Guide To Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are the big, flat boats on your nearby lake or river, usually filled with large groups of happy people.  Often called party boats, pontoon boats allow you to fish, entertain, or just be on the water with plenty of space to yourself.  Pontoon boats don't have a great deal of speed, but that's not what they're intended for.

In terms of their construction, basic pontoon boats are comprised of two long tubes, which hold an aluminum frame.  A wooden deck perches on the frame, with an outboard motor on the end. 

Because of their enduring popularity, there are always plenty of new and used pontoon boats for sale.  There are three ways to go about getting your own.  You could buy an older model and refurbish it yourself with new decking and furnishings.  You could also buy an older model and contract out the work (hire the neighborhood kid to rip out the old decking, the neighborhood carpet company to lay the new turf, and the local boat supply place to install the new bimini top). Or, for a faster solution, look at brand new boats that already feature all the conveniences you're looking for. 

Most experts agree that if you've got the time and the inclination to do it, restoring a basic pontoon boat is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project.  It's certainly the less expensive way to go.  Many in-the-know claim that the average basic pontoon can be restored to "new boat" status for between $1,000 and $3,000 dollars.