Looking for a pontoon

[MinUph]

I figured I had better start my own thread as I kinda hijacked another one. Anyway.
I am looking into a 18 Ft. Pontoon Boat made by Godfrey Marine and trailer made by Continental. Year unknown so far waiting a reply from the owner. He sent some pics and the boat looks really clean. Trailer looks spotless. I don't know the size of the pontoons and looked on the Godfrey site which showed new models of this size having 23" tubes. How much difference between 23 and 25 in stability?
What do you guys know about Godfrey boats? It has a 40hp 4 stroke Honda on it. If it continues to sound good I'll take a trip to see it this week end. Price is 6500.00 Seems like a deal. Garage kept. Interior looks great in the pics.
Thanks for any guidance.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

What year is it?

 

[goboating]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Could you post the pics also?

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Godfrey makes good boats. The 23" toons will be plenty stable. Price doesn't sound too out of line, but I wouldn't characterize it as a great deal, at least not around here. 18' barges are pretty small, so think very carefully about what your boating needs will be. Keep us posted and welcome aboard.

 

[MinUph]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Found out some more information today.
1999 boat and motor (Honda 4 stroke) 2004 trailer. Boating needs are mainly cruising rivers, and fishing the gulf close to land. The owner said he stopped at a dealer and said the boat was worth around 5200. And he will sell it for that. Canvas is good, motor carbs redone new battery. All it needs is an antenna for the UHF and a new portapotty.
I will post some pics.

View attachment 97208View attachment 97207View attachment 97206View attachment 97205 View attachment 97204

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

$5200 is more like it. The attachments don't work for me, but if you're confident it will meet your needs I say go for it. Let us know.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Prior to @ 2004-5 Godfrey had some good boats after that the company was sold and the quality dropped a bit so a 99 should be fine and an 18 with a 40 shoudl be a nice little package.

 

[MinUph]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Yea there is something wrong with the attachments. I tried sending them again from my site this time and it doesnt take them. I will redo it later after work. Thanks.

 

[MinUph]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Some pics. Hope these work.

 

[MinUph]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Here is the second try for the pics. I hope it works better.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Okay, you confirmed my suspicion. It's just like the '98 Sweetwater I used to have except mine had a two stroke Yami 50 horse. I loved that little boat, but the admiral and admiral jr. made me sell it and get them a bigger one. She looks good to me, but it looks like the back of the boat might have been a little too low in the water; maybe not, but maybe. Just be sure to ask the seller about it, and if you haven't already, shake the front of the barge and listen for sloshing in the toons. Also, search this section for what to look at before pulling the trigger. Several good threads that will help you be a knowledgeable buyer. Nice little rig though. Good luck.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Looks like a nice boat and a fair price. Judging from the dirty tubes it looks like it spent most of the time in the water so check for corrosion if it was used in salt water. The water line looks about normal for an 18 footer and it is equal on both tubes which is a good sign on no leaks. On a Godfrey you will most likely hear some sloshing in the tubes since their tubes are vented on the top they tend to take in a little water. I have the same make and year but mine is a 20 footer and has had water sloshing in the tubes since i bought it 6 years ago and it has not been an issue.

 

[Water logged]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Looks like a nice package. Appears to be well maintained. Let us know how she performs when you splash her.

Glenn

 

[MinUph]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

I hope I'm not a PITA but here's the story. I'm going to look at the boat above Saturday morning. It is about an hour away. Tonight I found two more that I will stop by after work tomorrow. They are at the same place and on my way. But would like some opinions on them. The guy picks them up and reworks them He said his friend is a marine mechanic.
Here are the links to the two new prospects.
http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/boa/2430895793.html

http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/boa/2430689538.html


Thanks for the input on the above boat. And hopefully on these 2.

Paul

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

The Suntracker looks nice and is certainly worth a look if it's not too far out of the way, but the price is ridiculous. He's off by a good two grand if not more. The Sylvan doesn't look bad. Your passengers would enjoy being able to lean back on the lounger. I still think of the three I like the Godfrey, but everything can change in an instant when pictures give way to a real live inspection. Keep us posted, and remember, don't get in too big of a hurry.

 

[MinUph]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Well I checked out the two boats. Not bad. I liked the newer Merc motor and the aluminum floor is something I hadn't heard of before. Seems like a great idea. I'll see the Godfrey in the morning. I'll keep ya posted.
For a 40 hp that merc looks like it should be 140 hp. They just seem so big in comparison. The other boat had the Yamaha. Now that looks like a 40 hp

 

[MinUph]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

I went and looked at the Godfrey this morning. Took her out for a ride. Nice boat. Solid floor, vinyl covered top and looks like the underneath is also. Upholstery is like new. He has it garaged, with covers for all the seating. Full canvas with side curtains. That will be good for the dock. All in great condition. A few minor issues with the motor. Needs a seal for the oil drain plug and some tweaking on the carbs. But it started right up and ran smooth. No leaks, no dents. Very well cared for. I was sold and bought it. Will pick it up on Monday after work I gave 5250 for it. All needed equipment in the price 7 or 8 jackets only two orange one, two anchors with lines. Mooring lines, fenders, throw able flares and more. Kinda turn key. I will have the motor services to be safe and the toons painted before I dock it. I'm excited. My first boat in Florida.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Good work. Looking forward to a report from the maiden voyage.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Looking for a pontoon

Congrats.......that would have been my choice too! Godfrey (sweetwater) are good boats and this one looks like it has been well cared for.