BY BRAND
Welcome to Holiday Marine’s Fleet Boat Buying Guide
Welcome to Holiday Marine’s guide to purchasing a former rental/fleet boat. Whether you’ve owned boats before or you’re just getting started, this guide will walk you through the most important things to consider when buying a boat that’s spent time in a rental program. Fleet boats are a fantastic way to get into a gently used Suntracker, Sweetwater, or similar pontoon at a great value — but like any big purchase, a bit of due diligence goes a long way.
Learn About the Rental Program It Came From
Before anything else, take a close look at the reputation of the rental program that maintained the boat. At Holiday Marine, our fleet pontoons are serviced, inspected, and cleaned after every use — but that isn’t true of every rental operation. Be sure to ask about:
- How frequently the boat was serviced
- Who performed the work (in-house or outsourced)
- Whether detailed service history is available
Know What You Need
Think about how you plan to use the boat and who’ll be on the water with you the most. For example:
| Use Case | Best Match |
|---|---|
| Casual Cruising / Entertaining | Suntracker Party Barge models |
| Family Fishing | Suntracker Fishin’ Barge line |
| General All-Around Use | Sweetwater and similar pontoons |
Also consider passenger capacity, storage space, layout, and comfort features (Bimini, upgraded seating, stereo, etc.) — most fleet boats come already outfitted with great options.
INSPECT THE BOAT
Once you've narrowed down a model, take time to look it over carefully:
- Hull & Structure – Check for any visible damage or repairs
- Engine & Mechanical Systems – Ask about RPM range, engine hours, oil changes and inspections
- Interior – Look at upholstery, decking and rails for any excessive wear
- Electronics & Accessories – Test lights, gauges, livewells, and other features
Don't hesitate to ask questions — our team is more than happy to walk through everything with you.
REVIEW THE MAINTENANCE HISTORY
One of the biggest advantages of a fleet boat is the maintenance documentation. We provide full service records so you’ll know exactly what’s been done and when — and you’ll have a clearer picture of what to expect in the long term.
Ask About Warranty Coverage
Some retired fleet boats may still be under factory warranty, depending on the year and brand. Our staff can walk you through what’s still covered and what extended protection plans (if any) may be available.
Schedule a Sea Trial
Before making a final decision, take the boat out on the water. A sea trial is your chance to experience how it runs, handles, and feels in real-world conditions — and make sure everything works the way it should.
Negotiate with Confidence
Because these boats are gently used, they’re already priced below comparable new pontoons. That said, inspection and service history give you a solid foundation to negotiate a fair price based on real-world condition and usage.
Complete the Sale Properly
Make sure all documentation is in order — including the title, registration, applicable warranties and service records. Holiday Marine will walk you through every step so the transfer is smooth and fully transparent.
Is a Former Rental Boat Right for You?
If you’re looking for a reliable, family-friendly pontoon without the brand-new price tag, a well-maintained fleet boat can be an excellent option. With proper maintenance, full documentation and a thorough inspection process, you can enjoy years of fun on the water — with money left in the budget for gear, upgrades, and snacks for the kids!
