2022 Sylvan L-3 CLZ -

2022 Chaparral 28 Surf Review

October 21, 2021/in Product Review, Products /by Bailey Powell

If you’re in the market for a large family bowrider with the ability to surf, check out the all-new 2022 Chaparral 28 Surf!

2022 Chaparral 28 Surf Video Review

2022 Chaparral 28 Surf SPECS

28’ long (including platform)
8’ 6” beam
80 fuel tank
5900 lbs dry weight
Yacht certified
Volvo Penta 6.2 liter forward drive
430 Max Horsepower

Chaparral 28 Surf vs. Chaparral 287 –

What’s the difference?

The trendsetting Chaparral 287 SSX brought luxury, technology, and stability. Marry that with the Surf Gate system, and you have the Chaparral 28 Surf!

The 2022 Chaparral 28 Surf features a modified running surface. Instead of the extended V-plane hull in the 287, the hull shape of the 28 Surf creates an impressive surf wave for all levels of surfing experience. Chaparral also added an internal ballast system for this model to assist in optimal wave displacement.

In addition, the forward drive Volvo Penta engine paired with the Surf Gate system provides more versatility and performance benefits. Whether you cruise the lake or surf with your friends, the maneuverability of the 28 Surf is like no other!

And that’s not all! The 2022 Chaparral 28 Surf brings all of the premium features and finishes from the 287. You can’t get much better than a Chaparral surfing boat with luxurious bells and whistles.

Styling and Comfort

The 28 Surf in this video includes the Black Edition package with an electric folding hardtop. The Black Edition package consists of a black gel coat on the exterior with black metal finishes and the Surf logo. On the inside, you will find cayenne Naugahyde vinyl with cool-touch technology, tan SeaDek flooring, and stainless steel finishes.

The black electric folding hardtop on this 2022 Chaparral 28 Surf offers plenty of shade. With the touch of a button, you can lower the tower for storage or passing under a low bridge. If you like having the option to stow your bimini, the standard EFX tower and bimini are available.

This boat comes standard with a solid surface countertop and a nice wood veneer head. Other head options include an electric head, portapotty, or pump-out portapotty, depending on your needs.

Chaparral designs all of their boats for use in saltwater. With kevlar in the hull, stainless steel hardware, and an easy flush and drain system in the engine, you can easily go from lake life to ocean views.

Convenience and Safety

The wide signature platform from Chaparral Boats offers easy boarding and optimum transom seating. And what would the platform be without the patented Infinity Step? Have a seat on the 3-wide convertible lounge seat, press the button and watch the step deploy automatically. The Infinity Step creates a unique social zone at the back of the boat and easy access in and out of the water.

Inside the 28 Surf, you find wrap-around seating for everyone on board and fully adjustable bucket seats for your captain and co-captain. Plus, a stowable stern gate helps keep kids and pets inside the boat when underway.

The bow on this boat is extremely deep, with plenty of seating and full-length grab rails. Your passengers have plenty of space yet feel secure in rough water!

Technology

At the helm, the 2022 Chaparral 28 Surf features dual 7” touchscreen Simrad displays. Like in the 287 SSX, you have fingertip access to GPS, ballast and trim surf settings, cruise control, and audio settings.

All of the captain’s switches and bezels are illuminated and come standard with stainless steel finishes.

To top off the rider experience, high-quality JL Audio speakers surround the cockpit and bow for optimum sound performance.

Storage and More Storage

The 2022 Chaparral 28 Surf does not lack in the storage department. Flip up the hinge-seats in the cockpit to reveal port-side coffin storage and starboard side Igloo cooler space. All seats in the bow reveal deep compartments lined with spaghetti mats perfect for storing watersports gear.

Behind the wind door, you find a drawer perfect for wallets and phones and helm storage space great for your Coast Guard safety kit.

The cockpit table sits in a drawer hidden in the boat’s center with the ballast compartment for easy access and installation.

This boat comes standard with a 4-step bow boarding ladder that folds up and stores in the nose of the boat. The bow also features a flip-up bow light and recessed cleats, so no more stubbing your toes when boarding.

Skier’s Marine is very excited to offer the 2022 Chaparral 28 Surf! We are confident you will enjoy the versatility and luxury this boat offers. Come check it out at one of our Chaparral Skier’s Marine locations!

A-Z Boat Guide – How to Sell Your Boat

During the boating life cycle, the time will come when you want to sell your boat or even upgrade to a new one. Everyone wants the best price and return on the original investment. You may be interested to know how to maximize your return. At Skier’s Marine, we desire to be your trusted boating education source.

How-to Video on How to Sell Your Boat:

There are many reasons people may sell their boat. You may want to upgrade to a newer model, or maybe you need something larger; Perhaps you want to try a different kind of boating. Another reason to sell a boat is due to financial constraints, or maybe you no longer have the time and/or energy for boating. As your trusted education source on all things boating, we’ve created this comprehensive guide on how to sell your boat to help the process be as smooth as possible.

Important Definitions

When selling your boat, you may find some terms you are unfamiliar with. Below we’ve defined these terms to help you prepare for the boat selling process:

Private Party – Refers to selling your boat on your own to another individual.
Trade – Refers to selling your boat to a dealership through the acquisition of another boat/RV/auto in which you get your boat’s value reduced from the price of the new vehicle.
Wholesale – Refers to selling your boat to an entity purchasing your boat and intends to resell it at a lower value than private party or trade pricing.
ACV – The “Actual Cash Value” of your boat at that time.
Title – The state’s way of tracking ownership of a vessel; allows taxes to be imposed on the vessel in an ongoing manner.
Bill of Sale – The legal document used to transfer ownership from one party to another.
Warranty Transfer – The transfer of a boat’s warranty from one party to another, usually for a fee. The new party gets the benefit of the boat’s original remaining warranty.

What Impacts the Value of Your Boat?

Many factors can impact the resale value of your boat. As owners, we don’t have control over all of these factors, so we’ll focus on the ones we can control in this section.

Brand Perception

When selling a boat, brand name matters. Boats with higher brand perception (think well-established brands such as MasterCraft, Sylvan, Chaparral, etc.) will usually sell faster and for more money. You can minimize the depreciation of your boat by purchasing popular brands and boat types for your market. For example, suppose you boat on Lake Martin in Alabama. In that case, you’ll find that MasterCraft, Moomba, Supra, and other wake boats are popular on this lake. If your boat is one of those brands or similar, you will see a nice return. Take note of your neighbor’s boats and what your local boat dealer offers. This will help you determine how easily your boat will sell!

