Smaller pontoon boat- EC24 or PC20 but shorter?

[Jaysen]

Maintenance to me is oversight and money, too.

Watching solar charge rates, managing charging systems, spending 5 grand more for Torqueedo; all a lot of unneeded xtra bs.

You are actually stating that you have redefined "maintenance" to mean "total cost of ownership". Maybe you should use terms the way everyone else does. It would make your opinions much easier to understand.

[Netpackrat]

I know I harp on it a bit, but so far I'm loving the 5 horse Tohatsu propane outboard SK14. Gets 5 hours on a little 11 lb propane tank when run hard. Go all day at idle. No smelly gas, no Stabil/alcohol free worries.

There's your easy button. If she can change a propane cylinder on a gas grill, she can refuel the boat.

[narfi]

I have a friend who has a dock his kids use with a rope through it tied off to shore and to an anchor way out. They just pull on the rope to go in and out.

If she primarily wants a platform to sun bathe and swim from, why not do something like that and use your solar/batteries to power an electric winch. Make it big enough with a grill and lawn chairs and a good place to tie up her paddle boat you have the best of all worlds.....

[Fred in Wisc]

She wants a pontoon boat. A relatively small one. We live on the lake and she likes an early morning or evening cruise around- slow n quiet. Ability to take a few guests, or take the kids out swimming at the sand bar.

Doesn't want to mess around with an outboard. Doesn't want to carry gas tanks. Doesn't want to pull start.

This is a "boat for non-boaters" in a big way.

I appreciate the innovative ideas. That propane outboard is a great idea- I'm surprised more manufacturers don't make one. I'm pretty set on electric, though. We've already got a big and small powerboat, little sailboat, couple paddle boats, and a flock of kayaks. This'll be something a little different, specifically tailored to the wife's preferences. I'll hardly ever use it..

[Jaysen]

what about one of those "fishing shells" that are basically cats (not round pontoons) that sit low? I see them here regularly but I don't know who makes them. Seem to be 16' have a fairly shallow draft, i see them with electric troll for holding but use paddle for moving. I know it's not a "build it" but it might be the right idea...

GOOGLE FOR THE (kinda) WIN!!!

https://sundolphin.com/fishing-boats-dinghies/ is the idea.

[jacquesmm]

Was there not a capacity requirement for 6 persons?

[Fred in Wisc]

correct, normally 2, sometimes up to 6. I'm ok with that being a bit of a squeeze since it's not the normal.

[fallguy1000]

Maintenance to me is oversight and money, too.

Watching solar charge rates, managing charging systems, spending 5 grand more for Torqueedo; all a lot of unneeded xtra bs.

You are actually stating that you have redefined "maintenance" to mean "total cost of ownership". Maybe you should use terms the way everyone else does. It would make your opinions much easier to understand.

Running a solar power plant is also maintenance. More than maintaining a balance sheet.

But to be fair, the 5 hp Torqueedo and battery at 7k is hardly a fair comparison.

If you spend 5 times the money for low maintenance; it is worthy of mention, even if I misstated..