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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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10 Things to Look for When Buying a Used Pontoon Boat
Used pontoon boats have several benefits. They are less expensive, and you can get your dream pontoon boat at a fraction of the price of a new one! Also, a used pontoon has a low depreciation value and is still in great shape to serve you effectively.
But before you close that deal, it’s important to remember that buying a used pontoon boat involves some risks. If you are not careful enough, you could end up with a pontoon boat with huge mechanical problems, which might cost you lots of money to repair.
You should know exactly what to look for so you won’t regret it later. To help you get a good deal, we’ll provide a used pontoon boat checklist and essential questions to ask yourself before investing your money.
Key Takeaway
When buying a used pontoon boat, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect various aspects such as usage, deck space, motor condition, essential equipment, furniture and flooring, price vs. market value, warranty, proof of ownership, and overall boat condition. Taking the boat for a test drive and deciding between purchasing from a dealer or private seller are also important considerations to ensure you make a wise investment.
Summary
Buying a used pontoon boat can be a cost-effective way to enjoy boating, but it requires careful consideration to avoid potential pitfalls. Key points to consider include:
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- Pontoon Boat Usage: Determine the primary use of the boat to ensure it meets your needs, whether for fishing, watersports, or relaxation.
- Deck Space: Ensure the deck size is adequate for your planned activities and passenger capacity.
- Motor Condition: Check the motor’s condition, hours of use, and any repairs made to avoid costly future maintenance.
- Essential Equipment and Overall Condition: Inspect critical parts like the hull, pontoons, and gauges, and assess any damage or necessary repairs.
- Furniture and Flooring: Examine the flooring for wear and tear, mold, and potential rot.
- Price vs. Market Value: Compare the price with similar boats to ensure you get a fair deal.
- Warranty: Check if there’s an existing manufacturer or dealer warranty and if it can be transferred to you.
- Dealer vs. Private Seller: Weigh the pros and cons of buying from a dealer versus a private seller.
- Proof of Ownership: Verify the legitimacy of the boat’s ownership to avoid purchasing stolen property.
- Test Drive: Take the boat for a test drive to check for operational issues.
Before finalizing the purchase, consult a professional or an experienced friend to help with the inspection and decision-making process. This thorough approach will help you secure a reliable, used pontoon boat that fits your needs and budget.
10 Things to Look for When Buying a Used Pontoon Boat
1. Pontoon Boat Usage
When buying a used pontoon boat, you should first decide on the vessel’s primary use.
For instance, buying a pontoon boat that supports this activity would be wise if you love fishing or want to get started.
You should pick a boat with a functional fishing layout and set-up, including fishing chairs, trolling motor, rod holders, and more.
Otherwise, if you intend your pontoon boat mainly for fun boating activities like watersports, partying, and relaxation, a tow bar, and a more oversized deck will be key features to check.
Whichever the case, though, you should never ignore the captain’s chair when buying a boat. You want to be ergonomic and stylish, as you’ll sit on it for hours while out there.
If your desired boat doesn’t have a decent captain seat, you should consider the replacement cost when buying the pontoon. The good thing is that they are easy to install.
2. Deck Space
A spacious deck is essential if you spend much time sunbathing, lounging, and playing games on the boat.
The size of a pontoon boat deck depends on its length. In this case, the length of the pontoon tube advertised should give you an idea of the boat’s deck space.
Pontoon boat lengths range from 12 feet to 60 feet. So, a 22-foot boat will have a deck length of about 20 to 21 feet.
This will be an ideal size if you plan to do more activities like fishing with your pontoon boat, as it will have enough space for your gear and can accommodate more passengers.
It’s important to note that the tubes and deck size also determine the boat’s power and speed.
3. Motor
When buying a used pontoon boat, one of the most important questions to ask yourself is whether the motor is in excellent working condition. Is it the original engine or a replacement?
It would help to ask how many hours the engine has been put to. If the seller does not know the hours, it could be a red flag since it indicates that they didn’t pay much attention to the boat’s maintenance.
Just as you wouldn’t want to pay for a used car without knowing the mileage, you shouldn’t buy a pontoon boat without asking how many hours the motor has been running.
I would never recommend buying a used boat without knowing how long the motor has run. Even if the owner doesn’t know, getting a full mechanic check will provide all the necessary information.
Even so, the main concern should not be the number of hours but how well the pontoon boat has been looked after.
Another important thing you need to check is the outboard motor. If it has white marks, it indicates leakage and shows the engine is not in good condition.
It will also be brilliant to ask the seller if they have made any repairs to the motor. If yes, be sure to get evidence.
4. Essential Equipment and Overall Boat Condition
If you have found a good pontoon boat and are interested in buying it, you must inspect important parts like the hull, pontoons, shift, throttle, gauges, and laminate.
