Buying a pontoon boat

What is a pontoon boat?

Pontoon boats have large decks on top of long tubes called pontoons, and they have an outboard motor. They sit well above the water, are spacious, provide a smooth ride, and have good safety ratings. Protected lakes and calm rivers are the ideal environment for pontoon boats. Their spacious decks make them ideal for socializing, and you can also enjoy activities like waterskiing and fishing. If you're looking for a fun and spacious boat, a pontoon boat could be a perfect fit for your family.

Are pontoon boats safe?

Yes. Pontoon boats are safe thanks to the two or three pontoons (tri-toons), filled with air supporting a sturdy, well-balanced platform that allows them to glide smoothly through the water. Pontoon boats are best suited to calm rivers and lakes, so if a storm in the forecast could create choppy water, you'll want to cancel your plans.

How much does a pontoon boat cost?

Pontoon boat prices range widely based on the manufacturer, size, engine, and other features. For example, the Bennington SV line starts at $30,364, ranging in length from 18-22' with a 200 HP engine. Meanwhile, their premium QX line starts at $122,959, ranges from 23-30' in length and has options for a single 600 HP outboard or twin-engine outboards totaling up to 900 HP.

Many pontoon boat manufacturers offer ways to customize your vessel at each price point, including the layout of your deck, engine size, and other options.

How are pontoons different from other boats?

Pontoons vary from 16 to 30 feet long and are known for their large deck space. That space is customizable on most pontoons, so you can arrange the seating and deck furniture however you like. A few other defining features of pontoons include their height, accessibility, and engine. Pontoons sit higher above the water than the average boat. The height also helps pontoons cut through waves, leading to a smooth ride.

The height of pontoon boats means that the deck often sits level with the pier when docked, which makes them easy to get on and off, making it more accessible to passengers. Pontoon boats also have an outboard engine. Outboard engines are typically easier to maintain and have better fuel efficiency than inboard motors.

Where can you drive pontoon boats?

Lakes, rivers, and the Intracoastal Waterway are the most popular places to drive pontoons. You can also take a pontoon in the ocean if you stay within a few miles of the shore. While pontoons cut through small waves nicely, they can be dangerous if you start to encounter large waves or rough water. Saltwater can also corrode pontoon boats since they're mainly designed for freshwater use.

What are the pros and cons of owning a pontoon boat?

Pros of pontoon boats

• Comfort: Pontoons have large and spacious decks that can accommodate several people and furniture. Many pontoon owners like to incorporate comfortable seating or even daybeds around their decks. Their spacious design also makes them ideal for entertaining.
• Storage: Most pontoons come equipped with a good amount of storage space.
• Easy to maintain: Because the hull sits above the water, it's easier to clean and less likely to get dented than other boat models. The outboard engine is also easy to reach for maintenance.
• High safety ratings: Their large size keeps them stable, and high railings make them ideal for people with kids or pets.
• Easy to drive: Pontoons handle well and are an excellent option for beginners. Depending on your state, you may need a boating license to operate a pontoon.

Cons of pontoon boats

• No built-in cabins or bathrooms: Since the deck is built on top of the pontoon tubes, there's no space for under-deck cabins or bathrooms.
• Wider than the average boat: The width makes them harder to tow behind your car. It also means pontoons leave larger wakes behind them than the average boat.
• Certain activities can be dangerous: Getting too close to an outboard motor is unsafe, which rule out activities like wake surfing that require someone to be directly behind the boat.
• Lower speed: Pontoons can hit decent speeds, but they typically go slower than other motorized boats. You can consider high-performance models if you have speed in mind.

What to avoid when buying a pontoon boat

Whether buying a new or used pontoon boat, try to avoid:

• Buying a boat that's too small or too big for your needs
• Spending more for your boat than you can comfortably afford when you factor in fuel costs, insurance, maintenance, and storage
• Buying a boat that doesn't fit in your storage area
• Not getting a warranty or getting one with restrictive coverage
• Buying from a disreputable dealer that doesn't support the products they sell

Considerations for buying a pontoon boat

The following are a few considerations for what to look for when buying a pontoon boat that suits your lifestyle:

• Consider where you’ll use the boat and what activities you want to use it for
• Decide what boat size you’ll need. Premiere Water Sports advises that the longer the boat the greater it’s carrying capacity. A 16-20' boat is good for solo fishing or four passengers, while a 28-30' model might be more appropriate if you need to fit several passengers.
• Decide where to store your boat. Knowing where you will store your boat, and the dimensions of that space will influence what size boat you purchase.

Whether you buy a pontoon boat or decide another type of boat is a better fit, consider protecting your investment with boat insurance. Pontoon boat insurance rates tend to be on par with boats of a similar size, and Progressive offers quotes starting at about $100^*.