Navigation is an important component of boating. It comes into play long before hitting the water, however. Finding your way through the challenges of buying a boat or Jet Ski also can be intimidating.
    Even for first-timers, buying a boat or PWC is not as tricky as it might seem. The steps are almost exactly like those needed when buying a car, something almost every American adult has done.
    Step 1: Wants and needs
    A boat purchase is often a long-term commitment, so it's important to get started the right way - by figuring out what kind of Jet Ski you're going to buy by balancing your wants and needs.
    Think about how you will use the PWC or Boat.
    Will it be primarily for weekend family fun on big lakes? If so, a traditional 3-seater runabout - the family sedan of Jet Ski’s - maybe the best choice. They are versatile, and many models are available at various price points.
    If you are looking for something for cruising with a lot of people, a deck boat might be the best option. Deck boats basically combine the sleek hull of a runabout with the large, open deck design of a pontoon boat. They are also pretty nice fishing platforms. Sounds somewhat like a minivan, doesn't it?
    If you need lots of room but do not care much for speed, a pontoon boat may be the way to go.
    Big cabin cruisers are the RVs of the water, getting you from point A to point B, and giving you a place to stay when you get there.
    Looking to go fast or turn heads? Sleek speedboats with massive engines are the Chevy Corvettes of the lake. Unlike a Vette, they might have room for more than two, but not much more room.
    If you need speed but do not want size, a 2 seater personal watercraft might be the ticket.
    If your want a more thrilling ride that is a little technical you might want to try a stand up Jet Ski.
    Step 2: The budget
    Once you decide on the type of Jet Ski or boat you want and/or need, it is time to decide how much to spend.
    The first consideration is the price of the boat or Ski itself. Like cars, two boats of similar size, shape and even engine power can be separated in cost by thousands - or even tens of thousands - of dollars.
    You do not have to spend much to get reasonably reliable on-water transportation, or you can spend a ton to get the ultimate in luxury and performance.
    Lenders are willing to finance boats for long terms - up to and even beyond 15 years in some cases - so monthly payments can be relatively low.
    However, other costs must be considered. Insurance and registration are annual costs. Storing a boat at a marina is another, sometimes significant, expense. Regular maintenance costs, as well as unexpected repairs, must be considered. Do not forget about accessories, such as electronic equipment, a trolling motor, and even an anchor.
    Finally, make sure your vehicle is capable of towing your boat or Jet Ski’s.
    Step 3: Research
    Today a car buyer can find out anything about any car, thanks in large part to the Internet. The Internet is also a great way to research boats and Jet Ski’s.
    All boat, PWC and engine makers have their own Web sites, although some are better than others. Many sites allow shoppers to "build" their own boat, down to color schemes and accessories.
    Internet-savvy car shoppers have one advantage over boat shoppers. Boat prices can be harder to find. Although a few manufacturers offer set, no-haggle prices on boat packages, many don't publish prices. To find out what a specific boat is going for, shoppers can skim Internet message boards.
    Step 4:
   Sealing the deal
    Once you find a boat or Jet Ski you want and can afford, it is time to close the deal.
    Haggling about the price is usually part of the process. Because haggling is time-consuming, and time is precious during a boat show, many dealers try to avoid the step by offering boats and Personal Watercraft at special "boat show prices" from the start. They might not be willing to cut any more bucks off the bottom line, but it doesn't hurt to ask, "Is that the best you can do?" at least once.
    Once the price is set, be prepared to shell out a nominal amount of cash as a deposit.
    Obviously, there is no way to take a boat or Jet Ski for a test ride at the Civic Center. Still, be sure your deal is contingent on an on-water test drive at a later date. Dealers are generally more than happy to agree. If you hate the boat, you will be able to choose another from that dealer.
​
By Robert Boop

​Lake Okoboji, Iowa
Nestled in the northwest corner of Iowa, Lake Okoboji, its east and west portions and Spirit Lake a little farther north offer Midwesterners a place to let loose a bit - without leaving the nation's heartland.
During the summer, these lakes are host to such events as regattas, 3.5-mile open-water swims and huge fireworks displays on Spirit and Okoboji. Attractions on the shore include a Hooters, ski and boat rentals, parasailing, an amusement park and PWC rentals.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
With more shoreline than the entire state of California, Missouri's man-made Lake of the Ozarks has plenty of room for cruising, exploring and partying.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the lake is filled with revelers of all ages and interests. There are places to rent houseboats and ski boats and plenty of places to stay on shore. The lake has three state parks with launching facilities, two Army Corps of Engineers launches and ramps at practically every resort and marina. When the party is in full swing in some coves, you can walk from boat to boat for miles. Arrive early and make reservations.


