Hey Everyone!

[katieclooney]

I am in the market for a pontoon, looking to buy end of this boating season/early next.
I am located in the Chain of Lakes area in Illinois
I decided to go with new vs used for a variety of reasons.

But i have a couple questions....

1. What IS the best time to buy? Winter? After the big boat shows? Early Spring?

2. I am looking at South Bay mostly, the dealer by us is great and educates you on boating instead of just tossing you out there. Plus I like the options and layouts on the the toons. I did however see a Veranda pontoon that seemed interesting with its "no wood" underbelly. Does anyone here have a Veranda? I cant seem to find user reviews for those toons.

Thanks and look forward to learning alot from everyone

[lakerunner]

Welcome

In Oklahoma it becomes a buyers market after Labor Day through late January when there boat shows are.

Southbay is a great toon. Plywood floors are still good as with care they will last the life of the boat.

[dockholiday]

Yep after labor day, almost like cutting of a switch, really slows down. As far as boat shows, think I would go the first an last day. Most of the dealers will see you back an know you are serious just looking for the right price. This worked for me buying a new car. Once I found their bottom price just signed the contract. Oh something, I missed on my last purchase. When do the new models come out? My three month old toon magically became a year old toon when the new models came out. Good Luck in your search.
doc

[Ray Jr.]

Another option you might consider is getting a former rental boat.
Thats what we did, they rent them for 1 summer then sell at the end of season at a reduced price but you still get full warranty on boat and motor. as if it was new, plus break in/first service is already done.

We got our Premier 225 Sunsation LTD with 90 merc 4 stroke, for less than what it would have cost for a Sunsation 200 with a 60 merc 4 stroke.

[katieclooney]

Rental boats not a bad idea...however around my parts ive seen the way people drive those rentals.

If i buy in winter, do they hold the boat until you can ride it in the spring for a water test?

[Ray Jr.]

The marina we bought from is now accepting refundable deposits on the 2010 rental fleet, you get to test drive and inspect the boat after the end of season (labor day), and decide then if you want the boat or refund the 500 deposit.

We bought ours in the winter and they said everything was refundable pending test ride.

[pond tuuunes]

Hi Katie, mramerica, from fun on the fox, seems like alot of good people here. JT

[katieclooney]

Hey! Glad to see another FOTFer!


Yep everyone seems friendly. Yay!!