Pontoon Upgrade ?????

[BoatCop]

Got the speed bug and was looking to upgrade my 6 year old 22' Pontoon w/90 Merc (Simonized to 115HP) to a new 24' Tritoon with 200 4 Stroke or Verado*. I thought things would fall into place to make the deal, but there's some hang-ups, so looking at a different route.

There's noting wrong with my Pontoon, paid for, good shape, just needs more power.

Is there anyone (Pro shop, not you basement & backyard boat tinkerers) out there experienced in installing a center-toon w/engine transom, underpinning and possible re-certify for a 200+HP. Installing the new Merc engine with DTS would be a plus, but I can get my Merc shop to do that.

Basically I'd be turning my 2012 Sun Tracker 22' DLX Pontoon into a Sun Tracker 22' XP3 Tritoon w/ premium power.

Anyone got any hook-ups for this. Willing to take to SOCAL, Vegas, etc. for a good shop, if necessary.

*I know they're doing away with the 200 Verado for 2019, but there may be some '18s on the shelf for a good price.

 

[Mandelon]

Yes, just leave it with me.... it will be ready in Two Weeks!

 

[HB2Havasu]

Call Fallon Marine. They’re repowering ours this winter. Not sure about recertification, might wanna give them a call.

 

[BoatCop]

Yes, just leave it with me.... it will be ready in Two Weeks!

Seriously?

 

[BoatCop]

Call Fallon Marine. They’re repowering ours this winter. Not sure about recertification, might wanna give them a call.

I'll consider that. Gil's my Merc guy, anyway.

 

[Mandelon]

Seriously?

Pretty much, no. But I'd have two weeks of slow paced pontoon fun!

 

[DLC]

I just googled the sun tracker 22dlx 2018 model year and your good to go up tp 150hp.

Going with a 3rd log and an extra 50 hp is going to cost you some cash! Also stock you only have a 32 gal fuel tank....

If your going to do the 3rd log get one with the 52 gallon fuel tank, that sure beats filling up every day, also look at doing some of the performance lifting strakes, weld em onto your existing toon logs.

The 200 with DTS would be awesome and the electronics work great, you can tie it into a lowarance fish finder/ gps so you get all engine functions on the unit, just make sure you get the correct unit.

And don’t forget to do a build thread!

 

[Cole Trickle]

What can you sell yours for and buy a used one like what you want for?

Seems like a lot of work and $$$ to me.

 

[Hullbilly]

Seriously?

Have you talked to Brian at Tank-it? He builds toons, I’d bet he’d be willing to add a center tube for you

 

[BoatCop]

What can you sell yours for and buy a used one like what you want for?

Seems like a lot of work and $$$ to me.

Trade offer is $13.5. NADA puts it around $15-$17.

I don't want something used. If I'm going to buy a whole boat, I'll get something new. Used is just someone else's problems. Yes, mine is "used", but they're MY problems.

What I'm looking at new is $43,500.

Once I know what the costs for re-power and 3rd toon, I'll have a better idea of how I'll go.

 

[Big B Hova]

Have you tried different toon?

 

[Bigbore500r]

Trade offer is $13.5. NADA puts it around $15-$17.

I don't want something used. If I'm going to buy a whole boat, I'll get something new. Used is just someone else's problems. Yes, mine is "used", but they're MY problems.

What I'm looking at new is $43,500.

Once I know what the costs for re-power and 3rd toon, I'll have a better idea of how I'll go.

I have some snowbird renters looking for a clean smaller toon, if you are looking to sell please let me know

 

[BoatCop]

Have you tried different toon?

Spent a day a couple weeks ago visiting all the dealers in Havasu. From the guys at the "mall", down to the shop on the south side, and everything in between. For what I want, the others were anywhere from $55-$73. Sun Tracker isn't the "top of the line" pontoon boat, but I'm happy with the fit and finish of mine. If I wasn't looking for more power, I'd be (and still am) satisfied with mine.

 

[BoatCop]

I have some snowbird renters looking for a clean smaller toon, if you are looking to sell please let me know

I am (kinda) looking to sell. That was (and still is) the original goal, but don't want to be boat-less, so timing is the key. Ideal would be to sell both my toon and my motor-home (see classifieds). If I get close to my asking, I can cover the cost of a new tri-toon without getting those pesky banks involved.

Just trying to keep all options open.

