Pontoon Buying question, need help?

[Tman22]

Ok We are in the market for a good used pontoon. I have found 2 I like. Let me know which you'd choose.

2006 Bennington 205L (20'5) with a 90hp yamaha 85 hours. Mint cond all the way around, with trailer $14,999

or

2005 MANITOU PONTOON (22FT) WITH A JOHNSON 4-STROKE MOTOR (60HP) AND A WESCO GALVANIZED TRAILER WITH NEW TIRES.low hours, loaded, mint cond $12,800.

Also is the 90hp worth the extra $2000 plus the Bennington resale value? I'm leaning more to the Bennington, but there both nice.

cost does matter to us. I have $9500 to put down and a small loan for the rest. My biggest question is the Bennington worth me spending the extra in the long run? Or would it be better to get the 22ft vs the 20'5 ft. is there that much differance.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

They're both good choices. How do you expect to use your new to you barge? We won't be able to offer any worthwhile input until we know what your boating needs will be.

 

[Tman22]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

I will be using it for crusing, pulling a tube, fishing some. Used for what there made for.

 

[Water logged]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

The 90 hp would do a better job of pulling tubes. The 22 ft may give a better ride when cruising??

Glenn

 

[lncoop]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

I will be using it for crusing, pulling a tube, fishing some. Used for what there made for.

Actually, "what they're made for" varies more than it used to, but that's a start. So, if your typical crew won't exceed six to eight and you won't be frequenting busy rough water I'd say go for the Benny. The additional thirty horseys will come in handy when tubing or outrunning storms, and assuming the Yammy is a four stroke it will still be pretty quiet at cruising speed. I gather the price includes a trailer. If not, it's too high. If so, you still might get them to come in a little depending on where you are. That's up to you of course. Now, if you envision a larger crew and less hospitable water conditions the extra deck space on the Manitou will come in handy. Provided everything is ship shape (clean toons with no water in them, motor running perfectly, etc.) you'll still be able to give a youngster a decent tube ride. I'd say before you pull the trigger just water test them both extensively, preferably while replicating load and conditions you're most likely to encounter. Good luck.

 

[Tman22]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

mostly it will be 4 adults and 4 kids. or 2 adults and 4 kids. does the 2 ft really make that much diff? the lakes we go to have boat traffic like any other. Typ boat wakes and such. I like the Manitou for price and cond too. But I was unsure if I'd regret getting the 60 hp. What are yalls thoughts.

both boats in mint cond, low hours, with trailers.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

I will be using it for crusing, pulling a tube, fishing some. Used for what there made for.

Saying that you want to pull a tube makes your decision a no-brainer. You need the 90.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

mostly it will be 4 adults and 4 kids. or 2 adults and 4 kids. does the 2 ft really make that much diff? the lakes we go to have boat traffic like any other. Typ boat wakes and such. I like the Manitou for price and cond too. But I was unsure if I'd regret getting the 60 hp. What are yalls thoughts.

both boats in mint cond, low hours, with trailers.

In that case I vote for the Benny. Let us know.

 

[Tman22]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

Ok thanks. Is there even much difference bw the 50hp and the 60ph on the pontoons?

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

Ok thanks. Is there even much difference bw the 50hp and the 60ph on the pontoons?

The 50 is too small. The 60 is a minimum. Many of us that have a 60 wish we had a 90.

 

[Tman22]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

Looks like it the 90 hp bennington for us then.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

Looks like it the 90 hp bennington for us then.

I think that's the right call Tman. I really would try to get the seller to come down a little though. This advice is unsolicited, so if I'm overstepping please forgive me and don't give it another thought. Also, consider it within the context of geography, which always has a significant impact on pricing. So, here's what's always worked for me. Look at comps to determine what you think is a fair price (Benningtons do typically trade at a bit of a premium, so keep that in mind while doing your research) then bid accordingly. The worst case scenario is the seller doesn't budge and you pay what you were prepared to pay in the first place for a boat you'll enjoy for many years. It's all part of the game, so give it a shot and give us all the gorey details (including pics please) when the deal is consumated. There's nothing this bunch loves more than a new iboater's first toon acquisition. Good luck.

 

[Tman22]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

Ya well lost the sale on my boat b/c the engine was still running werid. Back in the shop. So not sure when I can buy a toon now. I'm bumbed.

 

[ChampionShip]

Re: Pontoon Buying question, need help?

Saying that you want to pull a tube makes your decision a no-brainer. You need the 90.

What he said. That extra 2' and 30 less hp will make a world of difference.