here's a different take on the reasoning
I have a 353 bought new mint always inside undercover bought it to keep it
great boat right size good hull dependable power w/HO's 13 years old and in absolutely as new condition it's staying with me indefinitely
I like to run around eastern lake Ontario as well as the St. Lawrence River so I need something like the 353 for my own kicks and getaways with the old lady.

enter her 4 kids:
they are awesomely respectful of everything far and above what you could ask for, but they are still kids and I want the water to be fun for them and myself without anxiety.
They do well on the 353 and enjoy it but it lacks individual seating and floor space obviously.

I have been contemplating a basic quality toon for quite some time
I am held back by the lack of performance and am a little underwhelmed by what you get for the $

I keep scouting big used BR's as there's a ton of value at the price point right now, there is plenty of seating and a head is a must with 3 women amongst the 6 of us and who knows for guest kids the oldest is 14 a very happening young lady and it's entirely possible to have one or more of her BFF's with us-again a head is a must!

what keeps bringing me back to the toon is LOW MAINTENENCE!
with a big ranch the 353 4 vehicles a fleet of sleds, wheelers and much more...including a JOB
and being 50
I DON'T WANT ANOTHER BIG GLASS BOAT WITH AN I/O TO TAKE CARE OF AND MAINTENENCE to get the job done for the kids
I figure ultra low maintenance with a 70/90 4S. no worries about spills and crumbs and whatever...I turn them loose with a couple bottles of spray nine, a soft brush, hose, and a chamois- they can't really hurt it and it teaches them a few things and involves them in the whole gig along the way.

I see a pontoon in my future. As far as the $'s worth gripe well, I gotta look at it as low maintenance and an easy way to bring up boaters as part of the value.
the toon would be for bopping around between the islands in the river, going to island beaches, bay beaches on the lake (trailer to) on a nice day, and generally going out swimming for a couple hours.
I also live close to dozens of small inland lakes that would be easy to explore on a toon
I'm not a fishin guy but what kid doesn't want to fish? works for that also..

I'm 22 minutes from the river and my 1 existing slip and about 30 from the Lake so that's all easy. I just need a easily trailerable (when not docked next to the 353) day boat for them/us just for FUN- carefree kid type fun!

another thing is the resale value and quickness. People will spend months, even over a year trying to get what they want out of a bowrider. Sell your pontoon weeks and get asking price. used pontoons are like big foot. once you think you found it... its already gone

No a toon but would seem like a good compromise.

http://www.carolinacatboats.com/23sd...ran/index.html

I have owned my share of performance boats believe me (Fountain , Cigarette , Donzi , Eliminator etc...) and each one a great boat for it's purpose.
Now enter my Playcraft extreme 27 pontoon / tritoon with a 496 mag HO - this is truly the Best Boat I have owned for above and beyond it's purpose.
We cruise at 50mph with tops close to 60mph. Most common comment as we pass other boats..." is that an F-ing Pontoon" -

Not sure what's worst, being passed up by a Sea Doo or a pontoon while tearing up the lake in your bad azz go fast with open exhaust.

Are you talking about just the new boat market, or used boats as well?

everyone who owns a 'toon is old, fat, stupid, and driving drunk. Haha!

This one has a 525 in it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o5MFbC0ifA

Sorry if my offhanded comments offended anyone. I was kidding haha. One thing for sure though is there will never be a pontoon at our dock, we don't have kids or fat old people at our house. No need or desire for one of those things.

Im with Biggus! Plus our Cove neighbors would kick us Out!! Here is a Real Party Barge



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