What would you do?

[richard.prince]

Re: What would you do?

My 21' with the big bad 40 horse does 50 oh wait that's the tach sorry its more like 12

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: What would you do?

Hey all I was hoping I could get a little advice as my head is ready to explode. I am looking to buy my first pontoon. I currently own a 1987 Four Winns 190 Horizon, but with four kids and gear it gets a little crowded. I do pull the kids on a tube and I knee board and two ski. I have been looking for about a 20ft with 90hp. What I have run into is that there is not a good used market by me (SW Michigan). Either they are underpowered or they cost too much. I have found two units that I am thinking about but can't decide what would be a better route. Here are the candidates:

1991 Harris Float Bote: 20ft, 90 Merc. Redone interior (pretty nice looking) Want $7000 without a trailer (not worth that much IMO) Could maybe get it for $7K with a trailer

2001 Marsh Bros: 22ft (27"tubes with lifting stakes) but it is powered by a 1977 Johnson 200. Boat is in nice shape and owner claims is runs great, no issues (120 psi on all holes) comes with a trailer and lift for $11900. Hoping to get for $10K minus the lift

The second seems like the best choice except for the old as mud engine. However the 91 could also have hidden mechanical things like throttle and steering cables, welds, tube integrity, etc.

I can't/won't spend more than $10K for a boat that sits six months a year. What are your thoughts? Do you think the extra two feet will make it that much more difficult to dock, etc.? Is that motor too old to mess with?

Thanks for any thoughts!!!

Oh, and if anybody is looking for a good running Four Winns I know a guy that will be selling one soon.

Don't buy either, wait and shop some more. There will always be toons for sale and I would look in a 200 mile radius, it doesn't cost that much to have one hauled to you.
I have a 23ft triton with a 150 4 stroke and 34 mph by gps is the best I can get.
Maybe I should have put a 90 on it and it would have gone faster.

 

[Wirenut8]

Re: What would you do?

I have been searching a 300 mile radius. These, so far, are the only contenders.

 

[Wirenut8]

Re: What would you do?

Sorry for the late follow up. I did end up buying the 2001 Marsh Bros. Really Like this boat!!!! Weather has only let me take it out once but I am pleased so far. The thing is so stable over waves and when sitting it is like you are on hard ground. Engine runs fantastic ( a little smokey during extended idle times but at least I know it is getting lubed). I need to spend a little time messing with the trim at WOT to find its sweet spot. I hit high twenties with fair water and five people. I think I could hit low thirties if they were sitting in back and I trimmed it properly. Either way it will be enough to knee board or tube behind. Thanks again for the insights and opinions. Sold my Four Winns pretty quickly too which was nice.

 

[The Woo Woo Kid]

Re: What would you do?

Congrats!