Paddle Boating 101
Back in the paddle
The paddle boat is experiencing a renaissance of sorts and as such it would be a good idea to survey some of the differences in the paddle boats on offer. As far as vehicles go, they are inexpensive, very safe, and require no licensing; all perks which sum up to a great addition to your repertoire of water activities. All the following are ideal for fishing, leisure rides, and just a little bit of paddle boat exercise if you are inclined to exerting some effort.
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Kids paddle boats While a kids paddle boat (or 'peddle boat' - a term we steer clear of) is not a clearly defined vessel, we consider any design featuring novel shapes or propulsion methods part of this group. A large paddle boat shaped like a dragon or swan may not be the best choice for a general use paddle boat, but if you're at the lake often enough and you have kids, it might make summers a whole lot more special. A quick search will reveal a good selection of both feet and hand powered paddle boats for kids. Electric Paddle Boats This is something of a misnomer, since you won't be doing any pedaling, but an electric paddle boat is what we've come to call any electric powered boat that serves a similar purpose. That is, if you're looking for a casual spin around the lake or a little fishing, one of these may be just what you're looking for. They are typically a little heavier, due to the batteries and motors, but for the most part measure up to standard paddle boats. Expect speeds of around 6 miles per hour and room for two. Pontoon paddle boats Now, for a little more mobility and perhaps a smidge more speed, you can go for the pontoon paddle boat. Some companies bill their design as a catamaran, but it's the same basic idea. These boats float on two or more runners in the water and are powered by human effort or electric motor. Usually, pontoon paddle boats come with an canopy and plenty of amenities for relaxation such as cooler space, drink holders, and more comfortable seating. You can find a great looking paddle boat in any style, but often the pontoon paddle boats offer the coolest visual impact. |
Storage, transportation, and ease of use
You won't get a lot of 'thrills,' per se, out of any paddle boat. They move slow and aren't designed for much more than a relaxing spin on the lake. But in terms of bang for your buck, ease of use, and the general upkeep, they score pretty high. Most are quite lightweight and can be used by several people at once. Since they are small, it is often easy to store them for the off-season. Once May comes around, it only takes two able-bodied people to get it back in the water. No trailers or backing up, that's for sure!
