When you think about it, buying a boat is a little bit like getting married. After all, this is the commitment of a lifetime, and you want to feel confident you’re making the right decision! Fortunately, there are plenty of fish in the sea, and plenty of boats and pontoons to choose from here at Howell’s Marine Sales & Service. The following tips can help you narrow down the options and find your perfect match!
Choosing a Boat
What kinds of activities are you interested in? This should be your guiding question when choosing a boat. If catching fish is on the agenda, you should seek out a fishing boat, with features such as rod holders and livewells. If you want to pursue the excitement of watersports, you should look for a boat with a powerful engine that can reach high speeds. Meanwhile, if you are looking to host parties on the water, a spacious luxury boat will serve you best.
That being said, there’s no need to limit yourself. There are some boats that can cover all your bases! Pontoon boats, for example, are incredibly versatile. We are passionate about pontoon boats here at Howell’s Marine Sales & Service, and we recommend them to our customers who want to get a little bit of everything out of their boating experience.
Budgeting for a Boat
Of course, you can’t talk about buying a boat without discussing all the costs involved! The upfront cost of purchasing a boat can be pretty steep, but the long-term costs are even more important to consider. When budgeting for a boat, remember to account for all the expenses that are going to add up over time – such as fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to set aside at least 10% of your boat’s total value each year for routine maintenance, and another 5% for any unexpected repairs. Meanwhile, you can expect to pay about 1.5% of the total value of your boat annually for insurance coverage.
If you have any questions about the boat buying process, you are always welcome to consult the sales team here at Howell’s Marine Sales & Service! We are always happy to assist. You can find us in Chatham, ON, near London.
Optional bimini top 
Deployable ladder (in pouch)
Non-skid anti-glare interior paint finish
High gloss exterior high solids urethane paint and decal package
Bow bench seat 
Portable gas tank
Stern handles
Storage compartment 
Stainless steel bow eye
Split center seat
2026 Princecraft Yukon 14 WT Without edition Blue 
2026 Princecraft Yukon 14 L WT Without edition Blue 
2026 Princecraft Yukon 140 BT Without edition Black 
2026 Princecraft Starfish 16 WT Without edition Blue 
2026 Princecraft Springbok 16 WT Without edition Blue 
2026 Princecraft Starfish 16 L WT Without edition Blue 
2026 Princecraft Springbok 16 L WT Without edition Blue 
2026 Princecraft Scamper 14 
2026 Princecraft Vectra® 25 RL Black 
2026 Princecraft Vectra® 25 RL Charcoal 