Tag Archives: boating

5 Lunch Ideas to Pack for a Day Out on the Lake

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While packing the lake day essentials such as sunscreen, towels and a dry change of clothes is important for a fun time spent out in the sun, bringing lunch and snacks to keep family and friends fueled throughout the day is just as important. To get the most out of your day spent out on the water, Motor Boatin’ offers five lunch ideas to pack for your next lake trip.

Here are five different lunch options for any day out on the boat:

  1. Classic BBQ foods: What is more North Carolina than a classic, southern BBQ meal? From burgers and potato salad to grilled chicken sandwiches and coleslaw – the options are endless! This lets you build on the lunch variety by choosing different sides to go with the main dishes. Whatever you choose, there is something for everyone.
  2. Meat and veggie skewers: Skewers are an easy but filling choice for lunch. Since they are handheld, skewers allow riders to easily stay fueled throughout the day. The skewers also can be customized to different dietary requirements – some can be for meat lovers while others can be strictly vegetarian.
  3. Cheese board platter: Many like to snack throughout the entire lake day. Cheese board platters are perfect for this. They can contain a variety of cheeses, a mix of meats, different kinds of crackers, and even fruit. This gives friends and family many different options to stay full all day long.
  4. Wraps: Wraps are a great option for any boat day because they are tasty and can be customized. You can’t go wrong with any of the fillings like chicken caesar or hummus and veggie wraps. These wraps can go with potato chips, crackers, or pretzels for more of a salty crunch.
  5. Pasta salad: Pasta salad is a classic lake day dish as it is the perfect summery food to throw in any cooler. It is easy to make it the night before and pack up in Tupperware dishes for the next day to be enjoyed for all different ages.

Mixing any of these lunch options with cool, refreshing drinks is the way to go for any day out on the lake. If you are looking to rent a boat in the Triangle area this summer, consider Motor Boatin’. Reserve a spot today, and contact us for any other questions.

Helpful Tips to Navigate Crowded Waters This Summer

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It’s almost officially summer, and there is no better way to spend the day in the beautiful weather around the Triangle than on the lake on a boat. Everyone seems to agree with this which is why crowded waters are more and more common during this season. There is nothing to be worried about in crowded waters as long as the proper precautions are taken. At Motor Boatin’, we believe that safe boating is the best type of boating out there which is why we want to help.

Here are five tips for navigating crowded waters this summer:

  1. Never drink and boat: While boating out with friends might seem like one big party, safety is important, and the person driving the boat should not be consuming alcohol. You wouldn’t drink and drive, so do not try drinking and boating either. Having a clear mindset and good visual awareness is crucial when navigating crowded waters for not only your own safety but the safety of others as well.
  2. Keep your speed in mind: When boating in a crowded area, slow and steady wins the race. The slower the speed the more time there is to take in the surroundings and properly navigate the situation. Trying to quickly get through the area can lead to mistakes and rougher water which is bound to cause accidents.
  3. Have a designated skipper: When boating, make sure that there is someone else who knows about the operations of a boat. Having someone to help out can make a stressful crowded situation more manageable and all around safer for all.
  4. Keep distance from crowds: While the crowds can’t always be avoided, doing your best to go around them is important. If you see a crowded area in the distance, if possible, go the other direction or anchor up and enjoy the current location you’re already at.
  5. Always wear a life vest: You never know what is going to happen and it is always better to be safe than sorry. Having the proper flotation devices can help avoid a bad situation. There is also a law in North Carolina that requires anyone younger than 13 to wear an appropriate life vest when on a recreational vessel.

During the summertime, boating is a great way to enjoy and relax in the wonderful weather but being safe is more important than anything. Taking the proper precautions when boating crowded waters can make all the difference. For any questions contact us here!

How to Navigate a Lake for the First Time

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Renting your first boat? There is nothing more exciting than getting out on the water for the first time! With the warm weather, open water and all the fun you can imagine at your fingertips, we are so excited to welcome you to the Motor Boatin family. To help you get started, we compiled a couple of our favorite tips and tricks for your first time out on the water.

Here are three tips to help navigate a lake for the first time:

  1. Review our rental policy: This is a great place to start. Review our rental policy here before your arrival. When you arrive, talk to the rental staff about any questions or concerns. They won’t just take your money and hand you the keys; they’ll talk you through safety rules and regulations and help find he best boat for you.
  2. Know your limits: If you aren’t familiar with the water, stay with a group or get a chart of the water you’ll be navigating and take a short route at first. There is a lot of learning that will take place out on the water so take it slow and remind yourself that you are a beginner.
  3. Check your surroundings: You should always have a reasonable idea of where you are in a large body of water. Regulars out on the lake typically recognize buildings on the shoreline that give them an idea of where they are at. While this method works under normal circumstances, if you try to find your way back after dark, everything will look different. In unfamiliar waters, it is good to have maps so you can locate your launch point and use a compass to find your way back. It is also helpful to ask our staff about landmarks, maps and GPS capabilities.

