Fish, water ski, rinse, repeat.
For many boat owners, that’s “summer.” And that’s absolutely
fine, if those are the boating excursions you treasure most—but for some
people, it’s much more fun to think outside the box. And since it’s summertime,
there’s no better moment to consider some other ways you can get the most value
out of your boat while the season’s still hot.
Group
tubing. A great way to break up the monotony of water skiing: rent a big
tube for the day (or buy one to own) and you have an alternative to water
skiing that people of many ages can enjoy. If you’re used to driving a boat for
water skiing, then you already know some of the basics of handling a boat that
has someone tied to its back.
Kneeboarding.
In the same vein, kneeboarding is an alternate activity you can enjoy that
looks a lot like water skiing. Not only is it a great way to enjoy the water, but
also it makes a unique physical challenge that even battle-hardened water
skiers can appreciate.
Day
cruising. Since when does boating have to include a mission? Taking the
boat for a spin and enjoying the water is reason enough to head to the marina
and invite a few friends to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Long-distance
cruising. This requires the right boat and the right captain, of course,
but there are few things as rewarding as a long-distance cruise, boating to far
destinations that you never thought you’d access by sea. Naturally, this one’s
a little harder to pull off without a lot of long-term, careful planning.
Hosting a
watercraft party. Few boat owners think of this, but it’s sometimes fun to
put down the anchor and serve as the host for a watercraft party with your
friends. You can use your main boat to keep water, sunscreen, and other
amenities handy while everyone gets the most out of their Jet Ski, Sea-doo, or
Wave Runner.
Living.
A houseboat is an uncommon way to live, to be sure, but it’s also a very
interesting one. Not only does a houseboat have two features–serving as your home
and as a way to access the water—but many people who live in houseboats find
the same freedoms that people who use RVs enjoy. This option, of course, is
only for the truly boat-crazy.
Sailing.
It’s easy to buy a motor-driven boat, of course—relatively speaking—but you
really take matters into your own hands, quite literally, when you sail. Having
a sailboat is a great way to never worry about gasoline, excessive chemicals,
fuel prices, and the like…all you need is the water, the know-how, and a few pleasant
guests.
Naturally, some of these suggestions are more common than
others—but we hope you’ve learned a few activities you can use to break up the
usual summer routine and make the most of the beautiful weather.
