Recently a forum member put a deposit down on a new pontoon. He asked if any of our forum members had any advice to share for a first-time-buyer when he picks up his boat:
j0n52: I pulled the trigger after 8 months of searching and research. I am getting a 21-foot Avalon Gs Cruise with the engine upgraded from a 60hp to a 90hp Evinrude, along with the pontoon prop that will give us better torque from Evinrude and a tandem axle trailer.
I plan to keep her in a freshwater lake and trailer her to the coast once or twice a month to the river/intercoastal waters. Any words of wisdom for when I take delivery?
Moser: If you are not completely comfortable towing, launching, operating and recovering the boat, make sure the dealer goes along to walk you through all of those things. I would want them to accompany me on the shakedown cruise anyway, just in case something pops up. That sounds like a very nice boat with adequate power, I hope you enjoy it for many years.
BuckeyeBoater: Get it on the water with the dealer and have him show you everything about it; make sure everything works as it should. Get all the freebies you can too. Sounds like a nice setup. Enjoy.
j0n52: Thanks everyone. I’m excited and plan to heed all your advice.
What happened your first time picking up your new boat? Join us on the forum and share your stories at www.pdbmagazine.com/pontoonforum.
