If you live on a lake, chances are you have a boat. Lake boating is a wonderful way to enjoy family activities and relaxation year-round. Whether you own a popular, old-style runabout or a luxury pontoon, strong, quality boat house lifts are essential to safely get your boat in and out of the lake.

A Guide to Lake Boating On Your Travels

Runabouts
During the 1950s, fiberglass boats became very popular. The boat of choice became the 15-foot to 18-foot runabout with a modest horsepower engine. Its design featured a seated driving position, a rear bench at the transom, and a front windshield that protected the driver and riders from water and wind. The lightweight fiberglass features made the runabout easy to push and trailer, and boat owners loved the versatility of this lightweight design. Over the years, this old-style runabout design hasn’t really changed much except for the additional seating added to the bow. Boat lovers still love the lightweight versatility of the runabout for lake boating. With a typical 90-hp outboard motor and room for up to seven people, you can cruise the lake for more than 100 miles on a tank of gas at 30 mph, or add a ski pylon and let the kids enjoy an active, fun afternoon. If you’re looking for a boat that’s easy to operate, transport, lift and maintain, runabouts are a great choice. With a simple design and plenty of horsepower, runabouts are perfect for lake boating.

A Guide to Lake Boating On Your Travels

Pontoons
Pontoon boats are popular lake boats for entertaining friends and family. There’s no easier way to enjoy a day of relaxation on the lake. With a pontoon, you can cruise the lake, stop for swimming or fishing, and enjoy a full day of lake activities before heading home. The old, retro-style pontoons typically held up to 13 guests. They had two tubes that were topped with plywood and stainless steel grills that accented the painted aluminum sides. They were pushed around by a bulky outboard motor that often produced bellows of smoke. Today’s pontoon boats with high-powered 300-hp motors can get up and go. They will easily pull tubers, wake boarders and skiers. Although they still have two tubes, new improved designs with models that range from 16 feet to 30 feet have an outboard engine and stern drive engine. With plenty of forward and aft seating, new pontoon models will easily hold up to 25 people, so they’re perfect for parties and entertaining on the lake.

If it all gets too crazy and technical for you, leave to an expert, get some boat house lifts to help you along. Safe and happy travels!