How to Buy a Pontoon Boat: Columbia Marine
How to pick the right Pontoon boat for you.
Buying a Pontoon boat can seem like a simple matter, just pick the color you like and away you go.
Unfortunately most pontoon boat purchasers don’t realize how significant the difference can be between different manufacturers and even models from the same manufacturer. New Pontoon or Used pontoon, Large pontoon or Small pontoon, Bi-toon or Tri-toon, Privacy Enclosure, Inboard? Outboard or Electric Power, lifting strakes or not, single Bimini or double Bimini , color, options, etc. you get the picture lots of choices. Doing your homework and choosing the right boat, power, and options can make all the difference in your Pontoon boat experience. Let the Pontoon experts at Columbia Marine help you pick the right Pontoon boat for your particular needs and budget. Not sure what’s the right Pontoon boat for you? We can walk you through the decision making process and show you the difference between Makes, models, features and engine power. From Electric Pontoons for those on small restricted lakes to 225hp High performance Pontoons for skiing and just going fast. Fishing Pontoons, Triple toons, Outboard Pontoons, Inboard Pontoons, Pontoons of all shapes, sizes and color, Columbia Marine has them all. Come see the largest display of Pontoon boats in Eastern CT and let the experts help you make the right choice. Below are some of the areas that you should think about before buying your next pontoon boat. Just click on the links below to get some answers.
Pontoon boat size is probably the 1st and most important decision you must make.
Pontoons typically are built from 12 to 32 feet in length. Other lengths are available by special order. The most popular sizes run between 14 and 24 feet. Pontoon boats also come in different widths and pontoon diameters. Choosing the right size for you depends on several things. Two of the most significant factors in choosing are the amount of people you may need to fit on board and the size of the water body where you will typically use the boat. If you typically expect to use the boat as a couple with occasional guests a 13-20’ foot boat may be all that you need. If you frequently entertain and need a larger capacity, an 18-25’ boat would be recommended. Typically boats under 18’ have a passenger capacity of 8 or fewer people. Pontoon boats in the 18 to 25’ range may have seating capacities from 8 to 15 or more. Boat widths are typically 7, 7+1/2, 8 or 8+1/2feet.
Pontoon diameters typically range from 19 to 25 inches.
If you will typically be using your pontoon on larger bodies of water or rivers with extensive boating activity and lots of waves, a longer boat or tri- toon will offer you the most stable and satisfactory ride for your money. If most of your Pontoon time is on smaller, calmer water bodies, than any size Pontoon boat will probably work.
In cases where higher performance (speeds over 30mph) is a requirement adding a 3rd pontoon (tri-toon) and larger engine would be required.
At Columbia Marine we always recommend that you purchase the longest, highest powered, Pontoon boat that meets your needs and that you can afford in order to ensure your satisfaction in all conditions. Give us a call at (860) 228-9343 if you need help with your decision.
Pontoon boat performance is a matter of personal preference, boat construction and the amount of horsepower you hang on the back.
Some people just want enough power to take slow cruises around the lake. For those a small outboard engine of 10 to 50 horsepower or even electric power will do.
For the performance enthusiast only a triple-toon with lifting strakes, aluminum underbelly and a monster outboard of 115 to 250 horsepower can satisfy the thirst for speed.
Somewhere in the middle is you and me, the average Pontoon buyer who will use their boat for general cruising and mild water sports (instructional skiing, tubing and wakeboards), performance skiing will require a higher performance boat. The average Pontoon enthusiast will be well served by an 18-25’ Pontoon powered by a 50 to 115 horsepower engine. Generally outboards have been the standard power for most pontoons. Another new and innovative trend is for electric power and quiet, green performance. “Green pontoons” may be the wave of the future. Ask us about the latest in electric power and solar concepts.
At Columbia Marine we are proud to offer Qwest Pontoons the leader in new and innovative performance and electric powered technology.
Give us a call at (860) 228-9343 if you have any questions about powering your Pontoon.
There are many differences in the construction quality of Pontoon boats.
Some are visible to the average buyer and some are not. Items like fancy vinyl floors and high quality vinyl furniture are obvious to even the un-trained eye. Items like deck framing, weld quality, and wiring are not so obvious.
Let’s begin with the obvious. The quality of the vinyl furniture has a lot to do with maintaining the usefulness and appearance of your pontoon for years to come. Make sure your boat manufacturer uses only the best quality materials and offers a good warranty on the longevity of your furniture. For instance, Qwest Pontoons offers a 5 year warranty on the furniture and fixtures in all of their boats. More expensive boats offer top of the line vinyl flooring that will typically last the life of your boat, some less expensive models come with lower quality flooring and seating that may not last as long as the others.
The cloth that makes up your Bimini top and cockpit cover could be made from canvas like materials of varying qualities. The better quality Pontoon tops are made of a high quality products that shed water, are very fade resistant and lasts a very long time.
The helm on your boat (the structure that houses the steering wheel and gauges) can also be constructed of several different materials. Plastic and vinyl are not uncommon but the best quality helms are usually hand laid fiberglass. Stereo components, headlights and gauges are some more of the obvious components.
Less obvious, but equally important are the materials used in the structure of your Pontoon. Pontoon size and gauge should be as large as possible. Premium welding is a pre-requisite to a long life for your pontoon logs. Perimeter framing should be 2” and at least 1&1/2” for all other bracing. Most pontoons use 25” on center spacing to ensure that your boat stays solid and flex free throughout its life. The link between your pontoons and deck is known as the “riser”. As you look at boats you may note that some are short sections with spaces in between and others have an ornamental full length facia that covers the spacing.
Quality wiring, correctly routed and with waterproof connectors is a must on any pontoon. Sub-standard wiring is a recipe for electrical problems.
As in most products the more expensive boats tend to have the best quality materials and craftsmanship. While most construction techniques and materials will work for a short while, better quality Pontoons, with better quality materials, can last 10 and even 20 years.
Choose the best quality Pontoon you can afford!
Pontoon boat features and options are more numerous than on most other boats you may purchase.
Structural design features like double or triple pontoons, inboard, outboard, or electric power, aluminum under belly, lifting strakes, double or single bimini top, full length risers, pontoon diameter, power steering, and more all can add to the performance and functionality of your pontoon.
Options like stereo systems, GPS/ Fish finders, headlights, courtesy lighting, trash receptacles, upgraded interiors, captain’s chair, adjustable seats, custom paint and graphics and privacy enclosures can all add greatly to the enjoyment of time on your pontoon.
While options and features do add additional expense, it is very important that you determine which features and options might be right for you. Not every feature or option is right for every pontoon purchaser.
In our experience the more options and features you incorporate into your Pontoon purchase the more pleasurable your Pontoon experience will be.
If you need help deciding which features might be appropriate for you or you would just like an explanation of any features or options, please feel free to give us a call at (860) 228-9343, Columbia Marine.