Freshwater fishing can be done almost anywhere in the world and at any time of the year. From catfish spearing in the mighty Mississippi to ice-fishing on an arctic pond to the quiet contemplation of fly-fishing in a pristine mountain stream, there are multitudes of ways to enjoy this sport. However, the way that you choose to fish is often based on the area where you plan to fish, and the species you want to target. Here is a brief look at some of the different kinds of freshwater fishing, where they are done, and the equipment that is needed. Kinds of Freshwater Fishing The kind of freshwater fishing that is done will depend on your location, the kind of water body where you want to fish, the species of fish you want, and the equipment to which you have access. Freshwater Boat Fishing This is one of the main forms of freshwater fishing, and it can encompass a number of different kinds of fishing, depending on where you are. Boats can be small rowboats, canoes, or kayaks where you fish on small ponds or on rivers, or you can have a larger boat like the kind that is used for deep-sea fishing, and fish on a large river like the Mississippi or a large lake. In some cases, a motor is necessary to keep the boat moving at slow speeds and attract fish, but in most situations, the boat is just a way to get to an access point in the middle of a river or lake to drop a line. Boat fishing is most often done with a rod and reel and can range from trolling for Great Lakes salmon to bass fishing. Fly Fishing in Freshwater This kind of fishing requires you to stand in the water, most often in waders, and to cast your rod in a way that mimics a fly dancing on the surface of the water. Trout is a very common species that are caught this way, but they are not the only ones that can be snagged by fly fishermen. This form of fishing usually uses bits of string and feathers that are tied to look like the larvae of local insects. Many fly fishermen tie their own flies, but they are also sold pre-tied. This kind of fishing requires a lot of technique and some knowledge of the local insect species. Fish may occasionally bite flies that do not fit the area, but the larger, older, wary fish usually need a pretty good imitation to be fooled. Ice Fishing This is a popular pastime in northern climes, where water often freezes solid enough to drive on. This is most often (with some exceptions) done on lakes or ponds, because the moving water in a river, even a frozen one, leaves ice too thin to safely set up an ice fishing station. Ice fishing involves using a special hole-making tool, called an ice auger, to core through what can be several feet of ice and to the water below. Then a line and hook is placed in the hole. Often, several holes are bored, multiple lines are placed in an area, and a small, portable fishing shack is set up on the ice nearby to protect ice fishermen from the cold winds. Many of the species that are caught during the summer, like sunfish, bluegill, crappies, and bass are popular ice fishing trophies. However, it is also a great way to catch the more voracious and larger northern pike, which is a favorite sport fish of many. Dock Fishing For those who do not have access to a boat or for those who want an easy way to introduce kids to fishing, dock fishing is a great way to learn. The shade that small docks provide are often a popular cover for small fish who are at risk from birds. Because of this, fish congregate here, and it is a great place to drop a line with a worm and learn how to cast a fishing rod and hook a fish. As a basic rule, the shallows most often have smaller fish than deeper water, and this is not always the best way to trophy fish. However, as a beginner’s fishing experience, a stationary place like a dock, pier, or bridge is a great way to develop a love of fishing. Fish Spearing or Noodling Some places find that spearing fish is a great way to get to some of the large river fish that may not go for a baited hook. Catfish and frogs are two popular species that can be caught this way. Frogs are often speared on a long-handled pitchfork-like tool, and the practice is called gigging. Catfish can also be caught with bare hands, often with the fisherman sticking his whole fist into the catfish’s mouth. This kind of fishing is called noodling, because your fingers become the bait, wiggling around like noodles. Since southern catfish can grow quite large, it is not unusual for noodlers to find catfish weighing between 50 and 100 pounds. Basic Freshwater Fishing Equipment The fishing purists will tell you that all you need is a rod, reel, hook, and the right bait. Others will tell you all about the latest technological innovations that come with fishing. Like fishing techniques, what works best for one person may not be the solution for another, and much of it varies by species, location, and water type. Here are some of the basic equipment, and some things to consider when you choose your own. Freshwater Bait There are as many kinds of baits as there are of fish to catch with it. Here are some of the basics to consider when purchasing bait: Who is eating your bait: The eating habits of the fish you are targeting should have a lot to do with the bait you choose. Some fish, like carp, are indiscriminate eaters and will grab anything that looks like it will fit

