Interested in purchasing a new boat? Or maybe you were invited to go boating with a friend? It probably comes as no surprise to hear that boats on lakes, rivers, or the ocean can look and operate completely different from one another. Take a look at some of the pros and cons of each boating experience, so you know exactly what to expect from a lake and ocean boat.
Boats on Lakes
Usually, you’ll see ski boats, jet skis, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and other small open fishing boats on lakes. This is so they can easily be pulled in and out of the water using a trailer. You will enjoy the fresh water boating in lakes, leaving no harsh residue in your boats.
Pros
Lake boating can be laid-back when you’re fishing and riding gentle waves or exciting with the options of swimming, watersports, and other activities. Freshwater leaves no salt build-up on your boat either. It means less cleaning on your part.
Cons
A lot of people go boating on lakes. Because of this, it can be crowded—especially during seasonal boating periods. These seasons most likely occur because of the presence of ice or low water levels. Additionally, it’s harder to make use of the good times without a lakeshore property.
Boats on Rivers
Large riverboats come with a flat bottom to avoid damage in shallow areas. Small riverboats, such as kayaks, canoes, and whitewater rafts, are made to run aground so you can venture out of the vessel and explore. Some even come with motors to make getting back on the water easy afterward.
Pros
In certain areas, boats on rivers get cool boating traffic amenities to operate as land street systems do. This includes riverwalk restaurants, fuel stations, docks, and more. You may even spot local wildlife that isn’t typically witnessed in highly populated areas. The shallowness in some places means that the river can warm up and become a great spot for swimming or beginners trying out watersports.
Cons
Since rivers are smaller than lakes and oceans, the boats can’t be all that big. Not only that, but you’ll need a boat with a strong motor to overcome the river current in certain situations. River boating also requires constant vigilance as debris from the trees and other plants surrounding the edges can fall in. Your time and distance traveled on a river can be limited by the boating season or vegetation.
Boats in Oceans
When it comes to seawater, generally speaking, sailboats are your best bet. They can propel themselves to travel without constant fueling and can be manufactured to slice through harsh waves for safer travels. Keep in mind that the bigger the sailboat, the larger of a crew you’re going to need to keep it running. While, in comparison of lake boat vs ocean boat, ocean boats are difficult to move out from water in emergency times.
Pros
Thanks to oceanic boating, you can see beautiful tropical fish and other creatures. You can also visit different terrains, such as islands, beaches, and mountains, as a way to discover new places. And lucky for all boats in the ocean, the saltwater doesn’t freeze easily, so you can go all year round.
Cons
The hardest part about taking out boats in the ocean is just how vast it is. So, boating in the ocean is a difficult part during bad weather situations. The farther out you go, the harder it is for emergency response teams to reach you in times of trouble. Sea weather can be harsh too. Although you wouldn’t go boating during a hurricane, giant crashing waves during storms can be hazardous.
Keep Your Boat In Tip-Top Shape In Any Body of Water
At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter where you boat… just that you clean your boat properly afterward! Ensure your haul lasts for years to come with these premium cleaning accessories, Then, you can give it the ultimate drying experience with The Absorber®. This is a super-drying PVA towel that soaks up and holds water better than anything out there today.
Save time cleaning up after your ride with large-sized towels such as The Absorber® XXL (20in. x 32in.) or The Absorber® MAX (22in. x 43in.). You can even bring a small, spare The Absorber® to cool yourself off while you prepare for the next trip out.