DEAL PENDING!

Optioned With:

Custom Individual Covers
PTX 36″ Upgrade (From 30″)
Black Helm Upgrade
White Pearl Upholstery Upgrade
Two-Tone Panel Scheme
Midnight Black Rails
Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering
(2) Ambassador Seat Sliders
Gate Seat Filler Couch

HOW TO PREPARE FOR

SPRING BOATING

How To Prepare For Spring Boating Season.

In Michigan, we call early March “Fake Spring” – with deceptively warmer temps inevitably turning back into a brutal winter at least once more before we’re truly into spring. Nevertheless, despite knowing we’re not quite there yet, it seems as soon as the temp gauge gets above 40 around here, we start thinking about getting our boats ready for the water. 

Whether you’re looking to catch some spring wake sessions, preparing for early season fishing, or just can’t wait for that first sunset cruise with the family; use the following tips to prepare early and maximize your boating experience this season.

De-Winterization

Needless to say, you probably had your boat winterized before storing it this past off-season. Winterization is the process of preparing your boat for storage – so de-winterization is the process of preparing your boat to get back out on the water in spring. Which means it’s the first thing you’ll do when getting your boat ready for spring boating.

These wrapped and winterized pontoons are just begging to get back out on the water.

Delivery With Premier

If you stored your boat with us in the off-season, we’re currently scheduling Spring deliveries for 2021.

Washing the “Winter” Away From Your Boat

When getting your trailer ready for spring, don’t forget to check the spare tire!

• Bio-Kleen
• 303 Products
• Ducky’s 
• Hot Sauce 
• And more

When you’re cleaning, take everything out of your boat. If you’ve been using your boat to store things like PFDs, fishing equipment, and water toys, set these aside for their own cleaning later. 

Be sure to vacuum and wipe out storage and engine areas, paying special attention to the hard to reach areas. 

Taking extra time now to deep-clean your boat will mean easier maintenance throughout the boating season. Also a clean boat makes it less likely dirt and grime will cause maintenance issues to sensitive areas of your boat. 

Battery, Lights, & Navigation… and more!

Spring is a good time to check all your electronics. While you should always have a certified technician check your engine’s electrical systems, you should take some time to check the electronics you’ll be using everyday.  Charge your battery, check your interior, exterior, and navigation lights, and ensure your navigation system is up to date if you have one. 

Be sure to put on your favorite tunes, and check your stereo system for the best sound. 

If your boat has an electronic bimini, put it up and down a couple times to make sure it’s working properly. (If your boat doesn’t have an electronic bimini – be sure to check your bimini straps and buttons are still fastening securely.)

If you have a fish-finder on your boat, mount it and ensure the electronics are connected properly. 

Especially newer boats have many featured electronics not listed here. Take time to check all the electronics that apply to your specific boat. 

Safety Check

Reviewing the safety equipment on your boat should be a regular thing. However, spring is an especially good time to ensure you have the right amount and types of PFDs and that they are still in good condition and not expired. While they’re relatively uniform, each state has varying requirements for PFDs, so you should familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations.

Check your fire extinguishers are filled and not expired. Do the same with flares and make sure they are stored back in your boat safely. 

SAFETY PRO-TIP: Often overlooked, make sure your boat is equipped with a well-stocked, easy-to-access first aid kit. This could mean the difference between having to end your boating day early for a cut or scrape, or being able to stay out on the water. 

Now will be a good time to check your lines, fenders, and anchors as well.  Lines should be washed, properly dried, recoiled and tied. Anchors and fenders should be clean, and well secured to appropriate lines. 

Your Trailer

Many boaters choose to trailer their boats. If you are one of these owners, here are a few trailer maintenance tips that are perfect for early spring. 

How do your tires look? Are they inflated properly? Is the tread sufficient?Check all your tires including the spare. Make sure your wheel bearings are greased or replaced if necessary. 

When getting your trailer ready for spring, don’t forget to check the spare tire!

Have someone help you check your trailer lights – brake lights, turn signals, reverse, etc. Consider buying replacement bulbs and putting them in your boat or car just in case. 

Look closely at your rollers, support pads, and guide pillars. Make sure there everything is rolling well and free of defects that might damage your boat. 

Test your winch functionality. The webbing should be free of tears and fraying, and the winch should crank smoothly and lock properly.  

Don’t forget to check your trailer hitch and all related equipment to see if it is functioning properly and fitting securely on your vehicle. Trailer safety chains should be free of rust and links/hooks should be in good condition. 

