Decision Time

If you’re reading Pontoon and Deck Boat magazine, chances are you either own a boat or are seriously considering buying one. Either way, knowing the basics of how to evaluate a pontoon boat based on important factors like price, number of pontoons and available options is vital to ensure you end up with the right boat.

Whether you’re looking for a smaller `toon or a behemoth performance model, if you want a bare-bones model or luxury home-like features, we can help you find the one you want and will enjoy for years to come.

Money, Money, Money

The first thing most people have to consider when planning on making a major purchase such as a house, car or a boat is the price. Pontoon boats can cost quite a bit less than fiberglass boats of comparable size. For example, a Starcraft EX 22 Q with a 90hp four-stroke outboard retails for $48.7K, while a fiberglass bowrider of the same size comes in around $65K. Entry-level pontoons such as a Bentley LE 180 Cruise retails for around $27.5K and that includes a 40hp outboard engine, proving there are plenty of budget-friendly models available today.

The wide range of pontoon boats available at a variety of prices and quality have contributed to their popularity in recent years. The most popular models run from 20 to 22 feet and carry anywhere from 10 to 15 people. It is clear that people choose pontoon boats to enjoy spending time with groups of people, as opposed to bass boat buyers, who usually enjoy the company of maybe one other friend, or most often, complete solitude.

Top Speeds

The cruising speed for the average pontoon is usually no more than 30 to 40 miles per hour, although 50 and 60 mph pontoons are becoming more and more common. Plus with the popularity of twin outboards, stock pontoon boats are now capable of top speeds reaching the 80 mph mark with Brad Rowland’s South Bay 925CR still at the top of the Guinness World Records at 114 mph. Now that's a fast pontoon boat!

As with the other major purchases already mentioned, the key to getting a good price is comparison shopping. Visit manufacturer websites and local dealers. Check local classified ads and online auction services like eBay. Even if you don’t end up buying a used boat, the experience can help you discover what a reasonable price for a new one may be.

When you have a price range in mind, it is time to move on to looking into the details.

Two Or Three Pontoons?

The triple pontoon boat is becoming more and more common. However, two-tube `toons are still popular with some people, though that tide may be turning. The reason for this is that the advantages of a three-pontoon boat—higher possible speeds, larger engines and farther cruising distances—are not a priority for some pontoon owners. Boaters on a small lake who use their craft to cruise around on Sunday afternoons in the summer with their kids and grandkids don’t need a boat that can travel over 100 miles in an afternoon. However, if you are interested in boating on a larger lake such as Lake Powell in Utah or the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, a triple pontoon may be a must for you. The third pontoon will provide lift and the increased flotation will help when those massive waves found on the bigger bodies of water kick up.

How Much Power?

This is a fairly obvious point, but if speed is important to you, get a bigger engine. The vast majority of pontoon boats out there run with outboard engines, so manufacturers such as Honda, Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha are seen all over the place. Small engines such as a 25hp will do just fine for an 18-foot pontoon, but more and more often, people are opting for engine sizes as large as 350hp and higher.

A 22-foot pontoon with an 115hp engine will realistically top out at the mid 30 mph mark, a speed that is clearly fast enough to tow a tuber, even if you have a lot of passengers and other equipment in the boat. It’s all a question of lifestyle, but keep in mind that buying a bigger motor requires adding more numbers to that price range you settled on at the beginning of the buying process.

What Features Do I Really Need?

There is an abundance of choices when it comes to what features you can have on your new pontoon. Bluetooth stereos with MP3 and USB ports are becoming standard, and perfect for when you’ve beached the `toon and are enjoying an afternoon of fun in the sun. Other models include changing stations, which are found on models 22 feet or larger. Most manufacturers hide their changing rooms in the backs of lounge seats or other places that “pop-up” when needed. As long as a changing station allows you to put on a swimming suit without dislocating your arm or flashing your friends and family, it should work well enough for your needs.

Models for fishing enthusiasts include pedestal chairs and livewells for holding your latest catch. Bimini tops are used to shade passengers from the sun and can be collapsed when not in use. Lately manufacturers have been adding different color schemes and available styles to their boats, giving you the ability to express yourself in many different ways.

Insurance

Just like when you buy a house or car, insurance is a must for new boat purchases. It can be tough to fork over additional money after making such a large purchase, but an accident could cost you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars if you are uninsured. Plus it’s the law.

So how do you find the balance and get the best coverage for your money?

Progressive Insurance suggests getting a specialized boat policy even if your boat is covered through an endorsement on your homeowner’s policy.

“Having specialized boat insurance can make a big difference in the event you need to file a claim,” explains a rep from Progressive. “Some boaters might think it's more convenient to just add a boat endorsement to their homeowner’s policy, believing it offers more protection than it actually does.”

Many insurance companies offer coverage beyond the scope of a standard homeowner’s policy. Progressive offers On-water Towing; Fuel Spill and Wreckage Removal coverage; Watersports Liability coverage; and Roadside Assistance, which covers towing for your boat, trailer and your tow vehicle, even if your car or truck is insured with another insurance company.

Be Prepared

Finally, be sure you understand that owning a boat is a big responsibility. You need to be sure to winterize your new boat every fall if you’re not in an area that allows boating to be enjoyed year-round and be ready for repairs if something breaks down. Use your pontoon often, as boating really is about spending time with family and friends and creating those lasting memories.