Two of the most popular boat styles—the pontoon boat and the bowrider—would seem to have very little in common. One is aluminum, the other fiberglass. One is shaped like a floating patio, while the other is shaped like, well, a boat.

Boating has always been about community—the common bonds and shared experiences that create a sense of fellowship for those of us who enjoy spending time on the water.

Our Boat Loan Calculator makes it easy to figure out just how much boat you can afford, and our Boat Finder will help you narrow the field to a particular type of boat. But it can be much more difficult to identify the specific models that fit both your budget and your desires.

The perfect ending for a day on the water starts with a stress-free retrieval of your boat—which includes successfully loading it back on its trailer for a safe trip home. Here are some simple step-by-step instructions for navigating that process.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s a perfect time for a gift with the upcoming summer season of boating in mind. Even if Mom can’t get to the boat right this minute, she’s surely thinking about getting out on the water at the first opportunity. Or, maybe your mother new to the world of boating and trying to make the most of her time on board. If yes, then Mother’s Day is the perfect chance to give her the gift of even more fun on the water.

So: you haven’t owned a boat before, but after discovering that the boating lifestyle is totally awesome (we agree!) you’ve began exploring our Boat Finder Tool—and luckily, you’ve found the ideal boat for you and your family. You’re probably thinking that your next big challenge will be learning how to drive that boat—and you’re right—but don’t let the prospect feel daunting.

Each year, an average of 150 people complete the Great Loop, which is a network of waterways that recreational boaters take to effectively circumnavigate the eastern half of the United States. “Loopers,” as they are called, travel parts of the Atlantic Coast, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Lakes, the Canadian Heritage Canals and the river system of the American Midwest. The trip ranges 5,000-7,000 miles depending on the route and detours taken and usually takes about a year to complete.

Successfully launching a boat for the first time is an exciting experience for any new boat owner. After you learn how to properly launch a boat, you’ll be able to trailer that boat and explore any body of water serviced by a ramp.

Since there are no yellow or white lines or stop signs on bodies of water, it can be difficult to understand who has the right of way in boating. Right of way rules (often referenced as the “rules of the road” or navigation rules) are specifically defined maneuvering regulations designed primarily to avoid a collision between vessels. There are many rules and they differ by type of vessel, the operations that vessel is involved in at the time, and where the vessel is located (on inland or offshore waters).

According to the U.S. Travel Association, some of the main reasons people take vacations include relaxing and reducing stress, seeing more of the world, and strengthening bonds with family and friends. What better way to do all of those things, and more, than aboard a boat in a location whose primary characteristic is solitude? Science has even proved that being on, in or near water can improve creativity, boost emotional health, and promote relaxation, as well as calm your mind and appeal to your senses.