[Matius]

OK, I am looking at getting a boat and need advice from current/past owners. Bottom line: is it worth the cost to own a boat? Does it seem like it gets used enough to make it worth it or does the thing sit there collecting dust? I realize that can be dependant on the individual family, and maybe this is a pretty vague question, but any thoughts are appreciated. The boat is a 21 foot pontoon and will be used for fishing, camping, and pretty much hanging out with friends on the water. Also we are in TN so the weather is pretty fair most of the year. Again, any thoughts are appreciated.

[Kerrigan]

Where would you keep it? That has a lot to do with how frequently you'll use it.

[Cody Dawg]

Doesn't it depend on how much it costs? I mean, if it's $100 and in great shape then it's a good deal as long as you can store it and/or transport it.

If it's $5000 then you have a harder decision.

It depends on how much you'll use it. If you're going to use it only 3 to 5 times a year then maybe renting one is a better idea.

Up there in your area one of the funnest things to do is to rent a houseboat on Lake Cumberland.

[Doofy]

21 footer for the lake? Yep, go for it. It's only when you get into sea-going vessels that it starts to sting.

[aberdeenwriter]

A pontoon that I envision your talking about doesn't really have any sleep over potential, right?

[Kerrigan]

Doofy don't you have a boat? I believe this was mentioned in, eh, one of the other threads recently. What kind is it?

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

Doofy don't you have a boat? I believe this was mentioned in, eh, one of the other threads recently. What kind is it?

Not got it yet. Still a few quid to find first - I'm working on it.

The boat in those pics in the design thread is a Benetti Classic 115'.

[Matius]

Originally Posted by aberdeenwriter

A pontoon that I envision your talking about doesn't really have any sleep over potential, right?

Nothing "built in" like a cabin cruiser or houseboat or whatnot. But it has enough deck space to throw down a sleeping pad and bag. Basically your own floating campsite if you feel like sleeping on the water. It does have a 9 foot long canopy and you can get an enclosure that almost makes the boat like a floating tent as well.
http://www.suntrackerboats.com/boat/...&boat=1780

[Cody Dawg]

The pricing calculator for that boat says it is almost $14,000.

I'm not sure about buying a new boat for that price...seems that you could buy it used and save some money? Maybe you are?

Good luck.

[Matius]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

Where would you keep it? That has a lot to do with how frequently you'll use it.

Most of the time will be parked at the house on it's trailer so I can hook up and go whenever the urge strikes. I imagine that the greater access=more use, but you never know for sure.

[CaptainUnbannable]

Everyone I know who has a boat makes fun of pontoons.

[Kerrigan]

That's some childish logic Rob

I mean, what if I told you that everyone I know says Neons and mopeds are for girls?

[production_coordinator]

My family owned one up until my step father passed away.

My input:
- everyone uses their boats differently.

- much will depend upon how it is stored. The longer, more of a pain in the ass it is to get into the water, the less you will go.

- if you don't integrate it in to your life, it won't be used. What I mean is... you need to incorporate the boat in to your vacations to make it work.

- The pontoon is a great kind of boat. It's very "party boat" and nice for fishing or getting a good number of people on board.

- Make boat friends! Invite people out on the boat, spice it up.

OK, I'm done now.

[CaptainUnbannable]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

That's some childish logic Rob

I mean, what if I told you that everyone I know says Neons and mopeds are for girls?

Everytime I hear 'oh I'm getting a pontoon it'll be a party boat' nobody parties on it. It ends up being a lame ass boat that doesn't go very fast for old people to fish from.

With a neon, you can make it fast and it already handles pretty well. In stock form, neons are kind bleh (not as bleh as most civics)... mopeds have their purpose, I wouldn't spend much on one.

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by production_coordinator

My family owned one up until my step father passed away.

My input:
- everyone uses their boats differently.

- much will depend upon how it is stored. The longer, more of a pain in the ass it is to get into the water, the less you will go.

- if you don't integrate it in to your life, it won't be used. What I mean is... you need to incorporate the boat in to your vacations to make it work.

