Let's talk TriToons: And no...not gonna flip this one with Nutology

[Vince Clortho]

The Benningtons are the status symbol to have around here. Here's a used one for $275,000.

https://www.popsells.com/pontoon-boa...BoCWj0QAvD_BwE







Looks like MSRP is around $315,000 so maybe used is OK.

[Bill]

I'm assuming the pontoon boat is steered with an outboard? Others have mentioned the massive depreciation hit, and I also get the "trouble free, under warranty" aspect.

If it was me, I'd look at used pontoon boats that have taken the massive hit already, find a nice, structurally sound one, and then blow the wad on repowering it with a new, under warranty outboard, jack plate, etc. I'm assuming that boat will come with a kicker motor as well? Get that new, too. What would it be? 15hp?

For extra piece of mind, have the steering gone through, new lights, switches, wiring, etc. You'll still have a pretty significant depreciation hit on the engine, but that will be offset by the peace of mind of not being out stranded.

[Frankie the Fink]

You are into serious money with a 200hp tritoon and from a top tier vendor.
I looked a them but got a small Godfrey pontoon for a 1/3 of the cost and with only putting about 40 hours a season on it - I'm satisfied. I added a trolling motor just to have an alternate "get home" means if required - there is no Seatow or other help on my 2500 acre lake.

YouTube

[Vince Clortho]

Originally Posted by bill_daniels

I'm assuming the pontoon boat is steered with an outboard? Others have mentioned the massive depreciation hit, and I also get the "trouble free, under warranty" aspect.

If it was me, I'd look at used pontoon boats that have taken the massive hit already, find a nice, structurally sound one, and then blow the wad on repowering it with a new, under warranty outboard, jack plate, etc. I'm assuming that boat will come with a kicker motor as well? Get that new, too. What would it be? 15hp?

For extra piece of mind, have the steering gone through, new lights, switches, wiring, etc. You'll still have a pretty significant depreciation hit on the engine, but that will be offset by the peace of mind of not being out stranded.

Yes, steered with the outboards. Typically idle around the lake with 600 h.p. at your fingertips, no trawling motor. That would be tacky.

I'm not sure how quickly they depreciate. You couldn't buy new during Covid so used prices skyrocketed.

[BayouCountry]

My first question is how many times has he rented one for family vacations? If it’s at least twice a year then I can see maybe buying one.

[DJ_Critterus]

Originally Posted by Vince Clortho

The Benningtons are the status symbol to have around here. Here's a used one for $275,000.

https://www.popsells.com/pontoon-boa...BoCWj0QAvD_BwE

Attachment 98271





Looks like MSRP is around $315,000 so maybe used is OK.

We looked at some much, much less expensive ones and they simply weren't as nice. No way are those things work over $150K nor should they be with single engines and no joystick control.

[Frankie the Fink]

And what are the uses for the thing ? Are you going to pull skiers, do overnight trips, need to dash across the water at 50mph ? Carry 15 bikini clad babes ? My Suzuki outboard has a 6 year warranty BTW; they are rapidly gaining market share and reliable as all hell.

With just me and the wife and occasionally 3-4 other adults cruising - we got by with a lot less and smaller boats depreciate less dramatically

Lots of quality advice from this guy's channel:
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...+buying+guide+

[DJ_Critterus]

Originally Posted by BayouCountry

My first question is how many times has he rented one for family vacations? If it’s at least twice a year then I can see maybe buying one.

Rent.... rare. But, dad and I do the major work on the pontoons here at the navy base marina (MWR) when their mechanics can't handle the work so we can take them out whenever needed. The only problem is it's hard to get a reservation when the boats are running properly.

[Millenium Vette]

Originally Posted by DJ_Critterus

We don't want anything used as we are tired of turning wrenches and fixing shit. Pay a bit more for new and have the warranty take care of it. This model has a 10 year warranty for the boat (everything) and the Merc has I think a 3-4 year warranty.

Somebody has to buy them new. I just don't see the $$$ they get for any new boat today.

[mrvette]

Originally Posted by CurtP

I still have checks with their old name. They’re still using the old JNAVY phone number too.

.

That's funny, I got the same olde tyme book full of checks I not used buy maybe 6 of them in the last.....20? years.. Jax Navy too....

[Onebadcad]

Originally Posted by Vince Clortho

Attachment 98277

Yes, steered with the outboards. Typically idle around the lake with 600 h.p. at your fingertips, no trawling motor. That would be tacky.

I'm not sure how quickly they depreciate. You couldn't buy new during Covid so used prices skyrocketed.

Damn, that is THE CADILLAC of pontooning,,, bet it gets A LOT of poontang!!

[ZipZap]

Originally Posted by DJ_Critterus

(either of us).

You and Gene, or Doug?

[DJ_Critterus]

Originally Posted by ZipZap

You and Gene, or Doug?

RIf

Dad and/or Me.

[ZipZap]

Originally Posted by DJ_Critterus

RIf

Dad and/or Me.

Comedy is fundamentaller.

[mrvette]

Originally Posted by DJ_Critterus

RIf

Dad and/or Me.

I not been out on the River here in many years.....please let me mooch a ride for some gas bux......when the weather warms in a month or so.....

[Bill]

On a related note, what happened to the big ass Miami Vice drug runner boat and the bikini clad hotties with gas money to fill up the boat? Probably need pics of the bikini clad hotties with the gas money, as well.

https://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/...ht=boat+bikini

[BayouCountry]

Originally Posted by DJ_Critterus

Rent.... rare. But, dad and I do the major work on the pontoons here at the navy base marina (MWR) when their mechanics can't handle the work so we can take them out whenever needed. The only problem is it's hard to get a reservation when the boats are running properly.

That’s good. Sounds like he knows what he’s getting into.

On a side note, a friend of mine decided to buy a sailboat because he had one long ago. We take it out a couple times and he decides to sell it because it’s too hard to handle. He was afraid to raise the main sail. Someone got a great deal on a used boat taken out only two times. Maybe you can find the same type of deal.

[DJ_Critterus]

Originally Posted by bill_daniels

On a related note, what happened to the big ass Miami Vice drug runner boat and the bikini clad hotties with gas money to fill up the boat? Probably need pics of the bikini clad hotties with the gas money, as well.

https://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/...ht=boat+bikini

i don't want to talk about the Minow. Gotta put the new top end on port motor, start, then sell as is.

[VatorMan]

Originally Posted by DJ_Critterus

i don't want to talk about the Minow. Gotta put the new top end on port motor, start, then sell as is.

Ah, the old “happiest days of a boat owners life” mantra coming true.

[Aerovette]

Originally Posted by DJ_Critterus

i don't want to talk about the Minow. Gotta put the new top end on port motor, start, then sell as is.

Can't be that bad.

Sounds like a Donzi story.