This article originally appeared in our 2014 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing this in print along with 25 other boat reviews, click HERE to purchase the back issue.
What You Need To Know
When Ambrose Weeres founded Weeres Pontoons in 1952, the farmer couldn’t have envisioned just how far his original and simple idea would advance over the years. For those looking for a solid fishing-specific pontoon, the 200 Angler has a layout that would have made Ambrose himself proud to own.
The Highlights
For all of the specific features and amenities geared towards fishing, this really is a dual-purpose pontoon that would be great for cruising as well. For starters, we love the unique helm stand that includes an off-set gauge panel that is balanced perfectly with a GPS fish finder. The dark wood panel is a nice added touch as well and the Jensen stereo, complete with Bluetooth capabilities and USB and I-pod ports, gives you plenty of options for your music.
Also worth noting is the comfortable furniture that is built in-house that includes unique cushion hinges that actually provide two different ways to access the storage compartments below. Below the three-quarter sundeck is a pop-up enclosure that stands 6 feet tall when open and it could double as a storage box if extra space is needed. With four gates on this model, boarding the boat from any location will be easy and with the large four-step ladder with tall handholds in the stern, gaining access from the water will be simple too.
Obviously the main focus of the 200 Angler is fishing and that’s why the plush fold-down fishing seats really caught our attention. Each is very comfortable and we especially love the fishing areas in the bow that include tackle storage trays in each of the corners.
In the stern, the two fishing chairs are divided by a large aerated livewell that includes a 12-volt outlet, ruler for measuring your catch, as well as two rod holders. We would like to have seen rod holders in the bow and maybe a designated area for rod storage, but for all the boat that you get at this price, we realize we’re just being picky.
For the majority of the boat the rails stand at 28 inches tall, which is a great family-friendly height. In the stern the rails are a little bit lower, but that’s to be expected on a fishing model pontoon. There are only a couple of options on this boat and we’re glad they were included. The vinyl floor (that really does look like carpet) is a must for a good fishing model and the optional trolling motor plate that is rated for up to a 50hp engine is also a great addition. The larger diameter pontoons are also worth the upgrade that helps give this ‘toon better stability.
Inspection Notes
The two 25-inch diameter round pontoons are the base of this 20-footer and are made of .90-gauge aluminum. There is a keel on the multi-chambered pontoons with fully-welded end caps that are stamped and domed for added strength. Overall this ‘toon earned high marks for its quality fit and finish work as well as for the layout and design.
Performance Evaluation
With the 90hp four-stroke from Honda, we were pleasantly surprised at just how quick this Weeres jumps out of the hole. She turns nice and flat in the controlled turns and handles really well.
Our Take
This 200 Angler is the ideal compromise for the family who loves to fish a lot, but also recognizes the need to just cruise sometimes and be out on the water with the kids. Packaged with a powerful 90hp outboard, there is a lot of value in this “toon as tested that we feel a lot of people are going to love.
Number of Occupants 11
Maximum Speed 26.3 mph
Wild Ponies 90hp
No. of Gates 4
0-20 MPH 5.4 seconds
Ladder Measurement 3’ deep
Why we love this boat…This is more than just a great fishing model that comes standard with a fish finder, tackle storage, livewell, etc. It’s also a great cruising ‘toon as well.
Just being picky…A couple more rod holders, as well as a designated storage space for rods is all that is really missing on this great fishing pontoon.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
Bimini top, speedo, tach and volt, 23" diameter tubes, trim, Jensen JHD40BT Bluetooth, I-pod/USB charging port, 4 high-output Jensen speakers, brushed captains wheel, docking lights, stern entry w/ permanent ladder, Piranha Max 165 Fish Finder, trash door w/paper towel holder, tilt steering, side changing room, color-matched kidney table, seat slide w/ adjustable pedestal, 2 bow tackle compartments and a rear fish station w/ livewell and rod holders.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Vinyl floor, kicker transom bracket and upgraded 25” diameter tubes.
VITAL STATS
LOA 22’ 3”
Beam 8’ 6”
Hull Design Two Pontoons
Dry Weight 1,870 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 19 gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Honda BF 90
Cylinder Type 4 Cylinders
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 91.4ci/90hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 2.33:1
Propeller 13 3/4 X 13
RPM vs. SPEED vs. DB-A
680 1.5 77.5
1000 3.2 77
1500 4.4 80
2000 5.7 81.5
2500 7.2 87
3000 9.1 83
3500 12.9 86
4000 15.7 89.5
4500 18.8 86.5
5000 21.6 85.5
5500 24.4 91
6000 25.5 92
6200 26.3 93.5
New Ulm, Minn.
507-233-8020
weeres.com