- The pontoon is a great kind of boat. It's very "party boat" and nice for fishing or getting a good number of people on board.

- Make boat friends! Invite people out on the boat, spice it up.

OK, I'm done now.

The best advice so far. If you get a pontoon boat that is easily trailerable then you can take it on vacations to state parks all over the country. I would say that if you can't envision yourself using it two or three weekends a month in the busy summer months you should reconsider. It really needs to be a part of your everday plans for it to be worthwhile.

My buddy and I got out on his sailboat almost every weekend in the Summertime. Well, until he clipped part of the Bay Bridge two weeks ago and ruined his auto-furler/forestay. We spent a good eight hours today trying to get it fixed and it looks like a new one for $1500 will be needed. But it was fun, albeit crazy hot, working on it today. Hell, I even spent an hour in the bosun's chair today pulling off the busted antenna, lights, and wind-vein. But, for us, even working on the boat at dock is fun. When you make fun of work then it becomes much more enjoyable.

$.02

[CaptainUnbannable]

Pontoon that's easily trailerable? Erm...

Seriously dude, get a cabin cruiser. Then you can take TRIPS with your boat, not go fishing with old people. Plus, I'd ahve to say pontoon boats resale values drop way harder than normal boats, if you're getting a new one.

[Kerrigan]

As someone who lives on a lake and who has a boat, I can list some advantages of a pontoon. (And no I don't have a pontoon but I know a lot of guys who do own them, in fact some of them could easily afford anything beyond our wildest dreams but they prefer the pontoon)

-They ride smoother and you don't have to put up with the bumpiness of a choppy lake
-They have more area to walk around and sit, so they're more fun when you have a group of people
-They're easier to clean since they don't the awkward shape and compartmentalized design of other boats
-You can take them into shallower water
-You can get a larger size for less money
-You can do all the stuff you do on other boats (fish, ski, etc)

[CaptainUnbannable]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

-They ride smoother and you don't have to put up with the bumpiness of a choppy lake
-They have more area to walk around and sit, so they're more fun when you have a group of people
-They're easier to clean since they don't the awkward shape and compartmentalized design of other boats
-You can take them into shallower water
-You can get a larger size for less money
-You can do all the stuff you do on other boats (fish, ski, etc)

1. Deep Vee.
2. Meh. More old people.
3. Totally disagree. They all ahve that nasty outdoor carpeting crap that gets spider webs and crap in it, and dried seaweed. Plus they all have the same extruded aluminum pipe construction for the sidewalls which is definitely NOT easy to keep clean, way too many crevices. Plus the pontoons themselves get scuzzy, and you have to clean them off with muriatic acid quite frequently. And the back part for the engine and gas tanks...yech...
4. Adjust your trim.
5. True. Because they're for sale often the market is fairly flooded. They get thrown up for sale often because old people die frequently, and their kids don't want them.
6. No you can't. You can't look cool, haul ass, pick up chicks, etc. Pontoons are for old farts. Seriously.

[hey!_Zeus]

Rochester has ferry for sale. Seems nobody from Toronto wanted to go there.

[Kerrigan]

The advantages of a pontoon boat are clear and for a family man they are desireable at a low price point. The only point that I'll agree with Rob on is that they're not worth buying new.

[Railroader]

Of the last 5 times I have been out partying on boats, 4 of those times were on pontoon boats.

The guys that owned them were under 30 and most of the other people were around 25. We always had a blast.

We usually cruised around the lake and then all met at a small island where a bunch of other boats met. the pontoon boat people would hook together and walk amongst each other's boats exchanging beer and meeting and greeting. AWESOME times.

A lot of lakes aren't good for fast boats. A pontoon boat is perfect.

And I have skied behind a pontoon boat before. Actually, we pulled two skiers at once.

And I like to fish.

But I am old (35).

[production_coordinator]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

The advantages of a pontoon boat are clear and for a family man they are desireable at a low price point. The only point that I'll agree with Rob on is that they're not worth buying new.

