When you think of heading out on the water, you probably imagine yourself on a motorboat. It’s true that many people head out on the water on a pontoon or a speedboat, but there are many other options at your disposal.
And thank goodness, because many of us don’t have the money to buy and maintain a motorboat, and many of us don’t have the space to store it!
Fortunately, you don’t have to own your own motorboat in order to head out on the water regularly. If you love the idea of sailing through the water, but don’t have your own motorboat, check out the ideas on this list.
Consider Buying Your Own Inflatable Boat
Motorboats can be expensive, and they can be difficult to store. These are two hurdles that you don’t have to overcome if you choose an inflatable boat instead!
Dinghies are an especially popular choice, as you can find many options under $1,000. They can seat multiple riders, and are easily equipped with a motor, so there’s no need to paddle the boat by hand.
You don’t need to have an extra spot in your garage, and you don’t have to rent a storage unit either! Dinghies and other inflatable boats can easily be deflated and stored in a small space. All you have to do is pull it out in the spring and inflate it.
Kayaks Are an Affordable Option
It’s true that dinghies are a great option because they’re affordable, but you also have to purchase the motor. Not to mention, you might be a little uncomfortable riding at high speeds in an inflatable boat! If these are two things that concern you, consider buying a kayak instead.
You won’t move at high speeds, but kayaks can move surprisingly fast once you get your technique down. You can find single passenger boats as well as two-passenger boats for just a few hundred dollars without the need to buy a motor.
If you choose your kayak carefully, you can find models that are easy to store. Many are small enough to store in the rafters of a garage, but you can also find kayaks that fold down for easy storage.
Rent a Boat
If you have the need for speed, and kayaks and dinghies just won’t do, you may want to consider renting a boat instead.
It isn’t uncommon for marinas on large bodies of water and in seaside cities to offer boat rentals with many different options, so you can drive the exact kind of boat you want. However, it is important to keep a few things in mind when renting a boat:
- Renting a boat comes with a lot of responsibility. You will sign a waiver acknowledging responsibility for the boat and passengers. Contacting your insurance before renting a boat is always a good idea.
- There are different age requirements for renting a boat. Some places may require you to be 18, while others may require the driver to be at least 25.
- Make sure you know the rules of the water. Know where to find no wake zones, and be mindful of when the boat needs to be returned to the dock.
Take a Class or Join a Club
Don’t want to have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on buying or renting a boat? Consider taking a community class or joining a club!
Yacht clubs, also known as sailing clubs, can be found in most areas that are situated near a large body of water. You can also find kayaking clubs, classes on motorboat safety, as well as rowing clubs, and much more.
Ask Your Friends
You probably know someone with a boat, or you have a friend of a friend who has a boat. Why not ask them to take you out on the water?
The key to doing this strategy right is to be a good boat passenger. It will ensure you have a good time, and it can increase your chances of getting invited back on the boat again.
Being a good guest includes:
- Bring food, snacks, and drinks
- Bring your own cooler
- Abstain from smoking
- Keep your feet off the seats
- Do not bring your own guests
- Bring along layers just in case it gets chilly
Just because you don’t own your own motorboat doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life spent on shore! With these ideas, you can get out on the water as often as you like without shelling out tens of thousands of dollars on your own motorboat.
