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Nothing beats waking up on a Saturday knowing you've got a full tank of gas, a cooler packed with cold drinks, and a boat pointed toward open water. The lake offers a whole menu of things to do, and most boaters barely scratch the surface of what's possible on a single trip out.

- Tow sports like tubing, wakeboarding, and water skiing...

Top 10 Boat Dealerships in Illinois: 2026 Brands & Data

Quick Answer: The top boat dealerships in Illinois for 2026 are SkipperBud’s, Munson Ski & Marine, Carlyle Lake Marine Center, Spring Brook Marina, Busters Marine, and five others listed below. These dealerships were ranked based on five criteria: new boat brand variety, certifie...

Best Boat Dealerships Near Champaign, IL (2026 Guide & Rankings)

Quick Answer: The top boat dealerships serving Champaign, Illinois for 2026 are Twin Lakes Marine Inc., Carlyle Lake Marine Center, Rick’s Marine, Munson Ski & Marine, J&J Marine, and five others listed below. These dealerships were ranked based on five criteria: new boa...

Best Boat Dealers in Springfield, IL (2026): Brands, Inventory & Rankings

Quick Answer: The top boat dealerships in Springfield, Illinois for 2026 are Timbrook Honda Suzuki of Springfield, Don’s Marine Inc., Busters Marine, Lake Springfield Marina, Hall’s Harley-Davidson Marine, and five others listed below. These dealerships were ran...

Top Boat Dealers in Indianapolis for 2026: Ranked by Brands, Service & Inventory

Quick Answer: The top boat dealerships in Indianapolis for 2026 are Reeder Trausch Marine, Marine Center of Indiana, N3 Boatworks, Just Add Water Boats, Lakeview Marine, and five others listed below. These dealerships were ranked based on five criteria: n...

You don't need to spend a fortune to have a great day on the water. Some of the smartest boat upgrades cost less than a decent dinner out, and they can turn an average outing into something special. Whether you're a first-time boat owner or you've been on the water for years, the right budget boating gear under $50 can add comfort, saf...

Warm weather is finally on the horizon, and if you're like most boaters, you've been counting down the days since fall. But before you back that trailer down the ramp, your boat needs some attention. Months of sitting in storage can take a toll on everything from the engine to the upholstery, and skipping a proper spring inspection is ...

From Pontoon to Speedboat and Finding Your Family's Perfect Ride on Indiana Lakes

Indiana has some amazing lakes, and if you're thinking about buying a boat, you've probably wondered whether a pontoon or speedboat fits your family better. Both types bring different things to the table, and picking the right one comes down to how you a...

Boating Smarter and the Safety Equipment Every Vessel Should Have

You can't just grab the keys and head out on the water. Before you leave the dock, your boat needs proper safety gear onboard. The Coast Guard has specific requirements based on your vessel size, and beyond those mandated items, there are extras worth carrying that coul...

Budgeting for your Midwest Pontoon in 2026: The Indiana Captain’s Guide

In the Midwest, our boating season is a sprint, not a marathon. With a solid six months of "on-water" time, your 2026 budget needs to account for the unique costs of the Great Lakes region and Indiana’s inland reservoirs.

1. 2026 Indiana Slip Fees: Locking in You...

Buying a Used Boat in 2026: The "Post-Pandemic" Inspection Checklist

The "Great Boat Boom" of the early 2020s resulted in millions of new boaters entering the water. Fast forward to today: many of those first-time owners are offloading their vessels due to rising slip fees, maintenance fatigue, or high interest rates.

This is great n...

Top 10 Boat Dealerships in Indiana: 2026 Brands & Data

Quick Answer: The top boat dealerships in Indiana for 2026 are Reeder Trausch Marine, Marine Center of Indiana, N3 Boatworks, Mid-Indiana Marine, WakeSide Marine, and five others listed below. These dealerships were ranked based on five criteria: new boat brand variety, certified ...