Pontoon boat on a dock in a lake

How Much is a Pontoon Boat?

 Written by Carolyn Jackson

A pontoon boat is one of the most popular boats in the US. Rightfully so, due to their versatility, affordability and build. Pontoons are built to be party boats, they are flat docks built on top of floating pontoons. This design allows for almost limitless customization. 

 

Nowadays, pontoons can range from $10K all the way up to a few hundred thousand dollars, depending on the size and amenities. In this article, we are going to explain what a pontoon boat is and how much new and used pontoons cost on average in 2020. 

 

Key Takeaways:

  • A pontoon boat is a large deck boat that is designed for group outings on the water, fishing, and some watersports
  • New pontoon boats cost between $13K and $100K+
  • Used pontoon boats cost between $10K and $80K+

 

What is a Pontoon Boat?

Pontoons are one of the most popular inland water boats. They are flat, rectangular boats, which feature a wide and spacious area for passengers to move about. The pontoons contain a significant amount of buoyancy, allowing pontoon designers to create massive decks fitted with tons of additions and luxuries, like bars, lounge chairs, slides, etc. This makes pontoons extremely popular for families or larger groups of people. They are often considered “party boats” because they frequently come souped-up with LED lights, enhanced sound systems, tables for eating and drinking or playing games, built-in coolers, and lots of space.

 

Pontoons are widely used for cruising inland lakes in the warmer months, but they are also a great boat for fishing and even water sports. You can easily fish off the side or dock of a pontoon and they can easily tow water-tubers, kneeboarders or skiers behind.

 

To learn more about pontoon boats, such as the best pontoon boat brands, how much a pontoon weighs or how fast a pontoon boat goes, take a look at our article, What is a Pontoon Boat?

 

How Much Does a Pontoon Boat Cost?

Pontoon cost is all about the length of the boat and the seemingly endless array of add ons and upgrades you can have customized for your boat. Most new pontoons will cost you somewhere between $30K and $60K, but that price can climb once you start with accessories and upgrades. Some pontoon brands do start with a higher NAP (Nationally Advertised Pricing), like Bennington, so arm yourself with a budget and stick to it when you begin your pricing research.

 

Pontoons are one of the most popular inland water boats. They are flat, rectangular boats, which feature a wide and spacious area for passengers to move about. They float with two pontoons attached to the bottom of the boat (they look like canoes). The pontoons contain a significant amount of buoyancy, allowing pontoon designers to create massive deck space fitted with tons of additions and luxuries, like bars, lounge chairs, slides, etc. Pontoons range from 15ft-30ft and are often thought of as party boats.

 

For more information on how much other types of boats might cost, take a look at our How Much is a Boat article.

 

How Much is a New Pontoon Boat?

New pontoon boats will be more expensive than used pontoons. The benefit of a new pontoon is that you can finance the boat through a dealership and you will likely have a factory warranty in case any mishaps occur. 

 

You can expect a new pontoon boat to cost between $10K and $100K+. 

 

Here are some examples of new pontoon boat prices currently on the market: 
How much is a new pontoon boat graph2

How Much is a Used Pontoon Boat?

You can also look into buying a used pontoon boat. There are lots of options available for used pontoons, ranging from ‘like new’ to ‘needs some work’. On average, a used pontoon costs between $10,000 – $15,000, but there is definitely a wide range of boats available. 

 

Before you decide to go with the used route, take a look at some of the pros and cons associated with buying used:

 

Pros: 

  • Cheaper purchase price
  • Might have upgrades from previous owner

 

Cons: 

  • Can be hidden issues with the boat
  • May require more maintenance
  • May no longer be under warranty

 

Looking to upgrade to a new boat? Shop GoRollick now for thousands of new boats!

 

Average Pricing for Used Pontoons

Graph of average price for used pontoon boats

 

How Much Does it Cost to Own a Pontoon Boat?

When you purchase a pontoon, the MSRP (sale price) is one of many expenses related to buying a boat. You will need insurance, registration, storage, gas, maintenance, and more to continue enjoying your boat throughout the years. 

 

It is important to understand how much you can afford each month and to feel confident that the boat you ultimately decide to purchase leaves you enough budget leftover for all the additional expenses that come with boat ownership. 

 

Here are some examples of costs associated with boat ownership: 

 

  • Trailer
    • $600 – $8,000
  • Insurance
    • $300-$500/ year
  • Mooring
    • $3,000-$15,000/year
  • Winterizing
    • $500/year
  • Gas
    • $300/5 hour outing
  • Annual Maintenance
    • Approx $2,000
  • Equipment and Accessories
    • $500-$1,000
  • Taxes
    • Cost varies by state
  • Registration
    • Cost varies by state

 

You will notice some of the items listed above have a wide range for the cost of an item. A rule to live by is that the longer your boat is, the more it will cost you. Some of the costs also vary by state, so be sure to check on your local laws and requirements for taxes, registration and boating safety. 


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