When it comes to boat trips, one of the most useful habits that any captain can have is to keep a detailed log. Logs were once used not only as a captain’s private journal, but as a detailed account of every aspect of the boat, crew, and journey. Before the world was fully mapped and the ability to position oneself longitudinally was possible, logs often provided the only clues on the course that was necessary to a specific location. Whether you are a prolific journalist or simply an organized person, the benefits of keeping a good log continue to be beneficial even in the days of GPS and satellite positioning. Logs should be kept in a place where it is easy to grab while underway and either write or read, and should have its own designated writing instrument assigned to it to make writing quick and easy to do. A waterproof case is helpful and can be as simple as a plastic bag. Here are a few different things to consider keeping in your log: What to Keep in a Ship’s Log The Boat Journey Information This is the traditional use of a log. A record of journeys can be detailed or simple, long or short. The typical items that are included are time, date, weather, destination, and passengers. A note of whether fuel was taken on, any changes that needed to happen (like a course alteration due to weather), and engine hours are great items to have as well, as they can be useful later. Those who love wildlife can also keep track of seabirds or marine mammal sightings. There is really no limit to the things that you can include: fishing locations and luck, the wonderful dinners cooked on board, or even the funniest joke told during the trip. The more colorful a log that you keep, the more likely it is that you will want to go back, read it later, and reminisce about your times at sea. If you are the captain and your spouse is the writer, you may want to assign him or her the duty of keeping the log. Boat Maintenance Maintenance is an important thing to have in your log. A record on the specific services done, the dates, and any special techniques or considerations that were needed will be helpful in keeping your boat engine in good working order. Any notes on whether you noticed something beginning to wear out, the condition of things that were replaced during a tune-up or winterization, or special tools needed to get into a certain tight engine compartment are all good things to keep track of. Creating a regular maintenance schedule in a log for all parts that need work is also a good way to structure a section. By keeping it separate from the more narrative portion of a log, this makes it simple to find all the information needed about what services are upcoming on your vessel. Boat Equipment Information This is similar to keeping a maintenance log, but it deals instead with items that need replacement occasionally. Keeping a list of important vessel items that expire on the inside cover of your log allows you to write, in pencil, all of the expiration dates of these things. This can include first aid kit items, flares, disposable fire extinguishers, the zincs protecting the metal surfaces on your vessel, lines, and even your boat registration. Boaters can also keep a cleaning schedule for things like wood elements on the boat, paint, and sail cleaning and maintenance. By keeping it in a prominent location, it allows you to remind yourself each time that you open the log that there needs to be an upcoming change. Keeping the dates in pencil lets you change out only the expiration date without requiring you to find a new, less prominent writing space. How Logbooks are Useful for Future Trips Though logs are great as storybooks, the more detailed your stories are, the more likely that they can be used to make your boating life easier in the future. This is not just true of your own log, but the logs of others as well. For example, in Puget Sound, the log of George Vancouver, for whom both the city and the island are named, has given a wealth of information, and continues to be used today. It gave a detailed account on shellfish poisoning and helped to teach doctors that this was native to North America and suggested that it was most likely due to clam consumption. It also lists his meetings with locals and the interpretation of place names. The log, along with the logs of other explorers at the time, continue to be used today by tribal archaeologists to prove the extent to which they traveled, and extend a certain tribes rights, like fishing, to these grounds based on their traditional use. Here are some great ways to use a log to extrapolate info about your boat: Tracking Your Boat’s Fuel Consumption By keeping track of engine hours and miles or nautical miles traveled under power, two things can be learned. First, you can understand the distance that you can travel under power between fuel stops. If you are planning a trip someplace with remote fuel in between, such as the inside passage in Alaska, this is a great way to know if your boat carries enough fuel to get from stop to stop without the need to bring extra. Of course, current conditions in locations like this will require you to have a certain amount of safety reserve, but the principle is the same nonetheless. A manufacturer’s approximation is not as accurate as your own log’s documentation of nautical miles/engine hours versus fuel gallons burned. Second, this is a great way to trace back the beginning timeline of a problem, or recognize it before it becomes too serious, or too expensive. A regular tracking of miles or hours versus fuel can help you to

