Re: Recommended dealers in the OH area??
The two largest manufacturers of Pontoon boats (and two who have been around 30 plus years) are Godfrey and Harris. Godfrey makes Sweetwater, Aquapatio, and Sanpan (in ascending order of features and price) Harris makes boats using the Harris name. there are a lot of other manufaturers out there making very good boats--Bennington is a new one that has gotten very good reviews in both the press and in forums from owneres. <br />I've owned two pontoons, a Harris 24 footer with a Honda 50 and a Sanpan 25 with a Honda 115. I've stuck with one of these two big companies as I want them to be around down the road if I have a problem (I had a 21 ft Celebrity bowrider a few years ago--great boat but the company went out of business--guess what--resale value dropped thru the floor)<br />I agree with the posts on your other question about forgetting the garage option and getting at least a 22 footer--they aren't as big as they seem when you're on the water and none of them are going to go very fast unless you go with a "triple-toon" option (third log under the middle) and a BIG motor--150 hp ++.<br />Most new boats will come with a full cover (usually called a "playpen" cover that covers the entire top of the boat (leaving the botton of the sides and logs exposed). <br />I'd strongly recommend a 4 stroke--they're much quieter and when you're cruising on a pontoon boat--you'll want the quiet!! <br />I live in Akron--I've had great luck with Burch's Landing --they sell the Godfrey line. they're a family owned business who's closed til the first of March but if you're not in a hurry, worth talking to (ask for Russ) Atwood Lake Boats is a Huge dealer with lots of inventory but when I did my shoppng, I found them a bit high on prices compared to other dealers. Boatmaster's in Akron sells Benningtons.<br />The Cleveland show will give you lots of boats to look at and compare prices--good luck!
