HOW TO SHOP FOR A PONTOON

START ON THE OUT SIDE.
*Push hard on the corners of the fence. SEE IF IT BENDS OR POPS IN & OUT
*Does the fence go all the way to the top of the seat to protect it. FROM PIER POST
*Are the hinges on the gates full-length piano type. OR SMALL CHEAP ONES
* Is the gas fill easy to get to. OR WILL YOU NEED TO STAND ON YOUR HEAD TO FILL IT
* Is the ladder user friendly, and does it look safe and strong. TRY IT "PUT SOME WEIGHT ON IT"
* Does it have easy to reach tie up cleats from inside the boat. I BET THEY DON'T
* Are the lights up off the deck. SO YOU DON'T TRIP OVER THEM OR EVEN DO DAMAGE
* Are the corner casting cheap looking or plastic. EASILY DAMAGED IF THEY HIT A DOCK
*Does the pontoon have front and rear safety rails. THIS KEEPS EVERYBODY IN THE BOAT
*Look at all the welds on the Tubes and Fence. ARE THEY RUFF AND SLOPPY
*Does the tubes have Safety risers in the front to stop nose dive. NO, ONLY CREST HAS THIS
*Grab the top frame and shake it. IS IT STRONG AND WELL BUILT AND EASY TO USE
NOW LOOK UNDER THE DECK.
*Does it have big thick beefy cross members. OR ARE THEY A LITTLE CHEESY LOOKING
* Are they bolted with big ½ " bolts. OR SMALL ¼" BOLTS OR JUST SCREWS
*Is the transom adjustable to fit any size motor. OR IS IT FIXED TO FIT ONLY SOME ENGINES
*Do you see exposed wires and connectors. THIS WILL LEAD TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS
NOW IT'S TIME TO GO ABOARD "START IN THE FRONT OR BOW" AND WORK BACK
*Open the seat. DOES IT DROP DOWN FOR EASY ACCESS LIKE A CREST
* Is it a large opening. CAN YOU EASILY GET LIFE VESTS IN AND OUT OF IT
*Run you hand up under the inside of the seat. ARE THE SCREWS AND STAPLES EXPOSED
*Do you see the speakers and wiring. THIS IS NOT A GOOD IDEA, IT WILL GET DAMAGED
*Now sit in the seat, is it to upright. OR IS IT CONTOURED TO FIT YOU BACK LIKE A CREST
*Does it have drink holders that are useable. OR ARE THEY BUILT INTO THE SEAT AND NOT USEABLE
*Now sit at the console. DO YOUR KNEES HIT THE CONSOLE, CAN YOU SEE THE GAGES
*Does it have a fuel gauge. OR DO YOU HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE TANK TO CHECK IT
*Does it have anti-feed back steering. OR JUST STANDARD CABLE STEERING
*Does it have a 12-volt amplified radio antenna. DOES IT EVEN HAVE AN ANTENNA
*Does it have a 12-volt outlet for Cell phones, blender, camcorder, etc.
*Is it a deluxe fiberglass console. OR A CHEEP ROTO-CAST PLASTIC THAT WILL FADE
*Does it have an easy to use cooler. OR IS IT HARD TO FIND, OR MISSING
*If it is a fishing model, does the livewell have a fill pump. MOST DO NOT, CREST HAS IT STANDARD
*Does it have OEM Controls. OR A GENERIC, FIT ALL INFERIOR BUILT CONTROL SYSTEM
*Does the drivers seat slide and pivot. OR JUST FIXED IN ONE SPOT
*Do the gates open and close easily. ARE THE GATES PINCH PROOF, OR JUST ROUNDED
*Can one person put the top up and down. MAKE THE SALESMAN DO IT, HE CAN'T
*Is the fuel tank center mounted. FOR BETTER BALANCE AND MORE STORAGE
*Can you open and close the rear sundeck cover. WITHOUT PINCHING YOUR FINGERS
*Does the Ladder have tall handles. SO YOU CAN EASILY GET OUT OF THE WATER
*Does it have sharp and dangerous areas around the ladder. IT'S NOT LIKE A CREST, IS IT
*Do you feel you know more about the pontoon than the Salesperson?
*Does the marina have experience in the marine business Are they on the water.  Can they take care of all your needs
*Will the Marina be in Business 3 years down the road, when you have a problem
*Can the Dealer service what he is selling you. DO THEY HAVE A WELL-TRAINED SERVICE STAFF, MANY DO NOT. IF POSSIBLE TRY TO TALK TO THEIR SERVICE PEOPLE, BEFORE YOU BUY.
*Will this marina make your boating experience a good one or a bad one