It’s not uncommon for some boats to keep going for many decades. Sea vessels generally have a higher life expectancy than most vehicles. While a car can mostly last up to 10 years, a boat can live up to 30 years and more if properly taken care of.
How about pontoon boats? How long do pontoon boats last?
Pontoon boats may last for 10–20 years if they’re new and if you take good care of them. If your pontoon boat is bought used, I can’t say the same.
A lot of other aspects also go into consideration, including the brand, material, maintenance, and whether you use it in saltwater or freshwater. Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know.
How Long Do Pontoon Boats Last?
How long your boat lasts mainly depends on its material. Most pontoon boats nowadays are made of aluminum, but some newer models are also made of fiberglass. Here’s a roundup of how long each of them lasts.
Aluminum
If your pontoon boat is made of aluminum, you can expect it to last for a couple of decades. You may see signs of wear and tear after a while, primarily if you use it in salt water, but it’ll keep working.
Aluminum is generally highly durable. Not only that, but it’s also pretty easy to repair if it happens to get scratched.
After a decade or two, you may need significant maintenance or replacement for some parts, but the boat will still work nevertheless. The lifespan may vary according to the boating conditions. For example, saltwater is a lot more corrosive than freshwater. So if you frequently use your boat in saltwater, it’s much more prone to rusting, and it’ll have a shorter life expectancy.
Of course, the same doesn’t apply to a used pontoon boat. A used one may need significant maintenance and replacements. Even then, it can last up to five years or so, according to how you treat it.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is as durable as aluminum. If your boat is made of fiberglass, it’ll likely last for two decades or more, according to the other aspects. However, there are some things to keep in mind.
For example, fiberglass doesn’t dent or scratch, but sharp objects can poke a hole through it. When your fiberglass boat has a hole, it’ll be near impossible to repair it.
Here, aluminum has leverage over fiberglass. If the boat gets dented, you can repair it and go on, but you’ll likely have to replace it if it gets holed.
Generally, aluminum is easier to repair upon damage.
Are Pontoon Boats Generally Durable?
I can’t say whether pontoon boats are generally durable for sure. In the end, it all boils down to the manufacturer. That being said, I can say that pontoon boats can withstand rough water well.
In fact, their safety features and stability allow them to handle the rough water better than most similarly-sized boats. Granted, they’re not suitable for use in the open ocean, but they can take it.
Pontoon boats are easy to maintain—easier than most boats of the same size. Of course, this adds to their durability and increases their life expectancy.
If you do enough research about the brand before you’re buying, and if you have sufficient knowledge about boat maintenance, your boat will stay durable for as long as you’re using it. What’s important is to pay enough money for upkeep and avoid rough waters when you can.
How Much Do Pontoon Boats Cost to Maintain?
It depends on the boat’s age and state, but it generally costs around $3,000 annually to maintain your boat. If you include the insurance, license, storage, and other minor details, it won’t cost you more than that.
If you already have a place to store your pontoon, you won’t need to pay for storage, so you’ll spend less overall.
Generally, pontoons aren’t very different from other boats when it comes to maintenance fees.
Should You Buy a Used Pontoon Boat?
Used pontoon boats are pretty affordable, starting at around $1200–$1500, which is way cheaper than new boats. A new boat can cost up to $20,000 if it’s a high-end brand.
The good thing about used pontoon boats is that their purchase isn’t as risky as new ones. If you buy a used one and decide it’s not for you, you can sell it the next day without losing much of your money.
When buying a used boat, the motor’s age and the boat’s overall conditions are the things that count. If the previous buyer maintained the boat well, you’d probably be lucky enough to receive a decent boat.
On the other hand, if the boat isn’t well-taken care of, it probably won’t last for more than a couple of years.
Generally, if you want a boat to last for more than ten years, you have no option but to buy a new one. A used boat won’t last as long. But if you want to own a pontoon without investing much money, buying a used one is a wise idea.
What to Consider When Buying a Used Pontoon Boat
When buying a used pontoon boat, the first thing you should look at is the hull. Look for cracks or patches on its exterior. Then, take a look at the flooring and furniture because these are the most likely to wear out with use.
Additionally, make sure the motor is capable of performing well. If it’s not good, the boat is not good.
If you have doubts, you can take the boat for a test drive and see for yourself. Ride it around for a while, and try to cut the engine for a while, and restart it. If you face no starting problems, the boat is probably good.
To Wrap Up
Generally, new pontoon boats can last for one or more decades if you take good care of them. On the other hand, I can’t say the same about used boats. The cheap ones, ranging from $1200 to $1500, will probably only last for a year or two.
If the used boat is in good condition, it may last for five years or more.