Five Ways to Get on the Water Without a Motor Boat

There’s nothing like a day spent on the water. Throwing on a swimming suit and spending the day lounging on the beach is one way to get closer to the waves, but there’s so much more of the water to explore. Don’t spend all your time on the sand!

For many of us, a motor boat simply can’t be added to our budget. They can be expensive! Fortunately, you don’t have to buy a motor boat in order to spend more time exploring the water, fishing, swimming, and having fun. There are many other ways you can explore the water that are both fun and affordable.

Inflatable Boats

Just because you can’t own a large motor boat doesn’t mean there aren’t other kinds of boats you can buy! An inflatable boat is a great choice for those who want to spend more time on the water. It’s true that you won’t be entertaining large groups of people on an inflatable boat, but they do come with benefits that include:

• They are extremely versatile. They can be powered by a motor, but they can also be rowed or paddled.
• There is no need to rent an expensive storage garage because they can be deflated and stored easily.
• Inflatable boats cost just a few thousand dollars, while other boats can cost tens of thousands.

You can use an inflatable boat to do a little fishing, they can be fun to paddle, and they’re perfect for small ponds as well as large bodies of water.

Human Powered Boats

Your boat doesn’t have to have a motor in order for you to get out on the water. It’s true that you may move a little slower, but human powered boats can also be a great way to get around on the water.

The best part about human powered watercraft is the fact that there are so many different kinds for you to choose from! Just a few options include:

• Canoes and kayaks
• Paddle boards
• Paddle boats
• Hydrocycles
• Pole boats

These types of boats are among the most affordable. You can buy a kayak for just a few hundred dollars, while paddle boats can be rented on many recreational lakes.

Rent a Boat

Human powered boats are popular things to rent on a lake, but they aren’t the only things you can rent. On large bodies of water, you will probably be able to find companies that are willing to rent you a boat for the day.

Renting a boat doesn’t cost nearly as much as purchasing a motor boat, but it can still get expensive. You can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for the day in most cases.

You should also know what you’re getting into when you rent a boat. Make sure you know the rules, laws, and regulations where you’re boating, and take things slow while you figure out how to steer the craft. It’s also a good idea to call your insurance if you plan on renting a motor boat.

Take a Tour

Does the idea of steering a boat yourself make you nervous? You can leave the boat driving to someone else by taking a river cruise instead.

Major rivers all over the world have dinner and entertainment cruises that enable you to get out on the water without the need to steer the boat yourself. In the United States, you’ll find many steamboats on the Mississippi River, for example.

It’s not just rivers! You can find boat tours on lakes, and you can rent a charter to take you sightseeing on the ocean.

Find a Friend with a Boat

Large tours can be fun, but if your idea of a day on the water involves less people, you can’t go wrong by asking a friend to take you out on their boat!

It is important to be a good boat guest if you have a friend that invites you to go with them. That includes offering to bring food and drinks, being prepared with the right clothes in case of inclement weather, and helping the captain with boat chores, like tying the boat to the dock. After all, you want to be invited back on the boat again in the future!

Just because you don’t have the budget for a large motor boat doesn’t mean you’re doomed to spend all your time on the beach! With this list and a little creativity, you can hop on a more affordable boat and still enjoy your day spent on the water.