Lake Shasta, California
Boardstock -- Toward the end of summer, Lake Shasta explodes to life with a celebration of one of the hottest extreme sports at Wake Boarding magazine's Boardstock. Boardstock showcases the talents of some of the best wakeboarders in the world. Add to that excitement about 3,000 people aboard all manner of watercraft, good food and drink, and you have an alternative party that is worth writing home about.
Lake Shasta features some 370 miles of shoreline and

Lake Havasu, Arizona
Memorial Day kicks off the season for this lake that forms the border between California and Arizona. And what a kickoff it is. Everything from PWC racing and pontoons to offshore racing boats converge on the area to create one of the hottest parties in the West. Bring the beer, suntan lotion and an open mind.

Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota
In what looks a psychological ink-blot test on a map, Lake Minnetonka is Minnesota's premier party lake. Situated about 12 miles from downtown Minneapolis, the lake features 15,000 acres, 110 miles of shoreline, more than 10 restaurants accessible by Jet Ski's and enough secluded coves to call your own.
Big Island is located in the middle of Minnetonka. On weekdays during the summer as many as 50 boats raft up at the island to celebrate the season. On weekends, a couple of hundred boats and Jet Ski's converge on the island and let loose. With four towns accessible by Jet Ski's, there's always someplace to go on Minnetonka
Do you know of other party lakes? Let us know.

​Comments To This Article:
Overall Rating For This Article: ••••••••••

• Spring Lake Michigan (citygirl, 07/20/2007 , Ratings: ••••• )
  Hanky Pank Cove in Spring Lake Michigan. This is located down the channel from Grand Haven Michigan, on Lake Michigan. This place is filled with boats and jet skis in the summer. Hanky Pank Cove is great to go to for a huge party. Tons of boats tie up, especially on Coast Gaurd Festival weekend, you will see over 200 boats tied up and partying like rock stars. It gets pretty crazy, but a real good time!
  
  
• Lake St. Clair, Michigan (jjudd, 05/30/2006 , Ratings: ••••• )
  Jobbie Nooner is the biggest party on Lake St. Clair every summer. It's Mardi Gras in the middle of the lake on Gull Island. Has gotten bigger than ever - last year there were about 300 boats/jet skiis out there. Go to http://www.jobbienooner.com to find out more! **NOTE - if you bring kids the police will escort you off the lake - and this is enforced!!
  
  
• Lake Berryessa, California (Thatpitbull, 05/18/2004 , Ratings: ••••• )
  On Memorial Day Weekend there is a gathering on Lake Berryessa every year. The party gets pretty wild, and has been described as a slightly smaller "Lake Havasu". For most of the weekend there are a minimum of at least 150 boats in the main cover under the Putah Creek Bridge. There are campgrounds lining the lake just north and south of the bridge.

Our sport boat forum is a place where people who are interested in sport boats can come together to discuss and share information about these types of boats. Sport boats are typically smaller, faster boats that are designed for recreational activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. They may also be used for racing or other high-speed activities.
Sport boat forums can be a great resource for people who are looking for information about different types of sport boats, their performance characteristics, and the best ways to use and maintain them. They may also be a good place to connect with other sport boat enthusiasts and learn about events or activities that are related to sport boating.

