"A Four Hour Tour"...on Lake Norman

September 2011 News

September 19th is "Talk Like a Pirate Day." And what better way to call your kids "scurvy bilge rats" than to rent a pontoon boat on Lake Norman. We did just that recently when my sister was in town, a last-minute decision for a fun adventure.


The day started warm, and had me questioning the wisdom of taking my three kids on a real boat. I do have some sailing experience under my belt, but had never rented a pontoon boat, and certainly had not taken my kids on one. I recalled from a sailing class several years ago the school owner and head instructor asked the class where the best place for kids was on a boat. His answer: "Not on a boat."


The sun was shining and the seas were calm as we headed up I-77 to Carolina Boat Rentals in Cornelius. The "shop" consisted of a tent and card table - not the most confidence-inspiring set-up, but the staff was thorough and the boat was in good shape. Most importantly, all of the life jackets were in good condition and fit well - even the one for my 20-month old toddler.


Speaking of my little sailor, the woman conducting the walk-through had special instructions about the key, making sure that if we chose to stop the boat and anchor, I not only turned the key off, but utilized the "dead man" switch, so that no one could accidentally turn the boat back on. "Kids love keys," she warned.


After a short drive around the corner to Ramsey Creek Park, the deck hand conveniently lowered the boat into the water for us, motored over to the dock and invited everyone aboard. I had decided to literally tie my toddler to the rail, something that my aforementioned instructor said that he did when his children were small. After a stern review of safety rules and behavior expectations, we were on our way. We could - and should - have fun, but, under no circumstances was anyone to act "crazy."

 

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/09/09/2593534/a-four-hour-touron-lake-norman.html#ixzz1XkyTjX7U

  • Win a FREE ATMOS air station

    Submit your best boating photo with towables AND sign up for our free newsletter for a chance to win

You Might Also Be Interested In...
Feature, News

Informa Announces First Annual Windy City Boat & Yacht Show

The Windy City Boat & Yacht Show will to debut Jun...
Web Exclusive
Feature, News

IBEX to Move to December Starting 2027 to Avoid Hurricane Season

Date shift of North America’s largest marine indus...
Web Exclusive
Feature, News

Boaters on Pennsylvania’s Three Rivers Now Have TowBoatUS 24/7

The 24/7 on-water towing and assistance service fo...
Web Exclusive
BoatUS
News, Feature

BoatClass Expands to more than 35 Locations

BoatClass, a certified on-water boater training ha...
Web Exclusive
Feature, News

TowBoatUS Service Now in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

When boats break down on the water, TowBoatUS safe...
Web Exclusive
BoatUS
News

Introducing Revel Boats

Revel Boats is the newest pontoon brand that was i...
Share

Send to your friends!

Click here to read the current issue.

Already a subscriber? Please check your email for the latest full issue link.