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The Ultimate Guide for Buying a New Pontoon

May. 3 2024 Guide By Mandy Witt

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In the market for a new pontoon, but not sure where to start? Buying a pontoon is an investment, so you want to make sure you make the best decision possible. But, the options can be overwhelming. That’s why our marine experts developed the following guide with 7 key factors to consider when purchasing a pontoon. You’ll be able walk into the dealership with your homework done and purchase the best boat for YOU.

1. Floor-Plan and Functionality
The most obvious consideration when shopping for a pontoon is – how will I use the boat? But what is often overlooked is, specifically what layout will work for what I want to use my boat for? Pontoons have a large variety of versatile layout options now – some of which can be polarizing once you are actually using the boat. So, ask yourself some simple questions to make sure you don’t miss out on an option that may be perfect for you. Questions like:

  • Do I want a pontoon for relaxing cruises only or do I want to pull a tube for my kids or grandkids from time-to-time? If you’re the relaxing type, comfy seats and lounging options will matter to you vs. standard bench seating. If tubing and skiing are more your style, you’ll want to make sure to get a ski-tow bar and consider the layout in the back of the boat for spotters. The rear day-bed-style seating or swiveling captain’s chairs are great for watching skiers and tubers.
  • Do I want a party barge or will rides be more for small groups?  If you are looking for weekends entertaining groups of friends and every inch of the pontoon is maximized, you’ll want to make sure your layout is open, adjustable and bench seats throughout. There are layout options that allow you to insert or remove certain bench seats to allow more seating when you need it and remove them when you don’t. Tables can be moved on some models as well to give you more layout flexibility. If small groups and good conversation is more your style, you’ll want to look at more quaint layout options like dinettes or love-seat options.
    • PRO TIP: Don’t forget to factor in accessories when thinking about boat use and needs. We mention accessory options later in the blog, however, a big one to consider if you plan to take solo trips or mostly you and maybe one other person, is a power bimini that raises and lowers with a press of a button. No worrying about getting out of the captain’s chair to bring your bimini down at bridges or up for shade when the sun gets hot!
  • Do I want a large bed for naps and sunbathing or a bar to enjoy drinks and games with friends? Some layouts actually come with convertible rear-sun beds that fold up into a bar for the best of both worlds.
  • How long are my rides? Will I spend all day on the water cruising channels? If so, a changing station or a sink with a fresh water tank for rinsing dishes may be options to look into.
  • What about fishing? Do you like to throw a line in while the family chats or swims? There are a number of fishing layouts for pontoons now that feature swiveling captain’s chairs and a live-well to bring your catch back with you. You can also add a half gate to the front of your pontoon vs. a standard door to the floor if you plan to mount a trolling motor. This allows you room to store the motor when not in use.

2. Seating Capacity
Another important consideration is the capacity of your boat. All boats are rated differently based on length, width and whether it is a standard (two-tube) or tri-toon (three-tube). Typically (but not always), the bigger the boat, the larger the seating capacity but pay attention to this and ask for seating capacity so you know before purchasing.

3. Pontoon vs. Tritoon
The standard pontoon with two toons gained popularity in the early 1960’s, and was used mostly for low-speed cruising on calmer waters. With time came the introduction of the “tritoon” to provide better performance and handling on larger bodies of water and at higher speeds. Additional benefits of a tri-toon include increased seating capacity, optional in-floor storage, a more comfortable ride, and better handling in rougher waters and while turning. However, lift strakes on any pontoon or tritoon can significantly improve ride quality and allow for better stability and comfort as well.

4. Budget
Once you’ve decided what exactly you hope to get out of your pontoon boat, you can begin to think about your budget. Make sure you’re realistic about how much you can and are willing to invest in your new boat. Pontoon boats can be relatively affordable vessels, and you don’t want to forget to factor in any added accessories you may want when working out the cost of the boat.

Accessories: Add-ons and accessory packages can really improve your boating experience and we like to make sure we mention them to folks early in the conversation so they can gauge priorities for budgeting. Things like power biminis, mood lighting, up-graded sound systems, powder coated railings, painted pontoons, extended decks and Bluetooth speakers can take a boating experience to the next level.

Financing: Most dealers work with third party lenders to give you financing options for your boat purchase. We at Power Pac work with a number of different banking partners in order to get you the best rates possible, so make sure to ask about financing options and specials when you are shopping.

5. Engine size
This relates to the first question we asked ourselves. How will you use the boat? Pontoon models will have minimum and maximum horse power recommendations depending on the size of boat. You should typically stay away from the minimum horse power to avoid performance issues. If you want to tube or ski behind your pontoon, or simply want performance and speed, you’ll want to be near the top of the horse power range.

6. Don’t forget the trailer.
Make sure to think through if you need to tow your boat and how often. Some people can get away with renting or borrowing a trailer for towing their pontoon to and from their dock and lift twice a year. But, if you’ll be towing more often than that, don’t forget to factor a trailer into your budget. There are two types of trailers: Scissor Pontoon Trailers and Bunk Boat Trailers:

Scissor Pontoon Trailer

This style of trailer slides in between the pontoon boat tubes or logs, making it the quickest and easiest style to use when retrieving a boat from even the shallowest waters. While the ease of use when pulling or launching your boat is nice, scissor pontoon trailers may rock when used to pull a boat on the highway as the logs rest over the sides of the trailer. Consider your travel plans as well as the size of your boat. If you’re looking for a tritoon trailer, a scissor trailer would not be your best option due to the third, middle tube.

Bunk Boat Trailers

Bunk style trailers, unlike the scissor style, slide under the entire boat. The logs are supported by resting directly on the surface of the trailer, above the wheels. This style of trailer requires additional maneuvering when retrieving or launching your boat, but may be more suitable for longer drives. Bunk boat trailers are also the best option for tritoon boats as the flat surface can easily support all three of the boat’s tubes. This style of trailer does take up more room when storing so keep that in mind and measure the height of the boat on the trailer when determining where you’ll store your boat.

7. The legal stuff
If you’re new to the water, you’ll want to know what licenses and registrations you need to be legal on the water. In the state of WI, you need to register your boat with the DNR and display registration decals on your vessel and have your registration certificate on board. In order to register your boat for the first time, you’ll need to submit the MSO from the dealership to the DNR during the registration process and they will send you your title for the boat along with your registration certificate and decals. Many dealers can help you with this process and submit the application and documentation on your behalf.

In addition to displaying the registration expiration decals, the registration number (found on the certificate of number card) must also be displayed on the boat. The numbers must be placed on each side of the forward half of the boat in large block letters.

Wisconsin boat registration certificate and expiration decals

Finally, plan ahead of your boating season who will be operating the boat. A Wisconsin boating safety certification or out of state equivalent certification is required for operators born on or after January 1, 1989. Safety certification is required to operate at age 16 to operate the boat solo. A person 10-11 years of age can operate a boat if they are accompanied by a parent, guardian or person at least 18 years old that holds a valid boating safety certificate or is born before Jan 1, 1989. A person 12-15 years old can operate the boat if they are also accompanied by a parent, guardian or person over 18 with a valid safety certificate OR they have completed a boating safety course. You can sign up for a safety course and learn more here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/safetyEducation


 Ready to find your dream boat? Have more questions? We’re here and ready to help! Give us a call at
715-387-1106 or browse our boat inventory here.