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The Joy of Boating
Whether you live in the desert or on the ocean, boating is one of the pastimes that everyone enjoys. I have yet to meet a person that did not love the tranquility of floating in the middle of a body of water, or the thrill of carving up a lake at high speeds. Boating is one of those special pastimes that can make you forget all your troubles. The cool water and tranquil sounds of the water are the ultimate relaxers.
I grew up on a lake in Minnesota, and my childhood was literally spent on the water. I now live in Colorado, and while it is truly a paradise, I miss having a lake in my backyard. However, even though access to boatable water is hard to come by, I still make an effort to get out in a boat as often as possible. No matter what your pleasure, there is a boat for you. The most common type of boat, and what comes to mind when most people think about boating, is the sport or ski boat. These are the most versatile types because they have the power and low profile to pull a skier or tube, but also have open rear deck space to accommodate lounging on the water. Some ski boats even have an open bow, providing more seating and the true "wind in your hair" thrill at high speeds.
The serious ski boats (Mastercraft, Malibu, and Ski Nautique) are short on comfort and high on performance. They are truly set up for the sole purpose of pulling a skier, boarder or tuber. The seating is scarce, with a small bench located towards the front of the boat to provide the correct balance. Also, the engine is mid-mounted taking up a considerable amount of space in the center of the boat. But the low profile and hull shape cause a minimal wake, and extremely tight turning.
If you are looking for a more versatile yet sporty style, there are plenty of alternatives. The lower end of sport boats can be found with Bayliner or Four Winns. These offer an affordable boat with a good layout, but do not have the performance of a ski boat. The high end of the sport style is Sea Ray and Monterey. These boats offer comfort and space as well as the performance needed to enjoy skiing. The price tag is quite a bit higher, but well worth it if you plan to spend alot of time on the water. These are great family boats as you can all fit comfortably, and still have the speed and performance to "play". Another very popular style of boat is the cabin-cruiser. These larger boats offer a cuddy or cabin in the bow that usually have a sleeping area, a marine toilet, and sometimes even a sink and refrigerator. While these boats are the ultimate for entertaining or spending long hours on the water. The downside is that the large hull makes it almost impossible to ski behind. The large wake produced can be good for wake-boarding or tubing though. These boats are great for families that plan to spend a weekend on the water, or a couple that enjoys the peace of a night on the water. The larger cruisers can often accommodate 6 people on sleeping berths. However, the price tag usually equates to a RV, or even a house, so these boats are meant for people who plan to use them alot. The other downside is that their size usually prevents towing (most are large enough to require a special towing license), so they must have a berth at a marina. The sailboat is a great way to enjoy a day on the water. The peace of sailing under wind power has a way of melting away stress and problems. While they are designed for wind propulsion, sailboats come with a small motor for navigating channels and marinas. These are an excellent way to get out on the water and leave your normal life behind. One of my favorite vacations is to go to the Virgin Islands and sail the Caribbean. You can hop from island to island, and find a secluded lagoon to spend the night in as you listen to the water lapping on the hull. Some are large enough to have a sleeping berth and living area below, but the typical sailboat is lacking in accommodations. However, the major benefit is the small amount of gas needed. Most sailboats can run on a single tank for an entire season, making it a very cheap alternative to a large cabin cruiser. If you are looking to buy a boat, be sure to review your wants and needs carefully. Some things you want to consider when choosing a boat:
What do you want a boat for; water sports or relaxation? don't buy a cruiser to ski, and don't buy a mastercraft to lounge around in.
How often will you use it? There is no need for a top end luxury boat if you will only use it twice a year.
Can you berth it at a marina, or do you need to tow it? In most states, anything over 30 ft requires a special towing license.
Will it be a fresh water or salt water boat? There are typically different engine and propellor set ups for the different types of water.
If it is a used boat, how was it used before? Be extremely careful if buying a used salt-water boat. If it was not properly cared for, such as fresh water flushing of the engine after EVERY use, it will be a problem for you from day one.
What is your budget? Don't shop around for your dream yacht if you can only afford a pontoon boat (there is nothing wrong with that, anything that floats is a good boat in my book.) The most important thing in buying a boat is to get one you are happy with. Don't try to compare your boat to anyone else's. That guy in the big fancy yacht is probably envious of your 20 ft sail boat every time he fills up the 300 gallon tank. You are buying a boat for you and your family, and if it makes you happy, it is the best boat you could have. Enjoy yourself and I'll see you on the water. |
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