a new Tri-toon? Advice welcome

[txboat]

I am finally looking to buy tri-toon within the next month. What I know and have heard:

1) Found a decent deal on a 2008 - Premier tri-toon 25ft Grand majestic with a Honda 200 4 stroke motor. I really like this boat BUT...the dealer is not handling this boat line any longer and there are no dealers in my immediate area. Plus another dealership told me they are out of business? Advice anyone?

2) Have looked at both Tracker (25ft ) Party barge and a 25ft Sun Catcher G 3 LX3 - I like these boats but are these both "entry" level boats? The tracker comes with a 150 Verado Mercury and I believe the G3 comes with a 150 Yamaha both 4 stroke. I have heard to avoid the Mercury motors, if you can get a Honda or Yamaha?? Are these dependable toons??

3) Finally I have heard that Bennington is by far the best built pontoon and most dependable. I also heard it keeps it's value. There are not many used/or newer models out there. What are your thoughts toward the Bennington??

Thank you for any advice!! I plan to make a decision within the next few weeks.

 

[txtoyman]

Re: Buying a new Tri-toon? Advice welcome

Can't respond directly to the boat question, but on motors, make sure you have a GOOD and convenient dealer for the make of motor you choose. I don't know anyone making a bad motor - but there are many bad dealers.

 

[badbird]

Re: Buying a new Tri-toon? Advice welcome

I am finally looking to buy tri-toon within the next month. What I know and have heard:

1) Found a decent deal on a 2008 - Premier tri-toon 25ft Grand majestic with a Honda 200 4 stroke motor. I really like this boat BUT...the dealer is not handling this boat line any longer and there are no dealers in my immediate area. Plus another dealership told me they are out of business? Advice anyone?

2) Have looked at both Tracker (25ft ) Party barge and a 25ft Sun Catcher G 3 LX3 - I like these boats but are these both "entry" level boats? The tracker comes with a 150 Verado Mercury and I believe the G3 comes with a 150 Yamaha both 4 stroke. I have heard to avoid the Mercury motors, if you can get a Honda or Yamaha?? Are these dependable toons??

3) Finally I have heard that Bennington is by far the best built pontoon and most dependable. I also heard it keeps it's value. There are not many used/or newer models out there. What are your thoughts toward the Bennington??

Thank you for any advice!! I plan to make a decision within the next few weeks.

well congrats on getting into the toons...

I have looked at all the brands new and used I have been looking and reading alot for about 6 months. with that said I was at the Detroit boat show and the owners son of Bennington boats showed me why they are the best built boat in the industry.
Before anyone bashes me just look at the construction..

do yourself a favor and actually get under the boats and look at construction not just the pretty side.if you plan to keep the boat for years I am pretty sure I know what boat you will buy

Good luck
Ron

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Buying a new Tri-toon? Advice welcome

I'd buy a Premier (with the PTX package) in a heartbeat. My Honda is so quiet at idle that I have to look at the Tach to ensure that it running. As far as I know, Premier is still in business. Sounds like the dealer was trying to put down the competition.

I'd keep the choices between the Premier and the Bennington as long as the $$ are not an issue.

 

[badbird]

Re: Buying a new Tri-toon? Advice welcome

I'd buy a Premier (with the PTX package) in a heartbeat. My Honda is so quiet at idle that I have to look at the Tach to ensure that it running. As far as I know, Premier is still in business. Sounds like the dealer was trying to put down the competition.

I'd keep the choices between the Premier and the Bennington as long as the $$ are not an issue.

I also like the Premier but without having local support kinda makes it a hard decision

Ron

 

[imported_John o]

Re: Buying a new Tri-toon? Advice welcome

I am finally looking to buy tri-toon within the next month. What I know and have heard:

1) Found a decent deal on a 2008 - Premier tri-toon 25ft Grand majestic with a Honda 200 4 stroke motor. I really like this boat BUT...the dealer is not handling this boat line any longer and there are no dealers in my immediate area. Plus another dealership told me they are out of business? Advice anyone?

There's actually not a whole lot that can go wrong on a pontoon. If the dealer isn't handling the line anymore would they still service the boat they sold to you?

My dealer is 200 plus miles away from me. I've been there once to have some stuff added that wasn't in yet when I picked up the boat. Have not been back ther in three years. I do have a couple certified servcie shops nearby for my motor however. If you have a motor shop near by you don't need the dealer.

2) Have looked at both Tracker (25ft ) Party barge and a 25ft Sun Catcher G 3 LX3 - I like these boats but are these both "entry" level boats? The tracker comes with a 150 Verado Mercury and I believe the G3 comes with a 150 Yamaha both 4 stroke. I have heard to avoid the Mercury motors, if you can get a Honda or Yamaha?? Are these dependable toons??

"Entry level" these days doesn't really mean a whole lot. Almost all boats are well built and plenty comfortable. That said, the premier is the best of these three. Plusher, better handling and with a bigger motor. I assume all three have lifting strakes etc.

I have a 175hp Yamaha HPDI VMAX. I love it. very quiet. In fact, I have the same problem as oldepharte. I can't hear it when it's at idle. When I was shopping (back in 2006) the Mercury optimax and the Yamah Vmax came in neck and neck with the Evinrude Etec just a hair ahead. Any of the three were great 2 cycle outboards.

3) Finally I have heard that Bennington is by far the best built pontoon and most dependable. I also heard it keeps it's value. There are not many used/or newer models out there. What are your thoughts toward the Bennington??

Bennigton is a very good boat. rated #1 or #2 for the last 7 years by JD Powers. Manitou is alos rater #1 or #2 for the last 7 years by JD Powers. Manitou handles better (With the SHP package) but Bennington is said to have slightly better fit and finish. I don't think you'd have a problem with either line (or the premier for that matter)

Thank you for any advice!! I plan to make a decision within the next few weeks.

Shop around and get the boat that will do what YOU want it to do. I wanted to do a little of everything and Manitou had a model that fit me perfectly. Shop until you find what fits you. They say you should buy your second boat first. The only error I made was I should have bought more motor. You can never have too much motor. :^)