Registration, Licensing, & Local Laws

Grab your registration to confirm it’s up to date (including the trailer) – put a new, clean copy of your registration in your boat. Double check your registration decals are not peeling and replace them if needed. This is also a good time to assess your insurance, and any type of roadside assistance you might have or want. 

You can download the Michigan Boater’s Handbook here!

Some states require boaters’ licenses for anyone driving your boat. Some states only require this of boaters of a younger age. Other states may not require a license, but might require boaters take a boaters’ safety course. Other regulations may only apply to open or large bodies of water. In addition, regulations may change from year to year. Familiarize yourself with your state/local/waterway regulations to make sure you have no surprises during the summer! Nothing ruins a good boating day like a ticket.

Can’t Forget The Toys!

Tubes, boards, and skis… oh my!  Now’s the time to get out all the toys and dream of all the fun you’ll be having with them soon. Wash them all thoroughly – even if you washed them before putting them away for winter storage. Inspect your tow ropes for tears, mildew, or fraying and re-coil them neatly if they’re in good shape. Ensure rope handles aren’t damaged and are still comfortable to hold.

Take the inner tube out of your tube and check for any leaks, weak points, or bulges. Weak point and bulges in tubes could be a good indication that it’s time for a replacement. Make sure the outer covering of your tube is free of snags or tears and that the handles are in good shape. 

If you have fishing gear, now might be a good time to freshen up the lines and check that your tackle boxes are well-stocked.   

You may even want to stock up on some inflatable floating tubes or loungers, water guns, noodles, etc. Anything that you think would be a fun toy to bring along. Remember, fun is what it’s all about – and having lots of fun toys makes all the difference!

Your Dock & Lift

If you live on the water or have a lakefront cottage where you primarily use your boat, get your dock and lift in early. There’s nothing worse than losing valuable time on the water because you have no place to park your boat. 

Keep an eye on the weather though and use good judgement as to when you install your dock. You’d hate to have one last freeze damage it.

Looking for a new, easy-to-install dock before spring? We carry Floe Docks – and yeah -they’re as awesome as this picture looks.

The Finer Details

If you’ve been a boater for many years, you’ll know that bringing certain conveniences on your boating trips will make for a much more enjoyable experience. Here’s a quick idea list to inspire you:

• extra towels and blankets 
• cleaning supplies 
• sun screen 
• extra pair of sunglasses
• extra inflatable floats or “noodles”
• waterproof football/inflatable beach ball
• water guns
• other water games
• a deck of cards or fun on-deck games
• swimming goggles/snorkels 
• a cork screw/bottle opener 
• an extra pair of sandals
• first aid kit 
• padded pouches to protect fragile items, 
• waterproof phone cases
• foldable lawn chairs and a portable grill for shore stops
• extra plates/dinnerware
• extra cups with secure lids
• an extra blanket or two for chilly night cruises

Make a list and build on it year-to-year as you find things you need or want while boating. Keep what items you can in your boat.

Consider The Kids

In most areas it’s required by law that children under a certain age wear PFDs whenever they’re on the boat. Which means kiddo passengers will likely be wearing their PFDs for extended periods of time. If children will be on-board, you’ll want to make sure they have comfortable, well-fitting life jackets. Bulky, one-size-fits-most life jackets are bound to get complaints early in the day. 

Pack plenty of snacks, cold water, sun protection, toys, etc. Especially when it comes to kiddo passengers, preparing ahead of time is key to an awesome boating trip. 

Day of Your Trip: Don’t forget to Fuel-Up!

There is no worse feeling than getting all packed up for a day on the water and realizing you don’t have any gas in your boat. It may seem obvious, but always remember to fuel-up!

It’s good to develop a checklist for your boating trips. Whether it’s a day trip on your local lake, or a week-long lake tour around Michigan – knowing what your boat needs and what your passengers might want on the trip is going to be important. This could be dependent on the weather, or the type of trip you’re going on. A morning surf session probably requires a different checklist than a twilight fishing trip.

Being on the water and in the sun all day can take a lot out of you – and that’s even if you’re not doing any active water sports. No matter what you’re doing on your trip, be sure to plan for meals and bring lots of snacks and cold beverages to help you and your passengers recharge. 

Are You Ready Spring Boating? 

Alright, so we know we haven’t quite made it spring in Michigan yet. But when the temp does turn up, you’ll want to be ready. Getting a jump on the above items will make sure you maximize your time on the water this 2021 season. 

Visit Our Customer Corner!

Complete with videos, articles, customer testimonials, and brochure downloads, our Customer Corner is all about you!