We are eagerly awaiting your arrival here at Motor Boatin! Spice up your free time with a Jet Ski or boat rental from us. Our quality rentals are the perfect ingredients for an afternoon of fun, recreation and relaxation. We cannot wait to hear from you!

Three Family Fun Boating Activities To Try This Summer

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Summer is almost here, and after a long winter and months of social distancing, everyone in the Raleigh area is itching to get out and have some fun. Fortunately, Motor Boatin’ has great family fun options that keep us all safe during the pandemic.

Here are three of our favorite family activities on boats:

  1. Towables: Any toy that one can tie onto the back of a boat, throw kids on and haul off into the water is guaranteed family fun. Whether it’s a simple old-school tube or a big fancy one, it doesn’t really matter. Kids and adults will have a blast on them. If you want kids who are dead tired after a day on a boat, this is definitely the way to go.
  2. Floating islands: Islands and platforms are great. We love to find a quiet area on a lake and set one of these up. It basically extends the ‘square footage’ of the boat to have a little more living space for everyone to spread out and enjoy the day, much like adding a patio to a home, but easier. The extra space also allows more designated splash areas away from those members of the family who want a more laid-back day on a boat.
  3. Fishing: We are always surprised at how much kids love fishing. Even the ones you think would be completely bored with fishing are usually really into it. And to go fishing off a boat is even more exciting. There’s a lot of family fun in cruising a lake, finding what one hopes will be a great spot, casting a line and seeing what one catches. And the cool thing about fishing on a boat is that there’s a sense of accomplishment and learning after a day of fishing.

Our boats book up quickly, so let us know if you have any questions or book your boat today!

Ways Boating Improves Health

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Peaceful and relaxing or thrilling and exciting, boating is a great solution for those that seek out either scenario. Many seek out the former because they enjoy boating as an escape. Others enjoy the latter because they enjoy fishing or jet skiing. Motor Boatin’ has compiled a few ways boating improves health. 

3 ways boating improves health:

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  1. De-stressing: Boat navigators enjoy the control of being at the helm, but also find relaxation with charting their own path through the water. Some feel that being near water de-stresses them, which is why they enjoy going to a lake. Passengers on the boat who may not want to navigate get to enjoy nature and go with the flow. Relaxing on a pontoon boat may be just what is needed.
  2. Fresh air and sunshine: Getting out on the water allows for fresh air and much-needed vitamin D. Fresh air and sunshine allows for a clear mind, easing any depression and relieving anxiety. Fresh air is also great for the digestive and cardiovascular system. Most of all it just makes us happier!
  3. Connecting with nature: Time on the boat is great for reflecting and re-centering. We all need time to unplug and get away from it all. It’s a good time to set goals, relax, and spend quality time with family and friends.
  4. Thrill-seeking: Some enjoy the adrenaline rush of jet skiing. Whether solo or tandem, jet skiing is for the thrill-seekers who like to zip around the lake (following boating and lake rules). Jet skis may increase heart rate and have many asking, are you up for a jet-skiing adventure?

Whether you want to take a break from work stress, laugh a while, or feel excitement, there are boating options out there that can improve health and well-being. Motor Boatin’ has fishing and pontoon boat rentals as well as jet ski rentals. Contact us today to get on the water.

Four of the Best Things to do at Falls Lake

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There are a lot of things to do at falls lake. Spending a summer at falls lake could be done with no problem! We are going to tell you our favorite three things to do at falls lake!

Before we share our four favorite things to do, we want to share a few honorable mentions. We also love hiking, swimming, boating (non-gasoline powered), and checking out the beaver dams at Falls Lake.

While spending the weekend at Falls Lake, our favorite four things to do at the lake are:

  • Boating: Our pontoon boats are the peak of Falls Lake. Many individuals coming out to Falls Lake to enjoy Falls Lake Recreation will end up renting one of our boats to spend the day on the lake.
  • Jet Skis: One of the best ways to enjoy the water and break up the day on pontoon boats or fishing is to rent a jet ski. Our jet skis are available in half-day or whole day rentals.
  • Fishing: Falls lake is known for its amazing fishing. Having five different types of fish including largemouth bass and two types of catfish puts Falls lake a few steps ahead of any other regular fishing spot. There are also multiple ways to fish at Falls Lake. Renting a motorboat or paddle/ non-gasoline boat are the two most popular ways.
  • Camping: Many of our boat renters want to spend more time on the boats or want one day to enjoy jet skis. For those individuals, we really suggest camping in the Falls Lake Grounds. It’s a great way to enjoy both boats and jet skis.

Are you planning on spending a weekend at Falls Lake this Fall? Then, our team at Motor Boatin’ would love to be part of your trip! We have phenomenal boats for fishing, jet skis, and more available to rent. Click here to learn more now.

What You Need To Know To Have An Awesome Party On A Boat

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Who is ready for a party on the water? We realize that not everyone is well-versed in the world of boating, and that Motor Boatin’ is often a trial run to lake life for a lot of people, so we wanted to give you some tips for making the most out of a boat party.

