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Pontoon Boat Buying Guide

Oct. 18 2023 Buying Guide By Snug Harbor Marina

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Pontoon boats have plenty of great features, like plenty of deck space and outstanding stability. They are some of the most versatile vessels on the water, able to be used for everything from hosting parties to watersports. If you’re interested in purchasing a pontoon boat, this guide from the experts at Snug Harbor Marina, INC. is a great place to get started. 

The Pontoons

Pontoons are the hollow cylinders found at the bottom of a pontoon boat. Pontoons are usually between 23 and 25 inches in diameter, with larger ones being 27 or 28 inches. Pontoons are a big part of why pontoon boats are so stable. Most pontoon boats have only two pontoons, though larger models may have an extra pontoon to increase stability. 

The Activities

When looking at pontoon models, pay attention to what kinds of features they have installed. If you plan to use your pontoon for fishing, look for things like rod holders, slip-resistant flooring, and a livewell. If you’re more into watersports, find a pontoon with enough engine power to create a good wake, along with extra room to store watersports gear. 

The Number Of Passengers

Larger pontoon boats tend to cost more, so figure out how many people you will need to comfortably accommodate. Groups of 1-5 will usually be fine in a pontoon that’s 20’ long or less. For larger groups, look for a pontoon that’s between 20’ to 24’. Really big groups of 10 or more call for a pontoon boat that is 24’ long or longer. 

The Ideal Horsepower

Pontoon boats come in a range of different levels of horsepower. If you’re not interested in going fast, an engine with 40 HP should work fine. 150 HP is closer to the middle ground in terms of speed, while watersports enthusiasts will probably want something around 300 HP. 

To shop our inventory of pontoon boat models, visit Snug Harbor Marina, INC. We operate dealership locations in both Silver Bay and Ticonderoga, New York, with convenient access to amazing communities like Amsterdam and Albany, New York. We also offer financing, rentals, servicing, parts ordering, winterization, and storage, so visit us for all your boat-related needs.