2021 Bennington 22 SSRX Tritoon

Meeting the seller safely

• Meet in person at the boat's location — never wire money to someone you haven't met.
• Bring a friend or family member along to the viewing.
• Verify the Hull Identification Number (HIN) against the title before paying.
• Use a written bill of sale and keep a copy for both parties.
• For higher-value boats, consider ordering an independent marine survey.

Buying a Pontoon from a private seller

Buying a pontoon from a private seller lets you skip the dealer markup and hear how the boat was actually used. Start with the tubes — look for dents, weld repairs, and seam weeping, and check the deck for soft spots that signal rot. Inspect the fence railing and Bimini hardware, and ask for the outboard's hours and service history. A compression test is worth the cost before you commit. Older 2-stroke pontoons are cheaper; modern 4-strokes command more. Check the carpet, seats, and livewell if equipped. Because the price has no commission built in, you keep thousands. Confirm the title matches the HIN, ask whether a trailer is included, and inspect the boat in person at the water.