The cost of owning a pontoon ranges from approximately $300 per month to $600 per month.
This cost does not include the cost of buying the pontoon or buying a pontoon trailer for towing the boat.
Please keep in mind that the cost of owning a pontoon will vary depending on the location of the pontoon, the condition of the vessel, the age of the pontoon and the frequency of use.
The cost of pontoon ownership can be broken down into 2 types of costs which are upfront costs and recurring costs.
Below is a cost of owning a pontoon table summary.
Pontoon Ownership Upfront Costs
The upfront costs of pontoon ownership are costs associated with buying the pontoon and all the once-off expenses of owning a pontoon.
The upfront costs of owning a pontoon boat are:
- Price of the pontoon
- Boat trailer cost
- Boat education course fee
- Boat gear costs
- Pontoon inspection fee
Price Of The Pontoon
The first cost of owning a pontoon is buying the pontoon. A pontoon's price can range from $5,000 to over $60,000 depending on the year, spec, engine and condition of the pontoon.
This price is a once-off cost of pontoon ownership and it varies.
A brand-new pontoon costs between $25,000 to over $60,000. Pre-owned pontoons costs between $5,000 and $40,000.
If you're looking to buy a pontoon, read our guide on buying a boat as this will help you find cheaper pontoons.
Pontoon Boat Trailer Cost
The second cost of owning a pontoon is buying a boat trailer to tow the pontoon to and from the water.
The price of a boat trailer ranges from approximately $1,500 to $6,000.
The price of a boat trailer varies based on the size and weight of the pontoon it needs to tow.
Larger pontoons will need larger trailers for towing which means spending more money on a boat trailer.
A brand new pontoon boat towing trailer will cost $5,000+. A pre-owned pontoon boat towing trailer will cost approximately $1,500 to $4,000.
Boat Training Course Cost
The third cost of owning a pontoon is the cost of paying for a boat training course.
The cost of a boat training course is approximately $150 to $250.
In order to operate a pontoon, a pontoon owner will need to take a boat education course. A boat education course will involve learning about general marine safety and theory, a VHF instructional video training and other boat safety-related education.
Contact your local marina to get information on a local boat training course in your area.
Boat Gear Costs
The fourth cost of owning a pontoon is the boat gear cost. Boat gear costs approximately $500.
Boat gear costs involve paying for items like boat life jackets which are a U.S. coast guard required item for all people onboard, boat anchors for mooring on the water, boat ropes and lines for docking and other miscellaneous boat gear items like boating coolers or swimming gear.
Pontoon Inspection Fee
The fifth cost of owning a pontoon is the pontoon inspection fee. The pontoon inspection fee ranges from approximately $250 to $350.
If you're buying a pre-owned pontoon, you'll need a marine surveyor or a professional to check out the boat. These people will check the boat from top to bottom to ensure everything is in good condition and in full working order
A pontoon surveyor will give you the exact true value of the pontoon too.
Pontoon Ownership Recurring Costs
The recurring costs of pontoon ownership are costs associated with regularly using the pontoon and are paid on a recurring basis.
The recurring costs of owning a pontoon are:
- Fuel Costs
- Storage Costs
- Insurance Fees
- Cleaning Costs
- Pontoon Maintenance Fees
Pontoon Fuel Cost
The sixth cost of owning a pontoon is the fuel cost. The fuel cost of pontoons ranges from $250 to $350 per month for a pontoon that is used over 10 hours per month.
Factors that will affect the cost of fuel for the pontoon are the fuel prices, size of the engine, condition of the pontoon and frequency of use.
Storage Costs
The seventh cost of owning a pontoon is the storage cost. Pontoon storage costs range from $10 per foot to $50 per foot of pontoon size per month.
For example, a 25ft. pontoon will cost between $250 and $1,250 per month in storage fees.
Storage fees vary based on the location of the storage unit.
Many pontoon owners will typically store their pontoon on their own property which is free.
Marine Insurance Fee
The eighth cost of owning a pontoon is the marine insurance fee. The insurance cost of a pontoon ranges from $25 per month to $50 per month which is between $300 and $600 per year.
The pontoon insurance cost will vary based on the location, size and age of the pontoon.
Pontoon owners can choose between full comprehensive pontoon insurance and liability insurance.
Pontoon Cleaning Cost
The ninth cost of owning a pontoon is the pontoon cleaning cost. The cleaning cost of a pontoon ranges from $15 to $25 per month or $180 to $300 per year.
Cleaning costs include paying for boat cleaning materials like soap, polish waxes, brushes, scrubs, and sponges.
Pontoon Maintenance Fees
The tenth cost of owning a pontoon is the pontoon maintenance fees. Pontoon maintenance fees range from $1,000 to $1,500 per year which is approximately $83.33 to $125 per month.
The pontoon maintenance fee varies based on the condition and age of the pontoon.
Older pontoon boats will require more maintenance than newer pontoons.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Cost Of Owning A Pontoon
Below are the most commonly asked questions about the cost of owning a pontoon.
What Is The Cheapest Cost Of Owning A Pontoon?
The cheapest cost of owning a pontoon is approximately $300 per month. This price excludes the price of buying the pontoon.
What Is The Most Expensive Cost Of Owning A Pontoon?
The most expensive cost of owning a pontoon is approximately $600 per month.
This price excludes the price of buying the pontoon.
What Is The Most Expensive Cost Associated With Owning A Pontoon?
The most expensive costs associated with owning a pontoon are fuel costs and maintenance costs.