Re: What are the best Pontoon Boats?
Newtoboatsman, sorry it took so long to get back to you! You ask me a prejudiced question. I did my research, and for my area, with the Brands I had to choose from, with dealers to do maintance, and the amount of options that are STANDARD on the Odyssey, in my opinion, I got the best, or I would have bought something else. <br /><br />There are many fine Tripontoon boats out there. I paid 29K for mine, Boat, Motor & Trailer. Prices may vary from one dealer to the next. I do think that Odyssey does have the best warranty in the business. They have a Lifetime Warranty on the hull, not a limited lifetime warranty. This warranty includes labor also. As I tell anybody that is checking into the Tripontoons, don't take anybodies word on what is best. What is best for one might not even be what the next guy wants. For example I even told Bixll about the Odyssey, and his needs is steering him toward the Premier right now. No problem, it might be best for his needs. The one he is looking at now is almost a Yacht. Very Nice. So I tell every Toon shopper, Do your research, Ask 10,000 questions, before you buy. Demand a test ride! When your ridding, can you have a converstion over the motor noise, if it is quiet, can you hear panels ratteling, or the water beating under the hull? Make an INFORMED DECISION. <br /><br />Take all these guys suggestions and think them over, check out all the sites, (And consider checking out the Pontoon sites I mentioned, these guys know pontoons). Guys will argue Boat Brands, like they argue Ford, Dodge, and Chevy. Don't get in a hurry, learn all you can. Just remember when your comparing, to compare different brands equally. Example: Don't compare one 22' pontoon with a 25' pontoon. One with an I/O to an Outboard, and different horsepowers to each other. Pick out in your mind a goal, say make a list like I did, I wanted a 25' tritoon, with an I/O. When calling for a price from different competitors compare the same set up from each one. Don't get a price on a 25' tritoon from one dealer with an I/O and compare it to a price on a 22' double toon with an Outboard. Once you narrow down what you want, then you'll find the boat to fit your needs. <br /><br />Another thing, make a side list on its options. <br />One Brand, equipment is STANDARD, and on another Brand that equipment is an Option, you have to pay extra for it. If you checked out the Forest river site, I found that many items that are options on other Brands are STANDARD on the Odyssey, and I feel like I got the most for my money. <br /><br />So far as horsepower, it is all in what you want. Odyssey I/O have the 3.0, 4.3, 5.0, 5.7. In Outboards they have all the way up to the 300 V MAX, which they say is also a 50 mph boat. I'm not trying to talk you into a fast pontoon, just with any boat, don't underpower it, you won't be happy. Also be aware, one might be Multiport fuel injected, the other have a carb.<br /><br />Newmanns also suggested a Deckboat may interest you. I looked at them, and once I compaired the amount of space, which the pontoon has more, and the performance between the two, which there is not much difference, I just quit looking at Deckboats. <br /><br />KCook made a good point about different things being best, for example I liked the Odyssey having molded sections under the seats, not wood enclosures, and I have had comments on my seats being as comfortable as people's living room furniture. One Brand may cut a corner on one part, and advertise the part they spend more money on than the other Brands. Check out the total package on all your lists.<br /><br />BillP brought up some good points also, Pontoon thickness. Check the thickness of the toons when comparing. Also, be aware, that the largest Pontoons are not always the best. Once the toons get 25 and over, some Outboard motors can have cavitation problems, not being matched with the newer larger toon sizes. BillP also made an excellent point on bolts. Be sure to not only check that every bolt on the boat is Stainless Steel, but that the fasteners are bolted (w/ss) not screwed. Another excellent point BillP brought up is the engine compartment, if your checking I/O, make sure you can get to that dipstick, to the fuel and Oil filter, and if it has the easy oil drain hose to change your oil. Mine also has 1 easy to get to blue knob to turn, to Winterize it. Make sure you can perform the maintance on whatever you buy. <br /><br />Ask Ask Ask, I will be glad to answer any questions that you have, if I can. Good luck with your search, and I look forward to tooning with Ya! Happy Boating!<br /><br />GodsBeast (Ken Bates)