You get a lot of bang for your buck with a pontoon... but they do have a bit of a stigma with them. I always enjoyed my step fathers pontoon. We had some great times chatting while fishing or having a nice lunch. I think the pontoon was great because it was rather easy to operate and took a good bit of the focus away from the actual "boat" if that makes sense.

You also need to remember that many smaller lakes don't allow larger boats, so the pontoon is ideal.

Anyway, I would say, during the summer, if you aren't using it twice a month, you need to think about it. It's all about cost. You may want to spend a few hundred dollars renting one a few times before making the plunge.

Also, you need to plan your vacation around it. We rented a cabin with a launch. It was great.

P.S. Wear sunscreen!

[production_coordinator]

Originally Posted by Railroader

A lot of lakes aren't good for fast boats. A pontoon boat is perfect.

Many of the lakes don't permit anything over a 10 hp engine.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by production_coordinator

You get a lot of bang for your buck with a pontoon... but they do have a bit of a stigma with them.

Some people care too much what other's think about their possessions. Rob is one of them.

Matius: Buy that boat. You'll have a blast.

[vexborg]

Originally Posted by Matius

Nothing "built in" like a cabin cruiser or houseboat or whatnot. But it has enough deck space to throw down a sleeping pad and bag. Basically your own floating campsite if you feel like sleeping on the water. It does have a 9 foot long canopy and you can get an enclosure that almost makes the boat like a floating tent as well.
http://www.suntrackerboats.com/boat/...&boat=1780

Oh, you're talking about a motorboat - not a real boat like a sailing catamaran

[Gossamer]

Originally Posted by Railroader

Some people care too much what other's think about their possessions. Rob is one of them.

Matius: Buy that boat. You'll have a blast.

Hey! Don't disagree with Rob! His opinion is FACT.

[production_coordinator]

Originally Posted by CaptainUnbannable

5. True. Because they're for sale often the market is fairly flooded. They get thrown up for sale often because old people die frequently, and their kids don't want them.

Where I grew up, there was such an abundance of used ones because companies would buy them, use them for 5 years, and then sell for newer ones.

[finboy]

Originally Posted by production_coordinator

Where I grew up, there was such an abundance of used ones because companies would buy them, use them for 5 years, and then sell for newer ones.

Just remember that the best boat is someone else's.

I live near water, and I see many more boats parked than on the water. There are lots and lots full of lots of boats.

[CaptainUnbannable]

Originally Posted by Railroader

Of the last 5 times I have been out partying on boats, 4 of those times were on pontoon boats.

The guys that owned them were under 30 and most of the other people were around 25. We always had a blast.

We usually cruised around the lake and then all met at a small island where a bunch of other boats met. the pontoon boat people would hook together and walk amongst each other's boats exchanging beer and meeting and greeting. AWESOME times.

Sounds fun. I do that every summer. Only there usually aren't pontoons.

[CaptainUnbannable]

Originally Posted by Railroader

Some people care too much what other's think about their possessions. Rob is one of them.

Matius: Buy that boat. You'll have a blast.*

*: There's even room for your catheter!

[Yose]

Originally Posted by finboy

Just remember that the best boat is someone else's.

I live near water, and I see many more boats parked than on the water. There are lots and lots full of lots of boats.

Right on!

[Mastrap]

I would never buy a new pontoon, the lose value like crazy. Second hand they can be an excellent buy. They have their uses, but in my opinion they are mainly for people who don't really want a boat, they want a floating platform that can take them places.

Nothing wrong with that if that's your cup of tea, but not something I'd personally aspire to. If I'd buy an engine powered boat it would be a cabin cruiser. Or an old tugboat.

[ThinkInsane]

Originally Posted by hey!_Zeus

Rochester has ferry for sale. Seems nobody from Toronto wanted to go there.

Nope, already sold and on it's way to England.

[CaptainUnbannable]

Originally Posted by Mastrap

I would never buy a new pontoon, the lose value like crazy. Second hand they can be an excellent buy. They have their uses, but in my opinion they are mainly for people who don't really want a boat, they want a floating platform that can take them places.

