10 Things to Look for When Buying a Used Pontoon Boat
Used pontoon boats come with 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 still be in great shape to serve you effectively.
But before you close that deal, it’s important to keep in mind that there are some risks involved when buying a used pontoon boat. 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.
That said, 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.
10 Things to Look for When Buying a Used Pontoon Boat
1. Pontoon Boat Usage
The first thing you want to do when buying a used pontoon boat is decide on the vessel’s primary use.
For instance, if you love fishing or want to get started, it would be wise to go for a pontoon boat supporting such activity.
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 to be mainly for fun boating activities like watersports, partying, and relaxation, a tow bar, and a more oversized deck will be key features to check. Â
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
Are you planning to do lots of sunbathing, lounging, and playing games on the boat? You’ll need a spacious deck.
The size of a pontoon boat deck depends on how long the boat is. In this case, the length of the pontoon tube advertised should give you an idea of how much deck space the boat has.
Pontoon boat length ranges from 12 feet to 60 feet. So, a pontoon boat 22 feet long 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 you’ll have enough space for your gear. It can also accommodate more passengers.
It’s important to note that the tubes and deck size also determines how much power the boat has and how fast it can go.
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 are on the motor.
I would never recommend buying a used boat without knowing how many hours are on the motor because 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, this points towards leakage and shows that the engine is not in the best 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 think you have found a good pontoon boat and are interested in buying it, you need to check and 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 any 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 finding out how serious the damage was and the repairs made. Again, remember to ask for evidence if it’s significant or multiple repairs.
If you find the boat’s overall appearance dull, don’t worry about it. You could quickly fix that with a good polish.
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 you are willing 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 giving it a good clean.
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 have it transferred to your name 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.
With a private seller, getting the boat at the lowest price possible is easy if you are good at negotiating. However, the whole inspection work is entirely on you.
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 a lot of 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 owns the boat legitimately and that it’s not stolen property.
This may not be an issue when buying from a dealer or broker since it’s their duty to 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 any abnormal sounds and how long the engine takes to warm up.
You must also test how the boat handles acceleration, turns, and behavior when you slow down.
About 30 minutes to one hour will be enough to let you notice any problems like overheating and speed issues.
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 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 do you have to 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 complete wreck of a pontoon boat that will cost you lots of 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 look at it and see what they say. Good luck with your purchase!
