Friday, May 18, 2018

Summer Boating Party Ideas

Spring is finally here in the Midwest, and while Mother Nature might still have a few surprises in store, it’s never too early to start thinking about summer parties on the lake!

Imagine a perfect summer day: blue skies, warm sunshine, and all your friends and family having fun. If that sounds like the day you’ve been waiting for all winter, we have some great ideas to make sure everyone at your party talks about it for days afterwards!

Many of these ideas don’t require actually being out on the lake, but rather using your boat as an extension of your outdoor living space. Boaters frequently miss opportunities to use their boats and pontoons for more than being out on the water!

  1. Host a movie night. This idea is great especially for groups with kids. You can customize your viewing experience for however many people are involved – watch on a laptop with a large screen for smaller crowds, or try a projector that attaches to your phone or laptop for a larger group. A simple option for a screen is using a white bed sheet. Load up your boat with snacks, and you’re all set for a movie night!
  2. Weekend cruise. Take your family and friends out for a spin and entice them to come along with the promise of a meal on board. You could do brunch, lunch, or dinner. Keep it simple: no messy meals. Finger foods are best.
  3. 4th of July fireworks show. Do you live on a lake or in a community that hosts a waterfront fireworks display? Do you want to light off some of your own? These are all great options for a holiday party. Remember, safety first! If you’re lighting your own fireworks, don’t hold them in your hand. Launch fireworks away from the boat and towards open water. Be courteous of other boaters! If you’re attending a fireworks display on the water, follow nighttime navigation rules and make sure you have proper safety lights and equipment.

Looking for dock accessories to make your night on the water or on the dock more enjoyable?

Alumi-Span is your one-stop shop for everything you need from your dock including furniture, solar lights, and ladders. We also have everything you need to keep your dock safe for all your guests, like bumpers and corner pieces so there are no sharp edges to your dock.

For more information or to talk to one of our boating experts, give us a call or visit our website today! We’d love to help you bring one of these party ideas to life!


Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Boating on the Great Lakes

Looking forward to getting out on the water this summer? The time is almost here! As you prepare for warm weather, clear skies, and perfect boating days, it’s time to take advantage of living in the Midwest, and get out on the Great Lakes!

If you’re from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, or some eastern states like Pennsylvania and New York, you’ve got one of the Great Lakes within driving distance! Boaters from Canada can also access some of the Great Lakes easily.

The Great Lakes is one of the largest inland freshwater lake systems in the world. There are so many options for urban access, historical sites, water sports, fishing, and more fun summer activities.

There’s something for the whole family!

Looking for something to do on one of the Great Lakes? Check out our guide below:
  • Lake Erie – This is the shallowest of the five lakes, and the warmest. This lake runs along the northern coast of the state of Ohio, and also shares borders with Ontario, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York. Look for tourist destinations like Niagara Falls and Put-in-Bay.
  • Lake Huron – This Lake is easily accessible from several Metro Detroit cities and Canadian cities, as it sits along the St. Clair River. This lake is great for boating, swimming, and camping.
  • Lake Ontario – This is the easternmost Great Lake and is north of New York State. There are no large cities on the coast, which makes it perfect for smaller boats. There are almost 100 marinas along its shores, and it’s known as a good lake for fishing.
  • Lake Michigan – Lake Michigan has one of the largest Midwest cities along its shores – Chicago. Northern Michigan has many small towns that are perfect for docking and exploring.
  • Lake Superior – This is the largest and northernmost of all the lakes. This lake is always cold for a swim, but the scenery is beautiful, and many national parks and shorelines are great for family adventures, like Painted Rocks National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park.

If you’re planning a boating excursion on the Great Lakes this summer, make sure you have all the boating and dock accessories that you need for your trip! At Alumi-Span, we can help you get prepared for a boating trip of any length. Talk to one of our experts about boating, boat docks, and dock accessories.

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