You may be looking at the photos above and wondering what it means.  The answer is simple:  For the price of a large pizza and a 6-pack each week, you could have your own boat.  That boat includes a 50-hp engine, a custom trailer, a trolling motor, 3 deluxe seats, and a fish-finder.

There’s a common misconception that boats are expensive luxuries.  That may be true for the big yachts, but if you’re just looking to get out onto the water and have some fun, you can do it for very little investment.  The Alumacraft Classic package (shown above) is a solid boat that keeps its looks and its value.  It’s not uncommon to see an Alumacraft that’s 10–even 20–years old out on the lake, and in great condition.  Can the same be said for that pizza?

A boat like the Classic is an even better bargain when you look at the bigger picture.  How much time and money do you spend on family vacations?  Gas, hotels, restaurants, admission fees… All for 1 week, or even just an extended weekend?  It’s easy for a family of 4 to spend a thousand dollars or more for a week-long vacation.  For that amount, the family can spend an entire summer’s worth of weekends out on the water enjoying fishing, tubing, swimming, or just catching some sun.  And you’re not just restricted to weekends.  Enjoy Wednesday evening fishing.  Make Tuesday afternoons the day for tubing.  Meet up with other boaters on a Thursday night for a floating party.  Or just head out on the water to get away from the stresses of work.

A dinner that’s over in an hour?
A bouquet that will wilt within in a week?
A nick-nack to gather dust on the shelf?
A new blender?

Why go for the ordinary or the expected? You’ve known her for years. She’s raised your family and stood by you. She’s important to you–not just for this day, but every day of the year. Rather than giving her a small gift that says “I remembered the holiday”, why not give her something that says “every day I get to spend with you is special.”

Make your own holidays with a luxurious Bennington pontoon. Invite over your best friends for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. Take the entire family out for a day of skiing and excitement. Leave the kids at home and take her out alone for a romantic moonlight cruise.

Let her spend her summers stretched out on a chaise lounge, soaking in the warm sun and listening to her favorite music and the lapping of the waves. Not just this weekend, not just this summer, but for years to come.

For all that she’s done for you and your family, doesn’t she deserve the best? Stop in and see just how easy it is to make her feel like a queen all summer long, and for years to come.

The Manke brothers–and Don’s Marine–are featured in an article on LodiWisconsin.net

Don’s Marine is a member of the LodiWisconsin.net site which promotes Lodi for tourism and vacations.  You can read the article here.