Are you considering purchasing a pontoon boat? Do you have visions of sipping summer cocktails while watching the sun set over the water? We can’t say we blame you! Let’s have a look at how you may make your idea a reality. Click this to help you in choosing which best suits your boating activity.
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What Is The Cost Of A Pontoon Boat?
Pontoon boats can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $175,000 on average. The cost will differ significantly depending on factors such as size and accessories. Below, we’ll go over how each option may affect pricing.
Brand New Vs Used Pontoon Boats
Purchasing a new pontoon boat rather than a used one is significantly more expensive. Buying a new engine from a dealership, on the other hand, comes with a manufacturer’s warranty and less of a financial burden for costly repairs, maintenance, and cleaning. Therefore, buying an old engine without the need for a warranty is risky. Here’s a comparison guide about these boats.
As part of a package, dealers frequently include safety gear and special equipment. Prices for used pontoon boats start at $5,000, though newer rafts can cost up to $30,000. In the end, while purchasing a used pontoon boat saves money in the short term, buying a new pontoon is often much more financially viable in the long run.
Size
What size boat you want is among the most important factors to consider when it comes to pricing. The majority of recreational pontoon boats in the United States are 20 feet long, with smaller versions being 17 feet and bigger ones measuring 25 – 30 feet. The typical cost of a pontoon boat varies substantially depending on the size of the boat.
Think about how you and your family could need it. The difference in boat size of several feet significantly affects seating capacity: smaller float boats hold roughly eight people, while bigger versions may hold 15 or more. For every two feet in length added, the cost of the identical model will climb by $1,000-$1,500. For additional information on the variations between both the boat types and sizes, see our pontoon boat purchasing guide.
Usage
Examine your horsepower requirements as well – do you want to do a lot of relaxing and fishing, or do you want to attempt waterskiing? The price rises in tandem with your electricity demand. With an engine update, a tiny $15,000 pontoon boat may rapidly increase in value by a few thousand dollars. A new mid-size pontoon (22 feet long with a 90 horsepower motor) costs around $30,000. High-horsepower boats designed for longer trips, as well as twin-engine variants, will cost more.
Not all pontoon boats are created equal. With bar surfaces and ample seats, some are ideal for parties. A depth/fish finder and gear holder are common additions on fishing boats, as are optional trolling motors to minimize frightening away fish (these alone add $400+ to the final cost). Quad seating is available on certain models, with signature lounges nestled at the bow of the ship to provide additional room for bigger families. The cost of a lounge model is often more than that of a fishing model.
Cost Of Maintenance
When calculating pontoon boat pricing, keep in mind the cost of gasoline, boat insurance (which ranges from $100 to $300 per year), a boating license (which costs between $55 and $65), and the ownership and registration. If you don’t live near the water, you’ll have to pay an additional $2,000 in yearly marina and storage costs.
While there are expenses connected with boating, with proper cleaning and care, pontoons may endure for 20 years or more, so you’ll receive your money’s worth. Here’s a maintenance cost guide for these.