SEE WHAT’S NEW

What To Consider

WHEN BUYING A PONTOON BOAT

What To Consider When Buying A Pontoon Boat.

There is no feeling quite like cruising the waterways of Michigan in the captain’s chair of your own pontoon boat. If you’ve made it to our blog, chances are you’re in the market for a new boat. And chances are you’re probably looking for a versatile boat that might be great for cruising Gun Lake with your family and friends, sunbathing off the coast of South Haven, or maybe even dropping a line off of the bow to catch a fresh fish dinner. 

Today’s pontoon boats have come a long way from your grandpa’s “tin-can” deck boat. Thanks to advancements in pontoon “tube” design, new structural materials, innovations in fabrics, and lighter, more efficient outboard engines; pontoon boats are no longer the relatively slow, kind of clunky  “party barges” they have a reputation for being. That also means new pontoon boats vary greatly from model to model and brand to brand – and have TONS of options. 

Advancements in Pontoon Boat Options…

The truth is, pontoon boats have experienced quite the renaissance over the last few years. At Premier, we carry pontoons that are capable of handling up to 150 horsepower and tritoons that are capable of handling engines with as much as 400 horsepower. Advancements in tube configurations even allow them to corner as well as many conventional fiberglass runabout boats. 

Pontoon boats are highly modular, which means each model can have as many as 20 different exterior and interior configurations. And if that wasn’t enough to wrap your mind around, there’s generally dozens of upholstery, floor covering, seat configuration, sound system, and accessory options to consider. Some of the furniture packages on our pontoons even have interiors that look and feel as nice as the inside of a luxury automobile. 

Start by asking yourself the following questions and you’re sure to have a fun buying experience!

What Will You Be Using Your Pontoon Boat For?

Look for features that complement the activities you enjoy the most.

• Lounging and sunbathing: Consider a boat with lots of chaise lounges and ample bench seating and a great sound system to boot. There are some even pretty cool configurations that can even turn into large beds. 
• Cruising with lots of people: Select a boat with plenty of seating and a seat configuration that is good for conversation and socializing. A table or two is often appreciated, especially if you’ll be eating meals or having refreshments on your pontoon boat often. Some pontoon boats even have built-in coolers and secure food storage compartments.
• Swimming: If you’re using your pontoon for swimming, it should offer easy access into and out of the water with ladders and slip-resistant decks. There are a variety of deck styles that offer larger than average swim decks and ladders to accommodate more passengers as well as for those that may need a bit more assistance getting back on deck – like small children or older folks. 
• Water Sports: Looking to pull the kids behind the pontoon boat on a tube? Not so long ago, we may not have advised this with a pontoon boat. But these days many pontoon boats are equipped with all you need to do many light watersports behind them. Ensure your engine is a beast for propulsion and torque (More on this in a bit.) and you have a tow package installed. 
• ALL OF THE ABOVE?: Don’t worry, plenty of pontoons model are all-around fun machines with something to offer everyone!

Pontoon or Tritoon?

The simple difference between a pontoon and tritoon boat is whether it has two tubes underneath the deck or three. Pontoon boats have two tubes whereas a tritoon has three – hence “tri” in tritoon. While at a glance, the differences may seem small, there are some pretty big distinctions in performance between pontoons and tritoons that you’ll want to consider. 

Considerations for 3 Pontoons vs. 2 Pontoons

• WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION: Pontoon boats are known for their stability on the water in general. However, because of the three tubes under the hull, tritoons tend to distribute weight more evenly on the water than many pontoons, especially at higher speeds and while turning. You’re unlikely to notice a difference between two-tube and three-tube configurations if you’re mainly cruising slowly on small bodies of water.
• WATERSPORTS: Because of this superior weight distribution, tritoons have a higher horsepower rating than most two-tube pontoons. This makes them capable of higher speeds, thus making them a great option for watersports. For those speedsters out there; some tritoons can carry multiple outboard motors. 
• BIG, ROUGH WATER: If you plan on pontoon boating in the Great Lakes or in rougher water, a tritoon will offer you better handling than your standard pontoon boat. 
• PRICE: Because of their performance and often: their size, passenger capacity, & horsepower rating – tritoons tend to be more expensive than most pontoons. 

As with everything else on this consideration-list, the pontoon vs tritoon choice boils down to how you’ll be using your boat. If you need precise turning while going fast or need stability in rougher water, you’ll find a tritoon is more suited to your needs. Otherwise, a classic two-tube pontoon is great for many common pontoon uses. 

What Size Deck Should You Get?