Condition of Your Boat

Second, keeping your boat in great condition significantly impacts your resale value. We recommend keeping your boat indoors or undercover (boathouse, dry stack, garage, carport, etc.), as this will help protect your boat from potential damage. It is also a best practice to clean the boat with mild soap and water after each use. In addition, drying the boat before covering it will keep mold and mildew to a minimum.

Along with general cleanliness, you should always keep up the service maintenance on your boat. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule and keep those service records in a safe spot. Providing these documents will make the next owner feel more comfortable purchasing your boat and allow you to ask a little more for it.

Warranty

Finally, any remaining warranties and a used boat inspection at the time of the sale will help you receive more of your initial boat investment. Clients are more comfortable purchasing a boat with a favorable inspection report available, and remaining warranties help them ensure they aren’t getting a lemon.

How Much is Your Used Boat Worth?

It can feel like a guessing game when determining how much you should sell your used boat for. Skier’s Marine found an easy way to always come to a fair price for you and your Buyer.

First, we recommend visiting NADAGuides to find the value of your boat based on the bank’s valuation. When building your boat on NADAGuides, the best place to start is to select only the correct engine and trailer listed with no additional options. Remember, brands and boat types popular when you sell can bring in more than NADA, while less popular brands/types may bring in less than NADA.

To find the exact price your boat should sell for, we suggest comparing NADA to a local (if possible) and a nationwide comparable. To do this:

Go to boat-selling websites like Boat Trader, Only Inboards, IBoats, or other similar sites.
Search boats for sale that match your exact model.
Remove the highest and lowest priced boats before averaging the sale price of the rest of them. This average (less 5% for negotiations) should be the actual sales price of your boat.

Keep in mind that if you trade in your boat, the dealer will expect to make a fair profit on your boat. So, expect to deduct another 10-13% from that average to come to a reasonable trade number.

Ways to Sell Your Boat:

There are three solid options for reselling your boat: between private parties, trade it in at a dealership, or sell to a dealership buying group. Depending on your financial situation, your interests, and the condition of your boat, each option has different advantages.

Private Party

You will net the most profit for your boat when you sell to a private party. However, there are some disadvantages. Selling a boat to a private party is a lot of work. You are solely responsible for all paperwork, any demos a customer might want, transferring warranties, and more. You’ll also need to be aware of any legalities for your state; for example, person-to-person boat sales are non-taxable in some states.

In some cases, selling a boat to a private party can take almost as much investment as you did the day you bought the boat. When listing your boat for sale to a private party, keep in mind that buyers like to negotiate. Allow your posted price to include about 5-10% to negotiate the final sale price.

Trade-in Your Boat

The second way to resell your boat is to trade it in for a newer boat. This option will net you the second most value for your boat, behind private sales. The sale as a trade-in will be impacted by the tax rate. This means your resale value for trade-ins can be about 10% less than when selling to a private seller. However, this is an excellent option if you want a newer model boat for a much lower price.

Wholesale

Lastly, you can wholesale your boat to a local dealer or used boat buying group. This may bring you the least amount of return for your boat, but it is a good option when you need it. In these instances, the dealership group will handle everything, including transferring any warranties, drawing up the bill of sale, ensuring the boat is in selling condition, etc. While you may clear less profit for your boat, the trade-off is an easy and speedy deal.

How to Sell Your Boat Fast:

If you’re in a situation that requires a quick sale of your used boat, there are a few easy ways to accomplish this.

First, list your boat in as many places as possible, especially the free ones, to get the most exposure for your used boat. Some sites are organized by city, so you may need to post multiple listings in different cities where your boat is most popular to drive interest.

Second, you can list your boat slightly under all the other boats online to drive more interest. For example, if most boats similar to yours are listed for $49,995, listing yours for $47,995 will help bring in offers.

Lastly, you can sell your boat wholesale to your local dealer or buying group. Again, understand that they will need to make a profit on your boat, so expect a lower offer.

Where to Sell Your Boat Online:

The most popular place to sell your boat is going to be online. While pay-to-park locations exist, in today’s fast-paced, internet-driven world, your best bet for selling quickly is to sell online. Below is a list of some of the best sites to utilize when selling your boat online. While this list is not comprehensive, it is a great place to start:

Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist
BoatTrader.com
Only Inboards (only if your boat is an inboard)
Iboats.com
Boats.com
Yachtworld.com (only if your boat is actually a yacht)
Ebay.com (we recommend being careful with this one)

What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell My Boat?

Bill of Sale

The last thing to keep in mind when selling is having a Bill of Sale. A Bill of Sale lists out the terms of the transaction between a Seller and Buyer. In some states, a Bill of Sale may not be required to complete the sale, but we strongly recommend using one as it provides proof of the details of the transaction. Your Bill of Sale should include the boat’s hours of operation and the registration information. It must state “Bill of Sale” at the top of the document.

Copy of Drivers License

We also recommend trading and attaching a photocopy of both the Buyer’s and Seller’s driver’s licenses. Include the printed information listed on it from those driver’s licenses as well.

OFAC Report (Office of Foreign Assets Control)

To ensure your safety, you may also want to run an instant OFAC to protect yourself and avoid any possible legal repercussions. Below, we’ve provided a blank template to help you get started.

Title

Some states are title states and will require a transfer of the boat’s title. If your state does require a title, it might have an e-title process where you can request a paper copy to provide to the boat’s new owner.

MSO (Manufacturer Statement of Origin)

For non-title states, an MSO may be required before the new owner can register the boat in their name.

Be sure to check with your state’s DMV or Wildlife Department to verify your state’s requirements for selling a boat.

We hope these tips help you get started on your journey to resell or trade-in your boat. Skier’s Marine gladly accepts trades of all types and works hard to bring you top dollar for your trade. Our passion for boating, partnership with exceptional manufacturers, and commitment to customer service create a unique customer experience. Our team is here to be your trusted guide. To get more information about reselling or to apply for a trade-in, visit us online or visit your local Skier’s Marine dealership.

2022 MasterCraft XStar S Review

October 14, 2021/in Product Review, Products /by Bailey Powell

When purchasing a new boat, do you base your decision on performance, quality, and status? If so, the all-new 2022 MasterCraft XStar S is your next wakeboard and surf boat!

MasterCraft delivers on its reliability, innovation, and luxury promise with the XStar S. Featuring all-new transom lounge seats, patented ballast technology, and refined surf systems, the flagship XStar family is now bigger and bolder than ever. Stick with us as we walk through the all-new 2022 MasterCraft XStar S.

