Spending a day with your family and friends is the dream for so many of us. A get-together on a pontoon boat from time to time sounds like the perfect escape route from mundane life.
One might consider investing in a pontoon boat for the same. But with a plethora of options at our disposal, we are bound to suffer from analysis paralysis.
Are there any pontoon boat brands to avoid?
Which pontoon boat brands to avoid? Well, the answer is not as direct and straightforward as the question.
All the boats manufactured in the past two decades are safe enough for you to buy. In the past 20 years, the security measures on boat design and manufacture are strict.
I’m not saying that all brands are the same; some brands may be better than others. But selection between that depends on a variety of factors like budget, capacity, usage, etc.
But basically, all the boats manufactured after the year 2000 satisfy our checklist’s top points- Safety and proper manufacturing.
If the overall construct of a boat is useful, you can be sure that it will provide you with years of fun if appropriately maintained.
The brands’ main difference is in the quality of furniture, steering, carpet, and some other amenities. Some brands might focus on the engine power, while others might focus on the boat’s look and feel.
The technicalities of the pontoon boat’s working are quite esoteric, but you need to understand some of them if you are considering purchasing one.
You do not want to end up disappointed after you take your first ride, and it doesn’t quite click as you thought it would (It’s not like you can break up with it!).
So, it would help if you considered all the factors before making the final decision.
What to avoid when buying a pontoon boat?
Some things that might help you with the decision are:
1. Purpose of buying:
Make sure you know the reason behind this purchase and where you plan to take your boat.
There are different types of pontoon boats – some for fishing in narrow areas and others for cruising in the lake’s center. Make sure you know your requirements before going in to buy a boat.
2. Budget:
The first thing to fix before making any big purchase is the budget. It is easy to be away from the shiny decks they show you on the waterfront, but you need to be firm with the budget.
Most of the time, we cross the budget threshold on account of YOLO, but expensive does not necessarily mean better.
Sticking to the budget is the best decision, even if it means less luxurious furniture and lighting. You can always customize it later according to your choices.
3. Capacity and spaciousness:
You need to keep in mind the reason for which you are buying it. If just for some quality family time, you do not need that much space.
But if you plan on hosting brunches and parties on the boat, you might want to opt for one with more deck space.
One thing to keep in mind is that with the increase in the boat’s size, apart from the price, you will need to spend more on fuel and storage.
A novice (one who is reading this article!) should opt for a more budget-friendly boat as this will always be a safe choice and might save you from any regrets later on.
4. Rails and deck:
Most of the time, we are preoccupied with the boat’s aesthetic aspects and fail to look deeper into the picture (literally!).
The rails and deck of the boat can either be screwed in or bolted through. If they have bolts, they will make the boat more durable and reduce the maintenance cost over a long time.
5. Pontoon tubes:
You should observe the brackets on the tubes.
The ‘M’ shaped ones are the best as they provide for a more reliable boat. Also, the welding and patching on those tubes give the overall view of the boat’s construction.
6. Engine:
The engine is the soul of your boat. You want to know the types of engine and their effect on the boat, depending on your usage.
It would help if you talked to the experts on this. You might want to compromise on the stereo system for an upgrade in the engine.
But spending extravagantly on anything is not a wise option. You should research the type of engine that will be most efficient in the areas you will be using it.
7. Used or brand-new:
If you have budget restrictions, you might want to look into buying a second-hand boat as opposed to a brand new one.
But if you buy a used boat, buy it from a trustworthy source and check for the water and other damage that might cost you in the future.
Although a new boat looks a lot more appealing in looks, technology, and latest features, a used one has its perks.
You know it has been tested in the waters, and it has proved its safety in the long run. You might want to look into the warranty that the new boat offers and then weigh your pros and cons accordingly.
When buying a pontoon boat, instead of looking at the brands, you should look into individual boats’ quality.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions to dealers. Remember that an overall muscular build and structure are more important than luxury.
You can always add on furniture, carpet, and other accessories later on as required. You can customize easily in so many ways as and when you want.
Different brands are for different specialties- some for fishing, some for cruising, and others for various hybrid purposes.
Some might have a bulkier look, and others might be more luxurious. It would help if you sorted your priorities before considering the brand of the boat to buy.
Conclusion
Before making any significant decision, you must know all the things that you should NOT do. The list above is to help you through the steps before jumping to any conclusions.
After spending a fortune on something, the least we can expect is to be satisfied with the choice we made. This article is to make sure your choice makes you happy for several years to come.
