Have you contemplated buying a pontoon boat? And you wonder how much are pontoon boats? There are plenty of great reasons to purchase one of these boats. After all, you’ll be able to hang out with your friend and family members. If you’re an entrepreneur, you can take potential investors and business partners out on your boat.
Doing so could entice these individuals into investing in your next project. However, a lot of people will never buy a pontoon boat because they’re worried about overspending.
Well, you have to remember that the price of the pontoon boat is going to varies depending on several factors. Below, readers are going to learn more about the costs of pontoon boats.
Average Prices – How Much Are Pontoon Boats in 2024?
First, it would be a good idea to learn about the average prices of pontoon boats. Unfortunately, the average price range is wide. It can range from $18,000 to $70,000.
In general, the most popular pontoon boats fall between $20,000 and $40,000. With this in mind, you’ll need to narrow your options so you can find out what your prices will be.
Plus, you’ll find that the prices tend to vary depending on the type of boat you prefer. Below, you’ll learn about the average price of certain pontoon boats.
- Fishing – Prices of the 22’G3 XRF Fishing Pontoon Boat begin at $28,500
- Luxury – Prices of the 25’ Tahoe Pontoons Vision Rear J start at roughly $72,000
- Cruising – Prices of the 23.5’ Lund LX220 Cruising Pontoon Boat start at just over $26,000
- Ski – Prices of the 21.4’ Lowe 115 ELPT Pro XS start at just over $22,600
- Tritoon – Prices of the 24’ Sun Tracker Party Barge XP3 start at $34,500
It is important to understand that the prices are going to vary based on several factors, including pontoon type, horsepower, brand, and size. These things will be explored in greater depth below.
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Is It Wise To Buy A Use Pontoon Boat?
Once you’ve decided to purchase a pontoon boat, you’ll have plenty of options at your disposal. As a result, you’re going to have to make many decisions. Some will be harder than others.
First and foremost, you’ll need to decide whether you want to buy a new pontoon boat or a used one. Ultimately, there are benefits associated with both.
Most people would prefer to buy a new boat initially. However, you may find that the benefits of buying a used pontoon boat are worth it. With that being said, it is pertinent to learn more about both options.
Obviously, buying a used pontoon boat is going to provide immense cost savings. However, you have to remember that the boat has been used. You may never know how the previous owner used the boat. They might’ve been unusually rough on the boat.
Unfortunately, you can’t turn back the clock. You’ll have to accept that something might be wrong with the boat. With that being said, you need to be more cautious when purchasing a used boat. If you want to protect yourself and your investment, it might be wise to purchase a new pontoon boat.
Below, you’ll learn more about the benefits of choosing a new boat.
Benefits Of Buying A New Pontoon Boat
If you decide to buy a new pontoon boat, you’ll face higher prices. Nevertheless, it may prove to be worth it in the long run. Buying a new pontoon boat gives you the chance to customize the boat to fit your needs. If you work with the manufacturer, you’ll be able to customize certain aspects of the boat.
Picky individuals should use this method so they can get a boat that works perfectly for them. If you’re interested in obtaining more flexibility, it is a good idea to buy new.
One of the biggest benefits of buying a new boat is that it is new. You know that it hasn’t been used extensively in the past. Instead, you’re going to be the first owner. You’ll put the miles on the boat. Although there are still risks involved, they should be significantly lower.
Another perk is that the boat should come with a lengthy warranty. Most manufacturers will provide warranties to people purchasing new boats. The warranty will greatly enhance the overall value of the boat.
If something goes wrong, the manufacturer will take care of it. When you buy a used boat, you’ll have to hire someone to fix it or do it on your own.
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How Much Are Used Pontoon Boats?
Ultimately, a lot of people will decide that buying a used boat is best for them. There are numerous perks involved. How much will you save by purchasing a used pontoon boat?
On average, you can expect to purchase a pontoon boat for as little as $10,000 to $15,000. This is a good starting point for someone who is buying an older boat without any bells and whistles. You could likely find a cheaper boat though.
However, you might need to perform many repairs before you can take the boat out onto the water. Therefore, you may save yourself some time and energy by spending more and getting a boat that is ready for use.
If you’re willing to purchase a used pontoon boat, you can shop around more. After all, you’ll be able to buy from dealers and individuals. Either way, buying used is riskier. Use caution and make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Will A Pontoon Boat Hold Its Value?
When purchasing a pontoon boat, you have to remember that you’re making an investment. At some point, you may decide to sell your pontoon boat. If you’re going to do this, you’ll want to get a good portion of your money back.
As a result, you need to make sure that your pontoon boat is going to maintain its value over time. If it doesn’t, you won’t get your money back.
Unfortunately, pontoon boats are similar to automobiles because they’re going to depreciate. Buying a high-end pontoon boat ensures that it’ll be worth more in the future, but it is still going to lose its value. If you buy a low-end boat, it is going to lose more value quicker.
It is common for pontoon boats to decrease by as much as 25 to 35% in value over the first year of ownership. It is often a good idea to purchase a used boat since it has already depreciated in value.
Buying a boat that is a few years old can save you a lot of money. Either way, you’ll want to consider your options and always remember that the boat’s value will drop over time.
Don’t Forget Maintenance Costs
Don’t forget that you’ll need to properly maintain your pontoon boat. If you don’t, you’re going to lose money in the long run. You want to make sure that your boat is going to last. To do that, you’ll need to properly maintain it.
If you’re not good with your hands, you’ll need to hire a professional to handle it for you. Properly maintaining your boat will make a huge difference. It’ll help ensure that your boat is going to remain operational for the long haul.
Besides paying for the boat, you’ll also need to pay state sales tax. Remember that sales taxes vary from one state to another. You’ll also have to pay to have your boat registered with the United States Coast Guard.
It is also a good idea to get the boat insured. On average, you can expect to pay as much as $20 to $50 per month. However, it’ll be worth it in the long run.
Read Also: Pros and Cons of Pontoon Boats.
Other Expenses
Besides insurance and maintenance costs, you’ll also need to pay for other things. Once you’ve bought your boat, you’ll need to begin buying other items. If you’ve owned a boat before, you might have some of these items already.
For instance, you’re going to need a boat trailer. With a trailer, you’ll be able to haul your boat anywhere. Since you likely don’t live near a boat ramp, you’ll need a boat trailer. On average, they can cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
You’re also going to need safety equipment. Depending on the number of people who will be riding with you, you may need to spend as much as $1,000 for essential safety gear. If you’ve never driven a boat before, you may need to enroll in training courses.
The costs for courses can be as much as $250 or so. You’ll need to pay for fuel, mooring fees, and maintenance. When you decide to clean your boat, you’ll have to pay for cleaning services. If you do it yourself, you’ll still need to pay for cleaning supplies.
Factors That Matter
When purchasing a pontoon boat, the costs will depend on several factors. For instance, you’ll find that the price will depend on the boat’s size and power. The brand or manufacturer will make a huge difference as well. It is wise to shop around until you find a pontoon boat that matches your budget and preferences.
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