You want the boat raised on its trailer or a supportive platform for this inspection. This way, you can walk around it and check underneath for damages.
If you spot damage to the hull, it’s not always a red flag. The hull could have some repairs, but this isn’t a bad sign, as minor dings and dents are almost inevitable in boats.
Your main objective should be determining the seriousness of the damage and the repairs made. Again, remember to ask for evidence if the damage is significant or involves multiple repairs.
If you find the boat’s overall appearance dull, don’t worry. A good polish can quickly fix that.
5. Furniture and Flooring
Moving on to the boat’s interior, you should check the overall condition of everything in it. Inspect for any cracking and general wear and tear.
But since it’s a used boat, this won’t necessarily be a deal breaker, as almost every second-hand vessel will have some wear and tear.
It’s just about knowing what to remember when deciding how much to pay for the used boat.
Mold on the floor may also not be a significant issue as you can easily restore the carpet by cleaning it well.
However, if you notice that the wooden parts of the floor appear damp, they could be rotten, which might cost a lot of money to repair.
Mold and mildew on vinyl seats should not discourage you, as you can clean them within a few hours.
6. Price vs. Market Value
For most people, the whole point of buying a used pontoon boat is to save money. You should do a quick search on the price of similar-sized boats.
The cost of boats may vary from state to state, so you should search for local boats. Once you know the average cost, you can quickly determine whether the boat is fairly priced and be able to negotiate.
You can also compare the boat with others on sale on websites like Boats.com and Boat Trader to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Of course, factors like accessories, flooring, added features, safety gear, trailer, and more will influence the cost of a used boat.
7. Manufacturer or Dealer’s Warranty
A pontoon boat’s warranty is fundamental as it helps you protect the investment. Remember that boat repairs and replacement parts can be expensive, and you don’t want to spend more money than you should on a second-hand boat.
When buying a used pontoon boat from a private owner, ask them whether they have an existing warranty from a dealer or manufacturer.
If yes, will they transfer it to your name, or should you buy the boat?
Buying from a dealer is much easier as most provide a guarantee and warranty for a specific period.
But you should still ask them if the warranty will cover all the necessary repairs, labor, and replacement parts.
8. Dealer or Individual Owner
Do you want to deal with a private seller or boat dealer/broker? This is a crucial question to ask yourself because each has its pros and cons.
If you are good at negotiating, getting the boat at the lowest price possible is easy with a private seller. However, the whole inspection work is entirely your responsibility.
If you are new to boats, you are better off buying from a dealer as they are more professional and will provide answers to most of your questions.
Since they have extensive experience dealing with new and used boats, they might offer the necessary advice, eliminating your anxiety.
Nonetheless, buying a used pontoon boat from a dealer can be a bit more expensive than buying from a private seller, but it gives you more peace of mind, especially if you are a complete beginner.
9. Proof of Ownership
Before you hand over your money, you should be sure that the seller legitimately owns the boat and that it is not stolen property.
This may not be an issue when buying from a dealer or broker since they must verify the boat’s ownership. However, you must ensure they have the proper credentials and a good reputation.
If the boat has had several owners, you need to know about its history and ensure that it has all the necessary certifications.
10. Take the Boat for a Test Drive
Finally, you need to take the boat for a test drive, preferably with the seller, and see how it runs. Once you start the engine, listen for abnormal sounds and see how long it takes to warm up.
You must also test how the boat handles acceleration, turns, and behavior when you slow down.
You should notice problems like overheating and speed issues within 30 minutes to one hour.
If the seller does not want you to test the boat before the money changes hands, I don’t think proceeding with the deal would be a good idea.
Top Questions to Ask Yourself and Seller When Buying a Used Pontoon Boat
- How old is the boat, and what is its ownership history?
- Is the motor in great condition, or does it need any repairs?
- Is the interior décor and flooring decent, or will you need to make repairs and replacements?
- Is the boat suitable for your desired activities?
- What’s the boat’s size and passenger capacity?
- Does the pontoon boat come with its trailer, or must you buy it separately?
- Does it have a manufacturer or dealer’s warranty?
- Can the seller provide proof of ownership?
- What is the cost of the pontoon boat, and how does it compare to the market values?
Wrap Up
If you want to save money, buying a used pontoon boat is a brilliant idea, as long as you know what to look for.
You can buy a used pontoon boat with incredible features and valuable accessories for almost half the price of a new one.
But don’t be over-excited about the add-ons and free accessories and forget to examine the boat’s condition and crucial features.
You don’t want to take home a pontoon boat that is a complete wreck and will cost you much money and agony to repair.
If you are an absolute beginner who needs to learn more about pontoon boats and still have doubts about your to-be pontoon boat, you should have a professional inspect it before closing any deal.
You can also ask an experienced friend or family member to review it and let you know what they think. Good luck with your purchase!
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