2022 MasterCraft XStar S Video Review

2022 MasterCraft XStar S SPECS

23 feet long
102” beam
5800 lbs dry weight
76-gallon fuel capacity
Room for 16 people
4300 lbs of ballast with SurfStar
6.2 L Ilmor engine (standard)

All-New MasterCraft XStar S Features

SurfStar

What does the S in “XStar S” stand for? Surf! And what’s a surf boat without SurfStar?

The redesigned SurfStar system features brand new plates and heavy-duty actuators with position sensors. All of this technology positions the wave more accurately than ever before. This wave is truly versatile. Not everyone surfs the same wave. With SurfStar, you can adjust the plate further into the water to create a mellow wave or raise it to increase push.

Paired with SurfStar, the XStar S utilizes the center attitude adjustment plate. This plate adjusts the attitude and bow of the boat to widen the wake or give it more of a lip for wakeboarding.

In addition, the XStar S comes with the option to add the intuitive stern thruster. New for 2022, the integrated throttle-controlled stern thruster for MasterCraft makes docking a breeze. Easily maneuver your new XStar S in tight spaces and turn a complete stationary circle in just 30 seconds!

Towers

The XStar S comes with three tower options, each completely redesigned for the MasterCraft 2022 model year.

Z6

MasterCraft’s base tower
Comes standard with Essential clamping board racks
Black or silver cosmetic standard options
Speaker upgrades available

Z8

MasterCraft’s latest tower innovation
Comes standard with Essential clamping board racks (option to upgrade to Supreme board racks)
Features patent-pending Hydro-Lock technology
Easiest manual tower in the industry
Features side-tow points for surfing
Color-matching available (over 180 color combinations)
Available on XT, X, XStar, and XStar S models

Z10

All-new power tower from MasterCraft
Lower and raise via push-button at the helm
Comes standard with Essential clamping board racks (option to upgrade to Supreme board racks to accommodate thicker shapes and foam boards)
Add up to 2 board racks per side in black or silver
Features side-tow points for surfing
Over 180 color combinations to match your boat and windshield
Available on XT, X, XStar, and XStar S models

These newly-designed towers combine style and function and can easily be raised and lowered by a single person.

Essential clamping board racks come standard on the XStar S. If you like to store thicker boards or surfboards on your clamping racks, you can upgrade your XStar S with the Supreme racks.

If the new tower alone is not enough, you can completely customize the look of your tower! Select either black or silver satin tower footings, black or silver board racks and a black, silver, or titanium tube color. Plus, on the Z8 and Z10 towers, you can choose from fifteen chromex inlay colors to complete your design.

What about the bimini? The signature easy-to-deploy bimini from MasterCraft mounts seamlessly to all of the new towers. Unzip the cover, pull the bimini forward, and lock it into place.

XStar S Transom Seating

You will find ultimate comfort on the water in the all-new transom lounge seats from MasterCraft!

The transom lounge design is borrowed from the popular MasterCraft X family and upgraded with comfort features “fit for the flagship.” On the XStar S, each seat comes standard with a pop-up headrest and footrest. The deep seat base and ergonomic curvatures provide a lounge-ready spot for every passenger.

The transom space is just as functional as it is comfortable. The walkthrough makes it easy to get in and out of the boat. Plus, the hatch above the engine provides heated vest storage.

Luxury on the Water

Finishes

The flagship of MasterCraft leads the pack in performance, reliability, bold style lines, and quality finishes.

As you can see in this video, the all-new MasterCraft XStar S boasts some aggressive exterior style lines with endless customization. This boat features midnight black and black mica flake with a gold satin MasterCraft decal.

The XStar and XStar S dash comes outfitted in gunmetal aluminum finishes, including a brand new rearview mirror. The easily adjustable mirror fastens atop a curved windshield unique to the MasterCraft XStar family.

CoolFeel Vinyl

One thing that sets MasterCraft apart from other boat manufacturers is innovative CoolFeel vinyl. The CoolFeel vinyl option offers a more luxurious feel while keeping your vinyl 30% cooler on those hot summer days.

Do you love the look of black on your interior vinyl? With CoolFeel, you can have your black interior with the feel of a light grey even on hot days.

The seats in your XStar S are wrapped in your choice of CoolFeel or Odessa vinyl with endless color combinations of stylish accents. The boat in this video features CoolFeel beach tan with titanium accents.

The cockpit design of the XStar S includes convenient convertible seating to maximize the function and comfort of your boat. You have the rear convertible seat, which flips once for stadium seating then extends into a playpen/lounge area. On the starboard side, a pop-up seat offers an additional back-facing seat.

The pickle fork bow in the XStar S has total usable space. It features port and starboard lounge seats with armrests and an expansive front seat with an optional bow seat filler cushion.

MasterCraft created a driver’s seat fit for all captains! The contoured helm chair has a high back and built-in bolster for a full day on the water. With easy-to-reach levers and a hydraulic lift, you can swivel, move forward and back, raise and lower, and recline.

Dual Screen Dash

In your new MasterCraft XStar S, the Dual Screen Advanced is standard. You do have the option to upgrade to the Premium Plus screen, which allows your boat to have four tower speakers and two more interior speakers.

This video walks you through the new interface on the Dual Screen Advanced. Starting at the top, the 12-inch panoscreen has two display options: compressed to give an analog look and expanded with digital readouts and the rear camera view.

The 10-inch screen sits on the righthand side for access to your presets and settings. The top half of the screen displays presets for the drive, surf, wake, ski, and chill settings. You can set the cruise control here, fill/empty the ballast, and adjust your tabs. The bottom half is your access to boat controls and safety features. Easily toggle between volume, lighting, navigation, and tutorial videos.

The entire dash is outfitted with a gunmetal billet look, a signature finish on the XStar and XStar S.

The high-quality billet finish extends from the dash to the aluminum wind-block door between the bow and the cockpit.

Supreme Storage

If you’re familiar with MasterCraft, you already appreciate the ample storage opportunities found in each of their models. The XStar S is no different!

In the cockpit, you will find communicating storage starting in the port side “coffin” storage, under the observer seat, and reaching up through the bow. Also, every MasterCraft makes room for anchor storage under the front center seat cushion in the bow.

The bow walkthrough features trashcan access on the port side and battery switch and breaker box storage on the starboard side.

Your cooler has a dedicated storage space found under the starboard seats. And additional gear storage can also be found above the rear ballast compartments, under the full-hinged bow seats. Only found in the XStar and XStar S, the transom hatch above the engine box hides heated life vest storage.

