New to forum

[DJL50]

Hello,

Just wanted to pop in and introduce myself.
Doing some research on a first Pontoon purchase. Been trying to find a good forum on the web to ask questions and learn. Looks like the place so I registered.
Wanting to purchase used as I never been pontooning before. Have in mind a 20 foot fishing. Have looked at new Suntracker and Bentley.
At this point I don't know enough to even ask questions. Will be reading a lot and may jump in and ask a dumb question or two

 

[5150abf]

Re: New to forum

Bently is actually out of buisness so there won't be any warranty on that but if that doesn't bother you the go ahead but they are a base entry level boat.

There are no stringers to rot or foam to water log, just look it over really really well, inspect the entire deck for soft spots and you should always run the boat in the water to make sure the engine is in good shape.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: New to forum

Welcome... You'll get very knowledgeable answers to your questions here. So fire away..

 

[Mr Crabbs]

Re: New to forum

We bought our first ever in June, iboats is a great (the best Ive seen anyway) place to get information.

We went with the Suntracker PB20, upgraded to the 90 Merc. It's a great intro boat for us. I bought new, prices were good I didn't want to buy a used boat and spend time fixing other peoples problems, although when I was younger I would have actually enjoyed it!

It has the fishing seats which I never use, I just stand on the bow and cast. If you get the FB it has 2 live wells I believe and storage for a deep cycle battery up front. I personally don't need the battery storage and if I want a live well I'll use a cooler and aquarium pump.

One last thought, IMO, manufactures have a tendency to overstate the capacity for your crew. You probably won't be having much fun if your pontoon has the max number of people on it, even if you are within the weight limits.

Good luck and remember, there are no stupid questions!

Edit: DJ, I just noticed that you are from the Queen City. What part of town are you from, we live in Mason and have spent a lot of time on Caeser Creek and a long weekend at Rocky Fork. Let me know if you do get your boat.

 

[DJL50]

Re: New to forum

I was reading that Bentley went out of the bizz but are back in again. ?????
I do woodworking as a hobby so anything wrong with the boat I would be able to fix. A used engine is what get me concerned. Can't believe how expensive a new boat engine is. I had an engine put in my F-150 and thought that was expensive. $4k. If I get a used boat only to find out the engine needs replaced, that would kill the savings. But 20K for a new set-up is just not in the cards.

I live on the Eastside, Eastgate area. Rocky Fork and Eastfork lake would be where I would use the pontoon.