Community Chat

[2Doods]

Soon we will be purchasing a pontoon boat.  Do any of you pontoon boat owners have any advice for us?  (Length, accessories, cushion material, etc). We appreciate your input.  Thanks!!

[on the bay]

I didn't even know what a pontoon was until I rode in my cousin's last summer.

And it was wonderful! Like a couch on the water. The cushions/seating were so soft and comfortable-I think they were soft faux leather. If I was gong to get one I would want it to be just like that-we could all stretch out and you even felt like you could go to sleep. It was like 2 long cushioned seats on each side and then 2 seated ones behind each of them plus the captains chair. 

I'd go for comfort comfort comfort as much as cost could allow and you could also wipe these down to clean.

[gizmogal]

Want advice and opinions on pontoon boat ownership? Why ask on a shopping channel forum?  How much ownership and experience do you expect to find?

I’d suggest you join a pontoon owners forum, maybe more than one. It’s probably loaded with expertise and anecdotes to help guide you. 

http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewforum.php?f=11

https://forums.iboats.com/Pontoon-Boats/

http://www.pdbmagazine.com/pontoonforum/

Take a boating safety or boating basics class from the US Power Squadron or US Coast Guard Auxiliary to make sure you are always safe and know the on-the-water boating rules. You meet other boat owners that way, too. 

Enjoy your new boat. I’m sure you’re in for a summer of great fun. 

[CrazyDaisy]

A party barge....enjoy

[ROMARY]

If they are similar to dinghy(s), always have a ladder of some type attached to the edge/side. 

Easier to climb up into a soft shell type of boat. 

[Carmie]

We have owned a pontoon boat for over 20 years. Our is 24ft and can hold 14 people. It is a Party Barge. We send almost every day on it from May to October.  We do not sleep on ours, but we can.  We have two biminis  and a full enclosure, that zips onto the Bimini,   We use the enclosure a lot when it rains, so we don’t have to get out of the water when a  quick shower comes through.  

Our boat has has never been in salt water...fresh lake water only.

My advice is based on what we have learned over the years.

If you plan on trailering your boat,  consider the size.  You will have to drive the boat into the trailer from the water every time you use it.  Larger boats are more difficult to load onto a trailer, especially in windy weather.

if you plan on mooring the boat at a dock and storing it for the off season at the marina who will take care of removing your boat from the water, any size that is convenient is a good choice.  Be aware that the marina charges by the foot to store your boat indoors and also to moore it at the dock, so a bigger boat will cost you more even after you purchase it.

If you can order a boat without carpet, you might want to do that.  Carpet is difficult to keep clean and moss and mildew can and does grow on it, unless you keep up with it. They now come with nonslip vinyl.

Get a potty and a dressing room on board.

Get a Bimini.  You will get sun burnt with no shade.  If you can get seats made of a plastic frame instead of wood, that is better.  Sometimes the wood will rot even though the the Vinyl seats still look great.

I would order a custom boat cover to keep your boat clean while not in use.  It is difficult to find an aftermarket boat cover that fits well.  I recommend sunbrella fabric.  Other covers that cost $500 only last one year.  Sunbrella is an investment and will last.  

I don’t know the age of you or your friends.  If you plan on swimming from the boat, make sure the ladder steps are not too short.  I have a had difficult time getting onto our boat from the water because I am short and have bad knees.  I have to double over with my feet in the steps and pull myself in.  Longer stairs would take care of that.

If you plan on cooking or eating on the boat, make sure you have a place for a grill and a cooler and get tables that are larger than a TV tray.

A lot depends on how often you will use the boat. How many people you plan on having aboard, how you plan on storing it and where you will use it.

Have fun.  My dogs love the boat and they are with us everytime we go out.

[Jacie]

We have a 20 ft. Bennington. Perfect. 

[software]

Check out the new boats that use composite materials instead of wood, much lighter and more long lasting.   I would suggest that you find a lake you love and keep it there, rather than driving it every weekend.   But do buy the trailer when you buy the boat.    Years down the road if you do want a trailer the right size may be hard to find.

Buy more than you need, you won't regret it.

Maybe you can find a local boat show where all brands and types are on display.

Berkshire Pontoon - the best

[AuntG]

Must have a sun canopy.🌞

[magicmoodz]

A potty/dressing room

A built-in refrigerator

Enough room for a grill

Enough counter space to prepare/set up food

Adequate storage for everything you will leave on the boat