Keeping it simple, the deck provides usable space on the boat.  However, your chosen deck size will also determine your tube dimension size as well. Coinciding, tube and deck size should be considered based on the types of water you’ll be on and the number of people you’ll be transporting. You should discuss tube size and whether you’ll need two or three tubes (a tritoon) with your Premier Boating representative. 

As for deck size, here’s a basic rundown:  

• 18-20 feet: Best for small, calm bodies of water; usually accommodates from 8 – 10 passengers. 
• 20-22 feet: Better for lakes and rivers that don’t have big waves. For rougher waters, consider purchasing a tritoon in this size. This size usually accommodates 10 – 12 people. 
• 22-27 feet: Better choice for rougher water applications because of size – like Lake Michigan. Usually accommodates up to 12 – 18 people and even more when equipped with a center pontoon (a tritoon).

What About My Pontoon Boat Engine?

For almost every pontoon model we carry, from 16 to 30 feet, engine performance comes down to a matter of torque. Our Mercury – “Pick Your Power” – engine option is designed to help you decide what amount of propulsion will be perfect for all your activities. When it comes to propulsion, consider how fast you really want to go, the fuel efficiency you desire, and what you’ll be using the pontoon boat for most. 

Below is a general guide to pontoon boat propulsion and horsepower: 

• “I want SPEED – tubing, skiing, and getting from one place to another – fast.”: For the speed demon in you, think 150 to 300 horsepower. 
• “I want to go fast, but I’m not in a race.”: Consider 115 hp to 150 hp will work great for most of your needs. You’ll be cruising plenty fast, be able to tow a tube easily and never think twice about a lack of power.
• “I want to chill out and relax on the water. No need for speed here.” – If you’re in it more for relaxation than thrills or you have a secondary boat for your watersports needs you’ll find a 40-60 hp will suit you just fine!

We Are A Proud Mercury Certified Partner!

What Size Motor Do I Need?

When you’re customizing your new pontoon boat, this is one of the most important questions you’ll ask! Our job is to help you figure it out and get you on the water with the right motor for all your on-water fun.

With an industry leading warranty and our Team of Mercury Certified Technicians, you can rest assured that your Mercury from Premier will keep you and your family on the water, for years to come.

Features and Options

These days, pontoon boats come as luxurious or as simple as you desire. There are configurations specifically designed for fishing, swimming, cruising, and entertaining. Some pontoons come with wireless phone charging hubs and refrigerated cup holders. We have pontoon boats with sunbathing beds, huge bimini tops, pop-up privacy changing booths, built-in coolers, massive amounts of storage, and more.

With so many options, it’s really important that you spend some time with an expert Premier team member to discuss how you’ll be using your pontoon boat. We’ll help find you find the perfect boat for your needs. 

Why Purchase A Pontoon Boat From Premier Boating?

We know purchasing a new pontoon boat is a huge decision and investment. After helping West Michigan boat buyers through this same decision for over 25 years, we also know buying a new pontoon boat can also be a lot of fun! It’s our goal to help guide you so you can make an informed investment in your new pontoon and hopefully have a blast in the process. We know you certainly will once you’re out on the water. 

MORE ABOUT US

When you purchase a pontoon boat from us, you’re not just making a transaction, you’re joining a community. Being a family owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on building lifelong relationships with our customers – giving them priority service, winterization, and storage (at our indoor and outdoor storage facilities). We’ll deliver your boat in the spring, and haul it out in the fall if you’re winterizing/storing with us. We even offer all our customers LIFELONG discounts at our proshop.

Next Steps 

Ready to explore your pontoon boat options? We have three simple ways to take the next step.

• Visit our Virtual Showroom on our website. It’s always fun to click around and look at options!
• Come by our three indoor showrooms off the shore of Gun Lake. We’d love to see you and we have TONS of pontoons in stock and on display in our indoor showrooms!
• Schedule an appointment. Your time is valuable to us. We’re happy to schedule a time for you to come and look at our indoor pontoon boat showroom, with one of our expert team members – when it’s convenient for you – even if it’s outside our normal showroom hours. See Request Form Below!

We Proudly Offer

SCHEDULE A DEDICATED APPOINTMENT

Your time is important to us, so let us dedicate ours to you.

For your convenience and preference, we have in-person or virtual appointments available. Simply fill out this form, and we’ll have a member of our expert sale team reach out to you to confirm details.

Security Code:

Please enter the security code:

Please enter a valid captcha code.

Submit

Visit Our Customer Corner!

Complete with videos, articles, customer testimonials, and brochure downloads, our Customer Corner is all about you!