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Every June, Ohio celebrates what those of us on the water already know: boating isn't just a hobby. It's one of the best ways to spend a day in this state. Ohio Goes Boating Month is the perfect reminder that lakes, reservoirs, and rivers are right in your backyard — and that getting on the water is more accessible than most people think.
At Charles Mill Marina, we've been helping Ohio families get out on the water for decades. Here's everything you need to know about making this the summer you finally do it.
Why Boating?
The case for boating doesn't require much selling. A day on the water is genuinely different from almost anything else you can do. The pace changes. The distractions drop away. Whether you're fishing, tubing, cruising at sunset, or just anchored somewhere quiet with a cooler, there's a quality to it that's hard to replicate on land.
Beyond the experience itself, boating is a social activity. It brings people together in ways that backyards and restaurants don't. Kids who grow up on the water tend to stay on the water. Families who boat together build a shared vocabulary of trips, places, and moments that stick.
Ohio is an ideal state for it. With over 120,000 acres of inland lake surface and some of the most well-maintained reservoirs in the Midwest, you don't have to travel far to find great water.
The Boats: More Affordable Than You Think
The most common misconception about boating is that it's expensive. For some boats, that's true. But the category that defines recreational boating for most families — pontoons, tritoons, and deck boats — is remarkably accessible.
Pontoon boats remain the most popular platform on Ohio's inland lakes for good reason. They're stable, spacious, easy to operate, and genuinely comfortable. A pontoon is a floating living room. Entry-level models start in ranges that compete with a used car, and they hold their value reasonably well.
Tritoons — pontoons with three tubes instead of two — offer more lift, better handling at speed, and a smoother ride in choppy water. They're the step up for families who want more performance without leaving the comfort of the pontoon format.
Deck boats split the difference between a pontoon and a traditional runabout. They're V-hulled for a sportier ride, with an open bow and more interior space than a typical bowrider. Great for families who want versatility — you can cruise, pull tubes, or ski without sacrificing comfort.
Our Brands
We carry four of the most respected names in this segment:
Starcraft — Built in Indiana since 1903, Starcraft makes aluminum pontoons and deck boats with a reputation for durability and honest value. Their Sport and EX lines are perennial best-sellers for families who want a well-made boat without paying for features they don't need.
SunChaser — SunChaser pontoons are built around fun and livability. Wide-open deck layouts, comfortable seating, and solid construction at a price point that makes first-time buyers feel good about their decision.
Qwest — Qwest specializes in aluminum pontoons and tritoons with a focus on customization. If you want to spec out your boat to match how you actually use it — fishing packages, entertainment layouts, performance upgrades — Qwest gives you those options.
Bentley — Bentley Pontoons deliver upscale styling and premium materials at a competitive price. If the look and feel of the boat matters to you as much as the performance, Bentley is worth a close look.
Your Options for Getting on the Water
Buying a new boat is one path. It's not the only one.
Used Boats
A quality pre-owned pontoon or deck boat is often the smartest first move. We regularly have used inventory across our locations, and a well-maintained aluminum pontoon from five or six years ago will give you everything you need at a fraction of new-boat pricing. Ask us what's available — inventory turns regularly.
Mid-Ohio Boat Club
Not ready to own? The Mid-Ohio Boat Club is membership-based boating without the commitment of ownership. Members get access to a fleet of maintained boats, which means no storage headaches, no off-season maintenance, and no depreciation. It's a legitimate way to boat regularly while you figure out what kind of boat actually fits your lifestyle — or simply as a permanent alternative to ownership that pencils out for how you use the water.
Boat Rentals
Want to try before you commit to anything? We offer rentals at all four of our Ohio locations:
- Charles Mill Marina — Charles Mill Lake, Mifflin, Ohio
- Pleasant Hill Marina — Pleasant Hill Lake, Perrysville, Ohio
- Mosquito Lake Marina — Mosquito Creek Lake, Cortland, Ohio
- Pymatuning Boat Rentals — Pymatuning Reservoir, Andover, Ohio
Renting for a day or a weekend is the lowest-friction way to know whether boating is for you, and to get a feel for different types of boats before you buy.
How Boat Financing Works
Boat loans work much like auto loans. Here's the basic structure:
Term lengths typically run from 5 to 20 years, depending on the loan amount. Longer terms lower your monthly payment but increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan.
Down payments are usually in the 10–20% range for new boats, though this varies by lender and credit profile. A larger down payment improves your rate and reduces your monthly obligation.
Interest rates depend on your credit score, the loan term, and whether you're financing a new or used boat. Rates for well-qualified buyers are competitive with auto loan rates. Marine-specific lenders often offer better terms than general consumer lenders.
What you'll need: Most lenders want to see proof of income, a few years of tax returns or pay stubs, and details on the boat you're purchasing (make, model, year, purchase price).
One thing worth knowing: boats over a certain value can often be financed as a second home if they have a head (marine toilet) and sleeping accommodations, which may make the interest tax-deductible. Ask your tax advisor whether that applies to your situation.
We work with marine lending partners who can walk you through pre-approval quickly. In many cases you can know what you qualify for before you've picked a specific boat.
Boat Service: What to Expect
Boats require maintenance, and understanding what that looks like helps you budget and plan.
Annual winterization is essential in Ohio. Before temperatures drop, engines need to be flushed, cooling systems drained, and fuel systems stabilized. Skipping this is the most common way to turn a small issue into an expensive one.
Spring commissioning is the reverse: getting the boat back in shape for the season. This typically includes checking the battery, inspecting belts and hoses, testing the bilge pump, changing the engine oil and gear lube, and going through safety equipment.
Routine maintenance mirrors what you'd do for a vehicle: oil changes, spark plug replacement, impeller service (the water pump component that circulates cooling water), and periodic inspection of the trailer if applicable.
Upholstery and canvas on a pontoon or deck boat will eventually need attention. UV exposure and weather take a toll over time. Keeping the boat covered when not in use extends the life of these components significantly.
Aluminum care — for aluminum pontoon tubes specifically — means rinsing after use and watching for any scratches or damage that could lead to corrosion over time.
Our service departments handle everything from routine maintenance to engine repairs across all four locations. If you're buying a used boat and want an inspection before you commit, we can do that too.
Come See Us This June
Ohio Goes Boating Month is a good prompt to stop thinking about it and do something about it. Whether you want to rent for a weekend, join the boat club, or walk the dock and look at new inventory, all four of our locations are open and ready.
The water's warm. The season is short. June is a good time to start.