Bentley pontoons

[Thumper1]

I'm looking at a new 24 ft. Bentley pontoon. I have never owned a toon. I am getting on in years, and I think something tied up at the dock would be better than loading and unloading all of the time. The family is also pushing me because we can't get but a couple of people into my 17 ft. center console. Has anybody had a Bentley? I know they went out of business a few years ago but came back as Encore. The reviews of the newer models are very good for a medium priced toon. Help me guys, I am going back and forth on this. The one I am looking at is the 24 footer, 90 hp Yamaha 4 stroke. Is a 90 big enough?? HELP!!! I value your opinions!

[sinkermaker]

It depends on what you want with the toon. My neighbor has a Bently and seems to like it. If you want to fish get the fishing model. If you want to pull tubes and skiers get a triple toon with a minimum 150 hp motor. If you just want to ride and have fun and not in any hurry the 90 will be okay. I have a 22 ft Bennington with a 90 Honda and I get around 30 with just me and the wife. About the only thing I use mine for is going to Macedonia church once or twice a year. The toon is just like a regular boat the more people on board the slower it goes. When I put 10 to 12 people on it I can just about out run it on foot. Try to ride on the different models to make a better choice. Bently is a medium priced toon and seems to be well built. If I was looking for performance I might look at deck boats also.

[Crappie Buster]

Thumper, my dad has a 2001 model 24ft Bentley that has been a great boat. It's been well kept up, but we have had zero issues out of the boat. His has a 60 hp Mercury Bigfoot on it...60 hp powerhead with a 90 hp foot for more torque. It will pull a grown man up on a set of skis quicker than my 18 ft bass boat with a a 150! It doesn't run fast, but it's not made to. With a crowd on the boat and clean toons it'll run 18-20 mph.

One thing I'll say about a pontoon or a tritoon, they are easy to clean once left in the water for a period of time. I would NEVER leave a fiberglass boat in the water more than a week on Murray atleast. It will turn the hull black...or atleast that's my experience up the rivers. I've laid on my back with a paint brush and acid to clean a fiberglass hull and it's no fun.

We normally leave my dads pontoon tied to the bank at our lake house from May till September and the toons are filthy by the end of the summer. It's a thick algae growth that Clorox won't cut, but a little aluminum cleaner (toon brite) and a sprayer it's easy work to clean. Spray on and rinse....

I can't speak for the newer modes nor the other brands of pontoon, but we have been thoroughly pleased with my dad's Bentley.


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[Thumper1]

It depends on what you want with the toon. My neighbor has a Bently and seems to like it. If you want to fish get the fishing model. If you want to pull tubes and skiers get a triple toon with a minimum 150 hp motor. If you just want to ride and have fun and not in any hurry the 90 will be okay. I have a 22 ft Bennington with a 90 Honda and I get around 30 with just me and the wife. About the only thing I use mine for is going to Macedonia church once or twice a year. The toon is just like a regular boat the more people on board the slower it goes. When I put 10 to 12 people on it I can just about out run it on foot. Try to ride on the different models to make a better choice. Bently is a medium priced toon and seems to be well built. If I was looking for performance I might look at deck boats also.

I'm looking at the fishing model with the two captain's chairs on the front. Thanks to you and CB for the input.

[BigDawgg]

You need to ask Remus about pontoons. He has help me with my questions. He has had quiet a few. Good luck!

[quikcarl61]

Get your best price and then call Mike @Tri-Coumty marine in granite falls NC, he will beat anyones price and is a pleasure to deal with.

[Fisholishous]

I had a 20 ft Grumman fishing pontoon about 20 years ago. AutoPilot TM, bait tank, rod holders, good FF, basically set up nice for fishing. Easy to rig with the open framing under the floor. One thing I found useful was to be able to remove the extra seating. More floor space really helped being able to move about and use it for fishing. Nice quiet 4 stroke motor also makes it pleasant for fishing or site seeing. If you get a trailer, get one with the V bunks under each pontoon. They are made for longer tow distances. At times I really miss that boat. Very family friendly. Easy to beach anywhere and let the kids and dogs out. Nice big Bimini top for shade. My neighbor up the street is doing the same thing as you. Selling his Lund fishing boat and getting a fishing pontoon. I think you will really like it as long as you can launch close to where you are going to fish. Slower speeds and difficultly in high winds really the only drawback. But high winds often give everyone trouble. Good luck. Bentley was one of the nicer, heavier pontoons from what I recall.

[micorps]

I personally like the premiers, may want to check those out before you make the purchase. Let me know when you will be out on wateree for stripers. Take care tim

[Thumper1]

I looked around and ordered the 22 ft. Bentley this morning. 90 hp. Yamaha 4 stroke, 70 lb. Minn Kota auto pilot, tandem trailer. I appreciate the input. I have never owned a toon before, hopefully, I will be satisfied with it. It has two captain chairs up front, two couches, lots of storage, Rod storage, Bimini top, even a pull up area on the back for clothes changing/women peepeeing! I thought that was pretty cool, even though I have never had a problem getting rid of beer on a boat! I should have it in about three weeks. I'll let you know what I think after I blow across this huge lake a few times.

[Eatmorecrappie]

Congratulations Thumper I know y'all will enjoy it! Pictures please when you get it if you don't mind.