OK, long post, early morning, so grab coffee and enjoy (if you have nothing better to do). So, the adventure begins. Finally left the RV (i.e. yard anchor) world. Had experience with RV.net and found this forum.
Last summer went to Put In Bay for my birthday and, after several visits, fell in love with Lake Erie. Live in Southern Ohio and have never been a water person, but just something about lake life. Eventually found a second home in Marblehead, and hope to live there full time eventually. Anyway, doesn't make sense to live on the lake and not have a boat. Went to several boat dealers during the fall, only knowing how to spell "boat" and knew port and starboard, but little else. Made a fool of myself several times asking questions with all the wrong terminology, but my schooling began. Thought we had narrowed it down to a dual console, but then saw a video about tritoons on the Lake.
Went to the Cleveland Boat show last weekend, knowing we were interested in a "boat". After crawling up, over, in, and out of several, decided a tritoon was the best option for our family. First stop was a Harris dealer. Was very impressed, seemed like a good boat, salesman (of course) very persuasive. Next stop, the Bennington which we were looking forward to due to our previous research. The tipping point honestly is the 10 year warranty from Bennington (nice job Benny, that says a lot about your product). Arrived at the show when it opened and left just before closing. I'm sure the salesmen were worn out but hey, that's their job. After asking 19 times before, I again asked for the twentieth time, " are you sure you can take this on Lake Erie?" Finally became convinced.
Kept comparing the SXP and R models (they didn't have any G models) and narrowed it down to the 25 SPDXP. However, although you can get a Yamaha 250 HP, you cannot get the ESP package. Dealer said you can get SPS or SPS+ with 200 HP and would work well with Erie. Came home and sat with family and discovered the 25 GBR. Both very nice boats, obviously the "G" has more options.
So, here we are. Seems to be the best time of year to buy, and Bennington is offering rebates.
Does anyone on the forum have any input regarding the following for a Lake Erie boat?
25 SPDXP with SPS/SPS+ with 200/250 HP or,
25 GBR with ESP 250 HP (Lake Erie dealer recommended).
Anyone with double Bimini top? Refrigerator? Privacy chaise? pros/cons
Any other suggestions/recommendations welcomed.
Will keep everyone updated (if interested).
BTW, automatic or manual transmission? (just kidding)
Last summer went to Put In Bay for my birthday and, after several visits, fell in love with Lake Erie. Live in Southern Ohio and have never been a water person, but just something about lake life. Eventually found a second home in Marblehead, and hope to live there full time eventually. Anyway, doesn't make sense to live on the lake and not have a boat. Went to several boat dealers during the fall, only knowing how to spell "boat" and knew port and starboard, but little else. Made a fool of myself several times asking questions with all the wrong terminology, but my schooling began. Thought we had narrowed it down to a dual console, but then saw a video about tritoons on the Lake.
Went to the Cleveland Boat show last weekend, knowing we were interested in a "boat". After crawling up, over, in, and out of several, decided a tritoon was the best option for our family. First stop was a Harris dealer. Was very impressed, seemed like a good boat, salesman (of course) very persuasive. Next stop, the Bennington which we were looking forward to due to our previous research. The tipping point honestly is the 10 year warranty from Bennington (nice job Benny, that says a lot about your product). Arrived at the show when it opened and left just before closing. I'm sure the salesmen were worn out but hey, that's their job. After asking 19 times before, I again asked for the twentieth time, " are you sure you can take this on Lake Erie?" Finally became convinced.
Kept comparing the SXP and R models (they didn't have any G models) and narrowed it down to the 25 SPDXP. However, although you can get a Yamaha 250 HP, you cannot get the ESP package. Dealer said you can get SPS or SPS+ with 200 HP and would work well with Erie. Came home and sat with family and discovered the 25 GBR. Both very nice boats, obviously the "G" has more options.
So, here we are. Seems to be the best time of year to buy, and Bennington is offering rebates.
Does anyone on the forum have any input regarding the following for a Lake Erie boat?
25 SPDXP with SPS/SPS+ with 200/250 HP or,
25 GBR with ESP 250 HP (Lake Erie dealer recommended).
Anyone with double Bimini top? Refrigerator? Privacy chaise? pros/cons
Any other suggestions/recommendations welcomed.
Will keep everyone updated (if interested).
BTW, automatic or manual transmission? (just kidding)
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