Key Takeaways
- Through boating, families can connect like never before, get active, and experience a lifetime of memories in the beauty of nature.
- Consider your family’s needs in detail. From there, choose a boat that focuses on safety, comfort and longevity in your price range to ensure happy days ahead.
- Begin with short, simple excursions to ease your family into boat life and develop their comfort and confidence on the water.
- Make safety a priority through ensuring everyone uses life jackets, familiarizing the family with emergency procedures, and keeping a first aid kit on board.
- Enlist your kids in boating chores to foster a sense of responsibility and keep the experience exciting for everyone.
- Find enjoyable on-water activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, and picnicking to build delightful, memorable experiences aboard.
Getting your family from shore to boat is an exciting first step towards exploring the water together. Lund boats have a reputation for ruggedness, safety, and purposeful design. All of these features combine to make them an ideal platform for lasting family memories on the water.
With spacious seating options, built-in storage for gear, and stable handling, these boats offer comfort and safety for all ages. Fishing, tubing, or just relaxing on a beautiful day out on the water—this is the beauty that Lund boats help you achieve. They open the door for lifelong memories.
Families new to boating find that Lund models are intuitive and simple to operate. This layout makes the transition from shore side fun to thrilling aquatic adventures smooth and easy. Discover the excitement, adventure, and togetherness family life on the water can bring.
Benefits of Boating for Families
Boating isn’t just a pastime; it’s an investment in family togetherness, health, and happiness. Whether cruising in a quality boat on a quiet lake or exploring rivers with friends and fishing partners, boating offers countless ways to connect, relax, and create cherished memories with your dream boat.
Strengthen family bonds
Boating has a magical way of bringing families together, providing unique experiences and conversations that deepen connections. It all begins with the right boat—think about what your family wants to do. First, determine your family’s size and interests.
A fishing boat may be ideal for those with angling enthusiasts, while pontoons suit bigger groups. Before stepping aboard, understanding basic boating skills and safety practices sets the stage for fun, safe adventures on the water.
Even small things, such as tying knots or steering the boat, can turn into enjoyable learning experiences for children. Outfitting the boat with safety gear (life vests, first aid kits, etc.) brings an extra layer of peace of mind.
Begin with one easy journey, such as a brief bike ride to see the sunset. This fosters confidence and enthusiasm for each family member.
Encourage outdoor activities
Boating provides another great opportunity for families to get outside, providing them the opportunity to be active while learning a new skill. When we’re onboard, everyone’s wearing life jackets—it’s not up for discussion.
Proper first aid kits and knowledge of emergency plans get everyone ready to deal with minor mishaps. Being able to check weather forecasts and understand what the water looks like makes sure that each trip is safe and enjoyable.
Whether you’re tubing or paddleboarding, boating gets families moving, building collaboration skills and increasing enthusiasm along the way.
Promote relaxation and stress relief
The serenity of open water provides an unmatched retreat from everyday stressors. Pick a boat with comfy seating and family-friendly amenities so everyone can chill.
Wide decks, cast-in cup holders, and shaded bow areas create an environment where every trip is an adventure. Families can float down the river, enjoying the views or just listening to the sound of the water.
Without any screens around, it’s an opportunity to relax and reconnect, creating benefits that’ll leave both body and mind invigorated.
Create lasting family memories
Each outing provides yet another opportunity to make lasting memories. Fishing shifts from a mission to catch dinner to laughter when someone’s line gets tangled, and patience when waiting for a fish.
Whether you’re swimming or water skiing, it’s more fun, or discovering hidden coves or rivers, it’s more adventurous and it sparks your curiosity. Those snacks always taste better on the water, picnics included or s’mores cooked on shore.
It’s these shared experiences that establish traditions, providing families with stories to share for decades to come.
Preparing for the Transition
Transitioning your family to a boating lifestyle can be an exhilarating adventure, with the right preparation and patience. Families looking for a little versatility while still maintaining the comforts of the best leisure boats will love Lund boats. To make the transition as seamless as possible, start small.
Ensure a smooth transition. Build confidence in all communities and mindfully adapt to life on the water.
1. Assess your family’s needs
Begin with the big picture of what you and your family want to get out of boating. Consider all of your planned activities—tubing, swimming, fishing, cruising—and how much room you will want. Families transitioning from large homes, like moving from a 1,100-square-foot house to a 40-foot boat, often realize they won’t need everything they once owned.
Make a list of what you need, and use sites such as Craigslist or Varage Sale to let go of excess. You will find it liberating, and even bigger boats can be made to feel small with careful consideration.
2. Learn basic boating skills
As you prepare to take your Lund boat out for the first time, take the opportunity to learn the basics as a family. Read up on docking, navigation, and safety procedures. Not only does this help build confidence but it makes sure that everybody is truly feeling included.
