First off—congrats! You bought a new pontoon boat.
Whether you ordered it custom or picked one from the lot, delivery day is just around the corner—and there’s a lot to get ready for. Here’s everything you should know and do before, during, and after taking delivery of your new boat.
To make this whole process smoother, we’ve put together a simple delivery day checklist you can download and print. Think of it as your go-to guide to make sure nothing slips through the cracks—because trust us, there’s a lot to remember when you’re picking up your new pontoon.
Lead times vary. Some boats are in stock, others are built to order. Either way, talk to your dealer early on about delivery timelines. A realistic estimate helps avoid frustration and gives you time to get everything in place—paperwork, insurance, registration, gear, and know-how.
While you wait, do your homework. Most manufacturers offer digital manuals online, but Barletta goes further with how-to articles, videos, and checklists in our Learning Center. No matter what brand you’re buying, it’s a great resource.
And don’t forget to check local boating laws and take a boater’s safety course. Even experienced captains can learn something new.
Here’s what you should have lined up before your boat arrives:
Finalize Paperwork
Make sure your payment is squared away. If you’re trading in a boat, bring all relevant titles (boat, trailer, engine). This is also the time to lock in your insurance and start the registration process—either with your local BMV or through your dealer. In some states, you need a boater's license, so be sure to get that ready.
Prep Your Trade-In
Clean it out. Give it a good wash inside and out. Leave on the registration stickers (they’ll help the next owner), but take the paperwork with you—unless your state requires you to pass it along.
Take Inventory
Make a list of what you need for the new boat, safety gear & accessories alike:
If you're using a lift, confirm it’s rated for your boat’s length and weight. Most manufacturers publish this info online.
Line Up Transportation
Picking the boat up yourself? Make sure your vehicle can tow it and that your trailer is ready to go. Check the GVWR, hitch setup, and light connection beforehand.
Once your boat is ready, your dealer will schedule a pickup or dockside delivery. We recommend setting aside 1–3 hours for this appointment so you can walk through everything without rushing.
If you’re meeting at the dealership, plan to go solo or bring just one other adult. Delivery day is not the time to wrangle kids—it’s a hands-on learning experience.
For dockside delivery, give your dealer specific instructions:
Even if you don’t need to be there, it’s smart to meet your dealer in person so you can ask questions and get familiar with your new boat.
Full Boat Walkthrough
Don’t leave without:
Ask your dealer for an on-water lesson. If you're brand new to boating or a seasoned boater, every model handles differently—it’s worth the refresher. Your dealer can help you learn to trim the motor, dock safely, practice basic handling & anything else you might need help with.
Understand Your Engine
Ask about:
Pro tip: Book your first service appointment before you even leave. The first few hours on a new motor are critical. Your dealer is your go-to for service and support. Be sure to ask:
Booking winterization or spring prep early helps you avoid peak-season delays—especially in short seasons like we have here in Indiana.
Don't Skip Warranty Registration
Before you part ways, make sure your dealer registers your warranty. This links your boat to the manufacturer and ensures fast service if anything comes up. At Barletta, our customer care team uses that info to support owners throughout their journey.
Your boat is in the water, the cooler’s packed, and the playlist is queued up. Now what?
Keep Up With Maintenance
As a rule: the better you care for your boat, the better it will treat you. Oil changes, spark plugs, and basic upkeep go a long way toward a long, happy ownership.
Watch Your Inbox
Some manufacturers will send you a survey. Take the time to fill it out—your feedback matters. At Barletta, we personally follow up on anything that isn’t perfect.
Join the Community
If you're part of the Barletta family, join the Barletta Owners Facebook Group. You’ll need your HIN number, but once you’re in, it’s a goldmine of tips, advice, and shared stories.
Let's go boating!