Pontoon Pointers: Best Places to Buy Boating Gear, Pros & Cons

As a boating enthusiast, you know that the right gear can transform your experience on the water. Whether chasing the horizon or relaxing in a secluded cove, high-quality boating equipment is essential for safety, performance, and enjoyment. 

With countless options available—ranging from specialized marine stores to convenient online platforms like Amazon and Facebook Marketplace—finding the perfect gear can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this guide, we'll navigate these choices, weighing the pros and cons of different types of stores and of buying from dealers versus taking on DIY installations for electronic accessories. 

Get ready to gear up and make the most of your time on the water!

Marine Stores vs. Big Box & Hardware Stores

When it comes to shopping for boating gear, there's a vast sea of choices, and wading through them can feel like trying to find a buoy in a foggy marina! 

Picture this: you walk into a marine store, and it's like stepping into a magical world where every gadget gleams and every rack holds the promise of seamless sailing until you look at the price tag.

On the flip side, you might find yourself at a big box store, where you're just as likely to stumble upon a garden gnome as you are a fishing rod. 

Here's what to know and do when searching in either store for boating gear.

Pros of Marine Stores for Buying Pontoon Gear

• Specialized Knowledge: Marine stores often have staff knowledgeable about boating needs, offering advice tailored to your specific requirements. If you're new to boating or want to verify that an accessory will work on your boat, having a boating gearhead to talk to is reassuring.
• Price Matching: Many marine stores will price match competitors if you inquire, potentially allowing you to find deals without scouring multiple places. If you do your research online first and share the prices you're seeing at your favorite marine shop, you're more likely to get a deal from them, too.
• Quality Gear: The products found in marine stores are typically designed for marine environments, offering durability suited for long-term use. You're also more likely to find the parts or accessories that fit your exact boat, taking the guesswork out of the search.

Cons of Marine Stores

• Pricing: Marine stores can sometimes be overpriced due to their specialty nature, which might strain your budget. The smaller the shop, the harder it may be for them to price match. It's always a good idea to ask but be prepared with a plan B if they say no.
• Location: Depending on where you live, there might not be a marine store conveniently located near you. This could mean longer drives or paying for shipping costs if ordering online.

Pros of Big Box & Hardware Stores for Buying Pontoon Gear

• Convenience & Variety: Big box stores like Walmart and hardware stores like Home Depot offer convenience and variety under one roof. You can find everything from fishing rods to life jackets in the same place, making it easy to check items off your boating gear list without making multiple stops.
• Affordability: Prices at big box and hardware stores are typically lower than in marine stores due to their bulk purchasing power. Plus, you'll have the added benefit of comparing prices and finding deals without visiting multiple locations.

Cons of Big Box & Hardware Stores

• Lack of Specialized Knowledge: While big box stores may have employees with general knowledge about boating gear, they likely won't have the same level of expertise as those in marine stores. This could lead to potential mistakes or confusion when finding the right gear for your boat.
• Quality Concerns: Some items found at big box and hardware stores may not be specifically designed for marine use, potentially leading to durability concerns in harsh conditions on the water. Researching your parts and gear is important to know what won't be compromised if you get it at a hardware store.
• Limited Selection: The marine section may be small or not offer specialty items, potentially making it harder to find precise gear.

Online Shopping: Endless Options for Pontoon Gear

Like their brick-and-mortar counterparts, online marine stores offer a wide selection of products and the convenience of shopping from home with direct delivery. However, boaters should be aware of potential shipping costs that can increase the final price and frequent price fluctuations that may require persistence to secure the best deals.

Here are other options when searching online.

Buying Direct From the Manufacturer Can Be Straightforward

Purchasing boating gear directly from manufacturers can be a great option for enthusiasts looking for specific accessories that perfectly match their vessels. 

Whether it’s accessories directly from the brand where you purchased your pontoon or specialized makers like autobimini, buying directly offers unique benefits and disadvantages.

Benefits of Buying Direct:

• Quality Assurance: When you purchase from the manufacturer, you often have the assurance that the products have been designed specifically for your model, ensuring compatibility and high quality. This can be particularly important for accessories that fit or perform in harmony with your pontoon.
• Customization Options: Many manufacturers offer customization choices. This allows you to tailor products to your specific needs or aesthetic preferences, which you may not find at more general retail outlets.
• Direct Support & Warranty: Buying directly can simplify warranty claims and customer support issues, as you’ll deal directly with the source. Manufacturers may offer better after-sales support and clearer warranty terms than third-party retailers.

Disadvantages of Buying Direct:

• Pricing: Manufacturer prices might be higher than sales or discounts available in stores or online marketplaces, though that isn’t the case with autobimini. Both autobimini and autobimini lite are competitively priced to other electric bimini tops whether you buy direct or through a dealer, and they provide longer-lasting quality, too.
• Limited Selection: While you might find excellent quality accessories, the selection can be more limited than that of a marine store or online platform. Some specialized manufacturers may only offer certain items, forcing you to seek additional gear through other outlets.
• Shipping Fees: Purchasing directly from a manufacturer could increase shipping costs, especially if the manufacturer is not local. This can add to the overall expense and should be factored into your decision-making process.

Stay Cautious With Amazon, eBay, & Facebook Marketplace

You probably know someone who has a story about an amazing gadget they got for a great price on FB Marketplace. Indeed, these platforms can sometimes provide affordable options with competitive prices, quick shipping, and good deals on second-hand gear that still has life left.

However, buyers should be cautious of potential quality issues, as products may not always match descriptions or may lack essential parts, particularly with used items. Additionally, purchasing from individual sellers can limit customer support compared to traditional marine stores.

Electronic Accessories: Dealer vs. DIY Installation

When it comes to installing electronic accessories on your boat, you may love being elbow-deep in nerdy tech or see every DIY installation guide written in Martain. 

For those on the fence about trusting a pro to install it right or channeling your inner engineer, here’s what you need to know about electronic accessory installations. 

Dealer Installations

Dealer installation offers expertise and efficiency, ensuring setups are completed quickly and accurately. This professional service streamlines the installation process and provides easier future support for any issues thanks to the technicians' specialized knowledge. 

However, it’s important to note that this convenience often comes with higher costs for parts and labor, which can strain some customers' budgets. Additionally, choosing dealer installation may limit personalization options, possibly resulting in a less tailored experience. Balancing these factors is crucial for those considering dealer installation services.

Check out our thorough blog on the benefits and drawbacks of working with a pro vs DIYing an autobimini installation. 

DIY Installation

DIY installation offers significant cost savings by eliminating labor fees, allowing you to invest those funds in other important aspects of your project. It also gives you full control to customize your setup according to your preferences, ensuring the final result is tailored to you. 

However, this approach requires a considerable time investment, especially if you're unfamiliar with the process or lack experience. You may need to research best practices, read manuals, or watch instructional videos to gain proficiency, especially if you’re not mechanically inclined.

Purchase autobimini Your Way!

Whether you prefer buying directly from our manufacturing team and love installing mechanical equipment yourself, or you would rather work with a dealer for fast installation of your electric bimini top, autobimini has an option for you! 

See our list of exclusive dealers who can help you color-match an autobimini to your pontoon and install it in just one day. Or browse our selections and purchase autobimini online. Shipping takes only two weeks, and our thorough installation guide covers everything you need to install autobimini in an easy-to-read format. 

Plus, you always have the support of our manufacturers if you have any questions!