t my house the line between a “want” and a “need” is often quite blurry. This is especially true when it comes to teenagers who sometimes think they need to have everything and there are only two timelines: “now” and “right now.”

At times we all walk the fine line between what we truly need versus what is just a want and for some, boat ownership can sometimes be questioned. I would never recommend anyone to extend themselves financially to the point where their survival is in jeopardy just to buy a boat. Food, clothes, and shelter should, of course, come before recreation.

With that said, if you’re able to stay within the budget you’ve set for yourselves and comfortably be able to afford a monthly boat payment on top of your other financial obligations, there might not be a better investment for couples and families seeking happiness today.

The new Albemarle 31 DC’s 24-degree deadrise, hand-laid solid fiberglass hull and one-piece construction promise a smooth, comfortable and safe ride, even when the weather sours on the Great Lakes. It’s fun too. The dual-console format has long been a family favorite and, whether fishing or cruising, this big DC has bow, cockpit and helm seating that welcome a family reunion, plus angler-pleasing fishing features.

The 31 DC is powered by twin Yamaha 300 horsepower engines on a custom Armstrong engine bracket, and Yamaha Helm Master EX electric steering is standard. The helm’s dash is designed for large, flush-mounted electronics. Bolstered helm and portside double bench seats are made by Llebroc. Forward of the helm is a tempered-glass windshield with a molded fiberglass frame and walk-through door.

Since they burst onto the scene in January of 2018, Barletta Pontoon Boats continues to be an industry-disrupter and truly like no other pontoon boat manufacturer. Built from the ground up, Barletta has set a new bar for customer experience, quality, performance, and innovation. Whether it’s the patented chassis construction with V.I.P. (Vibration Isolation Pads) technology that provides a smooth, rattle-free ride, or the one-of-a-kind UltraLounge, or pet-friendly amenities to accommodate the furry members of your family, you’ll find that every inch of a Barletta Pontoon Boat is designed with you and your family’s on-water experience in mind.

If you need performance as much as you need fishability, throttle up the 302DC. This boat’s unique hull features Michael Peters two step hull design which helps boost performance and creates an impeccably smooth and dry ride. Blackfins 302DC also comes standard with everything you need for serious fishing, while boosting an incredible crossover design, making it the perfect vessel for enjoying your time on the water with friends and family as well.

Featuring a fiberglass hardtop, gunnel and transom-mounted rod holders, in-floor fish boxes with macerated pump outs, an insulated baitwell, as well as the latest in navigation and fish-finding technology, the 302DC is ready for all your fishing expeditions. When the day calls for some recreational boating, hit the water with a premier sound system with JL audio speakers with (2) Subwoofers, U-shaped bow seating, helm seats with flip-up bolsters and armrests, a multi-position starboard side flip seat, and a transom foldaway bench seat.

The 360 Outrage represents a new standard of excellence for offshore center consoles. Designed from the keel up to maximize space and functionality, the 360 Outrage delivers an effortless boating experience and a tremendous amount of flexibility. Cutting-edge technology is evident throughout, from the intuitive helm station to the available lithium-ion battery system. Thanks to its perfectly power-matched propulsion options, including the new 600hp V12 Mercury Verado, the 360 Outrage is not only one of the most versatile and ergonomic center console on the market — it might also be the most fun.

Engine configurations include standard triple 300hp Mercury engines with the option to upgrade to triple 450hp Mercury FourStrokes or twin 600hp V12 Verados to deliver exhilarating speed, acceleration and precision with maximized fuel efficiency.

Formula introduces the new twin Mercury 600 Verado outboards on its popular 380 Super Sport Crossover! Live it now as you experience this revolutionary pairing that surpasses all others in its class. The 380 also offers triple outboards in 350, 400 and 450 horsepower, as well as twin sterndrive. The 380 continues Formula’s open-bow, full-cabin Crossover legacy, now seven models strong, from the 330 CBR to the 500 SSC.

The 380’s bloodline is evident in its SmartZone design that utilizes every square inch for a variety of entertainment possibilities. The single level deck offers a seamless transition to the bow from the full-width hardtop with top-to-bottom windshield and sliding walk-thru windshield panel. Triple command seating, two distinct lounge areas aft plus the outdoor kitchen bring the full Formula experience, from exhilarating ride to easy conversation. For relaxing at the sandbar or cove, head aft to the convertible rear-facing sun lounge and roomy swim platform with available entertainment table or sport rail.

