The Mistake New Buyers Make

Non-boaters love to quip that the best two days of a boater’s life are the day they buy a boat and the day they sell it. Unless they mean the day the boat is traded in for the next one, I don’t get it. Outsiders can’t possibly understand what many of us already know: Boating is the perfect way to escape the weekly work grind and keep families together through a unique lifestyle found only on the water. For me, the two best days of a boater’s life are Saturday and Sunday.

I’ve been sitting at the helm as captain of Pontoon & Deck Boat magazine for more than 25 years. I feel very fortunate to have been on more boats than I can count while meeting fascinating people from all over the U.S., Canada, Japan, Brazil, and beyond. Through my travels, I often get asked two questions. First, “What’s new in the pontoon and deck boat industry?” I love this question because it allows me to elaborate a little on exciting new models, key features, or innovative designs. The good news is, in this issue of PDB, we recap some of those bigger announcements and highlight what’s new in our niche for the 2027 model year as part of our Boat Show Preview edition.

The second question I get asked the most is, “What’s the one mistake new boaters make the most often when buying a pontoon or deck boat?” This one is a little tougher to answer, only because I’ve talked with enough boaters—both newbies and seasoned skippers—to know for certain this really depends on the situation. However, to keep it general, I like to offer three tips that seem most helpful.

Two-foot-itis really does exist, and it’s not just limited to our favorite types of boats. From anglers in 14-foot fishing boats to the billionaire with the 125-foot yacht, I’ve heard over and over how owners wish they would have gone a little bigger. I tend to roll my eyes a little at the yacht owner, but the rest seem legit. For example, if you’re looking hard at a 20- or a 22-foot model, you might want to consider going a little bigger. You may be surprised at how popular you’re about to become when you buy the boat.

My second tip is not to underpower. I’ve never heard anyone say they wish their boat were a little slower. When you need to get back to the dock quickly, you’ll be glad you have a little more throttle to work with. Engines are getting more and more expensive each year, and I understand that. But I also know they’re getting more reliable, lighter, and better on fuel economy too. If you go with less power to save a little on the overall purchase price, you’ll most likely end up not liking the boat as well, or you will be back at the dealer a few years later doing it again, but this time with the correct number of horses.

Speaking of dealers, this brings me to my third nugget of advice. I’m a firm believer in shopping around and getting the best deal. Doing your homework is a big factor in the overall success of your boat purchase. However, before you drive 200 miles to save a couple of bucks, at least give your local dealer a chance to work with you. Your boat-buying experience doesn’t end the day you drive off with your boat. This relationship will last for years, as good dealers will work hard to keep your business. When your boat needs to be serviced or even just looked at, you don’t want to trailer it 200 miles back to where you bought it. Boating seasons can be short, especially depending on where you live, and I can’t really blame a local dealer for putting you behind customers who bought from him. If your local dealer can’t get you what you want or you’re just too far apart on the money, then do what you need to do. Just make sure you’re looking at the big picture, not just the couple of dollars you might be saving today.

Brady L. Kay,
Pontoon & Deck Boat Editor