Boat Buying FAQ — Nichols Marine Oklahoma & Texas
BUYING & INVENTORY
What types of boats does Nichols Marine sell?
Nichols Marine carries new and pre-owned pontoons, tritoons, fishing boats, ski boats, and surf boats across our 7 Oklahoma and Texas locations. Our brands include Bennington, MasterCraft, Chaparral, Vexus, Robalo, Caymas, Sylvan, and Evotti — covering everything from entry-level aluminum fishing boats to luxury tritoons and performance wake surf boats.
What boat brands does Nichols Marine carry?
We are an authorized dealer for Bennington, MasterCraft, Chaparral, Vexus, Robalo, Caymas, Sylvan, and Evotti. Each brand is represented across our Oklahoma and Texas locations, with new and pre-owned inventory available year-round.
Does Nichols Marine sell used boats?
Yes. We carry a wide selection of pre-owned boats alongside our new inventory at all 7 locations. Every pre-owned boat on our lot is inspected by our certified service technicians before it goes on sale. Browse our current pre-owned inventory online at nicholsmarineinc.com
What kind of boat repair and maintenance services do you offer?
Our certified technicians handle everything from routine maintenance and engine tune-ups to complex repairs and winterization. We’re certified by top marine engine brands like Mercury, MerCruiser, Yamaha, Ilmor, and Volvo Penta to ensure expert service every time.
What is the difference between a pontoon and a tritoon?
A pontoon boat has two aluminum tubes (logs) supporting the deck, while a tritoon has three. The third tube gives a tritoon better stability, higher horsepower capacity, and a smoother ride in choppy water — making tritoons the better choice for larger lakes like Grand Lake or Lake Lewisville where open-water conditions can get rough. Pontoons are ideal for calmer, protected water and typically come at a lower price point.
Do I need an appointment for service?
We recommend scheduling an appointment online or by phone to ensure your boat gets serviced promptly, especially during peak seasons. However, we also accommodate walk-ins when possible.
What is the best boat for Grand Lake Oklahoma?
For Grand Lake's combination of open water and protected coves, we typically recommend a high-end Bennington tritoon or a Chaparral runabout for families, and a Vexus or Caymas fishing boat for serious anglers. Grand Lake's open water can produce real chop, so horsepower and hull design matter — our Monkey Island and Shangri La Marina teams can walk you through the right options for how you'll use the lake.
How much does a pontoon boat cost in Oklahoma?
Entry-level pontoons start around $25,000, mid-range models run $35,000–$60,000, and premium tritoons can go well above $100,000 depending on size, brand, and features. Nichols Marine carries options across all price points, and our team can help you find the right fit for your budget. Financing is available for new and pre-owned purchases.
FINANCING & TRADE-INS
Does Nichols Marine offer financing?
Yes. Nichols Marine works with multiple lenders to offer competitive boat financing for new and pre-owned purchases. You can apply online for pre-approval before visiting any of our 7 Oklahoma and Texas locations, or speak with our financing team in person.
What credit score do I need to finance a boat?
Most lenders prefer a credit score of 680 or higher for the best rates, but lower scores may still qualify depending on the loan amount and down payment. Our financing team works with a range of lenders to find the best option for your situation. Contact any Nichols Marine location to discuss your financing options.
Does Nichols Marine accept trade-ins?
Yes. We accept trade-ins on new and pre-owned boat purchases at all 7 locations. You can get an estimated value using our online Value Your Trade tool, or bring your boat in for an in-person evaluation. Trade-in value is applied directly toward your next purchase.
Can I get pre-approved for boat financing online?
Yes. You can start the pre-approval process online through our financing page before ever visiting a dealership. Getting pre-approved gives you a clear budget and puts you in a stronger position when you're ready to buy.
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
Does Nichols Marine offer boat service and repairs?
Yes. All 7 Nichols Marine locations have certified service departments staffed by technicians credentialed by Mercury Outboard, MerCruiser, Yamaha, Ilmor, and Volvo Penta. We handle routine maintenance, engine diagnostics, winterization, and full repairs for all major boat brands — not just boats purchased from us.
How often should I service my boat?
We recommend servicing your boat at least once a year or every 100 hours of use, whichever comes first. In Oklahoma and Texas, most boat owners schedule service in the fall before winterization and again in early spring before the season starts. Our service team can set up a maintenance schedule based on your boat's make, model, and how often you're on the water.
Does Nichols Marine winterize boats?
Yes. Our certified technicians provide full winterization services at all Oklahoma and Texas locations. In Oklahoma, we recommend winterizing before temperatures drop consistently below freezing — typically October through November. Call your nearest Nichols Marine location to schedule a winterization appointment before the fall rush.
Do I need an appointment for boat service?
We recommend scheduling an appointment, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall), to ensure your boat is serviced promptly. Call your nearest Nichols Marine location or visit our Service & Parts page to schedule. Walk-ins are accommodated when possible.
Do you service boats I didn't purchase from Nichols Marine?
Absolutely. Our service department is open to all boat owners regardless of where you purchased your boat. As long as we're certified for your engine type — Mercury, MerCruiser, Yamaha, Ilmor, or Volvo Penta — our technicians can service it.
LOCATIONS
How many Nichols Marine locations are there?
Nichols Marine has 7 locations across Oklahoma and Texas — Tulsa, Norman, McAlester, Monkey Island, and Shangri La Marina in Oklahoma, plus Longview and Lewisville in Texas.
Which Nichols Marine location is closest to Lake Lewisville?
Our Lewisville, TX location at 1700 N Stemmons Freeway is just minutes from Lake Lewisville, making it the closest Nichols Marine store for DFW boaters. We carry Bennington, Chaparral, MasterCraft, Vexus, Robalo, Caymas, Sylvan, and Evotti — including several Evotti tritoons currently in stock.
Which Nichols Marine location is closest to Grand Lake Oklahoma?
We have two locations right on Grand Lake — our Monkey Island store at 26600 S. Highway 125 and our Shangri La Marina location at 57151 S. Hwy 125. Both carry new and pre-owned inventory with certified service on-site.
Does Nichols Marine offer boat delivery?
Yes. We offer delivery options for select purchases. Speak with our sales team at your nearest location to discuss delivery availability, distance, and any associated costs.