Decision
Time
How to select your
new pontoon boat
By Roy Sparks
Whether you’re looking for a smaller `toon or a behemoth performance model, if you want a bare-bones model or luxury home-like features, we can help you find the one you want and will enjoy for years to come.
The wide range of pontoon boats available at a variety of prices and quality have contributed to their popularity in recent years. The most popular models run from 20 to 22 feet and carry anywhere from 10 to 15 people. It is clear that people choose pontoon boats to enjoy spending time with groups of people, as opposed to bass boat buyers, who usually enjoy the company of maybe one other friend, or most often, complete solitude.
When you have a price range in mind, it is time to move on to looking into the details.
A 22-foot pontoon with an 115hp engine will realistically top out at the mid 30 mph mark, a speed that is clearly fast enough to tow a tuber, even if you have a lot of passengers and other equipment in the boat. It’s all a question of lifestyle, but keep in mind that buying a bigger motor requires adding more numbers to that price range you settled on at the beginning of the buying process.
Models for fishing enthusiasts include pedestal chairs and livewells for holding your latest catch. Bimini tops are used to shade passengers from the sun and can be collapsed when not in use. Lately manufacturers have been adding different color schemes and available styles to their boats, giving you the ability to express yourself in many different ways.
So how do you find the balance and get the best coverage for your money?
Progressive Insurance suggests getting a specialized boat policy even if your boat is covered through an endorsement on your homeowner’s policy.
“Having specialized boat insurance can make a big difference in the event you need to file a claim,” explains a rep from Progressive. “Some boaters might think it’s more convenient to just add a boat endorsement to their homeowner’s policy, believing it offers more protection than it actually does.”
Many insurance companies offer coverage beyond the scope of a standard homeowner’s policy. Progressive offers On-water Towing; Fuel Spill and Wreckage Removal coverage; Watersports Liability coverage; and Roadside Assistance, which covers towing for your boat, trailer and your tow vehicle, even if your car or truck is insured with another insurance company.