Used Pontoon Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for Before You Buy

arkmarineco
Jul 6
3 min read

Buying a used pontoon can be a smart, cost-effective way to get on the water — especially if you’re handy or working with a trusted marine shop. But not all pontoons age gracefully, and if you're not careful, that "great deal" could turn into a floating money pit.

At Ark Marine Company, we’ve restored, rebuilt, and custom built enough pontoons to know what separates a solid buy from a bad idea. Here’s a breakdown of what to inspect, questions to ask, and how we can help you make a confident purchase — or turn a fixer-upper into a lake cruiser worth bragging about.

1. Deck Condition: The Foundation of Your Fun

The deck is one of the most important parts of a pontoon — and one of the most expensive to replace. Always check:

Soft spots: Walk the full length of the deck. If it feels spongy, the wood may be rotting underneath.
Warping or sagging: These can affect seating, storage, and even safety.
Decking material: Know whether it's marine plywood, aluminum, or composite — each has different pros and cons.

Ark Tip: If you find a pontoon you love but the deck needs help, we specialize in full re-decking with modern, durable materials.

2. Upholstery & Interior: Looks Matter — But So Does Longevity

Faded seats and cracked vinyl aren’t just ugly — they can also lead to mold and foam breakdown.

Check for:

Cracks, tears, and sun damage on seating and consoles
Loose or broken seat frames or hinges
Carpet condition (especially for signs of mildew or stains)

Ark Tip: We offer full interior restorations, from new upholstery to updated flooring that’ll give an old pontoon a brand-new feel.

Motor & Mechanical: Where the Real Money Is

If the boat comes with a motor, this is the most valuable — and riskiest — part of the deal.

What to ask and look for:

Year, model, and hours on the motor
Maintenance history (Ask if receipts or records are available)
Cold start performance (Does it fire right up?)
Compression test results — especially for older two-strokes
Any visible leaks, corrosion, or weird noises

Ark Tip: We offer pre-purchase mechanical inspections and re-powering services if the boat is solid but the motor’s toast.

4. Wiring & Electrical Systems: Don’t Let Gremlins Lurk

Even basic pontoons rely on electrical systems for lights, pumps, gauges, and accessories.

Inspect:

Wiring harnesses for damage or exposed wires
Battery setup and condition
Working nav lights, bilge pump, horn, stereo, etc.
Signs of DIY “repairs” with tape, mismatched wires, or wire nuts (HUGE red flag!)

Ark Tip: We can rewire or upgrade your pontoon to a clean, safe marine-grade system — and add modern features like USB ports, LED lighting, and fish finders.

5. Tubes & Undercarriage: Float First, Flash Later

Those pontoons (a.k.a. logs or tubes) are your flotation system. No amount of plush seating will save a boat that won’t float right.

Inspect for:

Dents or creases in the aluminum logs
Welded patches or signs of repair
Leaks — spray bottle test works, but pressure testing is better
Algae lines or heavy buildup, which might signal poor maintenance

Ark Tip: We inspect and repair pontoons, seal leaks, and clean or polish them up to look almost factory-new.

6. Registration, Title & Trailer

Don’t forget the paperwork. Make sure:

The title matches the seller and is clear of liens
The registration numbers are current and legal
The trailer (if included) is roadworthy, titled, and fits the boat properly

Trailers are often overlooked — but a bad one can cause big headaches (or breakdowns) on the way home, especially wheel bearings that have not been serviced correctly! (Other than a flat tire this is the second largest contributor to pontoon trailers on the side of the road)