19

13

10

18

15

12

20

17

14

11

16

How much horsepower do I need?

This ties into an earlier question

about how you’re going to use the boat. If

you’re the hang out and chill type, you’re

probably looking at the 50 to 115hp range.

If you’re going to be fishing, you may

want to look at adding a trolling motor too,

which is an additional cost. But if you’re

all performance-minded, you’ll want to get

at least a 200hp engine. Now, some boats

handle well and move fast even with a

modest engine, so do a little research and

see if you really need those twin 400hp

outboards after all.

How many engines should I get?

Probably just one, unless you have your

great uncle’s inheritance underwriting this

purchase or you have a serious addiction

to speed. A fair amount of boats can be

outfitted with two outboards if you really

want them and we’ve even tested three

outboards on a pontoon boat before. Be

warned: multiple engines mean more

overall cost for our investment.

What kind of engine should I get?

What we mean here is simply this:

outboard engine or a sterndrive? Most

pontoons come with an outboard, but it’s

not unheard of to have a sterndrive. Deck

boats can go either way. Sterndrives are

more money, but have the advantage of

clearing your sight line off the back of

the boat, as well as freeing up space for a

sunpad, swim deck, or simply more deck

space.

How big should the boat be?

Again, as with the previous question,

you need to decide what you’re using the

boat for and plan accordingly. I know “size

matters” and all that, but just because

you can get a huge boat doesn’t mean

you should. If you have a big family or

regularly entertain large groups, by all

means, get that 26-footer. But if it’s just

you and your spouse, an 18- or 20-footer

will be more than enough for what you

need. This question will also inform how

you store your boat, so be aware of that as

well.

How much weight can the boat handle?

This will vary somewhat depending on

what kind of power you have on the boat,

but in general, you’ll need to determine

if you really need a boat that can handle

3,600 pounds of people and gear or if

you’ll be fine with a more modest 1,

pounds.

How heavy is the boat?

Can my vehicle pull it?

You’re going to have to make sure

you’ll be able to actually pull your boat

around behind your vehicle. Even though

you can technically slap a hitch on any

vehicle (like a Corvette—NO, I’M NOT

KIDDING), you need to check your weight

rating. With that, you’ll also need to factor

in the weight of the trailer and any gear

you’ll have in the boat when you make

your way to your lake.

What comes with the boat?

More than just finding out what goodies

come with your purchase, you also need to

see if it includes

a trailer. Most

times it will, but

it’s better to be

sure, because

that’s another

extra cost you

may not be

expecting. Go ahead and ask for a boat

cover and extra prop while you’re at it.

And heck, maybe even a tube. The worst

they can do is say no!

Can I have a test drive?

This will be the way you find out

whether all the things you read about

this great boat are true. It’s also the only

way to figure out that elusive “feel” that

every boat has. You may come to find that

there’s a little thing about the handling that

doesn’t quite sit right with you, or that it

isn’t as roomy as you were led to believe.

What does the warranty cover?

If you bought a brand-new Chevy and

the stereo kicked the bucket a couple

weeks later, the dealership would no

doubt cover that. With a boat, though, you

may not be so lucky. Make sure you get

the details of your warranty coverage in

writing. While you’re at it, find out where

you should take it for a tune-up. That

could be covered, too.

Buying Used

Sometimes getting the best, brightest,

and latest boat just isn’t in the cards.

Here are a few tips that will save you a

headache down the road.

Are there maintenance records?

If you’re buying a used boat, this is a

must. You’ll want to know how well the

boat was taken care of before you commit

to it, because there could be all sorts of

things that you won’t notice beforehand.

Is the manufacturer still around?

Try to ensure that the boat builder

is still around and if there’s any kind of

warranty that applies to your situation. The

last thing you want is to drop some coin on

a boat that hasn’t been in production in a

decade and there are no replacement parts

if something goes wrong.

Final Steps

Last but not least, whether you’re

buying new or used, it’s a good idea to

pay for a pre-purchase survey. Even with

a new boat, it pays to get things inspected

and make sure everything is in perfect

working order. If there’s an issue with the

hull, it’s not like you can just pull over and

check the tires. The National Association

of Marine Surveyors and the Society of

Accredited Marine Surveyors have lists of

people local to you that can perform the

inspection.

That’s all, folks! We’ve done our best

to equip you with our knowledge; now it’s

up to you to make the best decision for

you. We’re about to hit prime boat-buying

season, so get out there and start looking.

18 Pontoon^ & Deck Boat January^2018 http://www.pdbmagazine.com