For Sail: 5 Great Lake Boats
Canoe/Kayak
The Wenonah Adirondack 16-foot canoe seats two adults and up to 150 pounds of additional gear (or children). Find this easy-handling model at Rusted Moon Outfitters (6410 Cornell Ave., 317-253-4453) for $1,399. For a more solitary experience, the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 kayak (pictured), available at Nurpu River & Mountain Supply (16907 Mystic Rd., Noblesville, 317-773-1560) for $849, has a deep-V hull design that allows for better stability and tracking in the water. If you do tip over, the watertight rear bulkhead will keep your cell phone and lunch dry.
Sailboat
The lightweight, four-person Precision 185 nimbly handles the open water, and the kick-up rudder allows you to beach the boat for impromptu onshore excursions. It’s ideal for beginning sailors, but be sure to take a lesson or two at a local sailing club before heading out on your own open-water adventure. For $12,500 at Sailboats, Inc. (5049 Robison Rd., 317-872-7845), you’re the captain.
Fishing Boat
The Lund 1875 Impact has enough room that you won’t be tangling lines with one of the five other passengers on board. The aluminum fishing boat, measuring 18’9″, features two built-in live wells for the day’s haul and space for 10 fishing rods. It starts around $35,000 at Denny’s Marina (5550 Kopetsky Dr., 317-786-9562), with a trolling motor and fish-finder standard.
Speedboat
With room for 15 people, the Malibu MXZ 22 from Mid-Indiana Marine (7770 E. 236th St., Cicero, 317-984-7004) is as accommodating as it is fast. Starting at $80,000, the boat carries a 350-horsepower Indmar engine that can reach up to 50 mph.
Pontoon/Party Boat
Today’s pontoons must pull double duty. Buyers want both space for a dozen people and enough horsepower to pull the kids around the lake on skis. At Ted’s Aquamarine (4600 Bluff Rd., 317-786-2254), the Harris FloteBote line runs from $20,000 to more than $80,000, depending on the finishes. The flagship Crowne series comes with luxurious leather seats, granite bartops, and a powerful 300-hp motor.
Illustrations by Ellen Collier
This article appeared in the July 2013 issue.
