| When buying a used pontoon boat always | | | | independent marine surveyor, and always have |
| remember the old adage about buyer beware. | | | | the pontoon boat surveyed both in and out of |
| With that said, there are many reasons to buy a | | | | the water. |
| used rather than a new boat. First and foremost, | | | | Pontoon Boat Insurance |
| buying a pre-loved boat means you are going to | | | | Insurance for a pontoon boat can be a large |
| spend less money. Second, there is often far | | | | expense, however, boat insurance is generally less |
| more room for negotiating the price when buying | | | | expensive if you choose a high deductible, your |
| a used boat. Follow these guidelines and you | | | | boat is well-supplied with safety equipment, there |
| should have a happy boat buying experience. | | | | are no fuel burning appliances on board and you |
| If you are considering purchasing your used | | | | have a clean insurance record. Insure your |
| pontoon boat from a dealer then ensure that | | | | pontoon boat immediately, even if the boat is not |
| they are a member of the relevant state or | | | | in the water yet. A small pontoon boat can often |
| national boating industry association. This should | | | | be added to your house insurance policy so check |
| ensure that you receive professional advice that | | | | with your insurer. |
| is backed up by an industry code of practice. | | | | Trailer |
| If the pontoon boat is on a trailer you'll be able to | | | | If you are considering buying a used boat that is |
| take a walk around the boat and inspect the | | | | already on a trailer you will need to check over |
| pontoons and make sure they are in sound | | | | the trailer thoroughly. If the boat and trailer are |
| condition. Find out how many hours are on the | | | | not compatible, your trailering experience, i.e. |
| engine and ask the owner if they can provide | | | | getting the pontoon boat to and from the |
| receipts for any work done on the boat, including | | | | waterway, and launching and retrieving your boat, |
| engine repairs, steering maintenance and any | | | | can be a stressful experience that can ruin your |
| work on the pontoons. If the pontoon boat is in | | | | boating enjoyment. With the right trailer under |
| the water you'll have the advantage of being able | | | | your boat, you'll barely be aware that it's behind |
| to take it for an on-water test or sea trial. | | | | you as you tow your pontoon boat to the lake or |
| Marine Survey | | | | river. If the trailer hasn't been properly set up and |
| A survey provides the opportunity to discover | | | | adjusted, you'll become aware of problems |
| any problems, determine the condition of the | | | | immediately. And if the boat's pontoons aren't |
| pontoon boat and see if everything works | | | | adequately supported, the trailer can actually |
| properly. A survey is frequently required if you | | | | cause damage to the pontoons. |
| are seeking finance for the vessel and is often | | | | Put simply, buying a used pontoon boat means |
| required by an insurance company. The buyer | | | | you are going to spend less money, have greater |
| pays for the survey and for having the boat lifted | | | | room for negotiation on the sale price and |
| out of the water. If the survey turns up any | | | | probably be able to purchase your pontoon boat |
| hidden problems you may be able to negotiate | | | | sooner than if you have to save for a new |
| further on the final sale price. Always choose an | | | | model. |