New for 2022, the helm comes standard with a charging phone holder. Plus, the cockpit includes cell phone holders with a charging option on both starboard and port sides.

Quiet but Powerful Ride

The 2022 MasterCraft XStar S comes standard with the Ilmor 6.2-liter engine providing 430 horsepower and 479 lbs of torque.

When paired with Surf Star, this engine turns lower RPMs at surfing speeds, increasing the overall fuel efficiency when surfing and participating in other watersports.

Those looking for an extra boost can option their XStar S with the 7.4-liter Ilmor for 522 horsepower.

All motors for the X-series, XStar, and XStar S come standard with quiet exhaust to enhance the rider experience for both onboard passengers and surfers.

When you demand greatness, the XStar S meets your needs! Infinite waves, plush seating, sporty handling, and endless customization provide everything you need to reign supreme. Visit your local Skier’s Marine dealership to test drive and test surf your own MasterCraft XStar S!

In-House Boat Show Gainesville, GA | Oct. 23, 2021

October 2, 2021/in Events, Information /by Bailey Powell

Are you looking for a new boat at a fair price?

In today’s current market conditions finding a boat is hard enough; even harder if you are looking for a fair price! With inventory levels at record lows, many dealers are taking advantage by drastically raising their prices.

After 26 years of experience, Skier’s Marine continues to make deliberate, just decisions to help you share the enjoyment of watersports with your family and friends. What does this mean? Fair trade values and no gouging.

Your new boat is here!

Experience the 2022 MasterCraft boats and Sylvan pontoons on Saturday, October 23rd, at the Skier’s Marine Gainesville, GA in-house boat show!

With the upcoming Atlanta Boat Show canceled, our in-house show is an excellent opportunity to explore many models across all price ranges in one location.

Boat show details:

Doors are open from 9 am – 4 pm ET, so bring the whole family and be the first to step into your new boat!

About your local Skier’s Marine dealership:

Skier’s Marine opened the Gainesville, GA dealership in 2017. This boat dealership near Atlanta provides only the highest quality new boats for sale from MasterCraft Boat Company and Sylvan pontoons.

The trusted team at Skier’s Marine Gainesville also offers a reliable service center for in-house and boat lake-side service appointments. Services offered include general maintenance of your new or used boat, mechanical, electrical and upholstry repair, repowers, summerization and winterization services and much more.

Skier’s Marine is your local boat dealer, and we invite you to connect with our passionate watersports enthusiasts. Let us help you create a legacy of time on the water with your family and friends!

2022 Crest Caribbean RS 230 Review

September 30, 2021/in Product Review, Products /by Bailey Powell

If you’re looking for a pontoon boat cross between sport and luxury, look no further than the 2022 Crest Caribbean RS 230!

Skier’s Marine in Chattanooga, TN is proud to announce their newest partnership with Crest Pontoons!

2022 Crest Caribbean RS 230 Video Review

Crest Caribbean RS 230 SPECS:

3719 lbs dry weight
13 person capacity
23’1″ total length
52 gal fuel tank
300 horsepower
Numerous creature comforts

Exterior Styling

The overall construction quality of this boat is unparalleled. From the stitching in the seats to the standard powder-coated rails, your boat is ready to protect against typical wear and tear.

On the exterior, you will find the Caribbean RS comes equipped with three pontoon logs, each 25″ in diameter. Each tube has four individually sealed chambers, which means if you crack a hole in the front and back of your pontoon, you can safely float home without the worry of sinking.

The Caribbean RS comes standard with a deep-reaching 4-step ladder. The pontoon in this video is equipped with a powder-coated junior beast ski tow bar and 300 horsepower Mercury motor.

When it comes to the tower on your Crest Caribbean, you have the choice to option your pontoon with the sports tower, which comes powder-coated to match the rails. This tower collapses forward to help with garage storage or cruising under low bridges. The bimini on this tower includes quick-release latches for easy stowing.

Interior Quality

Convenience is vital in the Crest Caribbean! Plenty of cupholders are available throughout the boat, plus the RS 230 SLRC includes USB outlets so you can charge your phone on the go. The Crest pontoon boat in this video is equipped with the optional mid-ship entertainment table and doggie drawer combo unit to keep your furry friends hydrated during your day on the water.

Throughout the entire boat, it is easy to see Crest’s attention to detail of luxury. Especially on the beautifully appointed dash. You have a metal steering wheel, metal toggle switches, billet aluminum trim pieces, flush-mounted Simrad GPS, and the captain’s cooled cupholder.

Check out the oversized loungers at the back of the boat! They offer extra-wide seat bases for premium comfort. Underneath the lounge seats, you will find massive storage compartments for tubes, inflatables, life jackets, and other gear for your friends and family. All of the seats in this boat feature Chilltech vinyl to keep you cool in the heat of summer. The two helm chairs are both high-backed with full adjustability and a standard bolster seat.

The Caribbean features fiberglass seat bases to give you style options such as custom metal flake inside the boat. The seat bases also offer lots of dedicated storage areas for coolers, trash cans, and any other gear you bring on board.

We love the functionality of the Simrad dash-mounted display. As seen in this walk-thru video, you can easily pull up your chart plotter and depth finder or view your engine information and diagnostics.

Manuverability

The Crest Caribbean drives like luxury on the water. This pontoon can get on plane quickly to maximize fuel efficiency and speed. The Crest Caribbean RS handles more like a stern-drive boat with an excellent smooth bank. Crest pontoons have the largest nose cones in the industry, with double splash guards to help cut through choppy water and keep the water out of the boat on rough days.

Manufactured in Owosso, Michigan, every part of your Crest pontoon is custom built in their factory. Crest uses thicker gauge aluminum on every pontoon tube and includes more cross beams than other brands.

Crest Pontoons joins a luxury boat lineup from MasterCraft and Chaparral already offered for sale at our Chattanooga store. Give us a call or stop by the dealership to see a Crest Pontoon in person. Get out and stand out on the Caribbean RS!

Boating in Chattanooga

September 24, 2021/in Information /by Bailey Powell

You’re heading out for a day of boating in Chattanooga but aren’t sure what to do first! Don’t worry – Skier’s Marine has you covered.

Chattanooga, conveniently located on the Tennessee River, has numerous restaurants, marinas, parks, and popular tie-up/raft-up spots. You can also find on-water events such as concerts and watersports competitions throughout the year!

With so many options for fun, we created a guide to boating in Chattanooga to help maximize your time on the water.

