When buying a used pontoon boat always remember the old adage about buyer beware. With that said, there are many reasons to buy a used pontoon boat rather than a new boat. First and foremost, buying a used pontoon boat means you are going to spend less money. Second, there is often far more room for negotiating the price when buying a used pontoon boat. Follow these guidelines and you should have a happy boat buying experience.
If you are considering purchasing your used pontoon boat from a dealer then ensure that they are a member of the relevant state or national boating industry association. This should ensure that you receive professional advice that is backed up by an industry code of practice.
If the pontoon boat is on a trailer youll be able to take a walk around the boat and inspect the pontoons and make sure they are in sound condition. Find out how many hours are on the engine and ask the owner if they can provide receipts for any work done on the boat, including engine repairs, steering maintenance and any work on the pontoons. If the pontoon boat is in the water youll have the advantage of being able to take it for an on-water test or sea trial....