I'm looking at buying a 2012 Suntracker Party barge 22 DLX with a 60hp Mercury Bigoot motor on it.

The salesman says that motor/boat combo should go about 20mph. Does that sound about right?

I'm also looking at a 2008 Party barge 24ft with a Merc 90 on it. I like the 22dlx better, but the used 24ft will be a few grand cheaper. Not sure which to go with.

I'd ask him if he would be willing to bet his commision on the one wiht the 60hp running a min of 20mph.

Pontoons are not intended for speed or rough water, they do what they are intended to do though.

I'd would go with the 24/90/ Bigger boat, more speed, $2K cheeper buys a lot of fuel.

I had a 24 foot toon with aluminum deck (lighter than wood) & 90 hp engine. It would do 24 mph max. I seriously doubt the 60 hp bigfoot will push a 22 foot toon 20 mph.

It might hit 20 empty with a 40 mph tail wind. Regular use with a normal load of people and accessories it's a 15 mph rig.

The 22' is a nicer boat, but the 90 is a better motor...and the 24 is a beast to tow very far, so if a lot of trailering is part of the equation that 2 feet will indeed make a difference.

I would be trailering it a minimum of 30 miles each way to the lake i frequent most of the time. I'm also looking at the 2012 Party Barge 20DLX with the same 60hp bigfoot motor. Now i realize why i hate boat shopping...sooooo many options and things to consider.

I used to sell them, both tracker and others. Here's what I learned...

If you really want a pontoon that'll do a decent job of pulling a tube or even kids on skis, find a tri-toon. There really is that big a difference.

Rated motors will make a big difference in your satisfaction. What makes them go is the right prop. Which is totally different than any prop on anything else. Different critter completely.

The best ever pontoon I sold? That's easy, 22' Bennington with tritoon, all the performance foils, and bottom covers, with a 225 yamaha 4 stroke. That bad dude would GET ON PLANE and run right at 60 mph. Those people loved that boat, and I sure can't blame them.

30 mile commute towing a toon will NOT be a fun adventure. I promise it's like pulling a drag chute down the highway. Are you absolutely SURE a pontoon is what you want? Really?

22' tritoon, performance package (includes lifting strakes and under deck aluminum spalsh guards) loaded up for fishing with trolling motor, trolling motor batteries, all gear, and a 125 merc runs a gps 28 on calm, slightly choppy water with 3-4 persons on board who are a bit on the heavy side.

I've had it at gps 34 on a calm day with a light load and no trolling motor and batteries on the front. It lifts up and planes out well, handles rough water well (3-4 footers on south end of CC during a norther). Trailering is a PITA though, be ready.

Hi - I'm selling my 25' Tri-Toon with a 175hp 4S. I just posted it last week here is the link:

25' Crest Tri-Toon with 175hp 4S

I have used this for Pulling skiers, toys and lots of overnight camping. great fun, gas grill and lots of room for up to 17 people.

Andy