Nothing wrong with that if that's your cup of tea, but not something I'd personally aspire to. If I'd buy an engine powered boat it would be a cabin cruiser. Or an old tugboat.

Watch how Railroader won't attack you for your opinions being FACT, but he will attack me. Even though we have very similar opinions, he'll leave you alone.

[Gossamer]

Originally Posted by CaptainUnbannable

Watch how Railroader won't attack you for your opinions being FACT, but he will attack me. Even though we have very similar opinions, he'll leave you alone.

No, Mastrap was very calm in his assertions. He also admitting that IS possible for people to enjoy things he doesn't. You're terrible at doing both of those. Stop pretending you're a victim.

[finboy]

Originally Posted by Mastrap

They have their uses, but in my opinion they are mainly for people who don't really want a boat, they want a floating platform that can take them places.

Second-hand boats are the best way to go, IF you take your time to learn what you need to know. If you aren't going to take your time to learn, you have no business buying a new boat either. Figure out what it will be used for, and where it will be used. From that you can decide what to buy. And buying used, with care, is far better that buying new.

Boats are like big amateur telescopes -- lots of folks buy one thinking "what if" and they never leave the house much. Or they find out that it's too much trouble. A few years later they sell for half of original price, or even less.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by CaptainUnbannable

Watch how Railroader won't attack you for your opinions being FACT, but he will attack me. Even though we have very similar opinions, he'll leave you alone.

No you don't.

I agree with his assessment entirely.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by CaptainUnbannable

*: There's even room for your catheter!

I can't wait till you hit 30. It'll be hilarious.

[Psychedeliante]

Originally Posted by Railroader

I can't wait till you hit 30. It'll be hilarious.

Why's that?

[Railroader]

You'll realize how immature you are being.

[Doofy]

No he won't.

[Matius]

Originally Posted by CaptainUnbannable

Everytime I hear 'oh I'm getting a pontoon it'll be a party boat' nobody parties on it. It ends up being a lame ass boat that doesn't go very fast for old people to fish from.

With a neon, you can make it fast and it already handles pretty well. In stock form, neons are kind bleh (not as bleh as most civics)... mopeds have their purpose, I wouldn't spend much on one.

Guess it's a good thing I'm not getting it to be a party boat. Going to get used for family vacations and camping, and the lazy cruise on the river/lake with my geriatric friends (I mean we are mostly in our thirties now, so we do need the deck space for the oxygen tanks and portable dialysis machines). I would prefer a faster V hull boat as it seems you do (like a 40 foot Cigarette with twin inboard big blocks cruising with a combined 1000hp on tap maybe), but storage space, family to consider, and most importantly budget, simply don't allow for it. Maybe someday.

Oh, and as for a Neon being fast even in tuner form, well, maybe compared to that pontoon...

[Matius]

Originally Posted by vexborg

Oh, you're talking about a motorboat - not a real boat like a sailing catamaran

Sorry to disappoint, but yes it is indeed motor driven. While sailboats are great fun (mom's got a 26 footer), I think until my little one's old enough to be a crew member, I need to stick to the "ease of use" variety of boat. Or maybe I'm lazy...

[Matius]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

The advantages of a pontoon boat are clear and for a family man they are desireable at a low price point. The only point that I'll agree with Rob on is that they're not worth buying new.

Thanks for the list of pontoon pros. I have to admit I have had a few people tell me that you get more for your money buying used, but there is just something about owning new that is rather satisfying. The new warranty is also reassuring to a first time boat owner (or at least to me). While I am pretty mechanically inclined, I have never worked on marine engines and like the idea that I shouldn't have to for a few years. Just the routine upkeep. Also the financing rates on new are better than used. Fortunately I have time to research and decide and still be out on the water this summer.