Waterways for Boating in Chattanooga

The Tennessee River’s main channel is 652 miles long. It stretches from the heart of Knoxville, through Chattanooga, down to Guntersville, AL, then joins the Ohio River in Paducah, KY.

While Chattanooga is just a small point on the Tennessee River, there are several pockets of the river great for water sports activities or social raft-ups! Here are some of the more popular spots you should check out:

Tennessee River Gorge

The Tennessee River Gorge is a 27-mile long stretch of the Tennessee River. It begins in west Chattanooga near the Suck Creek Boat Launch, wraps around Elder Mountain, and snakes over to Hales Bar Dam Marina.

The Tennessee River Gorge Trust (trgt.org) protects over 17,000 acres along the Tennessee River. Several endangered species and archaeological sites call the Gorge home. If you’re lucky, you might spot an Osprey or Bald Eagle during your day on the water! The Gorge is a serene boating and fishing location in Chattanooga and a prime location for hiking, biking, and climbing.

Suppose you’re looking for a great weekend spot full of scenic views, cabins to rent, and premier kayaking opportunities. In that case, the Tennessee River Gorge is your spot!

Where to launch:

Suck Creek Boat Launch, Raccoon Mountain Boat Ramp, Sullivan’s Landing, Hales Bar Boat Ramp

Local Marina:

Hales Bar Marina and Resort

Harrison Bay, Paradise Cove & Chester Frost

Heading upstream, you will find Harrison Bay and Paradise Cove, both on the east side of the river.

Established in 1937, Harrison Bay was the first Tennessee State Park. It is still a popular location for both day-boaters and RV vacationers! The park includes 1200 acres of hiking trails, campgrounds, rentable facilities, a golf course, and a marina.

Harrison Bay allows all types of boats and offers 24-hour access to the boat ramp at no charge. The marina is stocked with gas, snacks, ice and provides access to restrooms, pump-out service, and rowboat/fishing boat rentals. You can also find the Dockside Cafe tucked in next to the Harrison Bay Marina.

Paradise Cove may not look like much on a map, but it’s the hot party spot for holiday weekend tie-ups!

The “Party Cove” is nestled inside Harrison Bay State Park and provides a private hangout spot away from choppy waters. During the week, Paradise Cove makes a quiet spot for fishing and kayaking, but the weekend guarantees an all-day social hour.

Directly across the river from Paradise Cove, you will find Chester Frost Park and Campground. Chester Frost Park is an excellent location for family days on the water. Tucked away from the main channel, you can find the Chester Frost bay area off of the park’s shoreline. You may find less boat traffic here for your day of water activities!

A public boat ramp is convenient to the boat docks, beach, and picnic areas, making Chester Frost a prime home location for day boaters. A bonus at this park is the numerous activities for families and kids of all ages. Check the park’s website for upcoming movies in the park, kayaking, craft nights, and more!

Harrison Bay and Chester Frost Park both offer a quiet shoreline with ample outdoor conveniences. What Paradise Cove lacks in amenities, it makes up for in social hangouts and on-water entertainment! All three locations are close enough to downtown Chattanooga for easy access to the city but far enough to escape from the crowded waterways.

Where to eat:

Amigos Mexican Restaurant, Dockside Cafe, Steve’s Landing, Lakeshore Grille

Where to launch:

Wolftever Creek Boat Ramp, Chester Frost Park

Local Marina:

Island Cove Marina

Watts Bar

Watts Bar Lake is about halfway between Chattanooga and Knoxville and stretches from the Watts Bar Dam to the Ft. Loudon Dam. Several state parks and recreation areas are within an hour’s drive to Watts Bar Lake. Rhea Springs, Hornsby Hollow, and Fooshee Pass are a few lakeside campsites with a boat launch on Watts Bar.

You will see various boats on Watts Bar Lake, from houseboats to jon boats, so make yourself at home! Some marinas in the area offer boat slips and cabin rentals for your weekend getaway too.

Where to eat:

Nick’s Lakeside Grill, Crows Nest, Terrace View Restaurant

Where to launch:

Watts Bar Dam Boat Ramp, Euchee Boat Ramp, Rhea Springs Boat Ramp, Foshee Pass Boat Launch

Local Marinas:

Lakeshore Marina, Terrace View Marina

Honorable Mention: Parksville Lake

Parksville Lake is not on the Tennessee River but is just an hour’s drive east of Chattanooga. This smaller lake is the oldest in the Cherokee National Forest and is sometimes referred to as Lake Ocoee since it feeds the Ocoee River. If you need a scenic forest background for your boating photoshoot, head over to Parksville Lake!

The lake has a few public boat launch locations and excellent recreational areas like Parksville Beach, Sugarloaf Park, and Mac Point.

Where to launch:

King’s Slough Boat Ramp, Parksville Boat Launch, East Parksville Boat Launch

Local Marina:

Lake Ocoee Inn & Marina

Boating in Downtown Chattanooga

You may not see many boathouses along the river near the Chattanooga Riverwalk, but that doesn’t stop boaters from experiencing the downtown scene by water! In this portion of the Tennessee River, you are more likely to see boaters passing through or docking for the day to enjoy the Riverfront.

Boating along the Chattanooga Riverfront provides a beautiful cityscape backdrop with unique bridge overpasses along the route. A few public fishing piers are also conveniently located to both downtown and at the boat docks.

Where to Eat:

Scotties on the River

Where to launch:

Ross’s Landing Boat Ramp

Local Marina:

Erwin Marine

Fishing in Chattanooga:

Now that we’ve pinpointed the best day boating spots, we need to talk about fishing in Chattanooga!

Anywhere on Chickamauga lake is hands down the top fishing lake along the Tennessee River, and there’s a reason people call it the Lake of Giants! Chickamauga Lake is nationally recognized for its population of massive largemouth bass and is host to several top competitive fishing tournaments.

In addition to the boat ramps already mentioned, a few more options are available and perfect for fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes. If you’re in Dayton, check out Blythes Ferry Boat Ramp. Closer to Harrison Bay, you’ll find the Savannah Bay Ramp. Then right in the middle sits Skull Island Recreation Ramp and the Lee Pike Boat Ramp. Be sure to check their websites, social media, or the TVA for information on lake levels, closed boat ramps, and other lake information.

FishLakeChick.com is also an excellent source for planning your next fishing trip to Lake Chickamauga.

Safety Tips for Boating in Chattanooga

Boater safety is an essential item on your checklist before heading out on any body of water.

If you operate a boat with more than 8.5 horsepower in Tennessee, a boating education certificate is required for residents born after January 1, 1989. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency lists testing locations and online study courses for boating.

