You Just Bought a Boat! Now What? Your 10-Step Guide

Whether your new pontoon boat is on order, sitting at the dealership, or already tied up at your dock—you’re officially part of the club. Congrats!

And while the hardest part might be the waiting (or maybe backing down the ramp for the first time), there are a few things every new owner should check off to make sure they’re fully ready to enjoy the boating life.

This guide walks through what to do after buying your pontoon—whether you’re still counting down to delivery or you’ve already been out on the water once or twice.

1. Figure Out Where You’re At

• Boat on order? Lock in your expected delivery date with your dealer and use this time to get everything else prepped.
• Boat at the dealership? Get a delivery or pickup date scheduled and set aside time for a full walkthrough.
• Boat already delivered? Awesome. Whether it’s in your driveway, on a lift, or already seen the water—you’ll still want to go through this checklist to make sure you’re set up for a smooth season.
  
  

2. Figure Out Where It’s Going to Live

Where’s your boat living? This is one of the biggest details that new owners can overlook in the excitement.

• Have a lift? Make sure it’s the right size and rated for your boat’s weight
• Need a trailer? Get one that’s compatible with your boat and tow vehicle
• Using a marina? Reserve your slip ahead of time
• Keeping it at the dock? Make sure your lines, fenders, and bumpers are ready to go

Don’t assume your old setup will work—all pontoons are different. Already on the water? You’re ahead of the game. Still waiting on delivery? Now’s the time to prep.

3. Finalize Paperwork & Registration

Even if the boat’s at your house, don’t assume all the behind-the-scenes stuff is done.

• Finalize payment and financing if you haven’t yet
• Make sure your registration is submitted and numbers/decals are applied (or on the way)
• Confirm your insurance policy is active
• Ensure the warranty registration was completed by your dealer
• If you had a trade-in, confirm all title transfers are squared away

If any of that’s still pending, don’t wait—get it off your plate before peak boating weekends hit.

4. Stock the Essentials

Your boat doesn’t come fully stocked—especially when it comes to safety.

Here’s what should always be onboard:

• Life jackets for every passenger
• Throwable flotation device
• Fire extinguisher
• Horn or whistle
• First aid kit
• Anchor and rope
• Paddle or oar (some states require one)

Already been out on the water? Do a quick gear check. It's better to realize you’re missing something now than during a safety check or an emergency.

5. Know How It All Works

If your boat is brand new, everything from the helm to the bimini might feel unfamiliar at first.

Spend some time learning:

• What every button, switch, and gauge does at the helm
• How to start and trim the motor
• How to connect and disconnect the battery
• How to operate the kill switch/lanyard
• How to raise/lower the bimini
• How to deploy the anchor
• How to secure the boat cover properly

Whether it’s your first boat or your fifth, every model is a little different, and confidence makes for a better captain.

Need help? The Barletta Learning Center has videos and blogs to walk you through it all.

6. Get Your First Service on the Books

If your pontoon is brand new, you’ll want to follow the engine’s break-in period—usually 20–50 hours of use before your first service.

If you’ve already put a few hours on the water, it’s a good time to:

• Schedule your first service appointment
• Check your battery and fuel lines
• Learn your engine’s maintenance schedule
• Confirm what type of fuel your outboard requires

Trust us—routine service now means fewer surprises later.

7. Understand Local Boating Laws

Whether you’ve been out once or you’re still landlocked, take time to understand where—and how—you’re allowed to boat.

• Some states require a boater’s license (even for experienced drivers)
• Learn no-wake zones, speed limits, and restricted areas near you
• Don’t forget launch ramp rules, etiquette, and trailer safety if you’re trailering

A quick boater safety course (often online) is a great refresher, and in many cases, required.

8. Prep Your Launch Routine

If you’ve already had a successful outing—great! But if not, get ready by practicing how you’ll launch, drive, and dock.

• Back up your trailer in an empty parking lot if you’re new to it
• Practice docking in low wind and low traffic
• Have lines and fenders ready on both sides
• Make sure your crew knows what to do (no yelling needed)

Even if you’ve launched already, take a few minutes to review and improve your routine.

9. Keep It Clean + Covered

Protect your investment. Whether your boat’s in a driveway, on a lift, or sitting in the marina, you’ll want to:

• Cover the boat when not in use
• Wipe down seats and vinyl to prevent fading or staining
• Clean the exterior regularly to prevent grime buildup
• Dry out compartments after use (especially after rain or tubing)

A little cleaning now goes a long way toward keeping your boat looking new.

10. Plug In to the Community

Whether you're still waiting for the boat or already have a few rides under your belt, you’re now part of a community that lives for the water.

• oin the Barletta Owners Facebook Group to ask questions, swap tips, or show off your new ride
• Explore the Learning Center for walk-throughs, checklists, and seasonal advice
• Follow Barletta Boats on social media for tips and updates on everything Barletta! 
  
  

Welcome to It!

No matter where your boat is in the process—on order, on the lot, or already on the water—you’ve joined a community that gets it. The feeling of cruising across glassy water. That first jump off the swim deck. Watching the sun dip behind the trees with your crew all around you.

You’ve got a lot to look forward to.  See you on the water.