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    Boating destinations

    The vast majority of all powerboats in the U.S. are less than 26 feet long, which means that there are hundreds, even thousands, of working people who spend spring, summer and fall weekends on the water. Fishing boats make up a large portion of this number and avid fishermen take to the local lakes, larger lakes and rivers year round.

    But so do the pleasure boaters, those who have invested a good deal of money in a quality boat, trailer and all the trimmings. Where do these hundreds of people go when they hear the call of the water? Most of them go to medium size and large lakes, slide their prize ski boat or pontoon boat off the trailer at a public dock, then spend the afternoon playing or just kicking back in the sun. Others take to the road for a boating experience near the sea.

    As we mentioned in the beginning, author Kenneth Graham said, “There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as messing about in boats.” It seems there are a lot of people who agree with him.


    places to go

    Public lakes, streams, harbors

    For the safest and most enjoyable boating trip, the size of the lake or other body of water should match the size and capabilities of your boat. A mid-size or large lake is often the best site for skiers and cruising at higher speeds. Seacoast marinas, harbor marinas and inland waterways are probably best for larger “speed” boats or small yacht-style craft, not to mention fishing boats and sailing vessels.

    If you have a small or mid-size boat that is perfect for an afternoon of skiing, it might be best to look at one of the larger public lakes, such as those supported and maintained by a department of natural resources or conservation department. For example, many large lakes in the Midwest were constructed for flood control and water supply, creating ideal bodies of water for skiers, fishermen and pleasure boaters.

    Contact your local tourism office or state conservation department for information about lakes in your immediate area. These offices may also be able to direct you to similar boating sites within a day’s drive of your community.

    As an example, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has several excellent boating destinations, such as 655-acre Burr Oak Lake. This lake and state park are located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in southeastern Ohio. These lakes are intended for smaller watercraft and often have a horsepower limit. Owners of the smallest pontoon and fishing boats find these lakes to be excellent for quiet cruising and fishing.

    Larger lakes naturally allow larger watercraft. Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are popular destinations for nearly every boater, from fishermen, to yacht owners and sailboat enthusiasts. At last count there were more than 20 places to launch a boat on one of these lakes. Three times each year you can tie up for a few hours and watch drag boat racing sponsored by the Kentucky Drag Boat Association. There are also dozens of marinas with excellent facilities.

    Don’t forget the excellent boating opportunities on the Great Lakes! For example, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has a lot of information about sailing, fishing and pleasure boating on Lake Michigan. The agency offers permit information, an excellent boating guidebook, maps and instructions for public access areas, boater education courses and much more. There are also a number of fishing tournaments and boat-related activities to participate in.

    The Lone Star State also offers dozens of excellent boating opportunities. The state has put together a lakes locator that divides the huge area into six regions, then lists the region’s lakes with details on the types of boats allowed, marina facilities and so on. For example, in just one region the activities might include watercraft rentals, camping, pleasure boating and even scuba diving!

    Some of the most popular boating destinations are those idyllic spots close to the seashore. Safe harbors and inland waterways that are isolated from the ocean waves are ideal locations for a boating vacation For those interested in the more sedate pastime of sailing, salt-water fishing or just afternoon cruising, Penobscot Bay in Maine offers some of the country’s most beautiful scenery and excellent marina facilities. Fort Pierce, Florida, on the Atlantic coast, continues to focus on history, architecture and excellent water for boating.

    For a similar boating experience on the west coast, try the San Juan Islands of Washington state. Forests, rocky shores and beautiful beaches make the 700 islands of this area a favorite boating destination. The marina facilities of this area are second to none and the tourist attractions are first-class.


    Private lakes

    Boating on a private lake is, naturally, a different matter. Many of these locations are intended for the use of those who own a home or other property on the lakeshore. A lake home usually comes with full access to an excellent boating and fishing lake, and most of these sites are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. For example, one such lakeshore community in North Carolina is located in a national forest. The 3,000-acre lake is just one of the attractions. There are also trout streams, white-water kayak streams and full marina services.


    rolling on the River

    Some boat owners find that a river provides just the type of boating experience they are looking for. While river boating comes with a few challenges that separate it from lake boating, there are many benefits as well.

    Here are a few ideas from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. “The Ohio River forms the entire 451-mile southern boundary of Ohio, starting near East Liverpool at the junction of Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and ending west of Cincinnati at the junction of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The river covers 91,300 surface acres of water along Ohio's border -- offering plenty of opportunity for recreation: pleasure boating, fishing, sailing, water-skiing. Various security zones are located along the river.”

    However, as with all rivers, the Ohio River is not wide-open water that will guarantee carefree boating. There are hazards for river boaters, especially if the boater is careless or does not take the time to learn about river boating and a particular river.

    Locks and dams that help manage water flow along the river have special rules, according to the agency. Boaters should always be alert for heavy commercial traffic on the river. In addition, river water is always moving and changing. There are varying water levels and the department has established security zones located along the river. The Division of Watercraft encourages all boaters using the Ohio River to install a VHF radio in their watercraft. The VHF radio may provide a vital link to obtaining help in the event of an "on-the-water" emergency. When operating on the river, all State of Ohio watercraft laws are in effect; in addition, some lesser-known provisions also apply.

    If you decide to try boating on a river, be sure to contact the appropriate department of conservation or natural resources. It is very important that you and your family members learn about the special challenges of boating on a river.

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