If you are an out-of-state resident boating in Tennessee, the TWRA accepts any NASBLA approved boating safety certificate.

When boating along the Tennessee River, your most significant safety concern is other boaters. Stay vigilant and drive defensively as if the other boaters do not see you. Allow ample space for passing and stay at least 100 feet away from the shore to allow your wake time to dissipate before it hits boat docks or anchored boats.

The Tennessee River depth varies but can accommodate boats of all sizes, from small kayaks to commercial barges. Whether you are a local or from out of town, having a depth finder on your boat will help you keep track of the underwater terrain and avoid sandbars.

As a general rule, if you are recreational boating, it is best to boat away from any dams along the Tennessee River. Increased currents and boat traffic are typical in these areas, so providing yourself space will keep you and your passengers safe.

Boats for Sale in Chattanooga

Looking for your next boat? Skier’s Marine Chattanooga is your one stop shop for boating the Tennessee River!

The Skier’s Marine Chattanooga team is your trusted source for buying a new boat, servicing your current boat, and updating your watersports gear. Let us share our passion for boating so you can create a legacy of time on the water with friends and family.

The team at Skier’s Marine wants you and your family to enjoy your day on the water! If you have questions about your boat, watersports gear, or anything related to life on the lake, stop by our Chattanooga location or give us a call.

2022 MasterCraft XT23 Review

September 14, 2021/in Product Review, Products /by Bailey Powell

MasterCraft answered the 23-foot wake boat need with the all-new designed 2022 MasterCraft XT23. Delivering on the XT value promise, the XT23 comes in a traditional bow with more ballast, a redesigned surf system, and the capability to cruise both small and large bodies of water.

With endless color matching and the most comfortable ride, the 2022 MasterCraft XT23 will make a statement all summer long!

2022 MasterCraft XT23 Video Review

2022 MasterCraft XT23 SPECS

23’4″ long
102″ beam
10’3″ boat height with standard Z6 tower
6-liter mpi Ilmor engine (standard)
5,250 lbs dry weight
3300 lbs ballast with SurfStar
79 gallons fuel tank
Seats 16 people
Vector drive hull

Exterior Styling

On the all-new 2022 MasterCraft XT23, you will find redesigned, bold style lines with new standard and metal flake gel coat colors. The XT23 in this walk-thru video features black mica flake with midnight black on the hull and upper lines.

An exciting change for the 2022 MasterCraft model year includes three new tower options. The XT23 offers the option to color the tower base in either silver satin or black satin. This particular XT23 features the Z6 tower, which brings back the ease of stowing and raising from last year’s ZFT4 tower. The Z8 tower is a step up from the Z6 and features side-tow points for surfing the left or right side of the boat. Finally, the Z10 is MasterCraft’s power tower option. All towers come equipped with the simple-to-deploy bimini.

Interior Styling and Comfort

One of the essential elements for a great day on the water is your comfort level. In the XT23, you have new integrated rear seats with sliding seat bases. There is also an optional sunpad flip seat to offer a seat back to the transom seats.

Walking into the boat from the swim platform has never been more convenient. With an all-new Seadeck-covered transom step, fiberglass walk-over, and excellent inlaid step, you never have to step foot on your vinyl! The ergonomic observer seats in the cockpit are incredibly comfortable for your day on the water. And with the option of CoolFeel vinyl, the passenger experience in the XT23 is like no other.

Many clients like the picklefork bow because they believe it increases the overall room of the bow. While that may be a little true, the traditional bow of the XT23 is still very comfortable and roomy.

MasterCraft tops off the comfort features of the XT23 with a driver’s seat made for all-day comfort. Not only does the seat lower and lift, but it also moves forward and back and swivels side to side. This captains chair features a cut-out on the side so you can easily turn around to talk to passengers or coach your surfers. Another bonus we love on the 2022 XT23 is the relocated battery switch under the helm for easy access.

Flooring

Several flooring options are available to all MasterCraft models. You can choose carpet, SeaDek, or like this boat, you can have Deckadance flooring, which is nice and cushiony on your feet.

Storage

With all of the MasterCraft lines, storage is well thought out. In the XT23, you have the port side communicating storage under the observer seat that passes forward to the bow. You can find dedicated cooler storage under the starboard side seats and equipment storage under the port side lounge cushion. In addition, if you choose not to have the flip-up stadium seat behind the driver, that compartment will offer small bag storage. Like the new XT24, there are storage cubbies above the ballast compartments. In the bow, the starboard seat cushion reveals another small bag storage area. Finally, in every Mastercraft, the bow’s centerline has dedicated anchor storage.

Technology

The XT23 has several screen options for 2022. In this video, you’re looking at the Dual Screen Advanced option. This option allows you to add a rear-facing camera but is not standard. With the Dual Screen Advanced option, you will see a 12-inch pano screen at the top that gives us repeated information, so we always have depth, air temp, water temp, and engine data readily at hand. On the right-hand side, we have a 10-inch screen divided into two parts: the top half has your quick keys, such as your presets, ballast and tab settings, cruise control, and the ability to create and set user profiles. The bottom half controls your display, GPS and waypoint tracking, stereo with zone control sound, lights, and switch functions. The XT23 soft keys located to the right of the 10-inch screen allow manual control for your horn, tabs, ballast, and navigation lights.

New for 2022, MasterCraft designed new cockpit phone holders equipped with a wireless charging option. So now, not only do we have a phone holder at the helm, but we also have up to 5 dedicated phone holder/charging options on both sides of the boat for the whole family.

SurfStar

The new SurfStar interface is versatile and super easy to use. SurfStar features heavy-duty hydraulic actuators with position sensors. What does that mean? As the plates deploy and go deeper into the water, the wave recovers at a longer distance with a nice smooth transition. To steepen the wave, take out a little more tab, and that wave comes closer to the back of the boat with increased push. The center attitude adjustment plate also helps flatten out the wake for a nice ski run or ramps up the amplitude for wakeboarding.

To adjust the surf settings, all you do is drag the bar on the left up or down to your desired level. For the more advanced riders who like to customize their experience, you can toggle over to the custom surf screen and adjust each section (tabs, ballast, speed, etc.) there. With SurfStar, you can save and name up to 30 profiles so you can always load the perfect surf wave for your riders.

Ready for your own XT23? All-new in all the right ways, the 2022 MasterCraft XT23 offers exceptional performance and endless options. Killer looks and a more comfortable ride than any boat in its class. Get the crew together and opt into the extraordinary life of the XT23.

