Pontoon Boat Buying Guide
Pontoon boats have come a long way. These are not your grandfather’s pontoon anymore! With so much to choose from, many aspiring boat owners look for a pontoon boat buyer’s guide to help them decide which boat will meet their needs.
What to Ask Before Buying a Pontoon Boat
It’s important to understand the experience you want out of your pontoon. Here are the questions you, as a pontoon boat buyer, need to ask yourself before purchasing a new or used pontoon boat.
| Typical Number of People On Board | Boat Length Required | Model Options |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 5 | 15′ or less | |
| 6 to 10 | 16′ to 21′ | |
| 10 to 16 | 21′ to 28′ |
Carrying more passengers means you’re going to need a bigger boat. This breakdown can help you decide which size will work best for you.
For more details, reference the specific make and model of your desired boat in our latest brochure.
| Your Goal | Recommended Engine HP | Model Options |
|---|---|---|
| Speed is my goal! I want tubing, cruising, skiing and more. | 300 HP |
|
| Speed is important, but not the priority. I want to go fast, but I’m not running any races. | 150 HP | |
| Give me your starting options. I love cruising around my lake or river, but speed is not my goal. | 40 HP |
The acceleration and top speed of your new pontoon will largely depend on the size of your engine. First, decide how important speed is for you, then discover the recommended horsepower for your engine.
More resources:
- Download Engine Performance Tests
- Explore the Build-a-Boat tool to learn more about your options
From parties and watersports to fishing and family fun, pontooning offers something for everyone. Depending on your preferred activity, some boats will suit you better than others. Take a look:
| Activities | Look for… | Model Options |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing | Floorplans built for fishing |
|
| Watersports | Higher engine power, and boats with the right accessories for watersports | |
| Parties on the water | Enough room for all your guests | |
| Family fun | Pontoon boats with slides |
| Your Priority | Recommended Seating Arrangement | Model Options |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing is my #1 priority |
| |
| Fishing is important, but cruising is my goal |
|
If fishing lies anywhere on your list of activities, you may want to consider a pontoon model built for the task. Depending on your personal preferences, there are multiple seating layouts to choose from.
| Your Situation | Recommended Resources |
|---|---|
| I will frequently tow the boat | |
| The boat will be used in rough water |
|
| I will use my boat in Saltwater | |
| I live in a climate that gets cold in the winter |
|
| Your Situation | Recommended Resources |
|---|---|
| I need to learn more about financing | |
| I need to learn more about insurance |
| Features/Upgrades | Options |
|---|---|
| Increased performance |
|
| Wave handling |
|
| Watersports | |
| Captain’s area | |
| Premium fishing options |
|
| Swimming options |
|
| Music and parties |
|
| Sunshade |
