The universe sometimes seems to conspire against Minnesotans by not allowing us to fully enjoy the entirety of our precious summer. School supplies are available in July. Back-to-school clothing sales flood our emails. Fall athletics are already ramping up. Before we know it, we will be staring down September.
Tom Jacob, owner of Bay to Bay Boat Club, has a simple antidote to being prematurely rushed into autumn. Rent a pontoon and get everyone out on the water. And he means everyone.
It’s the 25th anniversary of Bay to Bay Boat Club, and these boats have hosted some serious fun over the years. Tom has seen birthday parties take place on the lake, anniversary celebrations, off-site coworker bonding, and even a wedding take place on one of his pontoons. But he also points out it’s the perfect way for the entire family to get completely off the grid for the day.
“You have a captive audience. It’s a great way to spend quality time with your kids and keep them off the phones.”
Keeping kids off phones has become a full-time job these days, and it’s not just the kids distracted by tech. It’s all of us. A day on the lake offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of everything and allows us to slow down and live the summer pace. Think 1970s summer style, back when we weren’t all available all the time. Bliss.
Pontoons are available in 25 ft, which fits 10 guests comfortably, or 28 ft, which accommodates 14 people. And these are not your grandmother’s pontoons. Bay to Bay offers custom-built luxury pontoons outfitted with bimini tops, Bluetooth, and swim ladders. These boats can be your floating living room for a half or full day. Starting July 1st of 2025, all boaters are required to have a license. Other than that, just bring your suit, and you’ll be ready to go.
Tom tells me, “It’s great for taking the family out or out-of-town people. Anchor out on the family side of Big Island. Bring your own floaties and pool noodles and jump in. People who come from both coasts have no clue what we have here. They can’t believe it. This lake is a gift.” Families can pack a picnic and eat lunch in the sun or come off the lake and then enjoy many of the lakeside restaurants for the perfect alfresco day.
Half-day and full-day rentals range from $550 to $825, depending on boat size and day of the week. All taxes and fuel are included, so there are no hidden fees to put a damper on your lake day experience.
The days are soon going to be shorter and darker, and Tom encourages all of us to “embrace summer while you still can.” The warm weather won’t last forever, but the lake day memories will. Add taking a Bay to Bay pontoon out for a spin to your summer bucket list. And bring the kids. Their traditional “what did you do this summer” essays will be extra special.