Now that you have finally decided to buy a pontoon boat, it is time to get on the details on how to actually buy it.
This is not just a simple investment, though. You will be shelling out a significant amount of money for the initial purchase and for maintaining the boat as well.
Picking the wrong pontoon boat is something that you don’t want to happen.
Whether it’s for fishing, for parties, or for a quality time with the family in the great outdoors, if you end up a boat that undergoes maintenance most of the time, you’ll end up with a stressful situation instead.
Making a big purchase such as this is beset with massive challenges. However, the reward is worth the undertaking, if you get things sorted out right before you start the process of buying.
Prevent disappointments and unwanted experiences from happening with these 5 essential tips.
1. Know the Purpose of Buying
You already know how fun it is to be on pontoon boats. And now you’ve finally decided in getting your own one. But have you honed down on the specifics of what you’re planning to do on it?
Don’t go general on this. You need to know why you specifically want to own a pontoon boat. Is it for fishing? Are you planning to hold parties with friends? Do you plan to pull water toys such as wakeboards? How about as sun loungers?
Drilling for the exact purpose will help you in choosing the type of pontoon boat you need. For example, if you will be using it for sunbathing, what you need is a boat that has chair-style lounges facing the aft.
2. Choose the Right Size
You should always go with a boat that is modest in size especially if it’s your first time buying. Choosing a more expensive and larger one should only be done if you’re already an experienced pontooner.
18 to 20 ft pontoon is best for 2 to 6 people only, while 24 ft or larger is best if you’re going to have more than 10 people on board. Did you know that an average pontoon boat with a 115hp engine can reach 22 mph with max capacity (11 people)?
Aside from the number of occupants, the size of the boat also affects the cost of maintaining it.
3. Decide on the Features
Now it’s time to pick the features that you want to include with your pontoon boat. If you’re buying from boat dealers, expect to be presented with a lot of dazzling options that can be quite overwhelming.
Research online about interior and deck layouts and save a picture of those that you want. Decide on the color and boating accessories and have a backup choice in case it is not available. Choose an engine that’s more than 90 horsepower for watersports purposes.
Regardless of the feature, it has to be aligned with the main purpose of your boat.
4. Choosing the Best Brands
Pontoon boats for sale are easily distinguishable by brands. When choosing a brand, go for a brand that focuses on what you’re trying to achieve.
Manitou is a brand that is popular with versatile boat design. They offer a variety of customizable options such as large seating areas that can be converted into loungers.
Bennington, on the other hand, is a brand that’s all about quality and performance. If you are planning to use your pontoon boat for watersports, you’ll find their best models a good choice.
5. New vs. Used Pontoon Boats
Cost is the main reason when going for used boats for sale. The reputation of a particular boat model (for a particular year) is also another point to consider. You’ll be able to negotiate the price better but options like an ideal-sized trailer may be hard to come by.
A long-term warranty is the biggest benefit you’ll get for new pontoon boats. Dealers also offer comprehensive maintenance agreements. It’s this peace-of-mind that makes it worth the cost especially if you’re a first-time buyer.
Owning the Right Pontoon Boat
A pontoon boat Michigan is now different from any other states if you follow these 5 must-know tips. In the end, it’s all about the specific choices you make. Your boat dealer can assist you better if you know what you’re looking for in the first place.