Protecting boats from the ravages of saltwater, air, and the sun is an effort as old as boating itself. The earliest sailors and boatbuilders, beginning with oared boats, were confronted with the same challenge faced by today’s recreational boaters — to protect their vessels from the elements, and to make them watertight enough to float without taking on water.   Vessels of Native Americans, Vikings, and other sailing nations show evidence of extensive use of organic materials in hull and deck sealing and repair. The material was typically a pitch- or tar-based product, first using tree sap, then animal by-products, such as cartilage, sinew, horns, and rendered animal fat, and fossil-fuel-based material. Later, pine tar was used to waterproof hulls and rigging, which worked reasonably well and required no more maintenance than the rest of the vessel. However, because they were organic, they eventually dried out or decayed. Today’s boaters use the leaping advances in chemistry and application technologies over the years to repair and protect boat decks and other components. This article touches on the basics of deck sealants, offers tips for use, and presents information about wooden deck sealing. Marine Sealants Basically, three types of chemicals are used in marine sealants: silicones, polysulfides, and polyurethanes, which form a watertight and airtight seal between two or more surfaces. Sealants are designed to: protect surfaces by forming a water- and/or airtight seal between two or more surfaces; assist in joining the surfaces together, often with mechanical fasteners; and, finally, to isolate surfaces to help prevent the passage of noise or electricity. Marine retailers offer a range of sealants, but selecting the right one for a particular project can be pretty straightforward. Almost all modern marine sealants are of just three types: polysulfide, silicone, and polyurethane. Each has specific characteristics and applications that make one the right choice for a project. Selecting the right sealant is essentially a matter of identifying the materials to be sealed and determining whether the materials/equipment will ever need to be separated or removed. It is also important to consider the location of the item to be sealed, especially referring to whether it is above or below the waterline. Certainly, there are exceptions, but the following guidelines will help avoid most errors. Silicone will insulate non-similar metals and beds plastic. Polyurethane should only be used to join materials that will not need to be separated. Use polysulfide for everything else. Polyurethane, silicone and polysulfide sealants are described briefly below.   Polyurethane — A blend of materials in a base of urea, a naturally occurring by-product of metabolism. More of an adhesive than a sealant, polyurethane is recommended for permanent bonding because of its adhesive strength and useful for hull/deck joints and bonding through-hull fittings, but is incompatible with most plastic materials. Polyurethanes have poor resistance to oil and acids used in products like teak cleaners and should not be used if the bonded items may have to be separated in the future. Silicone — Easy to apply, silicone is elastic, highly resistant to chemicals and the best material for isolating dissimilar metals. Adhesion is not as strong as a polysulfide or polyurethane is more of a gasket material than a sealant, but is compatible with plastics. Silicone leaves a residue that is difficult to remove, and nothing will adhere to it, including fresh silicone or paint (polyurethane, polyether, and polysulfide can be painted). Polysulfide — Made of synthetic rubber, it is the most versatile type of sealant and comes in one- and two-part application methods. Two-parters are popular as caulking material for teak decks or for bedding wood parts like rub rails and cockpit coamings. One-part polysulfides are easy to use and durable, but cure slowly. Both types bond well to most surfaces, but should not be used for plastic deck fittings, frames or acrylic or polycarbonate windshields. Recent advances in epoxy sealant technology make it a viable sealant choice. Newer products are more flexible and less brittle than older versions and cure faster than some polyurethanes, Epoxies adhere well to fiberglass, wood, steel, and aluminum, and can be manipulated afterwards without cracking. Tips for using sealants: Follow product safety and application instructions to the letter. The preparation for any sealant project is critical; surfaces should be clean, dry, and free of old sealant. Mating surfaces should be cleaned with acetone or similar product and be thoroughly dry before applying new material. Depending on manufacturer instructions, using liberal amounts of the material is important, particularly when joining hardware to decks. All marine sealants have various curing periods, ranging from 5 to 20 days. Generally, the strongest products take the longest to cure. Moisture in the air or dew may accelerate polysulfide or polyurethane curing time.  