Pontoons

I could use some feedback on ordering a pontoon.
Just got a cabin on a 1500 acre lake and will be ordering a toon and would like to hear the needs and wants.
I have my eye on either a Sweetwater or Lowes
Needs
1) 20 to 22 ft fish and cruise.
2) Changing room
3) Vinyl floor
4) Led bimini
5) 25″ toons
6) Good Stereo
7) 90 hp Yami

Wants
1) Hydraulic steering
2) Lifting strakes
3) Swim Lights
4) Vinyl Teak Decking
5) Trolling motor
6) Tritoon?
7) 115 hp Yami

Am I missing anything? I only get one shot at this.

Sounds like you are looking at a nice unit. Post pictures when you get one and let everyone know how you like it.

I wanna fish, the wife wants to cruise.
Gotta find a middle ground if you know what I mean.

You’ve got a pretty good list. A few more things I’d consider:

Will this be a swimming platform (i.e. do you have kids)? If so, make sure there is a good boarding ladder. A power anchor winch is nice to have. What are your docking plans? Boat lift, Sea Legs? If it won’t be under a canopy, get a good cover. What about a depth finder?

My father just recently picked up a tri-toon Premier Alante and couldn’t be happier. It seems like it has all the options you are looking for minus a changing room. It is a very good quality, MN made boat. He has the 200hp Verado on the back (which I think is overkill) and it will easily hit 35+mph. They obviously make smaller boats in the 20′ range. If you haven’t looked into Premiers, they are worth the look. His will troll down to 2mph and I have trolled off of it a few times, albeit we only caught a bunch of Drum…

If you want a bow mount electric you must consider how it will mount and deploy in any toon you buy. A fishing deck on the front is very handy. Or at least shorter sides up there. Being trapped in the playpen with high sides does not lend itself well to fishing. You are on the right track going large on the outboard on such a big lake.

I’m very partial to Bennington or Premier brand pontoon boats. They all look nice when they are new. If you take care of it, Bennington or Premier will still look nice when they are older than 10 years old. Some of the other brands just don’t hold up well.

I toured the Premier pontoon factory and saw how they are built. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one. They make a great product.

Hey, Thanks Guys –
Power anchor good suggestion. That goes on the need list for sure.
Not quite sure on docking plans yet, that will be my next question.
I’m thinking of installing an aftermarket fish electronics
200HP overkill? I think not LOL. Bigger = Better.
I like Bennington but not the configuration of there Fish and Cruise
Premier might work, but I heard they won’t customize.

suzuki wrote:

Being trapped in the playpen with high sides does not lend itself well to fishing.

x2!

Also consider if the pontoon has swing gate/door on both the port and starboard sides. This helps when docking. As far as a bow mount, go BIG. Pontoons are sails. I am partial to the lay out of the Fishstations by Premier. I also like a vinyl flooring on the fishing sections and carpet in the main area.

Thanks,

FDR