A Pontoon boat (also known as a "Party boat") is a watercraft that floats and balances in water on top of two pontoons. Some of the most popular and best known pontoon boat manufacturers include Avalon, Suntracker, Bennington, Sylvan and Manitou. These open style boats can be used for boating, fishing, sunbathing, towing tubes or other water rides behind them, and generally enjoying parties/socializing with friends out on the water. These are very popular rental items for vacationers and partiers. They are generally less expensive to insure, less likely to be run aground or damaged by submerged items in the water due to the way they are built. Pontoon boats can have motors which range in power from around 50 horsepower, all the way up over 200 horsepower. Pontoons can be docked at docks or hung in boat hulls. The boats kept docked in water generally need to be taken out by trailer or hoisted up annually so that they can be cleaned and maintained.

If you live near or on water, or just enjoy being on the water, a used pontoon boat may be a very enjoyable item for you to have. Read on for tips on how to buy a used pontoon boat for sale, as well as places you can find used pontoon boats both online and offline.

- Make sure you thoroughly inspect the pontoon and consider any damages or repairs that may be needed. It's important to examine any signs of rust, cracks, possible leaks, engine damages, etc.  Take a close look at the pontoon boat furniture for wear and tear or damage. Factor this info into your purchase decision and final purchase price if you decide to buy. Don't end up buying a lemon pontoon boat that sinks on your first voyage!

- If possible, take the Pontoon boat out on water for a test drive, since after all you are spending a considerable amount of money for this item. During your trip, the owner/seller may be able to discuss potential issues or things to know about the boat. You can also get a feel for how you like the boat's ride and ask any applicable questions about things you notice.

- Ask the seller/owner about its care, amount of use, repairs and if manuals or other important documents have been kept. These will be very important to have as the new owner of the watercraft.

- Negotiate the pontoon's price. Never consider the price firm on a used pontoon boat. Do your best to negotiate and bring the price down some so you can get the best deal. Also remember if you noticed any points of contention or issues about the boat during your test drive or inspection. These can play a part in getting the sale price down.

Boat/Marine Dealerships - Just like car dealers, marine/boat dealers exist as well. Many times these dealers will sell used boats in addition to new. Consider stopping by to take a look at some of their used pontoons. These may be tougher to negotiate the price down on, but also may include services or parts which you'll need for the specific boat.

Marketplace bulletin boards - Many times the local grocery stores / supermarkets will have bulletin boards where people post various advertisements. If you live in a lake or ocean area, you may see plenty of ads posted which show pontoons for sale. If you don't consider asking friends or relatives to keep their eyes open for them when they are out shopping at these places. Besides grocery stores, consider other community areas which may have bulletin boards and ad postings.

Large community or church sales - Many churches hold annual summer/fall sales events, where they sell all sorts of donated goods in order to raise money for the church. These sales have included larger items such as outdoor appliances, kayaks, workout equipment, and yes even used pontoon boats. Some communities often hold yard/garage sales together, and you may see a car or pontoon boat sold at these in addition to other items.

Newspaper classified ads - Check out your local papers for people selling Pontoon boats. Consider buying a newspaper for a town or county you are nearby to as well, or even checking the various newspaper websites for local regions.

Word of Mouth - Let friends, colleagues, coworkers and relatives
know that you're currently searching for a pontoon boat. They may know someone who's selling or may be selling one themselves!

Craigslist - This is where we found a great used Pontoon boat for sale, advertised on Craigslist.org, the free online advertisement source. If you're not familiar with Craigslist, it's a free buyer/seller classified site which is broken day by state, town/city. Therefore you could easily search for used pontoon boats in Texas or any other state. There are generally some great deals to be had on this site, but make sure to keep some things in mind. Prices on Craigslist aren't necessarily firm. Don't show up and immediately offer what the person asked on their ad, if you want to buy. Also, consider bringing other people along with you for the visit to the seller. There's always the possibility that the deal is sketchy so having other people with you is a good backup plan. (Tip: Try searching "pontoon boats site:craigslist.org" at Google.com for a wide range of results state to state).

Newspaper classifieds online - Most newspapers have online websites these days which include classified ads. Check the various online newspaper sites for your area or surrounding states to find used pontoon boats you can go check out.

Other classified sites - There's many other online classified advertising sites in addition to Craigslist.org. Here's some more online classified sites to consider. Please note that these sites should be used at your discretion. Read all applicable terms and conditions of any site you plan to make a major purchase on.

sell.com

oodle.com

domesticsale.com

50statesclassifieds.com

bestwayclassifieds.com

pennysaverusa.com

webclassifieds.us

traderonline.com

Ebay auctions - Believe it or not, people sell big items like cars and boats on the online auction site, eBay! Obviously, Pontoon Boats won't be delivered to your home via UPS or Fed Ex, so a local pickup will be the shipping option. Make sure the Pontoon Boat you find is within a reasonable driving distance, so you can go take a look at the item in person. Buying a used pontoon blindly off eBay could end up costing you thousands if you don't see it before you buy!

You can check out some of the listings below for various used pontoon boats selling on eBay right now:

Just like the sales of new or used cars and other vehicles, Pontoon boats will also have a title which needs to be transferred between owners.  Once this step has been completed, you will need to register the boat in your name with your state of residence.  Each state has different requirements and forms for registering your boat.  It's best to search the internet for "(Your State) Game & Fishing" to find the appropriate information and forms.

You will also need to purchase insurance for your used pontoon boat just like you do for any other vehicle or your home.  Consider calling your current auto or home insurance provider to work out the best price for boat insurance.