Gillgetter for Sale: Compact Pontoon Buyer's Guide

When navigating listings in search of a gillgetter for sale, it quickly becomes clear that these vessels hold a unique place in the boating world. Built by Apex Marine—the same Michigan-based manufacturer behind Qwest pontoons—the Gillgetter brand was designed from the ground up to solve a common boating dilemma: how to enjoy the comfort and stability of a pontoon without the massive footprint, heavy tow weight, and steep price tag of a full-sized barge.

Whether you want to cruise small inland lakes, slip into narrow backwaters for early-morning bass fishing, or find a vessel that fits comfortably inside a standard suburban garage, a Gillgetter is often the ideal solution. This guide covers everything you need to know before buying, including key specs, popular layouts, typical price points, and what to inspect on the pre-owned market.

Why Choose a Gillgetter Pontoon?

Full-size pontoons often measure 20 to 26 feet in length and span 8.5 feet in beam. While great for large parties on open water, they demand heavy-duty tow vehicles, large storage slips, and significant fuel burn. Gillgetter established a loyal following by scaling down the pontoon concept without sacrificing commercial-grade build quality.

• Effortless Towing: Most Gillgetter models boast a dry weight ranging between 800 and 1,400 pounds. This means you do not need a full-size pickup truck; small SUVs and crossovers equipped with a standard Class II or III hitch can tow one with ease.
• Garage-Ready Dimensions: With narrower beams (typically 6 to 7 feet wide) and shorter overall lengths (usually 13 to 17 feet), many Gillgetter boats can be stored inside a standard residential two-car garage on a folding-tongue trailer, saving thousands in seasonal storage fees.
• Access to Shallow and Restricted Waters: Their shallow draft allows them to venture into skinny waters where larger v-hulls or heavy tri-toons run aground. Furthermore, they are a premier platform for horsepower-restricted or electric-only reservoirs.

Popular Gillgetter Configurations

Apex Marine manufactured Gillgetter pontoons in a variety of configurations over the years. Understanding the trim letters and deck designs will help you narrow down your search:

1. The Fishing Series (Fish / Angler Models)

Designed specifically for anglers, these models eliminate bulky lounge seating in favor of utility. Standard amenities typically include front and rear pedestal fishing seats, an aerated livewell, built-in rod holders, and dedicated bow space designed to accommodate a bow-mounted trolling motor.

2. The Cruise Series

If relaxing with family is your primary goal, the Cruise layouts maximize perimeter seating. These feature wraparound benches with under-seat storage, plush marine-grade upholstery, a bimini top for sun protection, and a rear boarding ladder for swimming.

3. Compact Sizing Breakdown

• Gillgetter 613 / 615: 6-foot wide decks measuring roughly 13 to 15 feet in length. These are the most ultra-compact variants, exceptionally agile and best suited for 2 to 4 people.
• Gillgetter 715 / 717: 7-foot wide decks measuring 15 to 17 feet in length. The extra foot of beam delivers noticeable walk-around room and comfortably accommodates 4 to 6 passengers depending on local safety ratings.

What to Inspect When Evaluating a Used Gillgetter for Sale

Because many Gillgetter boats on the market are gently used pre-owned units, performing a thorough mechanical and structural inspection is essential before closing the deal.

Inspect the Aluminum Tubes (Pontoons)

Look along the bottom and sides of the logs for signs of beaching damage, deep gouges, or poorly executed patch welds. Check the transom brackets where the motor mounts; this area absorbs substantial vibration and stress. Tap the bottom of the logs to check for trapped water, or look for moisture weeping from drain plugs, which signals a hairline crack or seam leak.

Examine the Deck and Subfloor

Older Gillgetters used marine-grade plywood decks, while newer iterations integrated composite or improved composite-backed vinyl flooring. Walk across every square foot of the deck, paying special attention to corners, seams, and areas near livewells. Any spongy feeling indicates dry rot or water intrusion underneath the carpet or vinyl.

Review Electrical and Trolling Setups

Because these boats are frequently modified by owners for specialized fishing, inspect the wiring harness under the steering console. Ensure that past owners did not install messy aftermarket splices for fishfinders or trolling batteries. Corroded wiring and exposed terminals can present safety hazards and are tedious to rewire.

Inspect the Trailer

Small pontoon trailers face constant submersion. Check the trailer frame for rust—especially around leaf springs and axle mounts. Ensure the bunks are solid, the carpet is intact to prevent scratching the aluminum tubes, and the wheel bearings are greased and free of play.

Power Options: Gas vs. Electric

When searching for a Gillgetter, you will encounter diverse propulsion packages tailored to specific lake regulations:

1. Gas Outboards (9.9 HP to 50 HP): Many small public reservoirs limit gas motors to 9.9 or 20 horsepower. A 9.9 HP motor will push a Gillgetter at a relaxed trolling speed (around 6–9 mph). If your home lake has no restrictions, models rated for 25 to 50 HP offer enough power to cruise comfortably at 15–20 mph while burning very little fuel.
2. Electric Propulsion (Torqeedo, Minn Kota, ePropulsion): Due to their lightweight design, Gillgetters are among the most popular platforms for conversion to all-electric drives. Many turnkey used models feature Torqeedo Cruise outboards paired with lithium battery banks, providing virtually silent operation on noise-regulated or drinking-water reservoirs.

Expected Price Ranges

Pricing for a Gillgetter varies significantly depending on year, outboard power, and cosmetic condition:

• Older Pre-Owned (Early 2000s to 2010): Expect to pay between $4,500 and $8,500. These models often feature older carbureted two-stroke or early four-stroke outboards and traditional marine carpet.
• Late-Model Used (2011 to 2020): Clean units with fuel-injected four-stroke outboards (Yamaha, Mercury, or Suzuki), vinyl flooring, and modern trailers typically run between $9,000 and $15,000.
• Current-Generation / Turnkey Electric Packages: Near-new models or those fitted with premium electric propulsion systems and advanced lithium battery setups can range from $16,000 to $22,000+.

Final Buying Advice

The compact pontoon market moves quickly because supply rarely matches the high demand from owners of private ponds and small inland lakes. When you find a promising Gillgetter for sale, verify the title status for both the hull and the trailer, confirm the boat's capacity plate matches your intended passenger count, and always insist on a water trial or motor test run before handing over payment.