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The Colorado River is a large river that runs through the state of Arizona, including the town of Parker. Boating is a popular activity on the Colorado River, with a variety of watercraft allowed including motorboats, sportboats, jet skis, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
There are several boat launches and marinas in the Parker area where visitors can rent boats or launch their own. It is important to follow all boating regulations and safe boating practices, including wearing a personal flotation device and having the necessary safety equipment on board.
The Colorado River is known for its warm water and beautiful scenery, making it a popular destination for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and water skiing. There are also several sandbars and beaches along the river where visitors can relax and enjoy the sunshine. In addition to boating, the Parker area offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, biking, and golfing.
​By Bobby Boop

Silverwood Lake is a large artificial lake located in the San Bernardino Mountains of California. It is a popular destination for boating, with a variety of watercraft allowed on the lake including motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
The lake has a marina with rentals available, as well as a launch ramp for boats that are brought in by visitors. There is a speed limit on the lake of 10 mph, and all boats must follow safe boating practices including having the necessary safety equipment on board.
Fishing is also a popular activity on the lake, with a variety of fish species including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and catfish. There are several designated fishing areas around the lake, and a valid California fishing license is required.
In addition to boating and fishing, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, which surrounds the lake, offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, picnicking, and camping. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
​By Bobby Boop

Scarab is a well-known American company that produces a wide range of boats for recreational use on the water. Scarab jet boats are a brand of high-performance sport boats that are designed for speed and agility on the water. They are popular among recreational boaters and professional athletes alike, and they are known for their reliable performance and high-quality construction.
The Scarab jet boat brand was first introduced in the early 2000s with the release of the Scarab 165, a small, one-person sportboat that was designed for speed and maneuverability on the water. Since its introduction, the Scarab jet boat brand has expanded to include a range of models for both recreational and professional use, including the Scarab 195, a versatile sportboat that is suitable for a variety of water sports activities.
One of the key features of the Scarab jet boat brand is its focus on innovation and advanced technology. Scarab jet boats are equipped with a range of features, such as GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and intelligent suspension systems, that help to enhance the user experience and performance of the boat.
In addition to its jetboats, the Scarab brand also offers a range of accessories and safety gear, including life vests, helmet cameras, and wet suits, to help water sports enthusiasts fully enjoy their time on the water.
Scarab jet boats are known for their reliable performance and high-quality construction, making them a popular choice among water sports enthusiasts around the world. Whether you are a recreational boater looking for a fun and thrilling way to spend your summer days, or a professional athlete looking for a high-performance racing machine, the Scarab jetboat brand has a model that is perfect for you.
In conclusion, the Scarab jet boat brand is a leading manufacturer of high-performance sport boats that offers a range of innovative and advanced models for both recreational and professional use. Its focus on technology and safety has helped to make it a popular choice among water sports enthusiasts around the world.
​Bobby Boop

Chaparral is a well-known American company that produces a wide range of boats for recreational use on the water. The Chaparral Vortex boat is a brand of high-performance sport boats that are designed for speed and agility on the water. They are popular among recreational boaters and professional athletes alike, and they are known for their reliable performance and high-quality construction.
The Chaparral Vortex boat brand was first introduced in the early 2000s with the release of the Chaparral Vortex V-1, a small, one-person sportboat that was designed for speed and maneuverability on the water. Since its introduction, the Chaparral Vortex boat brand has expanded to include a range of models for both recreational and professional use, including the Chaparral Vortex V-2, a two-person sportboat that is equipped with a range of advanced features and technologies.
One of the key features of the Chaparral Vortex boat brand is its focus on innovation and advanced technology. Chaparral Vortex boats are equipped with a range of features, such as GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and intelligent suspension systems, that help to enhance the user experience and performance of the boat.
In addition to its boats, the Chaparral brand also offers a range of accessories and safety gear, including life vests, helmet cameras, and wet suits, to help water sports enthusiasts fully enjoy their time on the water.
Chaparral Vortex boats are known for their reliable performance and high-quality construction, making them a popular choice among water sports enthusiasts around the world. Whether you are a recreational boater looking for a fun and thrilling way to spend your summer days, or a professional athlete looking for a high-performance racing machine, the Chaparral Vortex boat brand has a model that is perfect for you.
​Bobby Boop