Consult with experienced boaters to avoid rookie errors. They can offer hands-on advice, like how to stow your equipment to maximize efficiency in a confined area.
3. Plan initial boating trips
Short trips are ideal for beginners. A few hours on calm waters can help kids get comfortable while giving you a chance to assess what works and what doesn’t. Gradually increase the duration and complexity of outings as everyone acclimates.
For example, you might start with local lakes before exploring larger bodies of water. This approach builds confidence and creates positive experiences.
4. Gather essential boating gear
The right tool can help the difference. Budget for life jackets for all on board, a first-aid kit, and weather-appropriate attire. Paddleboards and fishing gear make the experience even more enjoyable and productive, particularly when you can fish or kayak from your boat.
Make sure to keep a small bin of irreplaceable items, such as family photos, in higher, safe storage to prevent any water damage. That way you’re prepared for adventure and bad luck alike.
5. Understand local boating regulations
Boating regulations change from place-to-place, so make sure you check local rules and regulations. Research local permits, speed limits, and safety regulations. This minimizes the risk of violations and provides a healthier, safer environment for your family.
Veteran boaters should be able to provide tips on how to cut through the red tape and sidestep the usual missteps, too.
Safety Tips for Family Boating
Boating with your family can be a wonderful experience that brings you closer to each other and the water, especially when you have a quality boat like a Lund boat. Safety should never take a back seat, so emphasize essential practices to ensure that your fishing trips are memorable for all the right reasons!
Use life jackets for everyone
Life jackets are not optional when you’re out on the water. Each person on board, even if they are an adult and a strong swimmer, should wear one. This is particularly true with children, where even the most experienced boaters can be thrown by surprise waves or a sudden stop.
Ensure life jackets are U.S. Coast Guard-approved and fit properly. A jacket that fits too large is just as dangerous as not wearing one.
Learn emergency procedures
Teach your family basic boating emergency protocols so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Have communication devices aboard and make sure everyone knows how to use them. This extends to all equipment, including the VHF radio and mobile phone — both essential tools in any emergency.
Make plans. Have open conversations about what to do in case there’s a man overboard or if the weather suddenly turns. Ongoing education helps everyone to be safe, confident and competent.
Keep a first aid kit onboard
A well-stocked first aid kit is always a great investment. Pack bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any other medications your family might need. Additional safety equipment including flares and fire extinguishers should be among the items you keep onboard.
These resources can offer lifesaving support when the unthinkable occurs but not if you don’t know what they are.
Check weather conditions before departure
Be mindful of changing weather conditions on the water. Make sure you’re always checking the forecast, and don’t go out when there’s a chance of strong winds or storms. If you notice stormy weather on the horizon, don’t hesitate to take action.
A sudden change in water temperature signals you to leave the water immediately.
Choosing the Right Boat for Families
Selecting the ideal walleye boat involves more than just choosing the prettiest boat; it requires matching size, safety, comfort, and budget to create lifelong fishing experiences on the water.
Consider Boat Size and Space
The boat size plays a huge role in how comfortable your family is on the water. There are a lot of ideal lengths in boating, but for families, 18 to 25-feet is the money range. It’s big enough that it can be walked entirely in a day with space for everyone to spread out and not feel crowded but small enough that it’s manageable.
A boat on the smaller size, 16 to 17 feet, is ideal for couples or small families. It gets tight when you’re trying to fit five. Consider how many people will consistently be a part of your journeys and the gear you’ll be toting.
Evaluate Safety Features
We know safety is number one, particularly when it comes to children. Choosing a boat that has easy access to emergency items such as life vests and first aid kits will give you peace of mind. All children under 12 years of age are required to wear a USCG-approved, properly fitted personal flotation device at all times while underway.
Other features such as non-slip decks and high secure railings provide additional safety.
Look for Family-Friendly Designs
Comfort and convenience should be at the forefront of a quality boat, especially for families. Features like sun protection, such as a Bimini top, enhance comfort on long outings. Ample seating, tackle storage, and thoughtful layouts allow families to fish, unwind, or enjoy quality time without stumbling over equipment.
Compare Costs and Maintenance Needs
Buying a boat isn’t only a matter of the initial cost. Budget for 10-20% of the value of the boat per year in maintenance costs. This will not only prevent accidents, but it helps maintain the overall condition of the boat.
Aluminum boats, a popular family option, typically need more maintenance than fiberglass counterparts, which can drain the time families don’t have.
Activities to Enjoy on a Boat
With a Lund boat, the possibilities are infinite for fun and making lifelong memories. This quality boat allows families to reconnect while enjoying comfortable fishing experiences on the water. Each outing presents a new opportunity to explore, unwind, and discover the ideal walleye boat features.