4 top tips for hosting a lake party on a boat are:

1. Size matters – Make sure to get a boat that will give you and your guests enough space to enjoy the day. Remember that it’s not just people that need space- you’ll have coolers, toys, music player/speakers, towels, sunscreen, food and more.

2. Have some activities planned – So you got your friends together, you set sail….and now what? Think about what you want to do once you’re on the boat and plan accordingly. Are you tubing, swimming, fishing? Make sure you have the gear needed or you might end up sitting on the boat and staring at each other for the day.

3. Always bring food and water – Being outside on the water tends to wear people out, making plenty of food and water a necessity, not just part of your fun. Plan for more than enough water and food for each person, how you’ll serve and eat it all and don’t forget to bring a trash bag or two.

4. Practice good boating safety – Ideally, you want to make sure everyone sailing with you a decent swimmer. Have life jackets readily available and listen to our safety talk. If you have any questions at all about operating a boat or safety on the water, please ask us. We want everyone to have a great time.

Boating life is one of the perks of living in the Triangle. We have so many great lakes where we can go enjoy a good boat party. Motor Boatin’ has lots of options for you and your crew. Contact us today so we can help you get on the water!

5 Reasons Why to Rent a Boat in the Spring

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Spring is a great time to rent a boat in the Raleigh area. Sunny skies and comfortable temperatures make the time on the water great for everyone. Motor Boatin’ has boat rentals for those who want to enjoy Falls Lake and all the activities it has to offer.

5 reasons why renting a boat is great idea during the springtime:

  1. Weather and nature: There is evidence that5 Reasons Why to Rent a Boat in the Spring in North Carolina spending time in the sunshine and in a nature setting improves peoples’ moods. Rent a boat with friends or with family and spend some time in Raleigh’s outdoors on Falls Lake. Check out the nature around the lake with its flowers and colors during the springtime. Also, designating a fun activity such as a boat rental gives people something to look forward to throughout the week.
  2. Relaxation: Many of us do not get the relaxation time we need throughout the work week. Take a break from thinking about work and business by spending time on Falls Lake. Water is known to give people a calming effect. Enjoy spending time with friends and catching up on their lives while also relieving stress.
  3. Lunch or dinner date: Bring a picnic lunch or carryout dinner from a local Triangle eatery to share with others while floating along the lake. Grabbing lunch/dinner is always fun, but why not change it up and have lunch/dinner on a boat.
  4. Spontaneous activity: Is the same old pastimes getting boring? Try renting a boat and exploring Falls Lake with family and friends. With scenic views, there is always good photo opportunities. Motor Boatin’ believes that renting a boat will become a new reoccurring activity for family and friends.
  5. Birthday or anniversary party: Rent a boat for a family or friend’s birthday or to celebrate an anniversary. Bring all the party favors and have fun on Falls Lake. Enjoy a sunset cruise for an anniversary dinner and spend time with a significant other.

Renting a boat is a wonderful, fun activity to do during the springtime in the Raleigh area. For more information on boat rentals on Falls Lake, NC, contact Motor Boatin’.

4 New Year’s Resolutions for Boat Lovers in the Triangle

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The new year is quickly approaching and Triangle boating enthusiasts are already preparing for its coming! Typically, the new year begins with new resolutions for how to improve our own personal lives as well as the lives around us. So, what can boat lovers near the Falls Lake area pledge to do to make 2017 a great year on the water?Jordan Lake Boat Rental in North Carolina

Our friendly staff and awesome patrons of Motor Boatin’ resolve to:

  • Conduct Regular Drills with Our Crews. Whether it’s an abandon ship or man overboard drill, we can never be too prepared for these instances should they arise. Let’s plan to have regular drills and run-throughs so that way all crew members are ready in case of emergency.
  • Have Our Boats Prepared to Launch. Picture this: it’s a hot summer day and there’s a long line of boats preparing to launch from the ramp. But, one after the other is held up because they weren’t 100% ready to go, and loose ends need tying up before they can jet off to enjoy the water. How about we make sure everything is good to go before getting to this point; this means less wait time for others and everyone is happy!
  • Not Drink While Boating. This is crucial not only for our own sakes and for our passengers, but for the others boating and enjoying water activities around us. It’s illegal to operate a boat while intoxicated, just like it is illegal to drink and drive a car. Instead of posing a risk to ourselves and others, we pledge to not drink while enjoying the open water.
  • Wear Our Lifejackets. This should be a no-brainer, but it’s tempting to ditch the lifejacket to have more mobility and soak up more sun. However, this step in safety is important, especially for younger passengers or those who can’t swim. Let’s try to be mindful and remember to wear our lifejackets often.

2017 is going to be a great year here in the Triangle and for those planning to enjoy Falls Lake and all it has to offer! Interested in checking our rental options such as a jet ski or pontoon boat? Contact us at Motor Boatin’ today and we’ll make sure you sail smoothly into the new year!