Polaris is a well-known American company that produces a wide range of recreational vehicles, including personal watercraft (PWCs) and boats. Polaris boats are designed for versatility and performance on the water, and they are popular among recreational boaters and professional athletes alike.
The Polaris boat brand was first introduced in the early 2000s with the release of the Polaris Virage, a high-performance sportboat that was designed for a variety of water sports activities. Since its introduction, the Polaris boat brand has expanded to include a range of models for both recreational and professional use, including the Polaris Genesis, a touring boat that is equipped with a range of advanced features and technologies.
One of the key features of the Polaris boat brand is its focus on innovation and advanced technology. Polaris boats are equipped with a range of features, such as GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and intelligent suspension systems, that help to enhance the user experience and performance of the boat.
In addition to its boats, the Polaris brand also offers a range of accessories and safety gear, including life vests, helmet cameras, and wet suits, to help water sports enthusiasts fully enjoy their time on the water.
Polaris boats are known for their reliable performance and high-quality construction, making them a popular choice among water sports enthusiasts around the world. Whether you are a recreational boater looking for a fun and thrilling way to spend your summer days, or a professional athlete looking for a high-performance racing machine, the Polaris boat brand has a model that is perfect for you.
In conclusion, the Polaris boat brand is a leading manufacturer of boats that offers a range of innovative and advanced models for both recreational and professional use. Its focus on technology and safety has helped to make it a popular choice among water sports enthusiasts around the world.
By Bobby Boop

​Sea-Doo is a well-known brand of personal watercraft (PWC) produced by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), a Canadian company. In addition to its PWCs, the Sea-Doo brand also offers a range of boats for recreational use on the water.
Sea-Doo boats are designed for versatility and performance on the water, and they are popular among recreational boaters and professional athletes alike. The Sea-Doo boat brand was first introduced in the early 2000s with the release of the Sea-Doo Challenger, a versatile sport boat that was designed for a variety of water sports activities.
Since its introduction, the Sea-Doo boat brand has expanded to include a range of models for both recreational and professional use, including the Sea-Doo GTX, a high-performance touring boat that is equipped with a range of advanced features and technologies.
One of the key features of the Sea-Doo boat brand is its focus on innovation and advanced technology. Sea-Doo boats are equipped with a range of features, such as GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and intelligent suspension systems, that help to enhance the user experience and performance of the boat.
In addition to its boats, the Sea-Doo brand also offers a range of accessories and safety gear, including life vests, helmet cameras, and wet suits, to help water sports enthusiasts fully enjoy their time on the water.
Sea-Doo boats are known for their reliable performance and high-quality construction, making them a popular choice among water sports enthusiasts around the world. Whether you are a recreational boater looking for a fun and thrilling way to spend your summer days, or a professional athlete looking for a high-performance racing machine, the Sea-Doo boat brand has a model that is perfect for you.
In conclusion, the Sea-Doo boat brand is a leading manufacturer of boats that offers a range of innovative and advanced models for both recreational and professional use. Its focus on technology and safety has helped to make it a popular choice among water sports enthusiasts around the world.

​Yamaha is a well-known Japanese company that produces a wide range of recreational vehicles, including sport boats. Yamaha sportboats are designed for high-speed performance and maneuverability on the water, and they are popular among recreational boaters and professional athletes alike.
The Yamaha sport boat brand was first introduced in the 1990s with the release of the Yamaha Exciter, a high-performance sportboat that was designed for speed and agility on the water. Since its introduction, the Yamaha sportboat brand has expanded to include a range of models for both recreational and professional use, including the Yamaha AR210, a versatile sport boat that is suitable for a variety of water sports activities.
One of the key features of the Yamaha sport boat brand is its focus on innovation and advanced technology. Yamaha sport boats are equipped with a range of features, such as GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and intelligent suspension systems, that help to enhance the user experience and performance of the boat.
In addition to its sport boats, the Yamaha brand also offers a range of accessories and safety gear, including life vests, helmets cameras, and wet suits, to help water sports enthusiasts fully enjoy their time on the water.
Yamaha sport boats are known for their reliable performance and high-quality construction, making them a popular choice among water sports enthusiasts around the world. Whether you are a recreational boater looking for a fun and thrilling way to spend your summer days, or a professional athlete looking for a high-performance racing machine, the Yamaha sportboat brand has a model that is perfect for you.
In conclusion, the Yamaha sport boat brand is a leading manufacturer of sport boats that offers a range of innovative and advanced models for both recreational and professional use. Its focus on technology and safety has helped to make it a popular choice among water sports enthusiasts around the world.