Thank you for allowing us to help you with your boat buying experience.

Launch For Success: Boating is a fun recreational activity that allows friends and families to build incredible and lasting memories. At Buck’s Island, we know buying a boat can be a daunting task. In our 75+ years, we’ve sold a lot of boats and want to provide you with some things we’ve learned along the way. Hopefully this helps!

Know Your Crew (and Cargo): Passenger Count: Who will be joining you? A small fishing boat won't be ideal for large family outings.

Gear Up: Do you need space for fishing rods, wakeboards, or camping supplies? Factor in storage capacity.

Chart Your Course: Where will you do most of your boating? What body of water? Is it big/small? What type of environment does it have - shallows, weeds, rapids, salt exposure? 

Are there any regulations concerning boat/motor size and/or performance? Be sure to check the state and local regulations for the bodies of water you are planning on using your boat. Some lakes have length or horsepower limits.

Day Trips or Docking: Are you looking for quick excursions or long trips that last the entire day? If all day you may want to make sure there is room to store a cooler with food and drinks.

Towing: Be sure that the tow rating on your vehicle is enough for the full weight of the boat, motor and trailer and all the stuff in the boat. Many of today’s pontoons can hold close to 50 gallons of fuel which adds an additional 315 lbs.

Check your GVWR and GCWR to ensure you are under those weights. If you will be towing in mountainous areas, ensure you have reasonable power and braking ability to compensate for the additional rigors of mountain towing.