There is no better place to raise a family and there is no better place to grow up, then on a lake with boats!
I am a water kid. My siblings and I grew up on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota. Minnesota’s four seasons made living on a lake even better. We did not seem to care so much about how hot or how cold it was because on the lake there is always something to do and enjoy. Regardless, just about any house on just about any lake is awesome!
Boating starts in the early spring for much of the country. This is the time to start working on the wooden boats with sanding and new paint. It is also time to change the oil and gear lubes. Perhaps, order those new sails you need for the summer?
It is also time to start putting in the docks, floating those boat lifts from the ramp over to your dock, put up the bows and tarps, and other such work. We had two huge old trees in our yard rite off the lake, a Green Oak and an old Willow. My father built a crane with an I-beam, cables, and two cranks and installed it onto the Willow tree. We used this to pull in and out the sail boats we raced in the yacht club, the boat lifts to keep them out of the water, the ramp, put put, swim raft, etc. We never had to float anything over from the ramp.
When summer finally hits we have boating, swimming, water skiing, sailing, long summer days at the beaches, and cool night breezes. There is also the occasional dinner cruise, or after dinner cruise or skiing, midnight cruses, and even water camping.
If you ever get a chance to live on the lakes, do so! However, learn which side of the lake to live on! On lake Minnetonka the north side of the lake was where it was at. This is because the winter winds blew over us and hit the south shore head on, while the summer winds hit us head on. We did not get the brunt of the cold and we got the best of the summer breezes. Meaning, few to no biting flies, stagnant hot air, cheaper utilities, etc.
Living on the lakes also allows you the luxury of having your own dock. You might share one with a neighbor for ease of putting it in, pulling it out, cost, etc. You can have your own lift so that your boat is out of the water. You and your family can jump in your boat any time of the day or night and go for a quick run around the lakes, a slow afternoon or evening cruise, fishing, skiing, sailing, etc. Living and or boating on the lakes is one of the best things you can do for yourself your family and friends. Just do not forget to invite me!
Now, find a high paying job or a rich aunt to pay for it!
Boating, Vintage
Vintage Marine Sales Literature
Vintage Boating
Vintage Boat Posters
Vintage Race Boat Shop
Vintage Hydroplanes
Vintage Wooden Boat Association
Misc Links
Boating News.com
Discover Boating
Shorebase.co.uk - Nice personal collection
Boats, odd, weird, different
GrannyButtons.com
Through the Looking Glass
Bow Riders generally offer the best performance, speed, and towing of the bunch. However, they also tend to seat fewer people comfortably, say 6 to 8. Most are found with I/O drives, though some can be had with straight Inboards.
General
LOA 17′ to 27′
Displacement of 2,000 to 7,000 lbs
I/O, some Inboard, few Outboards
$15k to $70k ~$35,000
Pros
NMPG best at ~25 to ~35 knots
Performance, speed, sports
Quiet to very quiet
Trailer storage
Trailer to destination
Cons
Lacks space for entertainment
Limited seating 6 to 11
Cruisers come in a huge assortment of lengths, drives, options, comfort, and uses. They are great for entertaining, stable, easily overnighted in, and provide good napping space for the kids. They may have AC and Heat, cooking space and a very usable bathroom (head).
General
LOA 25′ to 35′+
Displacement 5,000 to 20,000+ lbs
I/O to Inboard most as twin screws
$60k to $300k+ ~$70,000 to $90,000
Pros
Always in the water
Classy
Comfortable
Diesel engines possibilities
Entertainment (w/out leaving the dock)
Head (toilet)
Heat/AC
Kitchen (micro, burners, sink)
Sleeping accommodations 4+
Cons
Always in the water
Difficult to trailer and tow
Heavy and slow
Cost to store or dock
Fuel costs
Deck Boats are quick, family oriented and comfortable for the whole day. They can haul a large number of people, have excellent storage and can be used for sports, fishing, and entertaining. They do everything well but maybe little perfectly.
General
LOA 18′ to 27′
Displacement 2,000 to 6,000 lbs
I/O, some Outboards, few Inboards
$25k to $60k
Pros
Changing room
Head (optional)
NMPG best at ~25 to ~35 knots
Good performance, speed, sport
Great seating (6 to 14)
Sink or food stations
Quiet
Trailer storage
Trailer to destination
Cons
Not as cool or sporty as a bow Rider
Can be very boring looking
