Tips For Buying A Pontoon Boat
Summer will be here soon enough and that means it’ll be time to head out to the water with your boat in tow. Don't have a boat? No problem! At Yankee Boating Center we are here to help.
If you are a first time boat owner, or are just looking for a change of vessel, a Godfrey Pontoon Boat can be just what you need.
Life is better aboard a Pontoon.
A Pontoon boat is a great recreational watercraft that can be enjoyed by the whole family. These multi-hull watercraft rely on pontoons, which resemble large tubes, to float. They’re comfortable because of their wide decks and couch-like seating. And while primarily used for leisure trips, pontoons with large and powerful engines can be used to pull skiers.
Buying your first pontoon boat is one of the most exciting things you can do, and even though there is no one-size-fits all advice, we have put together a few basics of what to look for when shopping for your new vessel!
TIPS FOR BUYING YOUR FIRST PONTOON BOAT
1. PLAN YOUR BUDGET
This is the first step when purchasing any kind of new vessel. Knowing your budget ahead of time will make your decision easier. To get an idea for a ballpark, you can do some research online. Most manufacturers offer MSRP online which will help steer you in the right direction for your budget.
2. CHOOSE YOUR PONTOON SIZE
Just because you have a big budget, it doesn't mean you need to get the biggest pontoon.
Size is most often determined by how many passengers you believe will be accompanying you on your journeys:
- For 2-6 people choose a pontoon between 18 to 20 ft.
- For 6-10 people choose a pontoon between 22 to 24 ft.
- For more than 10 people you will want to consider a pontoon 24 ft. or larger.
Consider where you'll be boating—ocean, lake, river? Saltwater or freshwater?
- For small and calm bodies of water, you will want to look at a boat between 17 to 19 ft.
- For lakes and rivers that do not have large waves, you should consider boats between 20 and 22 ft. long.
- For water that is often rough, you will want to look at boats between 23 to 28 ft.
Other items you will also need to budget for when opting to buy a bigger pontoon are:
- How much you will be spending on fuel
- How much you will be spending on pontoon boat insurance
- How much you will be spending on docking and storage
- How much you will be spending on repairs and maintenance
- How much you will be spending on accessories
- How large your trailer will need to be and the towing capacity of your vehicle
3. CHOOSE YOUR VIBE
Consider how you’d like to use a pontoon boat. In general, for recreational purposes, you will have 3 categories of Pontoon boats:
- Cruising: Meant for enjoying your time out on the water with enough room for small to large groups of people. Perfect for relaxation and entertainment.
- Fishing: As the name implies, these boats are designed for fishers. Plenty of open space and room for a few people on these watercraft is key.
- Water sports: Extreme sports fans rejoice, there are boats for you too. With capable towing systems in place and more powerful engines, these watercraft will deliver the excitement and fun you crave.
A pontoon can be created with a layout and features to specialize in one activity, or to be a versatile platform. Think about your priorities when you will be on the water.
Craft Your Perfect Pontoon Boat
Now that you’ve vetted out what your needs are, have a rough idea of where your price point sits, and are familiar with the different options available, let’s dig in and find your perfect pontoon boat.
Explore our selection of Godfrey Pontoons, designed to bring you, family and friends closer, from generation to generation.