With some recent downtime, I found myself rummaging through some old boxes in an attempt to declutter. One particular box from my college days caught my attention. Buried under some miscellaneous papers and an actual square computer disk was my old playbook from my playing days on the gridiron. I’ll be the first to admit I’m way past my expiration date these days when it comes to playing football, but it brought back a lot of memories as I attempted to determine if there has been much of an evolution in calling plays between then and now. I played on the defensive line, and for the record, not much appears to have changed over the years.

With the holiday season now passed, it might be time to reach for a different playbook. Unless you found a boat on your driveway with a big bow on it, let’s just assume you didn’t get everything on your wish list this year. Not to worry: 2026 can still be the year you buy your dream boat.

Whether searching for the perfect family pontoon or a sporty deck boat, we’ve created this boat show playbook to help you find the best boat for you. Before you make plans to hit the boat shows this winter, arm yourself with this checklist so you’ll be ready to tackle the amount of information like a defensive end that is about to come your way.

BEFORE THE SHOW

First, you need to focus, and the best way to do that is to have a plan. Boat shows are great, but they can also overwhelm you with an abundance of information. If you have a plan going into the convention center, it will help narrow your selection.

BUDGET

How much can you really spend? Unfortunately, the cost of the boat is only the beginning. You need to consider dock fees, winter storage, insurance, maintenance, and other expenses. These additional costs can add up. Plan on allocating five to 10 percent of the purchase price annually for these additional expenses. Knowing this up front will give you confidence when negotiating a price.

USAGE

What will you use this boat for? Get the family together and find out exactly what needs are. Do you plan on cruising, tubing, skiing, fishing, day tripping, or all of the above? The problem with the all of the above answer is that you’ll never truly be able to satisfy everyone. Be realistic and narrow your choices.

NEEDS

Create a list and compare standard equipment to options that are a must. This will help determine what you really need. If you live on a lake, then amenities such as a faucet and sink, or a portable toilet, might not be necessary. Your money might be better spent on a ski/tow bar for your teenage son, rather than on a large changing room that no one will ever use.

POWER

There are numerous options available when selecting the right engine. This is a good time to ask where you plan on using the boat most. If you have lakefront property on a two-mile lake, you probably won’t need a 450hp engine. However, if you plan to hit the big lakes, maybe a larger outboard would work best.

AT THE SHOW

While at the boat show, you will see several different models of boats. Please note that not every boat the manufacturer offers will be displayed. If you see a boat you like but you’re not excited about its style, ask for a brochure or check out their website. The manufacturer may offer a similar boat in your price range.

When you think you’ve found the boat for you and your family, use the following guidelines to separate the well-made from the tossed-together.

THE HULL

Determining the quality and construction of a boat can be difficult. Some people believe that banging on the side of the boat will reveal something to them. The true test can be done with the eyes.

STRAIGHT AND TRUE

Look for a hull that is straight and even, with no dips or imperfections. Inspect the gel coat to ensure it is even and check for any dull spots in the work.

COLOR

Bright colors stand out at a show, but on the water, they tend to fade over the years. If you want a more colorful boat, look for one that concentrates color under the rubrail, where the sun will do less damage. As far as graphics, the most commonly used today are vinyl, which can be easily replaced if damaged. Be aware: Metallic logs may pit and oxidize in saltwater without proper precautions.

PLATFORM

Whether molded or mounted, the swim ladder should have at least three rungs, with the lowest one positioned three feet underwater. Check for grab rails above the platform. Are they sturdy enough? How are the actual steps? Are they wide enough?

ON DECK

Inside the boat is where you’ll spend most of your time, so ensure the interior meets your needs.

ROOM

Pontoon and deck boats are renowned for their spacious and comfortable designs. So take a minute to look around. Is there enough space for everyone to relax? Also, check the accessibility of the helm chair. Is there enough room for the captain to move around too? If the boat has a rear entry, check to see if the manufacturer left enough room behind the helm seat to allow you to access the stern gate.

