If you are looking to purchase a pontoon boat, you will likely see that prices are all over the place. A pontoon boat can be relatively inexpensive or pretty pricey. Taking the time to learn what factors affect the price can help you to understand why prices vary so much and what factors cause a boat to be higher or lower.
The Size of the Boat
When it comes to pontoon boats, one of the factors that has the biggest effect on the price is the size of the boat. These boats can be extremely small, fitting one or two people, or extremely large, being used for ferry service to transport hundreds of people at once. The larger the boat, the more it will cost. Most regular people buy the smaller version, sitting one to two people as a fishing boat. The other popular size is a boat that holds about six to 10 people. This boat is used for leisure activities.
What Material the Boat is Made From
Another factor that has a large influence on the prices is what material the boat is made from. Pontoon boats can be made from many different materials including:
- Fiberglass
- Foam-Filled
- Marine-grade aluminum
- Nylon
- Plastic
- Steel
There materials can make up the frame work of the boat. Generally speaking, a steel or fiberglass boat are going to cost the most, with a nylon or plastic boat costing the least. However, the material you select also have an effect on the type of maintenance your boat will need and how long it will last. As such, it is important to do your research about each of these materials and determine which is the best option for you.
Add-On Features
The last factor that affects the price of pontoon boat values are add-on features. By itself, this type of boat is rather plain. But it can be transformed or customized with add-on features. Two of the most popular add-on features are a canopy or shade and bench setting. This allows people to sit on the boat and be shielded from the sun, while enjoy themselves. You can also add unique features to your boat, such as a slide, second story sun deck, or living quarters. While there are many add-on features to select from, it is important to keep in mind that each one increases the value and the cost of the boat.
If you are looking to buy a boat to enjoy when the temperatures increase, a pontoon may be a great option for you. But as you begin your search, you will notice prices vary greatly from one another, making it hard to determine how much you will need to spend to get a boat you are happy with. Learning what factors affect the price of this type of boat will better help you understand the price differences and what price range you will want to be in as you look for one of these boats.