Hello All,
I've been lurking in the forum for some time. I just purchased a house on a lake last year, and have been shopping around for pontoons. I have my choice narrowed down, and would like to get the collective's input.
First of all, a little about who we are and what we would use the boat for. We have a toddler and two dogs (hence the pontoon). We anticipate using the pontoon mostly for cruising around the lake and entertaining, but also for water skiing and tubing. Fishing is not high up in priorities. Our lake is pretty small - big enough to water ski and have some fun on, but no cigarette boat races.
So, with that out of the way, the blind taste test of the day:
Option A "New"
- a New 2012 Sweetwater 2286. 22', 115 hp engine
- Upgrades: TOTAL package (under deck skin, lifting strakes, "G-force" third tube, 29 gallon fuel tank), ski tow bar, docking lights
- Price: $26000 (all in - tax, registration, etc.)
- Pluses: New, fast upgrades, get to customize
- Minuses: More expensive, I will take depreciation hit
Option B "Used"
- a 1999 Crest Savannah Gold 25', 130 hp engine
- Interior in mint condition; low hours (don't know for sure - but barely used by retired couple)
- Upgrades: plush seating, bar/sink unit (wife likes), custom seat covers, 27" toons, 2 gas tanks, ski tow bar
- Price: $13500 (all in - registration, inspector to view the boat, delivery to my lake)
- Pluses: Cheaper, still decent engine, more plush interior, slightly bigger
- Minuses: Boat is getting up there in age, dealing with uncertainty of older boat, no tritoon, strakes and skin
OK, let 'er rip.
Thanks!
Nik
I've been lurking in the forum for some time. I just purchased a house on a lake last year, and have been shopping around for pontoons. I have my choice narrowed down, and would like to get the collective's input.
First of all, a little about who we are and what we would use the boat for. We have a toddler and two dogs (hence the pontoon). We anticipate using the pontoon mostly for cruising around the lake and entertaining, but also for water skiing and tubing. Fishing is not high up in priorities. Our lake is pretty small - big enough to water ski and have some fun on, but no cigarette boat races.
So, with that out of the way, the blind taste test of the day:
Option A "New"
- a New 2012 Sweetwater 2286. 22', 115 hp engine
- Upgrades: TOTAL package (under deck skin, lifting strakes, "G-force" third tube, 29 gallon fuel tank), ski tow bar, docking lights
- Price: $26000 (all in - tax, registration, etc.)
- Pluses: New, fast upgrades, get to customize
- Minuses: More expensive, I will take depreciation hit
Option B "Used"
- a 1999 Crest Savannah Gold 25', 130 hp engine
- Interior in mint condition; low hours (don't know for sure - but barely used by retired couple)
- Upgrades: plush seating, bar/sink unit (wife likes), custom seat covers, 27" toons, 2 gas tanks, ski tow bar
- Price: $13500 (all in - registration, inspector to view the boat, delivery to my lake)
- Pluses: Cheaper, still decent engine, more plush interior, slightly bigger
- Minuses: Boat is getting up there in age, dealing with uncertainty of older boat, no tritoon, strakes and skin
OK, let 'er rip.
Thanks!
Nik