looking for a pontoon have questions

[badbowtie]

I sold are 21 cuddy last summer just wanted something different I hvae done everything to that boat from stringers, floors, sewing new seats, replaced motor, and rebuilt outdrive. So there is not much I will not tackle. But I am thinking of buying a older some what cheap pontoon boat I am thinking 20-28 foot. Needs work the better means cheaper. I would like to beable to atleast pull a tube behind it for the kids and maybe even ski a 180 pound skier. maybe even play on the wake board. Am I asking to much from a pontoon boat. What is the min size motor will I need to beable to do some of this. Also what brand motors do I just run from since I will be looking for a older one I don't want one I can't get parts for.

 

[lncoop]

Re: looking for a pontoon have questions

With your experience you have little to worry about in terms of getting hosed on the purchase, but you might have a tough time finding an older barge that will meet your watersports needs. That said, for what you want to do behind it you'll need at least a ninety horse, and on an older boat that will likely mean 24'. I'd stay away from Nissan and Force motors if for no other reason than the one you mentioned. Other than that, use your discretion. You should be able to handle anything that needs to be done to a pontoon boat and/or trailer. Happy hunting.

 

[cc350]

Re: looking for a pontoon have questions

Mine is 22' with a 90hp and we can do all you asked. A 115-135hp would of been better but we felt it wasn't worth the extra.(cost,fuel) We relax more than engage in water sports.

 

[The_Kid]

Re: looking for a pontoon have questions

My 24' with an 88 on it pulls a tube or skiers without any problem. I've had two skiers behind it a few times. I prefer the pontoon when teaching someone to ski. When you hit the gas there's no lag like there can be with other boats while they are getting up on plane.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: looking for a pontoon have questions

There are some late 1980's and early 1990's boats around that need some new plywood decking and carpet. Otherwise, they're pretty much bullet proof. Good used pontoons don't come cheap, however.

I have a 24' pontoon boat with a 115 hp Yamaha 2 stroke. It'll pull skiers well, and gets reasonably good fuel mileage. A 22' boat with a 90 hp may perform adequately, but it's not enough motor for larger hulls.

After having a strong running boat, and I just prefer to stick with the largest engine the hull is rated for--if you're going to pull skiers. If just tubing, you can go one notch down in horsepower.

 

[badbowtie]

Re: looking for a pontoon have questions

Okay I have just started to look around and see what was out there but I thought there was a couple motors to stay away from nissian and force so that is easy enough. The couple I have seen have merc or evinrude or johnson. I also do more relaxing than water sports. I also have a buddy that has a 03 270br that we can skiing behind if it comes down to it. Maybe here shortly I can get out and see what I can find out there. I will continue to check back here for updates.

 

[lncoop]

Re: looking for a pontoon have questions

Cool. If you're the relaxing type you'll definitely enjoy a barge.