I’d like to think I’m a diverse conversationalist who can talk and discuss nearly any topic thrown my way, but in reality I know my strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to talking pontoons and deck boats, blame it on my day job but there are not a lot of other subjects I feel I know better.
In the late 90s when I first got started as an assistant editor of PDB, I feared questions like, “What’s the one best pontoon?” because back then I was still very green and I had more questions than answers myself.
Today I welcome questions where I’m able to fall back on past experiences while helping others learn a little more about the industry. However, that doesn’t mean I know everything or that I don’t have more to learn. The way I see it, I’m a student of the boating industry and I’ll always be learning as our segment continues to grow.
Last fall I was caught off guard when a potential pontoon buyer approached me with the, “What advice would you give me?” question. It wasn’t his question that threw me, but rather it was my surroundings. I was at a football game with my family and to be honest pontoons were the furthest thing from my mind at the time. The guy recognized me from my column pic and was just looking for some inside information. For whatever reason though, I had a hard time shifting gears and putting my PDB Editor hat on to give him the detailed response he was looking for.
I did my best to help him, but I feel like I came up a little short with my response. So if it’s not too late, I’d like to attempt to try again in hope that he might be reading this issue. This is not a new question, but I think a lot people don’t realize that the pontoon industry isn’t Ford versus Chevy. There are a lot of solid builders out there and of course there is no such thing as one size—or in this case one model—fits all. So instead of limiting yourself to just two or three companies, the better approach is to look at your search from a different angle.
Starting with our Buyer’s Guide in your hands, this issue followed by our Shootout Boat Test issue—that will be out towards the end of January—are centered on educating potential buyers. Plus don’t forget to watch for our full video reviews that complement our boat tests that will be on our website about the same time the Shootout issue arrives, if not earlier.
Once you have your list broken down to a handful of manufacturers you’re interested in, follow these three tips. First, shop your local dealers. Find the marina or shop that is motivated to sell to you and also check those places with more inventory than they know what to do with. Second, know which amenities are must-haves versus those that are just wants. A depth/fish finder may be a priority to an angler, but not worth the price to the buyer who will never truly need it. Third, don’t under power and don’t go too short. The most common “regret” from first time buyers is wishing they would have gone with a model two feet longer and/or had a little more horsepower.
While there is no such thing as the one perfect boat that will be great for everyone, I truly believe there is a perfect boat out there for each and every one of us. Enjoy the pursuit of finding your next pontoon or deck boat and don’t hesitate to drop us an email and share your success stories with us.
“The pontoon industry isn’t Ford versus Chevy. There are a lot of solid builders out there and of course there is no such thing as one model fits all.”
