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I grew up on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota. There is possibly no better place to grow up as a child. Four seasons and a Lake. We did not seem to care so much about how hot or how cold it would get or what season it was. On the Lakes there is always something to do and enjoy.
Up North you get a changing of the seasons and this means:
Winter snow and frozen lakes. Hockey, ice skating, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, down hill skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, snow tunnels and forts, snowball fights, and the dreaded Slush ball to the eye.
Spring brings mushy ground, flooded swamps and fields to play in, spring flowers, teasing shorts weather, and an excitement for a summer almost here. Cool air but a warming sun brings out the convertibles and motorcycles. Oh, it is the time when you spend a day or two putting in your own dock and boat lifts. Back breaking work, but your that much closer to boating!
Summer is swimming, boating, water skiing, sailing, days at the beaches or in front of the house in the cool night breezes. Midnight boat rides, an evening after dinner skiing or cruising, and weekends out on the water and camping.
Fall drops gusty winds and kite flying. Docks need pulling out, boats and campers need winterizing, more camping, and trees changing into their brilliant fall colors. Then you get to rake all those leaves into piles for jumping into.
If you ever get a chance to live on the lakes, do so! But live on the north side of the lake if you can afford it. Cold winter weather generally blows in from the North while cool summer breezes blow from the south. The summer breezes tended to cool the north side and blow away the mosquitoes and other biting insects while the south side bakes in a stagnant heat, biting insects, and costly cooling bills.
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 don't forget to invite me!
Now, find a high paying job or a rich aunt and uncle 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
