We have all dreamt it: soaking up the sun from the deck of a boat while the kids splash in the lake. But that dream of unplugging from technology, cool drink in hand, while hours float by unwatched, it can seem far away.
The realities of storage, winterization, transportation, financing, registration, and actually learning how to drive a boat can be hurdles to boat ownership, even before you know what kind of boat you’re actually looking for.
It's these hurdles that TJ Ortmann, General Manager at MarineMax, works to break down for customers so they can get to that lakeside destination and spend time with loved ones.
“The path to boat ownership often comes with significant hurdles, but our team is specifically structured to clear them for you,” says TJ.
MarineMax focuses on those hurdles by not simply being a retailer, but instead, acting as “lifestyle consultants” who help buyers navigate the entire boat-buying process.
“Instead of just showing inventory, we work to understand your lake goals to ensure the hull and layout fit your family's specific needs," explains TJ.
Are you trying to use the boat to fish?
How many passengers do you expect to carry?
How big of a boat can your car actually tow?
All of these questions shape what type of boat best works for your specific situation and purpose.
For first-time boat owners looking for that family boat, TJ recommends pontoons or dock boats.
“These models offer the best balance of stability, seating capacity, and ease of use for those just starting out,” says TJ.
Another feature for family boats is dedicated shade. A large Bimini top or hardtop can provide sanctuary when you have soaked up too much of that summer sun. It can keep you cool on warm days and not have you fleeing the lake when you forget the sunscreen.
Other features, like an onboard bathroom, also known as a head, can be a way to extend your time in the sun.
TJ also recommends seating with “flip-flop” backrests that can face both forward or backward, so passengers can see where the boat is going while moving and watch swimmers behind the boat while stopped.
Just as important as any feature is how the boat feels to drive. Being able to take boats for a demo run before committing alleviates uncertainty, especially for first-time buyers.
“Testing the boat on the water with your actual family ensures the layout and handling meet your specific needs,” says TJ.
Beyond the specifics of the boat itself, MarineMax’s other services keep boat owners' focus on that quality time, instead of being bogged down in the details. MarineMax can cut through the noise by providing wraparound services like winterization and shrink-wrapping, as well as secure storage.
Financing, insurance, and registration are all done in-house, “turning what could be a month-long headache into a streamlined, one-stop process,” says TJ.
When it comes to education, TJ specifically recommends MarineMax’s ‘Women on Water’ and ‘Boating 101’ classes, which “ensure every family member feels safe and capable behind the wheel.”
Beyond the classes, TJ’s first tip for new boat captains is “slow is pro.”
“Speed is rarely your friend when learning to dock at a busy marina, and small, patient movements are key to a stress-free return,” advises TJ.
Minnesota has a rich tradition of boating, from the founding of water skiing in Lake City in 1922 to the invention of the pontoon boat in Richmond, Minnesota, in 1951.
The boating season generally runs from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. During that 105-day stretch, there are countless events around Lake Minnetonka that boaters won’t want to miss.
Excelsior Art on the Lake, a festival with artists showcasing their work all throughout Water Street, runs from June 13-14.
The best view of Excelsior’s Fourth of July fireworks is often from Lake Minnetonka itself, but long before the fireworks display, attendees can enjoy the Firecracker run, kids’ parade, and live music and activities throughout the day.
"Boating changes lives by starting and continuing traditions that bring everyone together with one common goal: to get on the water and make memories," says TJ.
So dream no more!
Spend not a second longer staring longingly out the office window, lost in the daydream of lazy waves and summer sun.
The first step is as easy as asking MarineMax how best you can get out on the lake.
TJ’s first tip for new boat captains is “slow is pro.”