Selecting a Dealer Helpful pontooning hints from the staff of the Pontoon Boat Guide.

In these challenging economic times, it’s tempting to make important decisions based solely on price. As you make plans to purchase your new pontoon boat, however, keep in mind that buying a boat is different from buying an appliance or even a car — primarily because (as you will quickly discover) your boat is a member of the family. Therefore, the relationship you have with your dealer should more closely resemble a family partnership rather than that of a traditional customer and vendor.

Your dealership will do more than sell, and perhaps finance, your boat. It will become your go-to resource for everything from routine maintenance, equipment upgrades, repowering and emergency service to boater education, cruising advice, in-the-know gunkhole tips and even laughs on the dock. To build a relationship based on confidence and professional service, keep the following in mind:

1. Think proximity: You’ll likely want to choose a dealership within easy reach of your home, cottage or chosen cruising ground.
2. Check to see if your dealer is NMMA Certified. The Marine Industry Certification Program is designed to ensure that buying and maintaining a new pontoon boat are pleasant experiences. When you visit a Marine Industry Certified Dealer you can feel confident you are choosing a business that is committed to your satisfaction.
3. Do your homework: Visit the dealerships you are considering and evaluate several criteria. Check out his pontoon boat for sale listings on his web site.
   • Is the dealership organized?
   • Is the equipment well-maintained, and are the buildings in good condition?
   • Do the employees have appropriate training and certifications?
   • Does the dealership use recommended and/or required safety gear?
   • Is it capable of doing any work you might need, or does it outsource? (This does mean loss of control to a certain degree.)
   • Does the dealership specialize in pontoon boats? Dealerships are founded and built by people with particular interests, and you want yours to employ people who care about what you care about.
4. Talk to other boaters: This is the best way to find out if the dealership you’re considering is reputable and if its service department does good work.
5. Keep the lines of communication open: Dealers are looking for relationships too, since the majority of their business comprises repeat customers. They want to have your back in every situation, so make sure you clearly communicate what you need and when.
6. Remember that loyalty is a two-way street: Your dealership will be as dedicated to you as you are to it. And the extra effort to find the best pontoon boat and best pontoon dealer is worth it.

At its heart, pontoon boating is a pleasure industry — it’s about joy and making memories, and the experience you have at every level will affect how you and your family feel about spending time on the water. It’s far better to cultivate a partnership than to seek a one-time vendor. Ideally, your relationship with your dealer will last for many seasons, and you may find that the relationship does evolve into a friendship. After all, these people are in the business because they love boating too.

To find a dealer in your area, enter your zip code into our Dealer Locator.

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