If using mechanical fasteners with a sealant, tighten the nuts, not the bolts in through-bolt applications. Compressing the sealant ensures a watertight bond. Doing a sealing project as a do-it-yourselfer requires a well-ventilated work area, that all sealants, tools, and cleaning materials are readily available, and that guidelines regarding personal protection use (masks, gloves, etc.) are followed.  Take manufacturer statements about the permanency of sealants seriously, especially when it comes to removing materials from skin. Mineral spirits, acetone, and kerosene are typically used to remove excess, spilled, or misapplied sealants. Closely follow manufacturer guidelines regarding the type of solvent for clean up and spot removal. Finishing Wooden Boat Decks Well-maintained wooden decks not only enhance a vessel’s appearance, they also help to provide a safe working environment, particularly on sailboats. Maintaining wood decks, especially those of teak or mahogany, can be a real challenge, both in terms of effort and the materials used as sealants.  Wooden deck sealers serve two purposes: to stop moisture and dirt intrusion, and to retain natural wood oils and resins. The combination of materials used to maintain wood decks involve cleaners, primers, oils, and varnishes; the process to properly clean and seal wood decks is time consuming and requires much effort over more than a few days. Regardless

We speak to one of the DEKit founders, Jeff Brauser, about how the right boat flooring will protect and enhance your vessel. Buying a boat is a big accomplishment, and it only makes sense that you want your vessel to be in pristine condition for as long as possible. Boat flooring is an essential part of preserving your boat and adding value to it — the right type of flooring improves both the functionality and appearance of your boat.  If you’re in the market for boat flooring but not sure where to start, we’re here to help. DEKit is one of the leading boat flooring companies in the country and we spoke to Jeff Brauser, COO of DEKit, to get the inside scoop on all things boat flooring.  Boat Flooring Materials: Which One Should I Buy? There are many types of boat flooring made from materials such as vinyl, wood, rubber, carpet or composite materials. Composite materials polyethylene (PE) foam and ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) are particularly popular, and DEKit sells a polyethylene ethyl vinyl acetate blend which is incredibly durable. “We take the best of both worlds and combine it with a completely closed cell foam which has allowed us to make the best product possible,” says Brauser. The material is extremely dense and  ready to withstand the elements.  What Type of Boat Flooring Does My Boat Need? Many boat owners suit their flooring to how they use their boat. Fishing boats require non-slip flooring, watersport boats require materials resistant to water damage and wear and tear, while leisure boats are focused on comfort. DEKit flooring can cover all activities and climates, whether you have a small boat in the marshes of Louisiana or own a 180-foot super yacht. Their exclusively cross-linked PE/EVA foam flooring is UV and oil-resistant, non-absorbent, and anti-slip, giving you reliability and performance whether you’re going deep-sea fishing or spending time island hopping.  Boat flooring should be treated as an investment, and with the right purchase, you will be happy for a long time. “Treat your boat like you would want to treat your home,” says Brauser. How to Install Boat Flooring The installation process for boat flooring will match the material you choose. For wood flooring, you will need to cut the pieces to size and attach them to your boat’s deck. Carpet, vinyl and foam flooring can be attached with adhesives or snaps. Composite materials can require screws to secure them to your boat’s deck.  The DEKit flooring installation is a breeze for owners; on the website click on the dealer locator tab and add your address which will connect you the closest supplier. Once you’ve contacted them, they will digitize the boat, creating a 2D rendering and a colored proof for you as a customer. This proof is very important as it’s going to show the color, the design, the logo placement, the ruler placement, and anything else to ensure you’re getting exactly what you want. Once the measurements are finalized, the dealer will come and install on location. You don’t have to travel anywhere. How to Protect and Clean Your Boat Flooring Depending on your location and how your boat is docked, your vessel can be exposed to salt water, dirt, and the sun, all of which can wear down your flooring over time. It’s very important to regularly maintain your boat flooring to help it look it’s best and to preserve the materials, it’s made of. Carpet, vinyl, and foam flooring should be spot cleaned as needed. Composite materials should be washed and swept on a regular basis to remove debris and build up. Be careful with harsh chemicals and power washing your flooring and check first what it can sustain without damage. Another way to protect your flooring is by simply covering it. Buying a boat cover is a sound investment and is a great way to extend your boat’s pristine condition. Boat covers can be made to suit your boat’s exact dimensions and everyday needs. Boat flooring is an essential component of your vessel and there’s a wide variety of materials to choose from. DEKit’s custom-made flooring uses durable and weather-resistant materials that you will love for years to come.

