First pontoon boat

[scott8058]

I am looking to buy a new boat and after 10 yrs with a ski boat I am ready for a pontoon boat. My current boat has left me stranded a few times and I want something that will be reliable to fish and take my family out. Should I buy showroom floor or a couple yr old low hour boat?

 

[ahicks]

My budget would force me to go used. In either case, it would be powered by a 4 stroke....

 

[SoCalPescador]

I concur with ahicks. I, too, am looking for a pontoon with 4 stroke. Back in 2013 I had a 2007 Tracker 21 Fishing Barge with 60hp Merc 4 stroke. Should have never sold it!
I like the size range between 18-22 since it's only 4 people max and usually 2-3. 90hp is plenty on a 20'-22' and 75hp on an 18' since we only fish and cruise.
What are you looking for? Budget?

 

[jlh3rd]

no answer back?.....I've got some advice also, but r u gone?

 

[HinesVernon]

Just seeing this group now for the first time and wanted to chime in. I hope everyone will still see this, but I would recommend buying used. Unless money isn't an issue (wouldn't that be nice for everyone), you can find yourself a quality pontoon at the right price point. Not to get too personal, but do you live anywhere near a local boat auction? That's where I've seen pontoons end up and a lot of them are in fair condition. Hope this helps and I welcome anybody else to jump into the conversation!

 

[Crappie Jalopy]

I own an ERCOA '95, 22' (Flagship). It is a Tri-Hexatoon.
There is no better performing pontoon available!
The pontoons are not round, they are called Hexatoons.
There's no plowing through the water or bouncing up and down splashing water on board!
The Hexatoon cuts through the water like a knife! The flat bottom constantly keeps it planning.
I have a 3.0 Mercrusier I/O. Excellent runner.
The boat was manufactured in northern Minnesota. They stopped production around 2004.
Good Luck with your search

 

[Sand Boy]

I own an ERCOA '95, 22' (Flagship). It is a Tri-Hexatoon.
There is no better performing pontoon available!
The pontoons are not round, they are called Hexatoons.
There's no plowing through the water or bouncing up and down splashing water on board!
The Hexatoon cuts through the water like a knife! The flat bottom constantly keeps it planning.
I have a 3.0 Mercrusier I/O. Excellent runner.
The boat was manufactured in northern Minnesota. They stopped production around 2004.
Good Luck with your search

Just picked up a 1999... excited to get on water...
Do you know how I can get a manual?

 

[Crappie Jalopy]

Just picked up a 1999... excited to get on water...
Do you know how I can get a manual?

Congratulations on owning an Ercoa!
You will love it!
I couldn't find a manual either.
I found bits and pieces of info on the Ercoa.
Is yours a Tri- Hexatoon?
Like me, you're going to have to see if all your stuff works on the boat and go from there.
The only real difference of an Ercoa to any other "round" pontoons, is the incredible performances the Ercoa has.
Happy Trails on the Water!
Crappie Jalopy

 

[Sand Boy]

Congratulations on owning an Ercoa!
You will love it!
I couldn't find a manual either.
I found bits and pieces of info on the Ercoa.
Is yours a Tri- Hexatoon?
Like me, you're going to have to see if all your stuff works on the boat and go from there.
The only real difference of an Ercoa to any other "round" pontoons, is the incredible performances the Ercoa has.
Happy Trails on the Water!
Crappie Jalopy

Thank you !!!
Yes, I do have the Tri-Hexatoon.

 

[NicoleGizzy79]

I am looking to buy a new boat and after 10 yrs with a ski boat I am ready for a pontoon boat. My current boat has left me stranded a few times and I want something that will be reliable to fish and take my family out. Should I buy showroom floor or a couple yr old low hour boat?

Low Hours Yes, I would go used, but dealership. Unless you have the cash to buy outright. Also best time and cheapest time to buy is WINTER you will get the best deal the last 2 weeks of December