I just went thru the pontoon buying process. I live on a lake with HOA installed dock that I tie up to for now. I am 62, like to fish, kids want to do watersports, grandkids popping out, all fish, cruise and socialize and wanted nice pontoon to serve as virtual entertaining patio too. In short I wanted in all but not to big, as often will be just fishing by myself or two of us. the difference btween 22 and 24 ” wa slight budidnt seem to justify for me. You seem to gain an opposite side gate on the 24’typically. and a bump in carrying capacity. The 22′ is rated for 15! And I cant see me needing to take more than that. I found many useful you tube videos on pontoons where you could do virtual tours of them online and some are educational. I opted for a 22′ premier cast away (made in Wyoming, MN) with a four corner fish layout with captains chairs in all corners, still has lounge and table adjacent to helm that appealed, still open areas to add flexible camp chair seating if needed too. There are significant advantages to getting the ‘center log” making it a triton. increased bouoyancy, handling, capacity, getting to plan, larger motor options, in tube large fuel tank, in tube storage for fairly large,long items. There is some engineering in the center tube design and some hype too that may + performance or just $. Resale/demand will be much better for tritoons than bitoons. Know that that center tube adds about 6-10K to the price depending on length. some offer a “sport tube” which is much less functional and is like half long. Vinyl flooring seems to be the choice and what is offered now. has a big effect on maintenance – I want a washdown clean-up. And bought a 12v Worx low pressure washer to do the task -with either fresh waste in a bucket or lake water over the side. Brands that interested me new were : premire, Lund, starcraft, Bennington, Ranger, qwest fish (serious trolling guide/greatlakes models). These brands offered quality and what I was looking for in layout and features, and decent dealer. I believe the end of season current inventory sale (just before labor day) is the best time to buy – if you find a in stock one you like. I wanted to take advantage of product that has a pre-tariff cost basis for dealer and Mfg. The new prices will be much higher in 2020 with all the aluminum etc. I think the dealer is very important to a wise purchase – service, honesty, good installers etc. I will like siting in the shade under the 11’ bimini and protecting my skin from cancer risk too that is hard to do in a typical fishing boat. I put a 200hp merc 4 stroke on it and should go 40-45, still breaking it in and cant open it up yet. It trolls quite slow, quiet, and is propped for hole shot (15pitch) merc inertia SS prop. In spring I will be adding that new terrova bow mount with 80# thrust and ipilot paired with a large hummingbird compatible finder, then I can deploy hands free, sit in the back with my remote, see the screen, and fish out the back or anywhere I desire. This pontoon also has slooping and curved side rails (fence) so it is lower to fish out of – this set premier apart from others. You got two livewell/baitwells on board, running water sink, pop up changing room/portapottie, in center tube storage, built in trash compartment. stereo, night lights. I added tow bar for tubing/skiing, USB charge outlets/cig sockets, onboard battery charger so I can just plug in. The ultimate accessory I didn’t spring for, yet. is a aftermarket bimini/cover called ‘Easy cover” which is a Fob remote controlled top that serves as mooring cover, full biminin, half, or in-between, but it cost 8-10k and you have to go to Michigan to get it installed. But then I would not need a lift or have to cover/uncover the pontoon, but I suspect you would never recover your investment on resale. I have a heavy traditional anchor and plan to use spot lock on Minnkota to hold position.. some people may want a talon front and back – hold when docked too, but gets expensive and more hardware hanging for kids skiing and swimming. Sealegs don’t fit on all tritoons. Are expensive, more complexity, wiring, battery use and add significant weight, could be issue when trailering I don’t know. maybe be right for the right situation.
The tritoon is very stable, rides very smooth, turns like a runabout, quiet to converse while running. The helm is raised 6″ on this model and gives you a better view, not all have that. I can take a poop or a nap out fishing now, in the shade.
Tritoons seem to be a growing market segment and I suspect their will continue to be new innovations and options in the future. but it can get expensive. As more tritoons get in the market new there should be more used available in the future. Barletta is even offering a slide out model where you can expand the width of the pontoon via remote control like is done on RVs.
