Looking to add a second Bimini. No clue where to start. The canvas is Ameritex. This is a single Bimini with no front zipper. Where can I find the front frame and buy a double Bimini? Is it possible to add onto the existing frame? Has anyone bought a second frame that looks the exact same as existing and buy another canvas? Will 2 biminis look weird if they can’t connect?
Grew up boating on lakes as a kid. Started sailing about 27 years ago in the Caribbean. Back then it was 90% monohulls and 10% catamarans. Catamarans have since taken over the charter market in the Islands due to their space and comfort. Likewise pontoons have taken over our lake in northeast PA. Getting ready to retire next year and finally broke down and moving to a pontoon. Taking delivery of this 2023 South Bay 523RS 2.75 and couldn't be more excited.
I tried the heat gun on low setting, and I've removed decals and striping in the past with success, but this is not working at all. I'm worried I will hurt the paint which is in perfect condition. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Can you clean and polish the aluminum tubes while the boat is in the water? I have seen a lot of products that use acid and that doesn't sound environmentally friendly. Any product advice for this use case?
Looking for recommendations on the best pontoon/tritoon brands. I’m looking for something around 19–21 feet, tritoon only, with a minimum 150hp motor. Budget is max $60K.
It would only be used in Florida saltwater inlet/coastal areas, so reliability, ride quality, handling in chop, and saltwater durability are important. I also need to keep towing weight under about 4,500 lbs because I have a 2025 Kia Telluride AWD with tow package.
I only live about 5 minutes from the boat ramp and would mainly be staying around the islands/inlet areas — not going offshore at all. This would mostly be for two adults and occasionally a few friends.
Not looking for a huge party boat — more interested in overall quality, comfort, and a smooth ride.
There’s a boat show in Tampa next month and I’m not far from there, so I was thinking about going. Is that a good idea for comparing brands/models, or are dealers usually priced too high at those shows?
What brands/models would you recommend or avoid?
God I love it here! Soon it will be too hot though and I’ll have to pack this boat away until fall
So we just got the boat home test drove it everything like that it does kind of have that weed eater feel of how you have to let it warm up before you can really get going. My question is this anything I can do about that? Or would I be better off selling that and putting some money with it and getting a new engine?
Hey all I just bought a 18 Bennington tritoon with a 115 Yamaha (like pictured but not my picture stolen from u/justin0722 ) anyway I was originally wanting a 150 but I got a pretty good deal on it. From what I’ve seen a prop change might be in order for better top end speed but I’ve also seen ECM tuning for these and I’m wondering what experience you all have had, pros and cons thanks
Boat spent the winter in the slip and the toons were stained black. My arms feel like jello, but it’s done. Did some bimini repairs and now just need to load all the stuff back in the boat. My Minnkota Terrova is acting up and keeps losing the pair with the remote. Hopefully it’s just something stupid. Happy Summer everyone!
Hi guys! Picked up a 2019 Bentley with a nearly brand new Honda 140 for what I think was a pretty good deal. She's a bit beat up and needs some TLC but luckily I like that kinda thing, she's very seaworthy and I had her on the Columbia this weekend, so I'm stoked!
Big question, I'd like to get the big dent in the front end you can see on this picture to be less of an eye sore.
My initial thoughts are to get some blocks and large C clamps and try and get pressure across the section to normalize it, maybe finish with a ball hammer and plastic buffer with a cloth etc.
Thoughts, ideas or recommendations?
TIA
Just bought this 2019 StarCraft MX23C 24 foot Yamaha 150hp boat for me and my family. Excited to make some memories on her.
Please give us all your tips and tricks, must haves, do's and dont's, accessories, necessities, fun activities, etc!
I'm looking at buying a new to me Pontoon with a 150. It will be used for fishing, general lake cruising and some tubing for kids. Is a tritoon really worth the extra money or will a nice two tube pontoon with a 150 be able to handle it just fine? We may even have a maybe once a year trip to the shelf for a couple days for fishing. No crazy driving or tubing there.
I have passed several pontoon boats being towed recently by a truck with the hitch height way too low. If possible you want the trailer to be level while towing. If you have too much of a drop in the front it throws off the weight distribution and can cause all kinds of unsafe towing conditions.
Found a good deal for a 115 on Facebook, had to trash my last outboard.
How did we do? Runs great. 115hp 4 stroke mercury. Very rear seat has stitching coming apart a little bit. Paid 10,500. Came with trailer. Any advice on upgrades?
Just thought I’d share my idea for adding a blackstone to a pontoon boat I made a base that hangs on the side and bolts on and when not being used on the boat can be used solo it’s all bolted together first picture was a rough draft to just see how it would work and second pic is the finished product
Boat hadn't been detailed in over a decade. New seats, new lower unit, new Garmin and transducer.
Polished all the aluminum by hand, buffed all the oxidation, waxed, opened every compartment and cleaned every surface inside and out. Took almost four full working days.
My wife and I were lucky enough to get a dock this summer at our small local marina through their lottery drawing. Prior we would of course always pull the boat out after a day on our small lake, clean the boat as necessary and then put the cover on it which has 3 support poles.
With the boat staying in the water this summer any recommendations for a cover that is easier for me to put on after each use? I was thinking of just covering the seats and the console.
It’s a 2018 18 foot sun tracker boat party barge dlx.
any tips/tricks for getting the pontoon off the trailer easier?? I have rubber bunks and always seems to be an issue getting the aluminum to break off it, even when i dump it and slam on the brakes.
TIA