Tritoon performance packages - is there really a difference?

[padregtr]

We're still looking for our first boat and I've come to the conclusion that it's not easy. One of the things that has me confuddled is trying to figure out the differences in performance packages offered by various manufacturers, or even by the same mfr. For instance, we're looking at Premier. I was quoted a Gemini 220 with a triple toon package (25" I think) and lifting strakes. But that's not their PTX package, which BTW is the only way to get a larger capacity fuel tank and in-floor storage. Is there such a huge difference between the two? We're going to cruise some and fish some. Probably not tow anybody for a long time. I'm beginning to think that the Premier PTX really isn't a necessary expense especially if a triple toon with strakes will plane out and move along at a reasonable speed. I'm planning on a Yamaha F150LB for any of the boats

I'm also looking at a Sweetwater PE 220 DFS 27" triple toon with lifting strakes. It has the larger fuel tank and storage. Is it going to perform any worse than the non-PTX Premier? I'm trying to strike a good balance between value, performance, quality and comfort without overdoing it. We want a 2 point rear fishing, 22-24ft, with tritoon (the open water on Lake Murray in SC can get pretty rough), 70# trolling motor, etc Budget ~ $50K boat, motor, trailer new. Should we be looking at another brand ?? - the Berkshire dealer rough quoted me an STS with their 3.0 perf package at $41K w/o the trolling motor. The more I look, the harder is is to decide.

 

[The Rooster]

The quick answer is, no. You don't need the PTX package for what you're looking to do. Any Tri-toon w/ 25" toons, lifting strakes, & aluminum underskinning , along w/ a V6 engine will perform great. In the size range you're looking at, you have more than enough budget. Good luck !!!

 

[jkust]

I've been on a number of pontoons as 70% of the boats on our large lake have migrated to being pontoons as folks sell off their bowriders. As it turns out, Premier is THE brand everyone seems to have. We've got 600HP models on down on the lake. The PTX seems to handle a bit more like a bowrider has been my take on them. When we get to the point of adding a pontoon to the fleet, I would likely go for the PTX but buy a slightly used model. The issue is that a 50K new pontoon barely past entry level with marginal power which I scratch my head at.

 

[jetboater]

I have a 3 year old Premier 25 double tube ( my lake has lots of no wake zones) and I love it. I traded in a 2004 SanPan on it. Sanpan, Aqua Patio, and Sweetwater were owned by the Godfrey family "back then" and made great boats (Sweetwater is the entry level brand). Later, the Godfrey family sold out to an investment firm who made a lot of changes to the boats (not good ones in my opinion) and then decided to get out of the business and put the company up for sale last fall. Bennington bought them and are running it as a separate company.

I compared Premier, SanPan, and Sweetwater at my local dealer (he sold all three at the time) and decided on the Premier because, to me, it was much better quality for the money. Two,years later that dealer dropped the "Godfrey" brands and now only sells Premier-- he said warranty service and parts ordering were very easy with Premier and a nightmare with the other.

Premier is still a family owned business and has a 5 year, no questions asked bow to stern warranty. I've talked to them several times on the phone and they are great to deal with. May want to give them a call and ask them at what hp level the PTX package would make a difference worth the extra money. Their phone number is 651-462-2880

Good luck in your search!

 

[WaterDR]

My sense is that you wont benefit that much with a 150 hp and PTX. 250? yes.

 

[trout74]

Check out manitou, mine drivers like a sports car, and rides incredibly well I'm rough water. Turns on a dime.