Pontoon Boats- who's had one or currently does and do you like it?

-
SLOPAR72

SLOPAR72

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2016
Messages
3,543
Reaction score
3,619
Location
Richmond, VA.
Times are changing and I need a way to get my dad on the water before it's no longer realistic. Bassboat is no longer an option so that may go up the road but I am thinking a 20ft. Pontoon may be just what I need. Mainly fishing smaller bodies of water (mostly fresh and a little salt) and am needing it light enough for my V8 4runner to tow it.

I don't want someone's used and abused headache so a low use one is probably in order and that's OK to. I am not against buying a new one however the Duster will need a new home and that's OK to if that's helps to finance one.

I am pretty happy with my Mercury's however that's always a debate but what brand is the best bang for the buck in regards to the pontoon itself?

Thanks,
JW
 
I think their all pretty food nowadays. If going 20 ft I would get a 60 hp 4 stroke engine. Honda’s are hard to beat. There are lots out there. I’m thinking of getting 1 also. Sorry I can’t help u too much. Kim
 
I have had mine for about 8 years now, it's is an 18' GODFREY SWEETWATER with a YAMAHA 25 horse 4 stroke. I bought it used and really did not think I would like it but the wife loved it so. I live on a small private lake only about 28 acres big but 60 feet deep and there has been many a beer among other things emptied on this boat. I will probably keep this one for 1 more year then look for a little newer one with a bigger motor a minimum of 70 horse because the grand kids are just about ready to be pulled around the lake on the tube. It's been a great boat, a lot more fun that I thought and my 5 year old grand son loves to sit in my lap and drive around and around and around the lake and then around a few more times. My dad was 84 and he loved to ride on it also with a beer or 6, and drop a line in to fish every now and then. When you get your's what ever it is you will enjoy it along with your dad.

003.JPG


004.JPG


005.JPG


006.JPG


007.JPG
 
Thanks 66 CUDA. He and I will have a discussion this week about it. I would get the maximum size engine allowed for the class that interest me (20ft. max.) I have always liked the idea of them and it would see more use than the Bassboat I do believe. It would definitely be the fishing design model and the trailer has to have a really good boarding ladder. At 84 years old Dad is glad just to be out there I am sure...

JW
 
oldkimmer said:
I think their all pretty food nowadays. If going 20 ft I would get a 60 hp 4 stroke engine. Honda’s are hard to beat. There are lots out there. I’m thinking of getting 1 also. Sorry I can’t help u too much. Kim
Click to expand...
Definitely get a four stroke motor if you can. I've had different motors and boats and I have a 25 hp mercury attached to a 20 ft Foerster pontoon right now. We have it on a river and it works best for us to have a smaller pontoon and motor because of how shallow the water gets sometimes. We had a 24 ft premier pontoon with a 90 hp Johnson two stroke on it but it sat too low in the water. Kind of a tail dragger with that big motor on it. Lol. That two stroke was always hard to start also. Cold blooded I guess. Anyhow, I really like the four stroke. Wouldn't ever go back to a two. As far as boat size goes it doesn't mater much if you're on a lake and have a good landing available to you. You're going to need a decent trailer also. Get a bunk style if you're going to be driving longer distances to the lake. Or a scissors style is more functional and you don't have to store it on the trailer like you would if it was the bunk style. I think you'll be surprised at how much you like a pontoon boat. I wouldn't go back. Your dad Wil love it too! Steve
Me behind the wheel and some family members.
Oct 2016 river tour.jpg
 
Last edited:
JDMopar said:
John.... whatever you get, I hope you and your Dad enjoy it. He’s a fairly spry rascal to be 84!
Click to expand...

He ain't quite there yet Jackie but for early 80's he's a shaker and a mover. I think it's something in water on that farm in Burlington, NC.... His siblings are wired just like him lol....

Thanks,
JW
 
Well, I found one. Traveled some distance and did OK on the deal. I knew between the test ride and shady seller that things were going to be addressed. The 50 on the back ain't cuttin' it so I went diggin' and found the now infamous boat I own with the 90 on it (you can't make this kind of stuff up lol...)

I hope that all boat owners do not wire things up like they are in a science experiment in Kindergarten. But for me it's all good because the hodgepodge of wiring got me the right deal on the motor.

My dad is stoked about it and we will be making some test laps by the end of December with a nice power upgrade....

JW

Image932242895.jpg


Image778446396.jpg


Image677598395.jpg
 
Oof that wiring!! Im not sure which would.work better, im sure you do, but prop will play a role in how it "works"
Love the "titty bouncer " on the other one lol
Wish I had gotten to spend more time with dad near the end fishing.
Enjoy!
 
4spdragtop said:
Oof that wiring!! Im not sure which would.work better, im sure you do, but prop will play a role in how it "works"
Love the "titty bouncer " on the other one lol
Wish I had gotten to spend more time with dad near the end fishing.
Enjoy!
Click to expand...

He's having fun with the whole thing. Age catches us all and he loves being on a boat. This was just what he needed.... I hope everyone can make time to spend with their parents. We never know when the opportunity will be gone...

JW
 
66 CUDA said:
What was wrong with the 50 I think it would have pushed that pontoon just fine.
Click to expand...

It's how we roll lol.... Seriously, I want to make sure the power is there if we need it. My theory in life is better to have more and not need than need more and not have lol....

JW
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top