Bentley 2007 Pontoon Problems

My experience with Bentley (Encore Builders) has been excellent. I have a 240 Fish which is not rusting. The pontoons look new after three years of Lake Lanier usage.

I purchased mine from T&S Marine in Gainesville, GA. I had a small collision and it was repaired at not cost to me by the dealer as a courtesy.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Bentley.

I also paid a fraction of your 26K cost

 

I was very impressed with the Bentley pontoon boat that a friend owned and we had taken a river cruise on. It appeared to have powdercoated railings and the 50 hp Mercury performed well. The seating was comfortable and appeared well constructed.
The wife and I began shopping for a Bentley and found a 2006 20ft with a 60 hp Merc at a resonable price on the West Coast of Florida. The paint on the railings was scratched away on several places and the aluminum panels had some bubbling and lifting of the paint.
The owner stated he had to have the steering cable replaced after it had frozen up recently and the rear two corner cast irons were corroded and broken away. Cast iron should never be used on a salt water craft.
After we got back to our fresh water lake I began cleaning the boat and found lots of panels had lifting paint. The radio would not work because the eight wire connector had corrosion and had to be cleaned and tightened.
I had noticed the pontoons had lots of white spots which I assumed to be salt water corrosion and believed I could clean that up with some labor and a commercial salt water damage solvent.
When cruising at maybe 18 knots some water would come up in the floor of the console through the opening for the wiring. Some filler will be used there.
I noticed when sanding the railings and panels the aluminum had not be primed and likely not treated properly for painting. Feather edging was not possible because of the flaking paint.
I have tried several white and cream colors of Krylon sprays and haven't found a match yet, if fanyone knows the color code or name let me know..
Our speedometer also does not work nor do the bow lights. I have not been able to get under the boat to find the correct color wires to follow but will have to get those lights working somehow. I have no idea of where the speed peto is located or how to fix it.
Since it is a used boat there is no warranty for me to have complaints about. I will do all repairs as I find them. Hopefully the corrosion on the tubes can be stopped.
Bentley, if they are still in business, needs to improve their wiring harness under the console to give some slack on the cables and properly trreat the aluminum for painting.
The Bentley is a beautiful fun boat and it's a bit more than just a barge to tie up to.
If I had had my choice of boats to buy it would have been a 24 foot sailer with retactable keel, but the marriage is more important than my desires.
I do wish it had an assessable rear deck which could be used to clear the prop of weeds and work on the motor while in the water.
Other than the paint job from the Bentley factory I believe they built a good boat but it should not be sold in areas where there might be salt water use.
Sirwalterale