Buying Your First Pontoon Boat? Here's What to Look For!
- Written by Weekend Times

If you're a water lover and eager to cruise peaceful inland waterways more often, a pontoon boat is a great way to do it. Plus, it's largely considered the easiest boat to drive, which makes it an ideal choice for first-time boat owners. Whether you have experience or not, here's what to look for when you're buying your first pontoon boat.
Establish Your Needs
Start by assessing your needs – think about what you plan to do with your boat. Is your focus on cruising, fishing, or pulling water skis? Certain models are designed for fishing, featuring livewells and rod holders while others have entertainment features and plush seating for cruising. You will also need to factor in the cost of purchasing and up-keeping safety equipment, including life jackets. If you visit a showroom and work with a manufacturer, you'll be able to start with a base model and choose the configuration and accessories that work for you.
So, before you start shopping – think about your budget, intended use, length, seating requirements, storage, engine size, and maintenance. When you set your budget, don't forget to factor in the cost of storage, maintenance and insurance.
Looking for Australian construction is about much more than buying local, it's also more convenient for you because if anything goes wrong, you're completely covered! It makes repairs and servicing a simple step rather than a major problem. Pontoon Boats come in a range of sizes and have countless features to choose from, whether you want to opt for extras like a barbecue and entertainment system for long days on the water or have fishing trips in mind.
Research
Are you looking for Pontoon Boats Australia?
Start researching! As long as you have a clear idea of what you want, it shouldn't be too difficult to find the right team to work with. It's worth remembering that if you look after your pontoon boat, it should last up to 20 years! So, factor in how much time you will need to spend cleaning your boat to keep it in good condition and what the potential costs are for repairs. Consider where you will be storing your pontoon boat and the cost of a marina slip, trailer, or covered storage.
Of course, before you make the purchase, you must ensure you have the relevant boating license if necessary and research boat insurance. You want to protect yourself against theft, damage, or accidents, whether you're at fault or not.