SEATING

Of course, the comfort of the seats is important, but something that is often overlooked is the color. Dark-colored vinyl can make a boat look more luxurious at times, but it can heat up quickly unless the manufacturer uses cool-touch vinyl (be sure to ask). If the majority of the vinyl is white or off-white, there’s a good chance your buns won’t get burned this summer. One more thing to check on is the seating. Press your finger into the cushion to see if it springs back. If instead it “puddles,” ask about an upgrade or move on. The less puddling, the better.

CONSTRUCTION

The foam in the seats should be mildew-resistant, and the seat bases should have spaces for drainage. Throwing wet life jackets under the seats will lead to water in your storage units. Without a way to drain, it will take the life jackets longer to dry.

VIEW

The helm is obviously the most used location on the boat. Sit down in the captain’s seat and make sure you can clearly see out the windshield. Also, check the visibility of the gauges. If the wheel does not have a tilt option, can you still read the instrument panel clearly? A raised helm platform is a popular feature these days and can help give the driver a more commanding view over passengers. It’s worth asking if it’s available on the pontoon you’re considering, and in some cases, you may learn it’s part of the standard features offered by the manufacturer.

FLOOR

Most, if not all, builders have gone to vinyl flooring after decades of using carpet. Vinyl looks nice, it’s easy on your feet, and it cleans up well. There are various vinyl flooring options and patterns available to choose from. Removable snap-in carpet remains a great option for easy cleanup too, especially on deck boats. However, if your primary use for the boat is fishing, you might want to opt for vinyl for your pontoon or fiberglass non-skid for your deck boat. Non-skid flooring with an aggressive pattern should be present whenever your foot comes in contact with the floor.

STORAGE

You can’t have too much storage on a boat. But you can have the wrong type of storage. If the in-floor lockers aren’t easily accessible or the inside isn’t large enough for your wakeboard, then it may not be good storage for you. Look at the storage space under the seats. What kind of hinge was used, if any? Will it stand the test of time or break down after a couple of summers?

ENGINE

This differs from the POWER checklist box because noise levels need to be considered. Check the I/O compartment to see if it has been soundproofed. However, with advancements in four-stroke technology, sound is no longer as significant a concern as it once was with outboard engines.

AFTER THE SHOW

This might be the challenging part, but if you’ve taken good notes, it may not be as difficult as you think. After countless hours and numerous steps, it’s now time to narrow down the list of possibilities you’ve created to just one or two choices. Review your notes, then take the following final steps.

WEBSITES

Take a second look at the websites of the boats that interest you. Most manufacturers will list the components of their boats. An outline of lengths, fuel capacities, and optional equipment should also be included. Review your notes and compare them with each web page, keeping in mind your wish list and budget. One quick note: the total number of features offered is not as important as the number you actually need.

WARRANTIES

Have you heard the phrase “The devil is in the details”? Well, this might apply if you’re not careful. Long warranties sound good, but you might be limited in your coverage. Obtain a copy of the warranty and ensure that you understand it, including what it covers. For example, a seven-year warranty doesn’t cover lights or gauges, which may actually revert back to the manufacturer.

THE DEALER

Location and convenience are everything. It is recommended that you select a dealer that is near where you live and/or plan to boat. Is traveling 200 miles to another dealer worth saving $500 on a boat? Probably not. A dealer nearby will be better able to accommodate your needs, as he’ll understand the type of boating done in your area. Also, after the sale, concerns can be addressed more easily. If you need to have your boat serviced, you might have to take it back 200 miles to your out-of-state dealer if you didn’t go with your local dealer, who will understandably put you behind his customers on that waiting list.

DECISION TIME

If you’ve found the boat for you and you’ve searched the boat’s nooks and crannies, the final step is the decision. If it meets your needs, budget, and checklist, then you might be ready to buy.

Good luck with your search. Unlike my old college playbook, this one is guaranteed to be more successful than our defense was.