Boating appeal quickly reaching the masses

There are a lot of people on the water this year because boating and all the recreational activities associated with it are fun. Whether they are into fishing, swimming, sailing, boat camping or being on the water for a cruise down the lake, boating is becoming increasingly popular every year on the state's waterways.

There are a lot of first-time boat buyers and buying a boat should be an exciting and enjoyable experience. And it can be with a little planning and thought.

Today's fishing boat buyer has more choices than ever. Some buyers are intimidated by all the choices, but they don't need to be. They can actually help themselves find a boat that's just right before ever leaving home.

Issues like hull design, outboard size, features and options are all factors in finding a new boat and can be figured out in advance.

What kind of fishing they will be doing and what kind of waters they will be visiting most will help them decide. For example, if they like to fish for bass and usually fish small lakes, a modified V aluminum boat would be fine. However, if they want to fish in tournaments, they might consider a performance fiberglass boat that will provide great range and speed. If a boat buyer likes to fish for walleye, they would be happy with a deep V-hull.

Today's boat buyer will find boats with an outboard motor, trailer, trolling motor, fish locator and other accessories. The bottom line every boat buyer can help themselves by assessing what they want and need to enjoy their favorite kind of activity the most. This will help them narrow their choices and stay within their budget.

One type of boat that is growing in popularity is the pontoon boat. This versatile boat fits the bill for many families. The reasons are numerous. The pontoon lets the angler fish in comfort and can be used for a cruise down the lake or anchor in a cove for a family picnic on the water.

Charles Martin, Kansas City, bought a pontoon boat this spring and said, "That was one of the best things I ever did. We have used the boat every week since I got it. If we aren't fishing, we are swimming, skiing or just cruising down the lake."

Martin told of a friend that had a pontoon and he would take clients aboard for a business luncheon meeting. He said, "I had them just where I wanted. When we talked business, they knew if things didn't work out just right, they might have to swim back."

Last week, I saw how much fun a pontoon boat can be. After going out of Orleans Trail Marina, I picked up Kevin and Jessica White and Jessica's three sisters, Rosa, Joy and Heather Hauser. Fishing near Crabtree Cove, Jessica caught two keeper crappie before anyone else had a strike. Then Rosa had a big fish hit and she fought it for 10 minutes before Kevin landed a 5-pound carp.

Next, all five jumped into the cool waters of the lake and swam for a while before heading back. All five commented on just how much fun a pontoon boat can be.

So, when you are out on your favorite lake this summer and it seems there are more boats than ever, you are right. Boating is big business today.