 

[DLC]

Have you called Bass pro shops, I believe they move some suntracker boats

 

[BoatCop]

Have you called Bass pro shops, I believe they move some suntracker boats

That's essentially who I'm working with through USA in Havasu. Tracker has a set price, no haggle, so what you pay in one place is the same as every other place for the same boat and options. The one I'm now looking at is actually at BP in Rancho Cucamonga. It's the only one with a 200 HP across 4 states. They aren't making any more 2018s, as they tool up for the 2019s. Which is why I'm not in a big hurry. I'm kinda interested in what 2019 will bring, anyway.

 

[DLC]

When I got my crest (2017) they had the 2018 brochure out.... and no I didn’t get a discount from when I ordered it in February 2017

 

[Bigbore500r]

I am (kinda) looking to sell. That was (and still is) the original goal, but don't want to be boat-less, so timing is the key. Ideal would be to sell both my toon and my motor-home (see classifieds). If I get close to my asking, I can cover the cost of a new tri-toon without getting those pesky banks involved.

Just trying to keep all options open.

They will want a boat by February ‘19, if your ready to sell before then please keep us in mind. Thanks!

 

[TPC]

Speaking of ‘Toons came across this one fueling up at Buckskin. They bought it in LHC and are really happy with the price and performance.

Seemed nice, never heard of this brand.
Asking around to them and other owners they all mention a big swimstep is the most desirable second after lots of HP first.

I’ve over powered boats in the past with screwy issues resulting and am more careful now but pontoons might be a different story. Might be harder to mess that up.
Outboards are priced by their equal weight in gold. MFSOB they are expensive.

BTW:
Those that see that double deck ‘toon with the big slide in EC storage - I talked to the owner.
He said the upper deck doesn’t take much wind to lock him in irons and have trouble on the water. - and on the beach.
The second deck also brought on weight issues that cause some drama operating too he added.
Maybe it’s why it’s always in storage.

 

[boatnam2]

Neighbor at echo just picked up a tritoon with twin 400's punched out to 455's, cruises 80mph. When i go to my old man status may be my next boat.

 

[575cat]

Had an 05 Manitu pontoon 21 outside toons put a 23 center toon under it notched the toon and made a self draining transom welded lift strakes on all the toons worked well got up on plane and ran faster with the same 90 4 stroke Johnson .

 

[BajaT]

Having previously owned basically the same toon, I would be concerned how much faster it could go without falling apart vs. newer tri-toons that are likely built to handle additional speeds/turns/rough water.....

 

[outboardrick]

I added a 3rd log to an old Party Barge after it submarined a couple of times. A guy in Havasu did it and added lifting strakes to the other logs and it was pretty reasonable but he's not there any more. You might try Skip's Prop Shop, he can pretty much do anything and probably has some logs laying around.

 

[TPC]

When i go to my old man status may be my next boat.

That's a big step I'm still pondering too.

 

[NicPaus]

Neighbor at echo just picked up a tritoon with twin 400's punched out to 455's, cruises 80mph. When i go to my old man status may be my next boat.

Made the 2 other new Benningtons in the park look 20 years old and they are brand new!

 

[575cat]

The thing with going faster lot more twisty , flexy going on , the shops in LOTO are welding them back together all the time , aluminum crack crack crack sumpins gotta give .

 

[Deja_Vu]

I've been seeing quite a few of the new Trifectas running around Havasu with between one 200HP and twin 400HP wackers on that biotch.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

What is up with all these toon people wanting to go faster?!!

YOU BOUGHT A TOON!!

Unless you are outfitting it with a 400r or twins of some sort, going fast is just not going to be in your wheelhouse.

 

[boatnam2]

Made the 2 other new Benningtons in the park look 20 years old and they are brand new!

Yea that thing is sick.

 

[CHEETAH24]

I have the 2018 sun tracker xp3. Pretty smooth ride in pretty much all conditions with the center log.
She will knock out about 38 mph downhill with a nice tailwind. It only has the 150 though. Overall it’s a pretty nice toon and I’m happy with it.

 

[HavaToon]

What is up with all these toon people wanting to go faster?!!

YOU BOUGHT A TOON!!

Unless you are outfitting it with a 400r or twins of some sort, going fast is just not going to be in your wheelhouse.

It’s less about going “fast” as fast is relative, as it is about carrying a load without to much loss in speed or being able to cruise 35-40mph without running WOT.