[Psychedeliante]

Originally Posted by Matius

Guess it's a good thing I'm not getting it to be a party boat. Going to get used for family vacations and camping, and the lazy cruise on the river/lake with my geriatric friends (I mean we are mostly in our thirties now, so we do need the deck space for the oxygen tanks and portable dialysis machines). I would prefer a faster V hull boat as it seems you do (like a 40 foot Cigarette with twin inboard big blocks cruising with a combined 1000hp on tap maybe), but storage space, family to consider, and most importantly budget, simply don't allow for it. Maybe someday.

You can get a decent v-hull open bow type boat for $2-5 grand. Much faster, better handling, more fun. Way better ski boat. My friend picked this up for $1500 with a new engine, great trailer, and it's been a great boat for 3 years now:

Oh, and as for a Neon being fast even in tuner form, well, maybe compared to that pontoon...

http://www.teamgreenracing.us/NEON-VIPER.html

That was a viper that the neon just smoked.

[Gossamer]

I could take a pile of my own crap, put enough money into it, and it would be fast. Acceleration is only one measure of a car's greatness. Try comfort, drivability, looks, handling, etc. The Viper would win in all of those.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Gossamer

I could take a pile of my own crap, put enough money into it, and it would be fast. Acceleration is only one measure of a car's greatness. Try comfort, drivability, looks, handling, etc. The Viper would win in all of those.

Not real hard against a Neon though.

Here's what it looks like to be properly shown up when driving a Vette C5:

http://www.ultimacars.com/video/quartermile2006-4.wmv

[Gossamer]

Originally Posted by Doofy

Not real hard against a Neon though.

Here's what it looks like to be properly shown up when driving a Vette C5:

http://www.ultimacars.com/video/quartermile2006-4.wmv

9.9@143....wow!

[wowway1]

I've owned boats for about 12 years now, one of them a pontoon, and thought I'd chime in here:

-Depends on what you are wanting to do with the boat as to whether or not a pontoon is right for you. Pontoons are big, stable platforms that are great for families or for partying. As you mentioned, you can easily throw down a sleeping bag and take a nap. We used to 'beach' ours and camp overnight on the lake shores, putting up the canvas and breaking out the sleeping bags. Great fun and many happy memories.

-Pontoons can easily be equipped with a large motor, and it's possible to tube and even ski behind them. I had a 115hp on ours (22') and had no problems getting up to 28mph. In Tennessee, most of the lakes do not have horsepower restrictions.

-Pontoons are very bad in the wind. You'll get pushed around a bit when drifting.

-Pontoons are terrible for fishing. You can find trolling motor brackets and such, but they just are too big and cumbersome to be good fishing platforms. The only thing I did successfully in ours was trolling with a small kicker outboard, and that worked suprising well (striped bass in fresh water).

-I cannot recommend enough that you get yourself a slip at a marina. Landing one that big on a trailer is a major pain in the arse. If you have a local lake nearby, you're much more likely to use it more if it's in the water and ready to run. Be advised of the cost and check this out.

That's about all I can say really. There's always the maintenance side of things, storage in the winter, etc... If you don't get a slip you need to keep it on the trailer somewhere, and you'll want to make sure you don't have any deed restrictions in your area that would prevent you from keeping it at your house.

Good luck, boats are fun, but they are costly. My current ride is a 24' Striper Seaswirl walkaround that we use at Lake Erie, and we have a ball with it. It's a bit expensive for the few times we get to get on it as a family, but we use that as our vacation so it evens out.

[Psychedeliante]

Originally Posted by Gossamer

I could take a pile of my own crap, put enough money into it, and it would be fast. Acceleration is only one measure of a car's greatness. Try comfort, drivability, looks, handling, etc. The Viper would win in all of those.

Sure. But it also costs a lot more. Neons are shitty cars with rattle prone interiors. However, they also have great handling, a pretty torquey 4 cylinder (much much much more capable than most honda engine, which badly lack torque), and a pretty stiff chassis. This is why an almost STOCK neon can outdrive cars like 300ZX twin turbos, RX7 twin turbos, supras, etc etc etc.

And honestly, it doesn't really cost much to make a neon fast. At all.