Press Room
If
you’ve been shopping for a pontoon boat, you may think you have been from one end of the spectrum to the other. Just when you thought you have seen it all, we’ll add a little twist. Last month we looked at deck boats…this month’s Spectrum takes you from one side of pontoon market to the other. That’s not to say that either side is better than the other, but what matters is that one side or the other fits your boating needs and you explore them all to find out which one does just that.
Entry Level
Let’stalk entry-level boats and be clear on one point to begin with…entry level doesn’t mean you’re skimping on quality. The FISHER® Liberty 180 takes the basics and beefs them up to give you a compact, family-friendly, easily-maneuverable, comfortable ‘toon that gets the job done in very fine fashion. The whole family can enjoy this one.
Sowhat are some of the highlights of this machine? Start with the 24 inch multi-chambered, impact-resistant pontoon logs built for stability and a higher degree of bouyancy. The rear entry ladder makes boarding convenient. It also has an 8- inch polyster bimini top for those days you want a break from the sun and features a stain resistant topcoat on vinyl throughout the boat for longevity. The sturdy, custom molded fiberglass reinforced console also adds to that longevity theme. The anodized fence rail is elevated for extra safety and made from 1 1/4 inch material. Roto molded furniture frames are made to last. It also has an AM/FM CD for relaxation and entertainment.
Thedecking is made of three quarter inch ply pressure treated material, and it has an all aluminum transom. All of these factors, with many more options available, equate to great-looking, affordable fun for the family. This one is priced around $11,114 plus dealer prep and/or destination charges. For more information, log on to www.fisherboats.com or call 888 669 2248.
Mid-Level
Stepover to a mid-level priced, quality, smooth, comfortable ride the whole family can enjoy. This could be your boat. The Crestliner 1885 Sport Classic is ready for your water fun.
Ithas exclusive roll-channel fencing giving it a smooth finish. It also has sealed bulkheads with top-mount air vents to equalize pressure in the event of puncture. Extruded aluminum structural cross members have built-in deflectors to help ensure a smoother ride as well as a drier deck…it’s good to have the water outside the boat, right? The deck panels also carry a limited lifetime warranty.
Thiscompetitively-priced pontoon with a fresh design “sports” an L-lounge and two plush forward sofas, swiveling Concept DX chair behind the wide helm with full instruments and tinted windscreen. It also has a plus-three year protection plan meaning that the aluminum welds are covered for life to the original owner with virtually everything else bow to stern being covered for three years.
Ifyou’re an angler, you may want to add the fishing package, which includes the aerated livewell, trolling motor accessible front gate, 12/24-volt trolling motor outlet with the two Concept DX fishing chairs. To learn more about other available options and check pricing, call 320 632 6686, or check out www.crestliner.com, and build your own boat 1885 Sport Classic.
High-End
Takea walk on the high-end side with the Manitou 24 Legacy. This boat just sort of exudes class all the way around whether you’re out skiing, tubing or just taking it easy. Some of the features that add to that luxurious feel begin with the reclining captain’s chair, the Sunbrella mooring cover and bimini top, remote controlled rope lighting and stylish, domed Manitou logo. Sturdy, 28-ounce textured marine carpet and the stainless steel dock guard comes standard as well.
The300hp V8 engine provides the performance you want when engaged in fast-paced fun on the water. There’s fun for the family with storage for knee boards and skis beneath the sundeck on the I/O models. There is also space on the outboard models for dealer-installed racks for skis or even for a fishing rod rack to accommodate those days you want to drop a line in the water.
Italso has a new SHP (Sport Handling Package) available, which adds to performance. They took the three tube concept, increased the middle tube in size to 27 inches in diameter and reduced the two outside tubes to 23 inches. This helps the boat achieve better hole shots as well as higher top end speeds than the conventional triple tube because of the added lift and increased planing surface of the SHP hull. This gives you the load carrying capabilities of a pontoon combined with performance and stability…it moves!
Thereare many more options available with the 24 Legacy. To find out more, visit www.manitouboats.com or call 517 322 3822.
Catchus again next month for more of the many colors of the industry spectrum.
Reprintedwith permission of PDB Magazine, April 2005. www.pdbmagazine.com