What is a pontoon boat? A pontoon boat is a large, beamy boat built on two air-filled tubes with a large plywood deck. It has lots of seating and plenty of room to bring along passengers and gear.

What activities can I do with a pontoon boat?

Many boaters opt for pontoon boats for their impressive capacity. They offer a very spacious deck, so they are perfect for boaters with lots of friends and family. They offer wrap-around seating, so there is plenty of room to relax at the bow and stern of these boats. While pontoon boats aren’t quite as nimble as deck boats due to their wide beam, they are still great for watersports like water skiing and inner-tubing.

Many fishermen are fond of pontoon boats, as well. They are super stable and easy to fish from. With plenty of deck and storage space, it is easy to bring along lots of fishing rods, tackle, and other fishing gear. Anglers have lots of room to cast and walk around the boat to fight a fish.

Because pontoon boats are so stable, they make fantastic cruisers. Everyone aboard will enjoy riding in comfort with an absence of rolling, pitching, and yawning, providing a seasick-free cruise. Enjoy cruising to a sandbar, around the lake, or to your family’s favorite swimming hole.

What to look for in a pontoon boat?

Before deciding on a pontoon boat purchase, you need to ensure the boat will suit your family’s needs. Pontoon boat costs can vary, so primarily, you will want to define your budget and work within its confines. Most boaters will desire a Bimini top to provide shade and sun protection for all pontoon boat seats. Make sure the Bimini top is of good quality and easy to use. For boaters who wish to participate in water sports, a ski tow pylon is essential, as well as a large swim platform for easy staging. Other options, like an aft sun lounge or upgraded upholstery is imperative for those who are more interested in luxury cruising than fishing or water sports. If you are interested in performance, hull strakes on the tubes will provide lift to more easily plane. Other features you may be interested in are foam deck mats, an audio system, and cup holders. If the features you want aren’t included in the showroom models, ask if you can have them installed or retrofitted to your specifications.

Why do I want to buy a pontoon boat?

Pontoon boats are no longer the frumpy, unattractive vessels of the past. Most modern pontoon boats are built on high-quality tubes with luxury finishes and superior construction. They are built for performance, relaxation, and enjoyment. Contemporary pontoons turn heads with striking designs including anodized tubes, unique hull colors and designs, and avant-garde features. Yacht-style helms with modernized electronics upgrade these boats to state-of-the-art machines rather than old-school lake boats.

How to maintain a pontoon boat?

Pontoon boats are great for families, as they are easy to maintain. Most imperatively, it is important to keep an eye on your outboard engine’s fluids like oil and fuel, as well as its spark plugs, batteries, and other mechanical components. If you are uncomfortable with doing this yourself, a local marine mechanic can easily take care of this for you. Cleaning the pontoon is simple, as the boat has a simple design. The deck and seating should be cleaned with high-quality boat soap that can be found at a marine store. To keep your aluminum components looking lustrously new, use a special aluminum soap, also available at a local marine store. To keep your boat clean while not in use, a pontoon boat cover, or playpen cover, is recommended. This will keep leaves and debris from the passenger area so you don’t have to worry about cleaning before use. Make sure to always flush the engine after each saltwater use and visit the mechanic frequently for tune-ups and fluid changes.

Where do I find a pontoon boat for sale?

Nautical Ventures is your go-to stop for fun on the water. With four locations across Florida, Nautical Ventures offers an extensive line of Starcraft pontoon boats for sale in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Sarasota, and Tampa Bay.