2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

[scott&kellie]

I'm currently toying with the idea of purchasing a 2011/2012 bently or sweetwater with a min of 90Hp merc. when I return stateside in dec. Can any one tell me the cons on either boat? The Bently dealer is maybe 10 miles from my house whereas the sweetwater is 1.5hrs away where my
parents live thats the down side first off. The warranty looks about the same on both of them. All Pros and Cons are appreciated, thanks.

Scott.

 

[lncoop]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

No cons really. Both companies have historically made good boats, although it looks like there might have been some kind of change at Bentley, not that that's unusual these days. The Sweetwater is Godfrey's "value line", but I don't know much about Bentley boats. Just curious; are you insistent on having a new rig? I ask because a gently used one will save you an astranomical amount of cash, and the nice thing about buying a used barge is the very limited potential for hidden issues. Your money of course, but I just thought I'd throw it out there.

Also, ask a moderator to move this thread to Pontoons as you'll get the best advice from tooners, many of whom never venture out onto the rest of the boards. Truth be told we're kind of a strange lot, but I like us. Good luck and welcome aboard.

By the way, are you serving our country abroad?

 

[Don S]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

Moved to Pontoon forum.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

I agree with Incoop about buying used, especially if you'll be doing so during the winter months. While the Bentley is considered a top-of-the-line pontoon, IMHO, I think the Sweetwater provides much more bang for the buck.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

I have an 07' Bentley, and although I would not consider it a top end boat, it has served me well with no problems. I think the Bentley furniture is a little more plush than the Sweetwater, but as for quality between the two I can't say which would be better. Many moons ago I bought a new 1990 Sweetwater 20'er and it too, served me well. The original Bentley company did go under a few years ago (after being sold to another owner) and was then opened back up under the "Encore" name by the same guy that started it in the first place. Same boat, original founding owner, just a little different name in the title. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another of either brand..

 

[The Rooster]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

Hey Scott, we owned a 2007 24' Bentley and liked it. Held up just fine. Like others said, lots of nice deals on used toons. Good luck.

 

[scott&kellie]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

InCOOP

thanks for the input and I will ask to have it moved. Yes and No on serving our country abroad. I'm a CIV. living with 25 marines on a VERY VERY small FB. I've been here going on 13 months. I have 30 days left and I'm home bound.. thanks again for the input.

scott

 

[scott&kellie]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

Thank you Sir./

 

[lncoop]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

You're welcome Scott. If you run across a rig you find compelling and want us to comment on it specifically we'll be glad to do so. Happy hunting.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

I agree with Incoop about buying used, especially if you'll be doing so during the winter months. While the Bentley is considered a top-of-the-line pontoon, IMHO, I think the Sweetwater provides much more bang for the buck.

I had one cocktail too many when I made this post last evening. I read Bentley to be Bennington... LOL.... The Bentley is definitely not a top-of-the-line pontoon boat. In fact I would classify it as being parallel to the Sweetwater in quality but at a slightly less cost.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

You would be happy with either brand. Pontoons are somewhat generic for the most part.

Suggestion: Wait until the middle of the winter, and scope out the big Houston boat show. When you get competing dealers under the same roof, they get competitive. The consumer wins.

Most pontoon users wish they went with the largest engine the boat is rated for.

I personally prefer tri-toon boats with lifting strakes with a minimum of 115 horsepower--if the boat will get the nose out of the water (with the power trimmed up.) Fuel mileage and performance is much better than my 2 toon pontoon plowing through the water.

 

[5150abf]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

I would disagree with that, on the surface just to glance at 2-3 pontoons they may look similar but there are major differences between brands in both build quality, materials and design, just like with cars, a $9000 Aveo si not at all comprable to a ZR1 corvette, yes they are both cars but that is where it ends.

Get home and look around and see what is available and once you have all your options on the table you can decide what to get then.

 

[scott&kellie]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

Bamaman1

thanks for the input, I'm also currently looking at the following on CL...2002 Suntracker Party Barge Regency edition pontoon with a 2006 Yamaha 115hp four stroke motor and dual axle. I'm gathering all the info I can take in and then hopefully make a wise choice when i get home in Dec. thanks again...
scott

 

[scott&kellie]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

5150abf

yes i would have to agree with your statement as well. I've seen some where the decks are ALL screwed down where as some are just on the ends. I've found a 2002 Suntracker Party Barge Regency edition pontoon with a 2006 Yamaha 115hp four stroke motor and dual axle, on craigs lis that I plan to look at. the all metal decking appeals to me. Im sure theres some major cons with that, in the first that comes to mind would be it being noisy unlike a wood decking. thanks again

scott

 

[lncoop]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

I have the 2001 version of that boat. The aluminum deck is no noisier or hotter than wood. What size is it? If it's a 21 footer that 115 may or may not exceed the horsey rating.

 

[Water logged]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

I have the 2001 version of that boat. The aluminum deck is no noisier or hotter than wood. What size is it? If it's a 21 footer that 115 may or may not exceed the horsey rating.

+1

Glenn

 

[scott&kellie]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

Water Logged

Im on C's L everday and I came across this one "2002 Suntracker Party Barge Regency edition pontoon with a 2006 Yamaha 115hp four stroke motor and dual axle Trailstar trailer with surge brakes" http://columbia.craigslist.org/boa/2692594992.html not sure how much i'd be able to talk him down but this is the first one that I plan on looking at when i get home. from your experience with sun tracker would 10K be an insult for a price? he has told me that he bought the motor used and it had about 100 hrs on it and now it has about 200 hrs. I would have to take it to a yamaha shop to have them hook it up on a computer to pull the hours first off. thanks for any and all input.

scott

 

[lncoop]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

If it were mine I wouldn't let it go for anywhere near ten grand, and I'm confident he won't either. Most prices are negotiable, especially right now, but not to that extent. You might do a little better than $16k since the boat is basically ten years old, but that's a fair price, especially given the condition of the rig and the age and condition of the motor.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

I think he's about $3000.00 too high. But it may just be the area he's in that dictates higher prices..

 

[lncoop]

Re: 2011 / 2012 Bently or sweetwater

I think he's about $3000.00 too high. But it may just be the area he's in that dictates higher prices..

Agreed. I was thinking $13K, maybe $14K provided everything is as seller represents. Even though she's a Tracker, condition appears to be cherry and she's sporting a very attractive power plant. It's always tough to come up with a value.