
Budgeting for a Pontoon Boat in 2026: A Realistic Cost Guide
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
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
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 ...

Ultimate Boat Trailer Guide: Sizing, Towing, and Storage Tips
Roll, Roll Your Boat With These Tips
When you have a trailerable boat, you can fish just about any waterway. Trailering gives you the chance to explore and fish where you want. Reeder-Trausch Marine is here to give you essential tips on trailering a boat.
Selecting the Right Trailer
So, you've found a trailerable boat that you want ...

Boat Winterization Tips to Keep Your Vessel Safe All Winter
The End of Boating Season Just Means the Next One is Coming
Summer fun fades fast; prep for winter with expert boat winterization at Reeder-Trausch Marine. Trusted service to protect your boat all season long.
For boaters in colder climates, winterizing is a must. Even if you're still enjoying the water, it's smart to plan ahead. Pro...

Fishing Boat Essentials: What Every Angler Needs Onboard
Fish Smarter with These Top Accessories
You don't need absolutely everything to be successful at fishing, but some must-have accessories can level up your game. Reeder-Trausch Marine takes a look at five handy fishing accessories and essentials to have onboard.
Fish Finder
If you only stick to waterways that you know really well, a ...

Mercury vs. Suzuki Outboards: Which Boat Engine Is Right For You?
Mercury vs. Suzuki Outboards: Which Boat Engine Is Right For You?
Choosing the right outboard engine for your boat is one of the most critical decisions you'll make. It impacts everything from your on-water experience and fuel costs to maintenance and long-term reliability. When it comes to top-tier marine engines, two names frequentl...

How to Safely Tow Tubes and Water Skiers with a Boat in Indiana
Practical Tips Every Indiana Boater Should Know
At Reeder-Trausch Marine, we know some of the best lake memories start with a tow rope, whether it’s a child’s first tubing ride or a smooth run on skis. Knowing how to safely tow tubes and water skiers behind your boat is the key to making those memories last.
Towing riders is a ton of...

Choosing the Right Boat: A Guide for First-Time and Experienced Buyers
Tips on How to Buy a Boat
The first step in how to buy a boat is to decide what type of boat best fits your needs. Those needs are usually determined by what you plan to do on the water and what size boat you can tow.
It’s also helpful to consider where you’ll be boating most often, whether on lakes, rivers, or coastal waters, as thi...

Boat Launching and Docking Tips for Beginners
Take the Stress Out of Boating with These Beginner-Friendly Habits
Getting started with boating can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s time to back down the ramp or pull up to a dock. With a little prep and some patience, learning how to launch a boat or dock it safely becomes second nature.
Whether you’re new to the water or ju...

How to Safely Anchor Your Boat on Indiana Lakes
Anchoring Basics Every Indiana Boater Should Know
Knowing how to safely anchor your boat on Indiana lakes is essential for protecting both your passengers and your watercraft. Improper anchoring can cause your boat to drift into unsafe areas or even lead to accidents and injuries.
The good news is that learning how to safely anchor y...

Understanding Boat Insurance in Indiana: Your Complete Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Boat Insurance in Indiana
Indiana has a prolific boating culture thanks to its scenic waterways and nearby Lake Michigan. No matter what type of boat you have, chances are you might need insurance. Boat insurance in Indiana protects you and your boat, on and off the water. Let's take a look at how boa...