Fishing as a Family Activity
Fishing isn’t just a way to catch your next meal—it’s an opportunity to instill important life lessons like patience, teamwork, and respect for nature. Assign roles to keep it exciting. Consider assigning one child the role of “bait manager” or “catch counter.
As you cast lines for that elusive bass or hungry perch, take the downtime to share campfire-like stories or learn a knot-tying skill. There are fun and free tutorials available online and right here on Discover Boating that will help you make it a fun, educational experience.
Or plan a scavenger hunt for the little ones. Make a scavenger hunt list of things for them to spot, like buoys, seagulls, or a needlefish, and may the best team win!
Swimming and Water Sports
Once you stop to fish or enjoy a picnic lunch, those calm waters around your Lund boat are ideal for swimming and watersports. Enjoy unlimited fun on a water trampoline – inflatable & portable, assembles in 20 minutes.
For those seeking more excitement, tubing and paddleboarding are available, suited for all abilities. All of these types of activities are amazing confidence builders and memory-makers.
Sightseeing and Exploring Nature
Spending time on the water provides an up-close look at the natural world. Enjoy the natural beauty of our peaceful lakes or coastlines, looking for wildlife such as herons or otters.
Dock at a nearby island or nature reserve to enjoy hiking trails. Whether they’re picking up beautiful seashells or looking for tide pools, their experience will become a fun learning opportunity.
Picnicking on the Water
A day out with a family picnic on your boat will really bring home the comfort and warmth of a great day out. Fill a cooler full of sandwiches, snacks, and cold drinks, and anchor in a beautiful spot.
Or, go back to the beach for even more options—make sandcastles, fly kites, or play badminton. These unpretentious but transformative activities inspire happiness and deepen relationships.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Making the move to life on the water as a family with a Lund boat is a fun and rewarding experience. It does take some planning and a phased approach to ensure that everyone is comfortable and confident in their fishing positions. Involve your whole family and start with small steps. Together, you’ll cultivate memories that will last a lifetime and foster a mutual respect and admiration for life on the water.
Start with short trips
Start with short excursions to local lakes or rivers. Planned short trips allow everyone to get used to the boat’s motion and new environment while still feeling supported and not overwhelmed. Pack up snacks, sunscreen, and life jackets appropriate to the age of each family member.
An easy two-hour ride on peaceful waters is the perfect introduction. Children will love the panoramic vistas just as much as mom and dad familiarize themselves with the art of docking and maneuvering. With time, these smaller outings will help the child build confidence and prepare them for lengthier adventures.
Involve kids in boating tasks
Allow the children to engage in age-appropriate activities to ignite their curiosity and environmental stewardship. Even younger kids can do the easy things, such as fastening their life vest and collecting gear.
At the same time, bigger kids will be able to assist with rudimentary navigation and pick up knot-tying skills. This experiential approach not only develops their teamwork and professional skills, it makes them feel valued.
Gradually increase time on the water
Dock your vehicle and extend your boating adventures as people grow more comfortable. Transitioning from short cruises to half-day or full-day excursions gives your family the opportunity to ease into things gradually.
Fish from the riverbank or a canoe, or lunch on a sandbar and enjoy the breathtaking Sunglow-filtered views. These activities are fun and dynamic, yet rooted in familiarity. Including a mix means that every trip is an adventure, and nobody is ever left behind or feeling pressured.
Seek advice from experienced boaters
Meet experienced boaters by joining local clubs, engaging in online communities, or participating in marina events. Their practical tips—best safety practices, maintenance advice, how to choose a route—make all the difference.
They can recommend that you check for leaks before each trip. They suggest keeping a routine maintenance schedule and taking a boating safety course. These tips help ensure that your transition is smooth and safe.
Conclusion
Making the switch from shore to boat can reconnect your family while introducing a new element of fun and exploration to your routine. Beyond a new hobby, boating will create experiences that you, your spouse, and your kids will never forget. From fishing trips to sunset cruises, there’s so much more to explore as one. Choosing a family-friendly boat, like a Lund, and being properly prepared goes a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Small preparations, such as packing the appropriate gear and planning on-water activities, help transition and create joyful experiences.
Want to jump into the transition? So begin with baby steps, be mindful and cautious for safety, and allow the water to transform into your family’s go-to adventure space. The greatest adventures begin with the courage to venture outside the familiar. So put your life jackets on and enjoy the water—the water’s calling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of boating for families?
From building teamwork to creating a quality boat for family bonding, there are plenty of boating benefits that await your family’s outdoor adventures. It promotes family bonding, limits their screen time, and gets them exposed to the natural world around them. After all, it’s one of the best ways to unwind when enjoying the beauty of inland waters or a day on the coast aboard your dream boat.
