2 replies to this topic

[first-timer]

Hi, I was all set to go out and buy a used pontoon boat and then came across a 2002 Islandia in prety nice shape and what seems like a very good price ($4500 including gav. trailer). As you can probably guess I have never owned a boat before but am ready to take the plunge. We live on the west coast of Florida and would mostly be using the boat in the rivers, bays and some in the gulf. It anyone has any information on this type of boat (jet drive merc V6) please please tell me. The motor is "supposed" to be in good shape. Since it seem pretty cheap I understand I might have to put some work into it. How expensive is getting work done on that type of unit compaired to an outboard? The pontoon boat I was looking at (20' with a 50 hp 2 cycle) on it needed some engine work also. I am asking for trouble buying a jet drive from 2002? Was that a good year for the islandia? As you can tel I am not even sure what to ask. So if anyone out there is kind enough to answer I would greatly appreciate it. Happy boating and looking forward to owning my own boat (shows how stupid i really am)! Thanks in advance for your help!

[rookie101]

I don't know a lot about the Islandia, but my Utopia runs the Merc, and I have never had any problems. As far as cost goes when working on an outboard or the Optimax they will be the same due to the fact that the Optimax is just that, a V6 outboard power head.

Power wise that Islandia will be a rocket ship compared to a pontoon with a 50hp so that would be a big bonus.

The jets take some getting used to in handling, but once you get used to them you wont look back.

[first-timer]

I don't know a lot about the Islandia, but my Utopia runs the Merc, and I have never had any problems. As far as cost goes when working on an outboard or the Optimax they will be the same due to the fact that the Optimax is just that, a V6 outboard power head.

Power wise that Islandia will be a rocket ship compared to a pontoon with a 50hp so that would be a big bonus.

The jets take some getting used to in handling, but once you get used to them you wont look back.

The boat has been sitting for over a year, after talking to some other people there seems there could be a problem with varnish build up and/or internal engine problems. Since I can not test drive or have anyone really look at it before I buy it and repairs can be costly, I am kind of leary of buying it. At only $4500 including trailer it seemed to good to be true and maybe it is. thanks for your input but since I do not know much about boats, maybe this isn't the one for me.