Read on before buying the next angling boat of your dreams. Thinking about investing in a new fishing boat? With hundreds of boat styles, makes, models, and features to consider, it can be incredibly difficult to choose the ideal boat for your fishing adventures. We think that the best way to ensure you’re making the right decision is to test drive before you buy. How can you do that? With a fishing boat rental on Celebrity Chatered Boats , of course! Book a few fishing charters or trips on different styles of boats so you can have the full fishing experience first. Things to Consider Before Buying a Fishing Boat The most important factors to consider are the location you intend to bring the boat, your budget, the capacity you’ll need for your boat, and if you’ll want any special features and amenities onboard. Do you live on the coast, or are you looking to explore lakes and inland rivers? Are you hoping to make a deep-sea catch or reel in a small fish while paddling yourself around? Do you have a group of fishing buddies you prefer to cast off with, or are you hoping to explore alone? The style of fishing you most enjoy and want to do with your watercraft will make all the difference when it comes to buying a fishing boat. Bass Boats Would you rather cruise to your fishing spot by motor instead of paddling there? Bass boats are a great choice for freshwater fishing. They usually have a powerful (but not too loud) outboard engine, a flat deck, and aerated live wells for storing bait. They’re designed specifically for anglers, not as multi-purpose boats, so the features specifically cater to creating the ideal fishing experience. Here are some of the best ones on the market: Bass Cat Puma FTD Largely considered one of the overall best options under 30′ when it comes to bass boats, the Bass Cat Puma FTD boasts of being the brand’s most popular boat. It’s 20’ in length and offers maneuverability, twin 26-gallon fuel tanks, seven storage compartments, and a 94” beam for stability. Pricing starts at $44,000 and goes up to $70,000. Crestliner Deep V Bass Boat Crestliner is renowned for being one of the best makers of aluminum fishing boats. The stability offered by the Crestliner Deep V Bass Boat will be appreciated for larger bodies of water with potentially rougher conditions. It has raised bow and stern decks, a 28-gallon live well, and a thick, high-quality aluminum hull to handle any conditions. Pricing for Crestliner Deep V Fishing Boats starts at $9,936, making them a very affordable motorized fishing boat model to look into. Tracker Bass Tracker Classic XL Starting at just under $17,000, this bass boat comes with a fish finder, a Minn Kota trolling motor, a 9-gallon live well, and a lifetime warranty on the top-quality aluminum hull. The Tracker Classic XL is a great watercraft for family fun and fishing days on the water. Bass Tracker makes great bass boats, perfect for a fishing enthusiast looking to make a great catch. Skiff Boats A skiff boat is a flat-bottomed boat commonly used for fishing in shallow, protected waters. Skiffs are great for maneuvering in calm waters, and due to their small size, they’re often relatively affordable. They have rugged bottoms that will hold up if you’re in a rocky creek while still being lightweight and not requiring excessive fuel to propel them through the water. Many anglers who opt for a skiff boat for fishing will use them in shallow waters with a pole, using the pole to gently propel the boat through the delicate waterways. Hewes Redfisher 16 Accommodating up to 4 passengers, the Redfisher 16 by Hewes is perfect for backcountry fishing adventures. Starting at $51,655 MSRP, it offers a wide beam and fishing platform for stability, and it can float in just 11” of water. It’s 16.5’ long and is compact enough to fit in a garage, weighing only 1,700lbs with a 32-gallon fuel capacity. Maverick 17 HPX-V II Perfect for poling in shallow waters, the Maverick 17 is renowned for its successful handling in fishing tournaments, making it a favorite amongst competitive anglers. It is lightweight and maneuvers with ease in all sorts of marine conditions. It can accommodate three passengers onboard and has ample dry storage space. Pricing for the Maverick 17 HPX-V II starts at $49,637 MSRP. Dolphin 17’ Super Skiff Pro With poling capabilities in just 8” of water, the Dolphin 17’ Skiff is a fast and sturdy fishing boat. It can handle 2” of wave chop and has a large front deck, perfect for casting platform. It has a 32-gallon live well for bait and catches and offers ample storage space. It can also reach speeds of 40mph, so it can get you to the best fishing spots quickly before you cut the engine and use the poling system to silently cruise through the shallow waters. Jon Boats for Fishing A Jon boat is a flat-bottom fishing boat, most commonly used in freshwater fishing. They are inexpensive and great for a beginner boater or casual fisherman. The flat hull provides a lot of space and stability, and they are most often made of durable aluminum, although they can be fiberglass or wood. Tracker Grizzly 2072 This all-welded aluminum Jon boat boasts a 150HP engine and a center-console design that allows for better driver visibility and fishing access from all sides. It can accommodate up to 9 passengers at 21’ in length, it’s great for both off-shore and in-shore fishing. It has two live wells, one being a 32-gallon aerated live well. It also offers port and starboard-side rod holders and lockable storage. Sun Dolphin Pro 120 This 2-person fishing boat is designed with a tri-hull for extra stability, swivel pedestal seats, a front-end cooler, storage compartments, built-in rod holders, drink and tackle holders, and aerated live wells. The Sun Dolphin Pro 120 is great for weekend fishing trips with your favorite fishing buddy. It’s wired for an electrical trolling motor and has a fused control panel and navigation lights. The Sun Dolphin Pro 120 price is around $3,000,

