Renting is a great way to compare boat types and models before deciding which boat to buy. Boat rentals come in a variety of forms, from hourly and daily rentals to weeks-long charters. Rental operations may not offer a wide range of boat models, but they can provide a range of boat types for you to try. Rental fleets tend toward basic models, nevertheless, they can give you and your family a sample of the boating fun waiting for you on the water, and they are a great way to get your feet wet.

Marinas in hundreds of lakes and waterways across the country offer recreational boat rentals by the hour or by the day. Typical offerings in a sizable lake or reservoir in ascending order of cost would include small, aluminum, outboard-powered fishing boats, ski boats and stern-drive runabouts, pontoon boats or deck boats and houseboats. Most are relatively simple to operate, although state regulations regarding powerboat operator licensing and certification may apply. A dock attendant will provide brief boating instructions to you before you set out. Consult your state Department of Natural Resources for listings of rental operations.

Fractional Boating Membership and Ownership programs pairs several “members” on one boat with an Owner and professionally manage the entire process from stem to stern. The fractional company typically provides brand-new well appointed boats and takes care of most of the work (such as fueling, pump-out, maintenance, insurance, etc.) which allows members to focus on learning the ropes and enjoying the boating lifestyle. Members pre-schedule use of the boat online and often get the added benefit of lessons, flotillas and additional crew if needed. If this fits your pocketbook it's a great way to acquire knowledge fast as well as hands on experience and will make your boating experience very rewarding.

Boat Clubs are a great way to get your feet wet and decide which type of boat is best for you. Boat Clubs own the fleet of boats in the club, which members can reserve and use. Members sign on for a term of use, and during that time, they get unlimited access to a variety of boats. Reservations are typically made on-line but some clubs also have reservationists who handle requests as well. The Boat Club maintains, cleans, insures and stores the boats and provides classroom and on-the-water training. Most Boat Clubs have mainly powerboats with a few sailboats. Club members are responsible for their own fuel.

If you enjoy the water and being on, in, or just around it a boat can be a wonderful addition to anyone's summertime repertoire. Whether you're an angler, RV enthusiast, kayaker, sail boat enthusiast, or simply a water enthusiast a boat is a great way to get where you need to go. The problem is that traditional boats are quite expensive and quite frankly a pain in the butt to haul from here to there. There is a viable solution to this problem though. Inexpensive boating has become more popular with more choices for your selection and these boats are made of top quality material. Let's check out some options.

What's that solution, you ask? That solution is a quality inflatable boat. I emphasize the word quality, because I'm not referring to those inflatable boats that you see in your local pool. I'm referring to quality inflatable boats, such as kayaks, canoes, pontoons, and even sail boats. The kind of quality that can stand up to a dog's paws as well as class IV rapids! The cost of these types of inflatable boats is dramatically less than that of traditional boats.

Not only are these quality inflatables less than traditional boats, they are a ton more convenient as well. Imagine being able to take your boat with you in the trunk of your car or a compartment of your RV? That is what I call convenient. These types of boats easily inflate wherever you would like them to. Then when your done, simply deflate them, and your good to go.