Considering 2010 bentley 220 pontoon boat, thoughts?

[240sx4u]

I am having a heck of a time finding decent information on these boats. I have seen complaints about Bentley boats from about 4 years ago but not much recently. Local dealer wants to sell us one for 9300 with mooring cover. No motor/trailer. Seems like a pretty good deal. I already have a 50hp mariner outboard that is 5-6 years old.

Thoughts? Other suggestions?

Thanks guys.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Considering 2010 bentley 220 pontoon boat, thoughts?

Pontoons are one boat style that you really don't need to worry much about the manufacturers reputation as they really don't build much of the boat. Pontoons are generally outsourced and even if they are made in-house it is pretty hard to screw them up. Furniture is generally outsourced as are the other accessories. This stuff is very generic so if something does go bad an alternate is readily available. I looked at a Bentley before buying my Misty Harbor and saw nothing that would indicate future issues.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Considering 2010 bentley 220 pontoon boat, thoughts?

Unless Bentley is back in business, 2009 was the last year they built a pontoon. I have heard they are, but have seen no proof.

I have the 2009 240 Bentley and am very pleased. Just beware that you may not get a manufacturers warranty so I would make sure you get in writeing that the dealer will warrant the boat.

Fortunately, pontoons seldom need warranty work. So just check the boat very carefully prior to purchase.

The price seems fair but in today's economy and the fact that it is late in the season, I would try to squeeze a few more hundred off the price.

IMHO, if you like the boat, and the initial inspection is satisfactory, then I wouldn't let the questionable warranty stop my purchase.

 

[240sx4u]

Re: Considering 2010 bentley 220 pontoon boat, thoughts?

Thanks guys. I pretty much agree 100% with what you are saying.

This company was purchased again by the original folks who started the company. This boat is a 2010. Thanks for the warning though.

Evan

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Considering 2010 bentley 220 pontoon boat, thoughts?

I have a 2007 Bentley 200 and have no regrets buying it. It's been a good boat for 4 seasons and it looks pretty much like the day I got it. Has 200 hours on it so far. I boat in some rough water and it has held up well. Even though I don't have a warranty, at least I can still get parts if needed, since they didn't change anything but the name. Now that the old owner bought it back (Now called Encore), the new boats will have a warranty and lets hope they are able to stick around longer this time..

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Considering 2010 bentley 220 pontoon boat, thoughts?

i think another company bought them, and they are back making boats. Bentley is an excellant pontoon. i would want a trailer at that price. it is a bad time for boat dealers, they should deal.

 

[240sx4u]

Re: Considering 2010 bentley 220 pontoon boat, thoughts?

Boat sold before we got a chance to go see it, thanks for the information though guys. The hunt continues. I appreciate all the input and suggestions.

Evan

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Considering 2010 bentley 220 pontoon boat, thoughts?

There's always another. Good time of the year to be looking, too. Good luck with your search..

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Considering 2010 bentley 220 pontoon boat, thoughts?

I looked at a Bently but we felt it was way over priced. So I bought a 2007 Starcraft Used with a 90 Hp two Stroke Merc.The Starcraft dealer said that boat and motor only had 20 hr's on it. It looks new. I also got a 24 ft 5 star trailer tandum wheels with brakes for less then $16,000 and that was in the middle of summer last year. Check out the used prices on bentley's .I also got a warrenty on the motor good until the end of 2012. full coverage. Now that the season is almost over the prices should really be dropping off. Check the local boat shows.