Some of my best memories revolve around boating. There is the summer between high school and my first year of college that my friends and I spent the many days on Lake Red Rock without a care in the world and the first trip my husband and I took to Bonita Springs, Florida where we rented a pontoon boat and roamed around while attempting to fish. But my favorite boating memory was last year’s family vacation.
We took a week long trip to Northern Ohio and spent time on my brother-in-law’s boat cruising Lake Erie. He has a 35′ Tiara Express that can sleep up to 6 people. The boys spent a few nights on the boat and cruised from the marina to Cedar Point Amusement Park. It was my daughter’s first time on a boat and though I don’t think she quite understood the concept, she enjoyed being around the water.
Docking for a little fishing and family picnic at the marina.
There are so many activities your family can enjoy. My first suggestion is to go to Discover Boating to learn about your different options. I really had no idea there were so many different types of boats. They have a cool tool on their website that helps you determine the type of boat that you’ll need, depending on what activities, boat length, propulsion, number of passengers, etc. that are appropriate for your enjoyment. The guys in my family like to fish so luckily that makes about any boat an option for them.
They also have a boating education for kids section. I know of my biggest fears is safety on the water. Not only for the people in my boat but the other boaters sharing the water with us. Like most moms, I have a fear of someone falling over the side of the boat, namely myself or my daughter who doesn’t yet know how to swim! But I’ve learned through this website there are basic safety measures that everyone can take to not only prevent “man overboard” but to avoid going out during adverse weather, designating an alternative skipper and letting someone know about your float plan, just in case you experience troubles on the water.
Boating is a fun activity that any family can do. Can’t afford a boat? Don’t worry, you can rent one for a reasonable price. Don’t want to drive the boat yourself? Take a charter, there are plenty of them around. 90% of Americans live within an hour of a navigable body of water. I’m glad that our family has discovered boating and know that we’ll continue to create memories on the water.
I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Discover Boating and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
About Sarah
Twitter: frugalgreenmama
says:
Love the pics! Here in AR we have an abundance of lakes-looks like fun!
I need to take advantage of the lakes around here! Aside from Craighead Park, we haven’t visited any bodies of water.
Twitter: kristinnw
says:
Man, I sure miss my fun times on a boat. As a kid, I used to spend my summers on a boat every day…crabbing, fishing, sitting in the sun, etc. Nothing like it, period. And as a former resident of Northeast Ohio, yes…Lake Erie is dandy for boating.
So are you a fan of fried perch? I’ll admit, I had never heard of it until I met my husband but I’ve grown to like it.
Twitter: FabFindsbyTiff
says:
I like the idea of renting a boat. We have a boat and love going out on the water. Our entire family enjoys fishing and having family time out on the water. Thanks for sharing about Discover Boating.
Twitter: DenSchool
says:
Oh, cool! We live in Florida and my hubby and I have talked about renting boats.
Yes – renting would be great…but I’ve heard that the best way to enjoy boating, is to have a friend who owns one;-) Hint Hint Tiffany
HAHA, yes, I think we need to hang out with Tiffany more!
I will tell you, some of my best summer memories involve boating. And I have never even OWNED a boat! Always seems like a good idea thought
We are a big boating town. We love boating! I love the pictures- so cute!
Thank you for the great resource! We live too close to the water not to take advantage of it!
Twitter: CinnyBBS
says:
Looks like so much fun!
I haven’t been boating in a looong time. It would be a fun family outing to do.
Hey, where are the pontoons?