The skies are blue, the scenic views beside the beach are inviting you to explore the waves. Finally, you have decided to buy a pontoon boat to savor your sailor dreams! But, since you are new, you don’t know where to begin. Well, you are not alone. A lot of newbies and even seasoned professionals may find them lost while choosing pontoon boats.
Pontoon boats are spacious, secure and a perfect reason to spend some quality time with your loved ones. This article offers you a clear insight into buying the perfect pontoon boat.
Things to consider before buying a pontoon boats
Pontoon boats will surely bring you joy, however, finding the right one for the perfect deal will be the cherry on top. Here are some of the factors that you should keep in mind while looking for pontoon boats for sale.
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Size
Size is one of the most important factors to consider while selecting a pontoon boat. Hence, deciding how many people would board your boat prior is very crucial. Although, we recommend not overcrowding your boat might jeopardize everyone’s safety onboard.
For 2-6 people, you should look for a boat that is at least 18 to 20 ft (6.1 m). Besides, if you are looking for a boat that may fit more than 10 people, a pontoon 24 ft (ca. 7 meters). or larger is your best option.
But, that’s not enough. The size of your boat also depends on the type of water body you would be sailing in. Pontoon boats of 20 to 22 ft are ideal for calm, small water bodies like lakes and rivers. However, if you are setting sail in rough waters, you should consider purchasing a boat between 23 and 28 ft in length.
2. Type
Apart from size, pontoon boats come in various types. Depending on your requirements, you can pick the right one for you. While it isn’t easy as it sounds.
Fishing
If you are looking to buy new boats for fishing, you should shop for options like the cruiser models for the same. However, for occasional fishing trips, you can look for regular models that might be used for multiple purposes.
Sports
While fishing and boating trips might not be your forte, your pontoon boat can still offer you the thrill you are looking for. For water sports such as skiing, etc. you should always look for boats with 90 horsepower or more.
Swimming and sunbathing
If you would like to swim or have a relaxed sunbathing session, you can find some modified pontoon Yamaha outboards. You can find models that offer loungers and decks for swimming. In addition, you can also ask for additional modifications at an extra cost, such as better ladders for swimmers.
What are the pros and cons?
Looking to buy a pontoon boat? Well, you are on the right track! Apart from an affordable price, these boats offer exceptional performance and have different models that target various needs. Besides, these boats can accommodate a lot of people, and maintaining these boats is very easy, unlike others.
Although these boats offer features for water sports, it is still recommended to look for other boats built especially for water sports. In addition, they also come with minor problems, however, these are easily preventable.
Pricing matters!
Boats are expensive. Purchasing a boat can make a dent in your pocket. However, you can easily get a great deal and enjoy chilled days at the sea. Timing is everything while buying a boat. If you reside in a coastal region or a tourist destination, on and off seasons will play a great role. You can find the best boats at the cheapest rates during the off-season.
Be aware! Many dealers often try to sell old models at unbelievable rates that might seem too good to be true! Research about your dealer and keep your options open. It is always recommended to go for the newer models and get better maintenance.
Should I buy a used pontoon boat?
As mentioned earlier, buying a boat is a huge investment that might be impossible to afford. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams! Instead, you can look for boating enthusiasts or trusted dealers to find a used pontoon boat. While it is a great budget-friendly option, make sure you are getting the best product. Purchasing a used pontoon may let you set sail immediately. Besides, buying a new boat can come up various additional prices. However, with used pontoon boats, you may get accessories or additional services without any extra cost.
On the contrary, second-hand boats are not without their demerits. Unlike the new ones, your boat will not come with a warranty and might have higher maintenance costs. In addition, these boats usually have defects and it might even cost a fortune to repair these issues. Hence, you should check every nook and corner of the product before purchasing from a buyer.
Conclusion
Decided to buy a pontoon boat? Well, sail ahead! Pontoon boats are a bang for the buck and built for performance. Be it a boat party or a relaxing day in the ocean, these boats are great for every occasion. However, you should be very careful and research before purchasing one. In case you decided to go for a used pontoon, you should run a background check on your dealer and always ask for second opinions to make sure you are getting the best deal.
