What is the best time of year to buy a pontoon boat?
The off-season, or the months in fall and winter, are the best time to buy a pontoon boat. The off-season creates a bigger buyer’s market because dealers need to get rid of more stock. This time of year is quiet when it comes to sales, making it easier for buyers to snag a good deal. Pontoon boats are known for their durability, but their lifespan can vary based on several factors. Typically, a well-maintained pontoon boat can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years or even longer.A pontoon boat will typically last for 10 – 20 years if regular maintenance is performed to ensure all components are working correctly. Maintenance includes keeping the boat clean and free of debris and cleaning and repainting the aluminum tubes once a year as needed.A medium-sized pontoon boat holds up to ten people and is 20 to 24 feet long. Such boats are excellent for family activities and are the most common type of pontoons. You can take a medium-sized pontoon boat on large water bodies and have fun with your friends or family.Pontoon boats have a few key characteristics that make them inherently lower maintenance than other boats on the market. They are a lot less delicate, and they are not going to rust as easily. Most pontoon boats come with an aluminum hull which is non-corrosive and not susceptible to rusting.
What’s a good size pontoon boat?
For one to five people, a 15-foot-long boat is sufficient. For six to 10 people, you’ll want something in the range of 16 to 21 feet. If you want to take along an even bigger crowd, you should consider a model that’s 21 to 28 feet long. Generally, a 16 to 18-foot pontoon boat is best for small bodies of water that tend to be calmer. These boats are great for entertaining groups of up to eight people. If you plan to cruise, go fishing, or just spend time on the water with your closest family and friends, a small pontoon boat will meet your needs.It’s important to know that every brand is different so there’s not a set rule on what length equals what capacity. The most common lengths offered are 20-25′ pontoon boats.Disadvantages of a Pontoon Boat Pontoons don’t run very fast, nor do they have a great range. It’s a great boat for a day on the water with friends and/or family, but don’t plan on venturing out very far with it. Ride safety can be a drawback for some because when the water gets rough, a pontoon doesn’t perform well.You probably thought you needed as much speed as possible. As you can see from this breakdown, the optimal speed for most watersports is only 22 mph (36 kilometers). Just about ANY pontoon boat with a 90-hp motor can do this as long as it isn’t loaded down with people.
What is the life expectancy of a pontoon boat?
Pontoon boats are known for their durability, but their lifespan can vary based on several factors. Typically, a well-maintained pontoon boat can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years or even longer. Boats over 15 years can be a good option if well-kept. It’s crucial to check the boat’s condition and maintenance history. Older boats might not have the latest tech but can save money. It’s important to weigh the savings against any potential downsides, like outdated tech or higher upkeep costs.Final negotiated price post-survey. Based on that data, we can confidently say: New boats depreciate at around 15% per year, compounded. That’s a 55.Buy Used Boats One of the most straightforward ways to save money when buying a boat is to opt for a pre-owned vessel. Used boats can often be found at a fraction of the cost of new ones, sometimes up to 50% less. Here are some tips for buying used boats: Research the market value of the boat model you’re interested in.
What are the disadvantages of a pontoon boat?
Overall, while pontoon boats excel in stability, comfort, and versatility, their performance limitations in rough conditions and their relatively lower top speeds may be considered disadvantages for certain boating enthusiasts.With a 115 hp motor, you should be hitting the optimal speed even if your boat is pretty well loaded down with people. For most pontoon boat captains, the real goal is to hit the golden 22 mph (36 kph) mark. At that point, your fishing/cruising rig becomes a nice watersports rig.We recommend Yamaha outboards to everyone looking for a new motor. These outboards are reliable and will perform well on the water for a long time. If you want to invest in a great motor, consider a Yamaha. As Yamaha outboard dealers, we know that Yamaha has some of the best engines available for your pontoon.The next jump is a big one, with 150 HP being the most popular motor above a 115 HP. This is for the boater who wants the power to pull a skier or wakeboarder, or really throw someone around on a tube. If you are looking at a tritoon, start at 150 HP and go up from there.
What is the average cost of a 24 foot pontoon boat?
Medium Pontoon Boats (20-22 ft): The most popular size for family outings, priced around $28,000 to $50,000. Large Pontoon Boats (24-26 ft): Perfect for large groups or additional features, these can range from $50,000 to $90,000 or more. A mid-size option which can comfortably fit 10 to 12 adults, making it great for family outings or small groups. These larger models can hold between 12 to 15 adults, suitable for bigger parties without sacrificing comfort.Medium Pontoon Boats (20-22 ft): The most popular size for family outings, priced around $28,000 to $50,000.A compact 15-foot pontoon boat is cozy for up to five individuals. Meanwhile, a more spacious one ranging from 16 to 21 feet accommodates six to ten people comfortably. Each pontoon boat comes with a capacity plate, indicating both the maximum number of persons it can carry and the maximum weight it can handle.Pontoon boating is more fun when friends and family come along. Before you buy a boat, consider how many people you expect to carry on it. For one to five people, a 15-foot-long boat is sufficient. For six to 10 people, you’ll want something in the range of 16 to 21 feet.A 20-foot pontoon boat needs about a 90 HP motor (at a minimum) to traverse the water at a speed of 25 – 28 mph. If you prefer to increase the speed of the boat, many manufacturers offer 150 – 200 HP engines that can achieve top speeds of up to 46 mph.
How much is a brand new 20 ft pontoon boat?
Entry-Level Pontoon Boats: $18,000 – $35,000 At this price point, you can expect a basic, functional pontoon boat typically ranging from 16 to 20 feet in length. These boats usually feature modest engines (40-90 HP), basic seating arrangements, and essential amenities. Small Pontoon Boats (16-18 ft): These are ideal for solo riders or small families and typically cost between $16,000 and $28,000. Medium Pontoon Boats (20-22 ft): The most popular size for family outings, priced around $28,000 to $50,000.