Financing Made Easy Helpful pontooning hints from the staff of the Pontoon Boat Guide.

At this point, you’ve decided that pontoon boating is for you, you’ve determined how much you can spend, and you’ve chosen the boat that best suits your family. The next decision is how to pay for that eagerly anticipated best pontoon boat for your family.

Although you may choose to purchase it outright with cash, you may also wish to explore your options for financing. Despite the often gloomy talk on the street these days, plenty of favorable boat loans are still available for consumers — that being said, it’s always a good idea to compare rates and terms from various sources to decide which loan might best suit your family.

Discover Boating, a public awareness effort managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association on behalf of the North American recreational boating industry, and the National Marine Bankers Association both provide valuable advice to those who may not have previous experience with boat loans.

First, find a bank, financial service company or credit union with specialists who are intimately familiar with these types of loans. They can provide lower down payments, faster credit decisions, longer financing terms, lower monthly payments and even the opportunity to finance such extras as optional equipment, electronics packages, extended service plans and life/disability insurance coverage. NMBA can help you find lenders in your area.

Financing your new pontoon boat through a dealer has a variety of additional benefits, including access to multiple finance sources, special finance programs, year-round service departments, extended warranty programs and both manufacturer and dealer incentive programs. Many dealers offer financial specialists who will help you every step of the way, from choosing the right loan and completing initial loan application to closing and licensing your new pontoon boat. We can help you find a dealer in your area with our Dealer Locator.

Learn more about financing, marine warranties, paying cash, tax deductibility and much more.

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