As someone who struggles with chronic indecision, I find it a daunting task to decide which upgrades are worthwhile and necessary in a seemingly endless list of important-sounding options. Can’t everything just come standard? Sigh.

The upside is that options and upgrades allow you to customize your boat to fit your specific boating lifestyle. With that said, it’s necessary to know what your specific boating lifestyle is. If you’re new to boating, this might sound like a head scratcher, but chances are you probably already have a pretty good idea of how you’re going to use your boat.

For example, if you plan to use your boat primarily for fishing, you probably don’t need to spend your hard-earned money on a fancy ski/tow bar, but rather on an upgraded livewell or extra rod holders.

The salient point is not to get expensive things you’ll never use. However, if you know you’ll use them and enjoy it, then go for it. You deserve it.

Function Over Flamboyance

A lot of times, a pontoon’s customization starts right from the floorplan. On top of the different floorplans you’ll find options for things such as wet bars, livewells, extended swim decks and electric Bimini tops, just to name a few. Whatever the option, just keep in mind how you plan to use your boat, whether for entertaining, watersports, angling or simply cruising.

So if you know you’re primarily going to use your boat to entertain friends and family, you’ll probably want to consider upgrades that maximize tabletops, coolers, wet bars and plenty of cupholders. You’ll probably want to invest in an upgraded stereo to boot, with extra speakers and maybe even a subwoofer. Options like this will really get your boat booming and you’ll become well-known for your party boat.

There are also some really impressive lighting packages out there that’ll allow you to have lighted speakers and cupholders and whatnot. While these options aren’t exactly necessary, you can’t deny that they make quite an impression. And if you’re entertaining a ton, they could very well be worth it.

But these kinds of options would be completely wasted if you plan to use your boat primarily for angling in calm waters. Not to mention that your extra speakers and subwoofer would scare off the fish. Sure, a fancy wet bar would be fun now and then, but it would be a bit superfluous if you’re the type to simply drop in a line and drink a beer with your fishing buddies. Plus, it would just end up taking up valuable fishing real estate.

For the die-hard angler it would be better to focus on options for livewells, extra rod holders and a higher-end fishfinder. There are a ton of options out there that can help you hone your boat into the perfect fishing vessel. And you’ll thank yourself later for choosing to go with more targeted upgrades.

On the other hand, if you identify as a watersports thrill seeker then you can ditch the fishing options and opt for upgrades such as a power arch and an extended swim deck. Power arches are a must if you’re into big jumps and tricks in tow sports. They give you the lift you need to get some gnarly air. However, if you’re happy simply towing the occasional tuber, then a power arch might be a little overkill.

As for extended swim decks, they’re perfect for watersports preparation such as strapping on your wakeboard or skis. It’s also nice to have a little extra room back there when you’re playing in the water. However, if you don’t see yourself hanging out back there much or doing many watersports, your money might be better spent elsewhere.

Obvious Options

While some upgrades take a little more thought, there are some that seem universal and aren’t even a question. For example, there are Bimini tops. In almost every situation, a Bimini top should come standard, but on the off chance it doesn’t, you’ll definitely want to opt for one.

If they offer it, you’ll probably want to upgrade to a power Bimini top since putting them up and down manually can be a pain, no matter how you plan on using your boat. Whether you’re focused on entertainment, fishing, or watersports, you’re going to want to relax in the shade with the convenience of the click of a button.

Another example of an obvious upgrade would be snap-in carpet. Some entry-level deck boats don’t come standard with the carpet and you have to upgrade. This is a no-brainer since I’ve witnessed a few too many tumbles on slick decks. Trust me, you’ll want to go with some extra traction.

Conservative Or Liberal?

Something else to consider is horsepower. Standard engines on boats sometimes leave something to be desired when it comes to power. And those beefy twin 400s look so impressive. Trust me, I get it, but you must remember your primary use for the boat before immediately opting for the highest rated horsepower engines.

For instance, if you plan to mostly angle, you’d probably be happy with something in the 40 to 90 horsepower range. If you want to pull the occasional tuber, you’re going to need something more in the 115 range. Moreover, if you eat, sleep and breathe watersports, you’ll want to go to at least the 150 mark or above.

It’s tempting to default to the largest engines. Just try to keep the numbers in mind and ask yourself how you mainly plan to use your boat.

Ready, Set, Choose!

When it comes to any kind of upgrade, the most important thing is to know if you’re going to get good use out of it. If you’ll never use it, it’s not worth it. So you need to know how you plan to use your boat. Some upgrades sound luxurious and fun, but just remember it can be hard to justify something like a 400 horsepower engine if you plan to primarily boat on a small lake. It just doesn’t make a lot of sense, but again it’s still up to you.

So choose wisely and know your preferences so that your options reflect your boating lifestyle. And don’t sweat it too much. This is supposed to be fun, remember? Now let’s do this!