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| Name: |
Maverick
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| Subject: |
Live Chat Tonight - 9:00PM EST
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Date:
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2/22/2007 6:56:24 PM
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Topic of conversation which tritoon to purchase:
24" Manitou with 250HP E-Tec, estimated top speed about 53-55 MPH, E-Tec has 7 year warranty, Manitou has 3 year warranty on upholstery, etc or
If you have not seen Manitou performance video, click the URL below; have to say it is rather impressive.
25" Bennington with 300HP Suzuki, estimated top speed about 55-57 MPH., Suzuki has 6 year warranty, Bennington has 5 year warranty on upholstery, etc.
Both pontoons will have the performance pontoon upgrades and both have lifetime-limited warranty on pontoons. Overall initial cost for both boats / engines is about the same.
From what I can tell from other forums both engines and pontoon boats are highly rated. Any feedback from current boat / engine owners would be appreciated, as I always like to try to make an informed purchase decision.
What I sort of like about the E-Tec even though it is a 2 Stroke are the test results are extremely positive in terms of noise level, fuel efficiency, emission ratings, etc. Best I can gather very close to a 4-stroke, if not better in some areas, and only requires maintenance every 3 years or 300 hours and no break in period. Also, E-Tec has more torque and top end than a 4-stroke.
Consideration I am Looking at: Overall performance in terms of torque, time to plane 0-30 MPH for skiing and tubing, engine reliability and maintenance, total cost of ownership boat and motor, smoothest rides in rough water, maneuverability for skiing and tubing in terms of tight turns, etc. Also, resale value in about 7 to 8 years.
Boat will be used primarily for high-speed runs to Sinclair’s, Chucks, Willow Point etc from Wind Creek area, and skiing and tubing when I do not feel like putting the Mastercraft in the water.
And yes, I know Yamaha has just come out with a 350HP 4-stroke, however the above HP is the max these boats are rated for and no I do not want a Playcraft, as to darn expensive.
URL: Manitou Performance Video
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Mav you were not on live-chat
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Date:
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2/22/2007 9:41:15 PM
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As opinions go, here's mine. I've looked at both boats, but haven't driven nor ridden in either one. The Manitou large center tube is intriguing and the videos show what it'll do, but I like the fit and finish of the Bennington better. Does the Manitou have the floor storage in the center tube? The Bennington does and that was one thing I really need. The plastic compartment doors on the Manitou could have been better.
Engines: Which motor will offer the highest trade in 7 or 8 years down the road? Probably Yamaha or Honda 4-cycle. I personally think the Suzuki is a fine motor, but so far they haven't held their used value as well as Y and H. You know the past history with Evinrude--will they live that down?? Cost to operate a 2-cycle is more--they use a lot of 2-cycle oil. Two-cycle has advantage in acceleration, weight and cost--but will they even be selling any 2-cycles in 7-8 years.
Dealers I've talked to offer at least a couple of thousand (or more) for the Suzuki or Evinrude power so it's a personal call by you.
Opinions don't cost money, but buying a boat does so get the one that suits your needs (and family) best and enjoy.
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| Name: |
CAT BOAT
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| Subject: |
Mav you were not on live-chat
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Date:
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2/22/2007 11:26:13 PM
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It was great to chat with yall on "live chat". thanks for the time.
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| Name: |
Maverick
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| Subject: |
OSMS - Nice to Meet You
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Date:
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2/22/2007 11:28:31 PM
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Appreciate the feedback this evening on live chat.
Will let you know about my final decision.
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Mav, Cat, Feb- Enjoyed it.
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Date:
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2/23/2007 11:52:44 AM
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Nice to" type" with all of you.
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Maverick
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Date:
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2/23/2007 1:06:43 PM
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Just got an email that had new j.d. Power Pontoon Boat ratings from the Miami Boat Show. Info shows that Manitou went from #1 to #7 in one year. Interesting. Bennington was close to #1 but came in behind Harris.
URL: Pontoon boat ratings
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| Name: |
Maverick
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| Subject: |
JD Power - More Info
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Date:
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2/23/2007 2:04:56 PM
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Yes, I show this about a week ago, that is why I started leaning towards Bennington again, as they consistantly rank # 1 or #2.
Did you see the outboard motor rankings. See URL link below:
4-Strokes
- Honda #1
- Suzuki #2
- Mercury - Last Place
2 Strokes
- E-tec #1
- Mercury #2
- Yamaha - Last Place
Here is the URL for all the diff boat classifications: Bass Boats, Pontoon, Crusiers, Runabouts, Ski, etc.
http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2007026
URL: JD Powers - Outboard Motor Ratings
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
JD Power - More Info
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Date:
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2/23/2007 3:10:27 PM
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Interesting. I'm surprised how closely ranked all of the outboards were except the Mercury 4 stroke. Looks like the Suzuki is gaining respect.
The Harris pontoon was ranked highest this year--I must remind you that I really liked the Harris when we started these discussions months ago. They're not flashy or fast but they look like quality construction to me.
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| Name: |
CAT BOAT
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| Subject: |
Keep it up
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Date:
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2/23/2007 11:17:23 PM
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and you will have a boat "THAT IS CAPABLE OR OVER 60, AND 26'11" LONG"..... then you'll have an illeagle pontoon. There are already 7 on the lake that I know of........... And they don't have a clue!
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Yacht??
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Date:
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2/24/2007 9:31:21 AM
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I want one of those 30' X 10' Premier pontoons with twin 250HP Evinrude's that runs 59.5MPH. Of course it'll have a Porti-potti and a blow up bed, so it'll be a "yacht", and be grandfathered in.
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| Name: |
fountain
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| Subject: |
Yacht??
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Date:
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2/24/2007 10:44:46 AM
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Guess again.
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| Name: |
Osms
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| Subject: |
Yacht??
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Date:
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2/24/2007 12:17:18 PM
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That's right, the grandfather date was last July. Guess I'll have to stick with the 24' X 8'6" w/225HP and be a good citizen.
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