Getting the Most Out of Boat Ownership

If you're a boat owner, you should be doing what you can do get the most out of your investment. In this article, we will discuss a number of ways that you can get maximum satisfaction out of your boat.

Watersports

There are numerous types of watersports that you can partake in. Some are more difficult than others, but all of them are a blast and a great way to spend your time on the water. We'll give a brief explanation of the most common watersports below.

Waterskiing – One of the oldest watersports nearing its 100^th birthday in 2022, waterskiing can be enjoyed by anyone young or old. It's also a great form of exercise. If you're new to waterskiing, it is best enjoyed on a calm and uncrowded lake. Waterskiing can be picked up in a day or two by most people and is a great way to spend your time on the water. Water skiers are typically pulled between 20-25mph depending on the ability level. Slalom skiers (skiing with only one ski) are pulled between 30-36mph. Waterskiing is a competitive watersport and there are many boat manufacturers that specialize in design and manufacturing of ski boats.

Tubing – Most everyone is familiar with tubing. It simply involves attaching a tube designed for towing to a rope and being towed around the lake. Like waterskiing, it can be enjoyed by anyone young or old. It can be a relaxing activity or physically challenging depending on the driver and the speed that the tuber is being pulled at. There really is no set speed that you pull a tuber.

Barefooting – This is essentially the same thing as waterskiing but you don't use skis. The biggest difference between barefooting and skiing is the level of difficulty. Barefooting is much harder to accomplish. Barefooting can be done off of a boom bar on the side of the boat, on a long line behind the boat, or on a short rope off of a boom bar. The great thing about barefooting is that it only requires a barefoot suit (unless you're really brave and don't mind having your body get substantially bruised up), long line rope, and your body. With barefooting, you're typically pulled at much higher speeds than other watersports. This is usually determined by the barefooters weight. For example, a 200 pound man would be pulled approximately 40 mph. A high horsepower boat for pulling is nice to have as well for ease of getting up. Like skiing, there are boats designed specifically for barefooting.

Kneeboarding – Kneeboarding involves kneeling on your heels on a surf style board and being towed while holding onto a ski rope. Kneeboarding is one of the easiest beginner tow-sports and a great way for new watersport participants to build confidence because you are close to the water. Most beginners can get up on a kneeboard the first time that they try it.

Wakeboarding – Wakeboarding generally appeals to a younger crowd but can certainly be enjoyed by anyone. It was developed from a combination of water skiing, surfing, and snowboarding techniques. Unlike most other tow-sports, your lower body is turned perpendicular to the boat while you are being pulled.

Other Ways to Enjoy Boating

Fishing – Even if you don't have a fishing boat, you can still throw a fishing pole and tackle box in your boat and enjoy a nice day out fishing. Be sure to check out our article on how to catch walleye that we published earlier this year.

Cruising – Cruising on a calm lake is a relaxing way to enjoy your time on the water in your boat.

Swimming – Find a secluded cove and anchor your boat for a few hours to swim around.

Cliff Jumping or Rope Swings – Most lakes have small cliffs that you can safely jump off of into the water or rope swings suspended from a lakeside tree. Talk with the locals at the marina to find out the best and safest spots!

There are an endless amount of activities that you can do while on a boat. The key is choosing something that you enjoy. No matter how you choose to spend your time on the water while boating, always take proper safety measures and wear a life jacket. For more helpful information related to boating,check out our knowledge center. If you're new to boat ownership, you may also be interested in our boat lifts.