Immerse yourself in the latest innovation from Galeon Yachts.  The 425 HTS is a 44-foot, classic express-style cruiser with options usually seen on larger vessels. Specifically, this model has been reinvigorated by eliminating the need for soft curtains while still providing an open yachting experience. The salon and cockpit can convert into a climate-controlled area in mere seconds, allowing for efficient use of the yacht’s space in any weather. Close it up and enjoy the climate-controlled cockpit or open the roof, doors, and windows and bring light and ventilation into the interior.

Sleek lines on the 425 HTS and an aggressive profile make it easy to forget the yacht’s true nature, where functionality and luxury are standard. Features like wide side decks for easy bow access and garage storage are sure to impress. Additionally, an aft swim platform with stainless steel ladder allows for a quick entry and exit from the water.

For more than 45 years, Hurricane has been perfecting fun on the water with its innovative and incredibly versatile deck boat design. The manufacturer only builds deck boats and has been doing so since 1974 so Hurricane has had decades of experience and consumer feedback to fine-tune its construction and perfected its multi-use, multi-generational boat. Whether you’re tubing, wakeboarding, skiing or just cruising, the SunDeck series has the right model for every active family.

What makes the SunDeck line so popular is its customizable floor plans, spacious design and walk-through windshields. Plus, fuel your freedom with its most powerful engine options. The signature deep-V hull design ensures stability and a smooth, dry ride. And these boats are decked out with spacious layouts, ample storage, a full-width swim deck for easy boarding, and all the room and amenities you need to enjoy an action-packed day on the water.

Dominating the waterways with three powerful outboard motors, Monterey Boats 385SS demonstrates a commanding and incredibly powerful presence. With top speeds in excess of 60 MPH, Monterey’s 385SS is setting a new standard for outboard powered vessels in its class.

Scout has introduced the all-new 350 LXZ S-Class, a much anticipated new luxury crossover model in the Scout lineup representing an entirely new model category for the company.

Combining luxury, performance and convenience, the all-new 350 LXZ is a high-end day cruiser that is ideal for refined entertainment, while offering overnight accommodations. One of the unique features of the model is that select onboard electronics are run by the standard Lithium-Ion power system onboard, with an optional second Lithium-Ion battery also available. The Lithium-Ion battery(s) eliminate the need for a generator.

For five generations and counting, the Schrock family has shared a passion for the water by building high-quality boats that deliver innovative designs and exceptional value. Starcraft has led the boating industry since 1903, with an unmatched heritage of quality, innovation and craftsmanship.

Their loyal, experienced network of employees and dealers share their commitment to building the best boats on the water, backed by the finest service in the industry – starting with its exclusive Lifetime +6 warranty.

Stingray Boats, an independent boat builder with a focus on innovation and quality, added a new model in its lineup: the 173CC Center Console.

Stingray Boats was created on the foundation of building quality boats, while being dedicated to integrating advancing technology into their products. Their production facility uses a combination of computer-aided design, multi-axis 3D milling, robotic lamination, water jet cutting, a CNC router and skilled craftsmanship.

The 173CC offers a standard fusion RA-60 stereo BT-APP, an integrated electric horn, and a deluxe stainless steel steering wheel. A helm seat flip-flop with a leaning post, nano-block stain resistant vinyl, oversized cup holders, a stainless steel muli-step aft ladder, tilt steering with locking detent, a cooler/storage box with overboard drain, livewell, and stainless steel rod holders are just some of the many other standard features offered on the 173CC.

The Rackham Aero Inflatable paddleboard has always been BOTE’s go-to board for big-time water excursions. The full-size Rackham is a super stable board with 400-pound carrying capacity and formidable form plus function. 

The BOTE APEX Pedal Drive, sold separately, is a revolutionary hands-free, pedal-powered system with a 10:1 gear ratio for smooth, efficient pedaling, a wide pedal foot platform with comfortable straps, a clear view port-hole, no-touch forward and reverse, and a spring-loaded, kick-up rudder. The APEX Pedal Drive is built to pivot in and out of the Rackham’s APEX pedal port with incredible efficiency, so that you can transition from pedal-driven paddling to kayak paddling to stand up paddling with ease.