Boating On A Budget
For many people, boating is one of the great pleasures of summer. But the hefty price tag that comes along with the sport leaves lots of folks high and dry.
So, on The Early Show Wednesday, BestStuff.com's David Gregg suggested a variety of affordable watercraft to keep you entertained on the water this summer without leaving you drowning in debt.
He went to New York's Harriman State Park to showcase his choices.
Among them, along with Gregg's thoughts and descriptions provided at least in part by their manufacturers were:
Aquaglide Multisport
Winner of the Innovation Award at the International Marine Trade Exhibit and Conference, an annual boating event held by the National Marine Manufacturers Assn. This is the world's most versatile convertible boat, capable of transforming from sailboat to windsurfer to kayak to tow-able to swim platform in just 10 minutes, including inflation time. The durable, 26-gauge PVC inflatable hull comes with a complete sail, mast, and boom. They're removable when switching from sailboat or windsurfing modes to the kayak, tow-able, or platform configuration. This lightweight boat requires minimal wind to sail, has I-beam supports for extra stability and strength, and includes a removable folding wood deck and two detachable 18-inch keels that can navigate shallows as well as deeper water. As a kayak, the boat is easy to maneuver with the two included dual-blade paddles, and the towing strap enables you to secure the watercraft to a tow rope for use as a two-person performance tow-able. Without the attachments, the boat hull acts as a swim platform. The hull has four soft-grip handles and space for two adults, and supports up to 600 pounds. The Aquaglide comes with a heavy-duty 600-denier cordura cover, foot pump, repair kit, and instructional video. It disassembles for easy storage in its carrying case, which fits in the trunk of a car or can be checked as airline luggage. PRICE: $399.95; www.aquaglide.net
The Aquaskipper
It's a boat. It's a jet ski. No, it's the AquaSkipper! This watercraft is one of the coolest products to hit the water in years. Unlike other human-powered watercraft, its unique hydrofoil wings and fiberglass spring enable you to fly across the water by simply hopping up and down. Since the hydrofoil has very little drag in the water, you can move at speeds of up to 17 mph. It's environmentally friendly: no fuel, no noisy engines, and it's maintenance-free. With the AquaSkipper, you can ride on waves, try new tricks, and race your friends. Any way you use it, the AquaSkipper is fun and a great way to exercise. PRICE:$495.95; www.aquaskipper.comThe Hanauma, by Clear Blue Hawaii
This is a portable, inflatable two-person kayak and brings new meaning to the term underwater exploration, offering paddlers an underwater vista of aquatic wildlife and waterscapes unavailable in conventional boats. Equipped with dual viewing panels and made with a 840 denier nylon skin and inflatable four-chamber system, the Hanauma is rugged and light enough to take you to places you only dreamed of. Adjustable seats enable paddlers of different heights to personalize their leg room. The Hanauma will collapse and fit comfortably in a mesh storage bag that can be conveniently taken on a plane or stored in a hotel closet. Whether hiking to a remote beach getaway or hopping from island to island in the South Pacific, the portable see-through Hanauma is the right choice for your next expedition. It serves well as a dive platform or as a day-to-day recreational kayak. PRICE: $599; www.clearbluehawaii.com
Sun Slider Pedal Boat, by KL Industries
This is KL Industries' most versatile and full-featured model. The high seat backs adjust to maximize pedaling comfort for both kids and adults. The seats also convert to a reclining position to create an on-the-water sun lounge for two. Add the optional, color-matched. Three-bow canopy and seat cushion set and you can maximize this manually powered boat's comfort, versatility and eye-catching performance. The Sun Dolphin offers a durable design that features a kick up rudder and a solid aluminum steering rod to maximize steering responsiveness and facilitate easy repair, if ever needed. PRICE: $825; www.klindustries.com
The Sunfish, by Vanguard Sailboats
The Sunfish is the most popular boat ever produced. Millions of people have learned to sail and enjoy the water on the Sunfish. Sunfish have explored quiet coves, planed across lakes, and sailed in big ocean swells. For over 40 years, the Sunfish has been introducing people to the exciting sport of sailing. The sail plan requires just two lines to control and the boat can be set up in less than five minutes. The patented kick-up rudder system enables full beach landings with no problems. The hull and low sail plan provide unmatched stability and a forgiving feel. The Sunfish hull is light enough to throw on top of your car with ease, and the bulletproof Vanguard construction ensures that your Sunfish will provide years of virtually maintenance-free enjoyment. The Sunfish combines performance, stability and durability in a package that appeals to beginners and experts alike. PRICE:$3395; www.teamvanguard.com
Escape Water Cannon Electric Boat
Winner of an Innovation Award at the Miami International Boat Show, this is a rechargeable electric watercraft powerful enough for riders to navigate lakes and ponds for up to six hours per charge, and has a built-in motorized water canon that can continuously spray a stream of water up to 35 feet. The compact, center-mounted 12-volt motor runs on a standard, deep-cycle marine battery and charger that's available at stores that sell outdoor sporting equipment. It provides nimble maneuverability at speeds up to 3-1/2 miles per hour. The wide, brightly-colored polyethylene body ensures visibility to other craft and stability when getting in and out of the boat. The quiet, emission-free motor activates with the flip of a switch, and an automatic shutoff mechanism turns off the motor when the steering handle is released. The propeller has blunt edges for safety, and both the motor and propeller can be lifted into the hull to prevent damage during storage and transport. Battery status lights keep riders aware of the batteries charge level. The boat supports 320 pounds. Coast Guard-approved life vest not included. Ages 13 and younger require adult supervision. 4 1/2' W x 7' L. PRICE: $1,999.95; www.escapewatercraft.com