So you want to spend a day on the water? Awesome! This guide is for you. There is nothing quite like the freedom and relaxation that boating offers. Something about heading away from land accelerates the shed of worries and the commitment of terra firma. As soon as you pull away from the dock, you will feel the stress evaporate. There are as many types of boats as there are ways to enjoy life on the water. Every year, boats seem to become more specialized—purpose-built to optimize specific activities. This guide is to help you think through how you want to spend your day and to sort through the options to make sure you rent the right boat for your day trip. Generally, day boating is categorized into five categories: Fishing, watersports, runabouts, deck boats (aka party boats), and day sailboats.  Kinds of Boats for Fishing Bass boat: Bass fishing boats are designed to be platforms to cast and land your fish. They are flat on top, and you can stand or sit while casting. Bass boats are low to the water and usually propelled by a large outboard motor to make the trips between fishing spots as fast as possible. These boats typically have a fish box you can open with your feet to hold your bounty, as well as a trolling motor you can steer with your feet to maneuver while you’re casting.  Panga: A deep-sea fishing boat that is more of a skiff–small and low to the water. They are about as basic as you can get—a bench seat to sit on and a little storage space for tackle and gear. Pangas often do not have canvas shade structures because they will impede rod motion, so you will be in the sun for the entire trip.  Sport fisher: A cruiser with a cockpit for fishing, and a flying bridge (elevated helm area) gives the captain a good view of the fishing area. Sport fishers usually have a cabin with a head (bathroom), galley (kitchen), and seating area to take a break from the action. Boats for Water Sports Ski boat: Waterski boats are optimized to a) pull a skier out of the water, which takes considerable power, and b) to create minimal wake to make it easier for the skier to cut steep turns and whip to the other side of the boat without much disturbance from the boat’s wake. Ski boats usually have an engine in the center of the cockpit area, which can make getting around the boat a bit awkward. The center engine balances the weight of the boat to minimize its wake size. Wake boat: Wake boats are designed to maximize the boat’s wake so that wakeboarders can dazzle you with their acrobatics. The engine is usually in the stern (rear) of the boat for that purpose—the weight makes for a bigger wake. Also, many wakeboard boats have ballast bladders—large vinyl tanks that can be filled with water and drained at the press of a button to add heft and increase wake size. Wake surf boat: A wake surf boat, similar to a wake boat, is designed for a very large wake and is configured to create a large wake on one side of the boat. Surfing the wake is like surfing an ocean wave that never breaks and never ends. Depending on the surfer’s orientation (which side of the boat they will surf on), the weight of the boat needs to be shifted to the appropriate side of the boat using bladders and passengers as ballast. These boats also have two trim tabs—plates that adjust to managing the boat’s “trim” or angle to the water, to make the wake larger on one side of the boat. The boat then lists heavily to one side and moves very slowly to create as large a wave as possible. The surfer gets up while holding onto to a short tow rope, and once he or she is propelled by the wake alone, tosses the tow rope into the boat and surfs away. Runabout Boats  Your standard runabout is multipurpose. Yes, you could ski, fish, or wakeboard behind it (best not try to surf), but it would not be ideal for any of those purposes. These boats are typically used for transportation and socializing. They can have an open bow with seating for 2 to 4 adults in front of the helm, or a closed bow with just a helm and seating area behind it. In both cases, the helm and seating area have a shaded canvas “bimini” top for sun protection. Most have built-in coolers and lots of cup holders for enjoying your beverage of choice. Engine options can be outboard motor, or inboard/outboard, where the engine is inside the boat but a large outdrive on the stern (rear) is used to propel and maneuver the boat.  Deck Boats & Pontoons (Also Known as Party Boats) Deck boats used to be little more than a platform on top of pontoons, with a helm and an outboard motor. The point is to provide a deck to socialize on, hence the nickname “party boat.” Nowadays, deck boats can be tricked out with high-performance engines, heads (bathrooms), sound systems, plush furniture, refrigerators, sinks, and barbeques. They are optimized for a party on the water. Day Sailboats A day sailboat can be something small (10 to 15 feet) where you sit on the deck and sail from shore—Lasers and Sunfish are popular brands, or a larger boat (15 to 25 feet) with a full cockpit and a small cabin should you want to stop and relax for a while. These are typically no-frills boats where sailing is the objective—when you’re sailing, you’re always busy—and creature comforts are kept to a minimum. That is a quick overview of some of the boats that you might use for a day on the water. You can browse the options at Celebrity Chatered Boats .com to see examples of these types of boats