2022 MasterCraft XT24 Review

September 4, 2021/in Product Review, Products /by Chad Tyler

Have you considered a larger MasterCraft before but desired a wide bow and the X24 was out of the budget?

The all-new 2022 MasterCraft XT24 may be the wake boat for you.

The XT24 delivers on MasterCraft’s XT value promise with an open pickle fork bow, redesigned surf systems, larger ballast, and the ability to cruise both smaller and larger bodies of water.

With endless customizability and the most comfortable seats in its class, the MasterCraft XT24 is sure to serve your family well for years to come!

2022 MasterCraft XT24 Video Review

2022 MasterCraft XT24 SPECS

24 feet long
102” beam
10’6” boat height with standard Z6 tower
6L Ilmor engine (standard)
5,550lbs dry weight
3600 lbs ballast with SurfStar
92 gallons fuel tank
Seats 17 people
Vector drive hull

Exterior Styling

The bold new XT series styling lines and all-new gel coat colors give the XT24 a striking stance in the water distinguishable from across the lake. In addition to the fiberglass changes, you will find three new tower options for 2022. The new standard Z6 features standard clamping board racks, the Z8 adds power-assisted lowering and lifting. Looking for the most premium tower, the Z10 is a full-power option with bold styling.

Interior Styling and Comfort

As you climb into the XT24 you will find an all-new fiberglass walkthrough with transom inlaid step in the convertible flip seat. These improvements create an accessible entrance into the cockpit without having to walk on any vinyl. There are opportunities for quite a few rear-facing seats in the XT24. First is the convertible rear seat that flips into stadium seating and flat sun pad seating. Then, similar to the XT25, you will find flip-up stadium seating on both port and starboard side of the cockpit. All new to the XT series are redesigned transom seats with sliding bases that make relaxation while floating a unique experience.

One thing that sets MasterCraft apart from other boat manufacturers is seating ergonomics. Every seat in the cockpit is angled and curved to support all of your passengers on all-day excursions comfortably. The CoolFeel vinyl option offers a more luxurious feel while keeping your vinyl 30% cooler on those hot summer days.

Do you love the look of black on your interior vinyl? With CoolFeel you can have your black interior with the feel of a light grey even on hot days.

We love the driver’s seat in the XT24. Why? Not only is there a high-back helm seat, but you also have a nice thick bolster to help boost you up to see over the windshield. The driver’s seat also has a couple of cool features, including the ability to recline, move forward and backward, and swivel around. Another bonus we love on the 2022 XT24 is the relocated battery switch under the helm for easy access without leaving the driver seat.

Flooring

There are several flooring options available on all MasterCraft models. The standard flooring selection is carpet. From there, you can option either Seadek or Decadence (featured in our video review).

Storage

As with all MasterCraft models, your storage options are limitless. In the XT24, you have the port side communicating storage under the observer seat that passes forward to the bow. You can find dedicated cooler storage and small bag/equipment storage under the starboard side seats. Need even more storage? The XT24 includes new storage cubbies above the ballast compartments. In the bow, the starboard seat cushion reveals another small bag storage area. In every MasterCraft, the centerline of the bow has dedicated anchor storage.

TECHNOLOGY

The XT24 has several screen options for 2022. In our video review, the boat features the Dual Screen Advanced option. This option allows you to add an optional rear-facing camera. The Dual Screen Advanced option features a 12-inch horizontal screen at the top that provides navigation, camera, depth, air temp, water temp, engine data, and plate locations. To the right of the steering wheel is a 10-inch touch screen that controls every boat system, including cruise and presets, audio, navigation, settings, lights, and accessories. The XT24 soft keys are next to the 10-inch screen to allow manual control for your horn, tabs, ballast, and navigation lights.

Today you can never have enough phone chargers. New for 2022 is optional wireless charges on the port and starboard side of the cockpit. These new phone charges bring the total available wireless charges in the boat to 5 (including the drivers). In addition to the wireless charges, there are USB charging ports located throughout the boat.

SURFSTAR

If you love to surf, you will want to take a test ride in the XT24 to experience the redesigned SurfStar surf system.

The redesigned plates and heavy-duty hydraulic actuators with position sensors will deliver waves in more accurate positions than ever before. The mellow wave boasts a nice transitional lip without losing push. As you take the tab out, the wave becomes steeper, moving push closer to the back of the boat for a nice wall of water.

MasterCraft’s surf systems have always delivered your wave, your way. SurfStar takes that goal to a new level with enhancements to every piece of the system. With a new intuitive display and rapid surf settings, it is easier than ever before to go from cruising to surfing the perfect wave quickly. For the more advanced riders who like to customize their experience, you can toggle over to the custom surf screen and adjust each section (tabs, ballast, speed, etc.) to your liking. With SurfStar, you can save and name up to 30 profiles so you can always load the perfect surf wave for your riders.

The newest member of the MasterCraft family, the XT24 delivers bold looks, big waves, and room for 17 people and all their gear. Experience the new 2022 MasterCraft XT24 in person at your local Skier’s Marine dealership.

The Best Fishing Boats – How To Choose?

September 2, 2021/in A-Z Boat Buying Guide /by Chad Tyler

Are you looking to purchase one of the best fishing boats that meets your needs? You probably have found your favorite lure, rod, and fishing buddy is not half bad. Now let us help you find your fishing boat! At Skier’s Marine we want to be your trusted education source, even when we do not sell the product you are exploring.

As you consider the abundance of fishing boat options, you probably (and should) have many questions. These questions may sound like this: How do I pick a great fishing boat for my needs? What size boat should I purchase? What size motor do I need? We could go on!

Whether you are looking to participate in fishing tournaments or want the option to head out for an impromptu sunrise trip, these four key points will help you find the most effective fishing boat for your lifestyle.

Where do you plan on using your fishing boat?

Before diving into the different fishing boat brands and fishing boat sizes, it is important to decide where you plan to fish. Are you fishing in freshwater, saltwater, or both? To narrow down the types of boats you should research, first decide where you plan to use the boat.

If you frequent the lake, most freshwater spots have a 30-foot size restriction on fishing boats. In contrast, saltwater ways can accommodate larger vessels. Most inshore fishing also usually requires your fishing boat to be equipped with a trolling motor to help navigate the shallow areas of the water.

Saltwater fishing offers more flexibility on your boat’s size and the amount of horsepower needed to take you across the bay or ocean. If you plan to stay in the bay and near the shore, a smaller skiff or bay boat with a single outboard motor may be ideal for your family. Consider looking at a larger center console or cruiser with multiple engines (outboard or inboard) for bluewater fishing.

