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The Ultimate Pontoon Boat Buying Guide

Jun. 29 2022 Buying Guide By Poplar Pointe Marine LLC

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If you want to spend your sunny afternoons on the water, you’d likely benefit from a pontoon boat. These unique vessels come in a broad range of shapes and sizes. What’s more, you’ll have a wide array of useful features that enhance your boating experience. Read our buying guide below, then stop by and see us to explore our inventory. Poplar Pointe Marine offers a great selection of pontoon boats for sale in Bracey, VA!

Brief Overview

The name “pontoon” refers to the hollow tubes that make up this boat’s hull. These models typically have two of these tubes, but tritoons have three. If details are important to you, you may want to shop according to the size of the pontoons themselves. 

Generally speaking, most tubes have a diameter of around 23 to 25 inches, which works for most boaters. If you’re shopping for a larger pontoon boat, the tubes may have a diameter of 27 to 28 inches. This will increase buoyancy and allow the vessel to handle more weight while sitting higher on the water.

Consider Your Purpose

No matter how you plan to use your vessel, you’ll be blown away by how versatile these models are. With that being said, you should consider your intended purpose when shopping for a model. If you’re looking to narrow down your options, here are some common uses to consider and features to look for:

Serious anglers will need:

  • Layouts that are easily accessible from all sides of the craft
  • Fishing accessories such as a livewells and rod holders
  • Slip-resistant vinyl surfaces instead of carpeting

Watersports enthusiasts should seek out:

  • A decent and potentially-customizable wake
  • Higher engine power for towing riders
  • More storage room for watersports gear and toys

Leisurely boaters who want to relax may prefer:

  • Swim decks and/or sun loungers
  • Slides for additional fun
  • More ladders for easy access

Think About Your Passengers

Remember to think about how many passengers you’ll bring on your pontoon boat. You want to find that sweet spot between accommodating your passengers and overpaying for space you won’t use. Your goal is to prevent everyone from feeling cramped without buying a bigger boat than you really need. Here are some general guidelines:

  • 1 to 5 passengers will require a pontoon boat up to 20’ long 
  • 6 to 10 passengers will require a model that’s between 20 and 24’ long
  • 10 or more passengers will require a boat that’s 24’ or longer

If you’re in the market for a pontoon boat, don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re conveniently located near Raleigh, NC, and Richmond, VA. We look forward to assisting you in your search. Our dealership can also help with parts, services, financing, and more.