Pontoon Boat Buying Guide
Pontoon boats are spacious and comfortable vessels that are ideal for family outings. Whether you need a boat to undertake fishing trips or cruise around your favorite bodies of water, there’s nothing that can beat the versatility of a pontoon.
If you’re thinking about buying a pontoon boat and unsure where to begin, you’ve arrived at the right place. Our experts at WMF Watercraft & Marine have created this guide to help you purchase the perfect vessel for your lifestyle. Keep reading to learn more, then visit us in Millsboro, DE, where we happily welcome our friends from Salisbury.
The Number of Pontoons
You’ll want to buy a vessel with two tubes for cruising around smaller areas of water, fishing, and occasionally pulling kids on an inner tube. However, if you want to experience more adventurous riding, you’ll want to go with a tritoon. These vessels come with an additional tube that leads to better performance in rough waters and a higher horsepower rating.
The Activities
The versatility of these vessels lets you use them for various activities, including hosting picnics and parties, socializing with friends, towing watersports enthusiasts, and even undertaking fishing trips. However, when shopping for pontoon boats, consider the activities you’ll most likely participate in. This understanding will help you pick a vessel with the right features. For example, you’ll want slip-resistant vinyl flooring instead of carpet if you’re an avid angler. On the other hand, if you love swimming, you’ll want to go with a vessel with swim decks or sun loungers.
The Number of Passengers
Pontoon boats come in various sizes, making it easier to purchase a model that matches your requirements. When exploring models, consider the size of your group to avoid buying a vessel that’s neither too big nor too small for you.
A pontoon that’s 20’ or less is ideal for 1 to 5 passengers, while a 20’ to 24’ boat is perfect for 6 to 10 passengers. On the other hand, if you think you’ll mostly have more than ten passengers on your trips, you’ll want to call for a pontoon that’s upwards of 24’.
The Ideal Horsepower
Finally, you’ll need a pontoon with the right amount of horsepower for your boating lifestyle. If you intend to go on leisurely cruises around the lake, you’ll need a vessel in the 40hp range. However, if you want to enjoy more speed while socializing with your friends, you can consider a model around 150hp. On the other hand, for adrenaline-fueled rides and frequently towing watersports enthusiasts, you’ll want to begin your search around vessels with 300hp.
Are you ready to look at a few models in person? Come down to WMF Watercraft & Marine, where we have an excellent collection of pontoon boats for sale. Our friendly staff can give you a complete tour of the available options and suggest models for your budget. If you let us know your requirements, we can also help you choose a pontoon boat perfect for your lifestyle. To speak to our experts, call us today or visit us in Millsboro, DE, where we proudly serve those from Salisbury.