What kind of features does your fishing boat need?

Now that we know where we will fish, we can determine what features to look for in your perfect fishing boat.

When looking at fishing boat features, it is essential to consider how the features will benefit you and the passengers on board. Does it have enough seating or standing room for the number of people you plan to take fishing with you? A small aluminum bass boat may be all you need for you and a buddy on a local river or lake. Looking to go Marlin fishing a hundred miles offshore, a Boston Whaler Conquest 405 may be what you need.

For those in freshwater, a trolling motor, fishfinder, sonar, and a live well are probably at the top of your “must-haves” list. The quality of each of these components depends on your budget and level of experience.

Suppose you’re fishing in saltwater. In that case, you will want to look for similar features to the freshwater boats, plus radar, higher engine horsepower, and a large fuel capacity. Extra storage for all-day gear and perhaps outriggers, a bathroom, and a raw-water washdown could also be necessities. Center console fishing boats are great, sturdy options for a few hours offshore with some friends. Are comfort and family-friendly features top of your priority list? A walkaround boat with more seating and interior living space might be the right direction for you.

Which fishing boat brands are best?

The number of fishing boat brands available today is extensive and can be overwhelming. We recommend you do as much online research as possible using the above questions as your guide.

First, decide on the style boat that will fit your needs. Based on the information above, the main types of fishing boats are (subtypes also exist):

Fresh Water Use
- Aluminum
  - Jon Boats
  - Fishing Boats
- Fiberglass
  - Fishing Boats
Fresh Water/Saltwater Use
- Plastic
  - Fishing Kayaks
- Fiberglass
  - Skiffs
  - Center Console Hybrids
  - Center Consoles – Bay Boats
Saltwater Use
- Fiberglass
  - Center Consoles – Oceanboats
  - Dual Consoles
  - Walkarounds
  - Convertibles

From here, we recommend you watch videos and visit the boat in person. It is important to touch and feel the boat and experience it on the water before purchasing.

According to a recent boats.com article in May of 2021, these are the best fishing boat brands:

Bertram (Flybridge Boats)
Boston Whaler (The Unsinkable Legends)
Grady White (High Used Boat Value)
Lund (Aluminum Fish)
Tracker (Aluminium Fish)
Viking (Convertible Yachts)

As with all boats, the engine manufacturer is as important as the boat manufacturer. Keep this in mind when considering the various fishing boat brands in your research. Yamaha and Mercury are two brands that Skier’s Marine trusts, and there are others with good reputations.

How do I find the right fishing boat for sale near me?

As always, we recommend finding a local dealer that you trust and one that has a reputable service center. There are many fishing boat dealers around the country. Start with your local dealers. They are typically are more invested in the longevity of their relationship with you as a customer. This desire to protect their local reputation gives them more incentive to take care of any issue that may arise quickly.

Once you have decided on the type of fishing boat you would like to purchase you can get more information on purchasing best practices in this article.

Tritoon vs. Pontoon – What’s the Difference Between a Pontoon and a Tritoon?

June 21, 2021/in A-Z Boat Buying Guide, Information /by Chad Tyler

Over the last few years, pontoons have evolved to fit a ton of different lifestyles on the water and have become a great option for people who are in the market for a versatile boat. Brands like Sylvan Marine offer a plethora of options aimed at matching the needs of any recreational boater. Besides the size of the boat itself, one of the biggest differences in pontoon boats is the number of tubes that compose the boat’s hull. So which is best – pontoons or tritoons?

What is a Tritoon Boat?

A tritoon is a triple-hull pontoon boat. Instead of having two large aluminum tubes beneath the deck, tritoons have three tubes that helps distribute weight evenly over the water. Additionally, three tubes makes the boat more stable and capable of maintaining a smooth ride over rough water. A tritoon boat can handle more horsepower than a typical double-hull pontoon boat. When a center tube is added to the design, it may be mounted a little lower than the outboard tubes or may be slightly larger in diameter.

Pontoon Boats (Two-Tubes)

When pontoons first became popular, they floated on a pair of tubes (first made of steel and later aluminum) that supported a wide, flat deck intended for low-speed cruising on flat water. Brands like Sylvan have been building pontoons since the company was founded in 1948. While Sylvan’s designs have changed over the years, the meticulous attention to detail that goes into crafting their boats remains.

In the 1980s, builders began experimenting with designs that added a third, center tube. Today many brands, including Sylvan, offer models with a choice of double- or triple-pontoon designs. There’s nothing wrong with a twin-tube pontoon, but the design has some limitations. As mentioned above, a third tube adds more stability so twin-tube pontoons thrive when cruising at low speeds. Additionally, you may see twin-tube pontoons leaning to the side during a turn. For these reasons, twin-tube pontoons will have lower horsepower engines.

Tritoon Boats (Three-Tubes)

Tritoons offer a variety of benefits for those looking into a new pontoon boat. The center tube improves maneuverability and handling. When a tritoon heads into a turn, you experience a smooth ride with less resistance at the helm. A pontoon with triple tubes will have a higher horsepower rating than a model with two tubes. Because of this, a tritoon is capable of higher speed and is better suited for use as a watersport tow boat.

Another benefit of tritoons is the ability to be rigged with two or three outboard motors. The center tube also increases the boat’s capacity. So the boat can be physically larger, hold more ameneties, more passengers, and also more fuel. The third tube also makes the boat more comfortable and capable in rougher water.

Advantage of Tritoons vs Pontoons

When deciding between double- or triple-tube design, the choice comes down to two key factors:

The size of the boat: As the boat gets bigger, the benefits of the tritoon pontoon design become more important because the boat simply weighs more so you’ll want a larger engine to get the best performance.
Your intended use: If your vision of pontooning is a slow evening cruise on a calm lake there’s nothing wrong at all with a twin-tube model. If you’d like to see a top speed over 40 MPH, or you’d like to have enough power for a ski tow and wake sports, a tritoon is probably the better choice. Keep in mind: if you boat on a bigger lake or want to be able to handle rougher waters, the triple-tube model will also be an advantage. Of course adding a center tube will increase the cost of the boat, as does a higher-horsepower engine.

Tritoon Boats For Sale

For more information on pontoons or tritoons or to schedule a personal consultation to see our boats for sale, visit your local Skier’s Marine dealership. If you are looking for more boat buying guidance, you can check out skiersmarine.com or our Youtube channel for more A-Z boat buying guide articles and videos.