My Crest 25 with a Verado 250 has seen a best of 45mph, most time is spent at 35-37mph but that is still spinning 5500rpm. My goal with a ECU reflash in the future is to not got faster on the top end but to cruise 35-40mph at 4500rpm or preferably even less. The closer you get to 3500rpm with a verado the fuel economy drastically increases, 3500rpm being the sweet spot.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bocco]

I'm strongly considering a toon as my next boat as well. My biggest concern is towing it. They just look like a bitch to tow.

 

[HavaToon]

I'm strongly considering a toon as my next boat as well. My biggest concern is towing it. They just look like a bitch to tow.

They tow fine.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

If it were me and I was thinking of heavily modifying a tooner, I'd look to have the transom modified to carry twins.
A second Merc. 90/115 HP like you have would likely perform similarly to a single 200 HP and have way better handling in currents and breezes.

 

[DonS]

We had a similar boat and similar issues with power. I bought a 2017 Sun Tracker 22' XP3 Party Barge. It was a tri toon with a 150 Mercury. It was a standard price, no deals, but they gave you a $1000.00 gift card to Bass Pro Shop. We owned a 1990 Sea Ray open bow with a 350 Chevy in the 90's......great boat. Once the daughters married, the boat didn't get used. Fast forward….the grandkids are now old enough to go boating, so I bought the Sun Tracker last year. It was capable of holding ten of us and didn't break the bank. After using it on the Sacramento Delta for two weeks, the desire to get back into boating more, was awakened.

With 10 of us on the Sun Tracker and the 150HP, it was a real toad when trying to get anywhere at a reasonable speed. I also found the hydraulic steering was useless at speeds over 10mph.

I put the Sun Tracker up for sale and it sold in less than week.....a lot of demand for reasonably priced pontoon boats.

So the bug to get something better led us to a 2018 23' Avalon Catalina, Yamaha SHO 250HP. The primary reason for buying the Avalon was that it was one of the shortest pontoons we could buy with a 250HP motor. Most other companies would only do a 200HP. I also ordered it with power steering. Our first drive at Castaic the other day saw 45 mph with three people on board. The addition of the power steering really made the boat handle well. One finger steering at speed and the ability to crank it hard in turns at speed.

I figure after the engine breaks in, it may see 46-48 mph. Next week we'll see how it handles with 10 of us on board at Lake Shasta. It's also nice to know that the 4.2 liter Yamaha (bigger engine than the motor in my Canyon that I tow it with) can be easily upgraded to 300HP with an ECU upgrade. If I really get crazy, there is a Super Charger available that bumps it to 450HP.....I doubt the lower end would last long.

I didn't have a need for crazy speed, but when cruising, it's nice to be able to do 30mph - 35mph.

 

[ChrisBama]

I'm looking to add a center toon with transom to my pontoon. Where do I find one?
I'm looking for a 20' center toon with transom and strakes?
Does adding a center toon with transom allow me to get a updated max capacity plate?
How much more hp will that allow?
How do I get the boat recertified or an updated plate for the higher hp?

 

[RichL]

I'm looking to add a center toon with transom to my pontoon. Where do I find one?
I'm looking for a 20' center toon with transom and strakes?
Does adding a center toon with transom allow me to get a updated max capacity plate?
How much more hp will that allow?
How do I get the boat recertified or an updated plate for the higher hp?

With the questions you're asking I suspect you might be better off selling what you have and buying something that fits your requirements plus you'll have a boat already rated at a given power level.

Just my $.02.

 

[ChrisBama]

My pontoon boat has a capacity rating at 80 hp. I might repower eventually and want that option down the road, but want to do it right, right from the start, as I am rebuilding it. I want the center toon for added floatation but I want the transom on it with strakes. I can't afford a tritoon at today's used prices, but I can build mine for a third of the price.
I'm looking for a center toon 20' ish x 25" with transom and strakes.

 

[PlanB]

I believe boats are only required to display a capacity plate if they are under 20' in length.

 

[ChrisBama]

It's over 20'.

 

[PlanB]

This is what I found on a quick search. I would do some research, especially with the state you will be boating in.

Boat Capacities: BoatUS Foundation

The BoatUS Foundation provides this study guide to not only help with passing our free online boating safety course, but to provide a knowledge base for anyone wanting to learn about boating.

www.boatus.org

.

 

[Pivot]

if you buy my 300 i could get a 400. Hmmm