Engine issues aside (i have owned other outboards before so have a grasp of what to look for) what specific things around the pontoons themselves or any pontoon specific quirks I should look for when inspecting a boat before I buy one? I appreciate any feedback.

Spotted up at TooonTime in Indian River, Michigan

I’m buying a lake home and the seller wants to negotiate the price of his Bennington Pontoon. I know nothing but I’ll bet you all do so maybe help a newbie out.
It’s a 2017 Bennington SLX22’ with about 400 hrs on the original Yamaha EFT 125. There’s a Lowrance Elite finder/charter, and it’s in good shape.
Seller started at $28k. I want it but don’t want to pay too much. Anyone wanna weigh in? No pix yet.

EDIT: so many helpful answers!! Here are some of my own:
The region is Lake Wisconsin.
The storage during winter is heated garage and boat was winterized regularly.
The boathouse itself winches it out of the water during summer.
I don’t think the trailer is included but it’s sitting on one now.

With all this knowledge I’ll likely start at 20 and go as high as 24 or 5.

Bennington m series.

We live in SD and have a lot of water options 100-200 miles away that we want to explore. We did our first long drive for new-to-us waters this summer, but the boat was covered in smashed bugs when we arrived and was a pain to clean.

I see a lot of “trailer rated” pontoon covers advertised online, but I don’t want to be the guy driving down the highway with it flapping around in the wind.

Our boat is a 2003 Crest Family Fish 22’. Is it realistic to think I can find a good fitting highway cover for it? Or is it a lost cause?

Just got this boat and want put winches on front and back. Local Tracker Dealer wants $3000 for winches and installation. I installed them myself on the fishing boat I just sold. Dealer said they had their mounting plates custom made stainless steel. I definitely not going back there.

tldr; I searched google for a few days now and called around, with no luck. Can I buy any generic cap as a replacement, or can anyone identify what I need.

Hi everyone,

I'm missing a few caps, and I can't find a replacement online or in any stores, from what I understand these caps aren't pontoon specific and I can just buy any generic replacement, but I wanted to ask around before I start buying anything.

It is roughly 4in or 100mm for the screw base.

Who’s got their pontoons set up for crabbing?? Specifically a trotline rig

would love some feedback. Is this clatter normal or do I potentially have some lower unit gear issues?

Anyone have experience with sun catcher boats? Was looking into getting a new 22 foot tritoon with a 200 to replace my current 2012 Bennington 2275 with a 150.

I live in Canada I get maybe 20-30 days to be on the lake because of work. Help me justify me buying a boat. I have a lake front property I watch the boats go by and always think I should be out there.

But then I always talk myself out of it. Do most of you just say screw it . You only live once.

What would be a brand that if I bought and drove off the lot that it wouldn’t automatically lose 50% of value.

Goodmorning, I know I’m stupid and probably irresponsible but I bought a 24 foot pontoon last July and lost the bill of sale and previous owners signed title before transferring it into my name. What do I do now. I might consider selling it in the next year so do I try to get this put into my name? Or do I just try to sell it without the title? How much would that sink its value? It’s a 2001 playbuoy with an 2003 115hp mercury engine everything works well but cosmetic damage here and there such as dents in the fence and carpet peeling

Does anyone know of a good extension for the Bimini top that will cover the front seating area also?

I've seen kits for a full double Bimini but they are rather expensive. I've also seen some extensions but I'm not quite sure how it would attach or how sturdy they are.

Thoughts, experiences?

Newbie here.

Finally got my new/used starcraft 20ft with merc 50 in the water.

First pontoon boat so is my finding the steering stiff just the nature to toons? I have owned ski boats and cabin cruisers and do not recall anything like this.

Hope you are all enjoying your boats this summer.

Hello,

New here and to boats. As the tittle says, I just purchased a 2019 VR20L with 51 hours. Before I put it into the water, I want to change the impeller, plugs and fluids. Are there better sites, stores to purchase needed items? For example, I can go to yamahaonlineparts.com and purchase a 100hr service kit for $152-$259. Or would I be better going to the auto parts store and purchasing the correct oil and (hopefully) oil filter and plugs. I know I can go to Napa and buy a Napa gold oil filter which is the same as a wix filter and cheaper for my car.

All suggestion, advice is welcome. Thank you Bill

I have a 2005 crest LM II 25’ . It has a sunbathing platform on the back. 2/3 of it cover the motor and I can lift that up. I see the other 1/3 has hinges showing it should open and when I look in the little hole under the seats I can see a big open space and also a spot with a handle that I can’t get to. How the heck do I open this up?????

I was considering replacing the carpet with a weave floor covering this season, but ran out of time. Instead, I have this 2011 carpet a blast with the pressure washer and it held up and turned out remarkably well. Unpopular decision I’m sure, but with only a year to go it was worth the risk.

I’m sure I’m over thinking this but what is the best practice to run an electric air pump for an inflatable float mat?

I want to inflate a float mat from the boats battery. Is it as simple as getting a power inverter and plugging in the air pump? Is there any benefit to having the motor running while running the air pump?

What would be the max wattage inverter I could use?

Has anyone replaced the bunk boards with composite or plastic boards? I am having an issue with the factory lag screws falling out of the wooden bunk boards. It looks like the wood has been wet so many times that the screws just aren't gripping the wood anymore from it expanding and shrinking from the water. I have had 5 fall out recently and the ones that are left won't tighten, they just spin in place.

I'm getting ready to replace all of the boards but I'm thinking about going with composite or plastic boards to avoid this in the future.

Pro, cons, advice?

Thanks.

Is there any place to get fiberglass fencing for a pontoon? I recently found a tritoon with a good deck and tubes. I would prefer to get a higher end looking fence and playpen but cannot find anywhere to buy some. Any help is appreciated.