How to check out a pontoon's condition.

    Buying a used pontoon can be frustrating and often disappointing.   Knowing what to look for will help to ease the anxiety.  The basic appearance is not the best way to choose the best pontoon boat for immediate use or a project pontoon to fix up.

    The most important items are the pontoon logs.  The best option is aluminum logs.  The fiberglass pontoons can have problems that are not seen by the casual observer even if they look very closely.  Metal pontoons can have rust problems that have been hidden by a patch and paint.  Aluminum pontoons can look shiny or dull.  This does not effect their durability.  Anodized aluminum logs often look dull or cloudy.  Check each log for any possible punctures not only on the exterior but also under the deck.  Check the strength of the fins on the front of the logs.  These fins often take abuse when docking.  Holes and fins on aluminum logs can be repaired.  Is the cost and extra hassle worth the savings in price?

    The next important items are the fencing and aluminum trim pieces.   These can be replaced if necessary; however, the cost is usually very high.   The color of the panels can be changed if they are not desirable.  The condition of the spare tubing is of highest concern.  Check the trim around the edge of the deck and the corner caps and note if any are missing.  Matching in the exact same trim can be nearly impossible.

    It is important to get on the deck of the pontoon and look around.   Even a nice looking carpet can hide a rotting deck.  The deck will likely have rot closest to the fence where it mounts directly to the deck.  Water tends to gather there and through the years the water breaks down the wood fibers.  Most of the weight on a pontoon is in the back because of the motor.  This causes the deck to be higher in the front when it is in the water.  The deck will be more likely to have problems in the back half of the pontoon because of this.  If there is furniture on the pontoon open it up and look inside of each piece.  Walk up and down the center of the deck.  If the deck seems spongy it may need to be replaced or will need to be replaced soon.

    Sit in the captain's seat and look over the steering console.   When sitting in a pedestal seat check to verify that it swivels with little difficulty.  Turn the wheel (make sure the motor is clear of other objects first) to determine its condition.  If the wheel takes a lot of effort to turn the steering may need to be replaced.  The steering system can be a little more stiff when the pontoon is not in the water or has not been used for a while.  Pull the switches to see if they are operational even if there is no battery hooked up.  If there is a battery hooked up check the lights, horn, and accessories.  Note any gauges that may be mounted and ask if they still work.

    If the pontoon is being sold with a motor check with the service man that will be taking care of the motor to verify its reparability.  Older motors can be hard to find parts for and costly to maintain.

    If the pontoon comes with a trailer look over its general condition.   Check the tires for cracking on the side walls and near the wheels rim.  Note the condition of the lights and the winch.  Often pontoon trailers don't look like much.  The concern is usability not general appearance.

    How much a used pontoon should cost is not easy to determine.   Even a hot summer will make its value greater.  Much of its value is based on the items that may need to be replaced.  Add up the cost of the items that need to be replaced and decide if the entire package is still worth the total cost.

    The pontoon is the most popular boat for the family.   Refurbishing an older pontoon can be a great experience the whole family can enjoy.   The end result offers satisfaction and endless hours of pleasure without the expense of monthly payments year round for a new boat.