My first pontoon, have some questions.

workerbee606

Seaman
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
60
Hello to everyone, I will be picking up my firt pontoon Monday! I have been looking for a while and decided to go with a
G3 suncatcher LV 228C with a Yamaha F115 on the back. The questions I have are this, after I get her registered what do I need to get before getting ouon the waterfor a breakin run. I have gotten all the USCG safety gear an docking lines, bumpers and lines and an anchor, anchor chain and mooring line. I dont ha a depth finder yet but plan on getting one soon. I have not seen much on the forums about G3 toons, what do you all think , are they solid boats?
 

mrbusdriver

Seaman
Joined
Mar 2, 2012
Messages
64
Re: My first pontoon, have some questions.

A cooler, fishing poles, radio, friends and you may want two anchors to keep it from swinging around in the wind. Now go and have a blast with your new toy. I love my toon and I'm sure you will also.
 

WaterDR

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
730
Re: My first pontoon, have some questions.

Make sure to break-in the motor properly if it is new. Ask your dealer what they recommend. Generally speaking, no WOT right away and on the first tank of fuel, you need to vary the rpms. They can tell you.
 

lncoop

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
5,147
Re: My first pontoon, have some questions.

Welcome aboard, workerbee. Yes, G3s are good boats, and you've picked a great configuration for a first barge. Big enough but not too big, and plenty of power. As WaterDR says, ask your dealer about breaking in the motor (we're assuming it's new), but other than that it sounds like you're pretty well set except for anchors. One thing I'd highly recommend if you're not already water savvy is a boater safety course. Even an online one would be beneficial. Will you be trailering your barge on a regular basis? If so, we'll be glad to give you a few tips for that if you'd like, but I won't go there unless you want me to. No since overloading you with info you don't need. Once you get her splashed take some pics for us. We love pontoon porn! Good luck. We're excited for you.:cool:
 

WaterDR

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
730
Re: My first pontoon, have some questions.

Boaters safety course is a GREAT idea for anyone new to boating. They do tend to be overly generic, but always good to know the rules of the road. There is a lot of common sense in boating but also a lot of boaters w/o it. Also, learn your local rules and laws too.

Quick personal story......I have three times been pulled over by the police. Once was for tubing in an area that was not allowed on sundays. I did not know it was posted, which is, no excuse. Other times were for kids (guests) who keep wanting to walk around while underway. Depending on where you live, that is a $75 to $150 fine AND will subject you to a complete inspection. I have never gotten a ticket mostly because of my attitude.

Also, note the drinking laws. We boat on a border river 100% of the time. If busted by a WI police, you will get fined. it is a few hundred bucks and goes on on your boaters record.....never reported on your DL. If caught by a MN cop, it is worse than a DUI. mandatory $7500 fine and a loss of your DL. They both patrol the entire river.

yes, and take pics!
 

workerbee606

Seaman
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
60
Re: My first pontoon, have some questions.

Thanks for the advice everyone. The boat is new as is the motor. I did take a boaters cource and have to now go to the courthouse and get my Alabama boaters liscence. I will get another anchor just in case as well. The boat has a radio alreadyand I have several coolers to put in her! The boat should be ready for pick up this afternoon, I am like a kid at Christmas time !!! I will be towing the boat to and from the water also , should I use tie downs on the transom to hold her to the trailer or is that not needed?
 

workerbee606

Seaman
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
60
Re: My first pontoon, have some questions.

I will b following the Yamaha break i schedule on the motor as well. Do you guys recomend using a fuel additive, I wil eb running the nly gas we have around here, 10 percent ethanol, and what octane is best? Thaks again for the help!
 

lncoop

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
5,147
Re: My first pontoon, have some questions.

E10 87 should be fine. You can use an additive if you want. Some swear by them, others think they're snake oil. I add some when I know I won't be using the boat for a while (at least a month) because I look at it as cheap insurance. Even the guys who don't believe in it agree it won't hurt anything, so why not, right? Definitely use rear tie downs when trailering and connect them to the lift eyes and trailer brackets. I also recommend a transom saver. There's vigorous debate on this topic as well, but I've followed enough rigs without them and watched the motor bounce even on PT&T to be a believer. YMMV.
 

The Rooster

Ensign
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
936
Re: My first pontoon, have some questions.

Congratulations "workerbee", and just in time to make the first annual Arkansas get together in August !!! +1 on the "Pontoon Porn".:D
 

lncoop

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
5,147
Re: My first pontoon, have some questions.

Congratulations "workerbee", and just in time to make the first annual Arkansas get together in August !!! +1 on the "Pontoon Porn".:D

Yeah, what's your twenty, any way? Anywhere near the natural state?
 

Old Screwball

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
240
Re: My first pontoon, have some questions.

One of the posts above reminded me. Our vacation house is on the Colorado River in Arizona. The other side of the river is Nevada, except downstream 3 miles it is California and Arizona. In addition, the river runs through the Fort Mohave Indian Reservation. ALL 4 entities patrol the river. Speed limits change between Indian Territory and States, as do 'beaching fees'. If you beach your boat on the BLM Indian Land, you need a Reservation Use Permit. $50 fine for no sticker. Life vest usage differs from California, Arizona, and Nevada so you either have everyone wear one (good idea) or chance a huge ticket if you wonder from Arizona water (fairly lenient) into Nevada (pretty strict). Don't have a problem with speeding with the 'toon', but can get tagged big time with the Seadoos.

Moral of the story.... KNOW THE LAWS

Good Luck
 

WaterDR

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
730
Re: My first pontoon, have some questions.

On the St. Croix river up here there is no speed limit, but they rigidly enforce no wake areas.
 

workerbee606

Seaman
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
60
Re: My first pontoon, have some questions.

Yeah, what's your twenty, any way? Anywhere near the natural state?

I got the boat in the side yard! It came with some nice straps for the rear to secure it to the trailer and they put in a fish/depth finder for free! I live in LA. or lower Alabama if you will. I did get some ring free and some ethanol fule treatment just to be safe. I will be taking the new toy out in a day or two when the rain and clouds are gone. This site is fantastic and I am sure I will have many more questions in the future! I already have plans to do a underskin job on the toon next year but this summer it will be fun time!!!
 
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