.....looks like in the very near future we will be looking at getting a pontoon for the family..with everything, Im sure there are pros/cons for each of the manufacture and thought what better place would there be to ask for opinions and pros/cons than on here.

We will be doing a lot of family outings and pulling a kneeboard/tube would be a must....also MUST be a good fishing toon...meaning that rod holders will be mounted, trolling motor, would love to have an aluminum floor, etc.

Thanks in advance for any and all input/info.

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No matter what - Don't get carpet!!

tri-toon, 3 pontoons, best riding.

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Carpet works good on mine.
- get a good anchor
- get a good trolling motor(long shaft
- get a large enough motor to pull with
- radio
- depth finder

I have owned 2 Voyager toons - 1 pontoon & 1 tritoon, both the fish/cruise models. Main thing I liked about the Voyager is the aluminum deck. I think that is an important point especially if considering a used boat. I know the newer pontoons that do not have an aluminum deck use a material with a life-time warranty. When the industry started using this material I do not know. Another mfg. that uses aluminum decking is Veranda.

If fishing vinyl deck covering definitely makes cleaning easier

Another vote for a voyager with aluminum deck. No rotting floor! Also, I like the oval logs and they are foam filled not air compartments like other brands. IMHO, the oval logs help with turning at higher speeds as they don't end to "slide" in a turn. I would also recommend the tri-toon version of whatever you end up with.

I would highly suggest a Tri-toon. Much better for all the things you want to do.

Love our Bennington fishing model (20SFI). Carpet is only in the middle and so far it has not been a problem. Especially since the kids like to lay down there an color, play, whatever when the fishing is slow. It has a lifetime warranty on the deck and comes with a trailer. Check the trailer part real close when comparing price. We looked at the BPS Tracker pontoons and by the time you pay for the trailer it's not that much cheaper than the nicer brands.

There are several good pontoon manufacturers out there so pick one that fits what you need.

One of the biggest positives with the pontoon is space. I have a bad back and have to lay down in the floor of the boat and stretch from time to time. Plenty of room for this as well as room to fish 4 comfortably and can cram a couple of more on if needed.

Our trolling motor mounted on a plate which is nice. If we are swimming or just hanging out on the boat and want the floor space I can just pull a pin and take the trolling motor off.

As far as Rod Holders - Bee Ready's - well worth the cost.

Voyager all the way. Bought a used 20 ft. 2000 fish model 4 years ago with a 50 horse Yamaha and have had 0 problems with it.Added a 40lb.12 volt trolling motor and it does great.Best $4000.00 I ever spent.

when your ready to lake test, hit me up. We can go fish for the day and run around on mine a bit.

Bennington, but high dollar.

Definitely get an aluminum deck. Stay away from wood flooring.

Most definitely a Tritoon... When you pass one on the lake you'll be slappin yourself for not spending the $$ and getting one.