When we bought our first boat, I knew I was going to enjoy it.
my lake vibesWhat I didn't know was how much it would change our lives.
I thought we were buying something fun to do on the weekends. You know...get out on the water, relax, spend some time with family and friends.
What I didn't realize was that we were stepping into an entirely new lifestyle.
There are friendships, dock life, never-ending boat projects, peaceful weekends—and yes, even a little marina drama. 😂
Looking back now, there are so many things about boat ownership that I never expected.
Here are seven of them.
1. I Never Expected to Become This Obsessed
Yeah, I knew I would like boating.
But THIS much?
I didn't see that coming.
It honestly feels like we have a winter home and a summer home. 😀 Once boating season comes around, our friends and family pretty much know where we're going to be.
The lake has become my happy place.
It's brought me peace, more time with my family, new friendships and so many memories.
I thought I was going to enjoy having a boat.
I didn't realize how much I would fall in love with the whole lifestyle.
2. I Never Expected My Dock Neighbors to Become Like Family
This one still makes me laugh because I probably know more about some of my dock neighbors than I do about the people who live in my own neighborhood.
But there's something about sharing the dock.
We already have something in common—we love being at the lake.
So conversation comes easy.
You sit around talking about boats, cooking, laughing, helping each other with something on the boat or just enjoying the day.
Before you know it, your dock neighbors aren't just the people parked next to you.
They become your lake family.
3. I Didn't Expect Marina Drama Either
Sometimes protecting your peace is part of the process. 😉
Now, just like anywhere else, everybody isn't going to be friendly.
I learned that too.
I've experienced neighbors who weren't exactly...pleasant. And when you're coming to the lake to relax and enjoy your happy place, dealing with someone's nasty attitude is the LAST thing you want.
But I eventually decided that I wasn't going to allow somebody else's attitude to ruin my beautiful weekends.
And let's just say...
We're not at that marina anymore.
LOL! 😂
Problem solved.
4. I Had No Idea I Would Love Dock Life So Much
Before owning a boat, I didn't even know dock life was a thing.
I assumed having a boat meant you were supposed to be out riding around on the water all day.
Not necessarily.
Some of my favorite lake days are the days when we don't leave the dock at all.
I can sit on the boat and watch other boats go by. Relax in my swing. Cook. Talk with our neighbors. Listen to music. Enjoy the view.
Or do absolutely nothing.
And sometimes doing absolutely nothing is exactly what I need.
Dock life is definitely a thing—and I've grown to love it.
If you're wondering what we actually do sitting at the dock all day, I have another post all about dock life and how we spend those days.
5. I Never Expected the Boat to Become a Never-Ending Project
I really thought we would buy the boat, I'd make a few changes, decorate it a little and...
Done!
Nope. 😂
A boat is just like a house.
There's ALWAYS something else you want to do.
I'm constantly thinking about how I can make our boat more comfortable, more organized or just feel more like us.
Then I start thinking about our guests.
What can I add to make them comfortable?
What's something I can have onboard that they'll appreciate?
What little touch will they remember after spending the weekend with us?
And just when I think I'm finished...
I come up with something else.
At this point, I don't think a boat is ever really "done."
6. I Didn't Know Pet Etiquette Would Be Something I'd Have to Think About
Okay...
This was definitely not on my list of things I thought about when we bought a boat. 😂
We don't have a dog, but plenty of people at the marina do.
And most people are responsible with their pets.
But everybody isn't.
We've had to dodge pet poop on the dock more than once.
And I've definitely had moments walking down the dock watching someone's dog coming toward me thinking...
Ummm...is somebody coming to get their dog?
When you're sharing a dock with other people, things like that can get irritating pretty quickly.
Thankfully, it has gotten much better.
But marina pet etiquette?
Yeah.
Definitely something I never expected to have an opinion about.
7. I Never Realized How Relaxing Boat Life Really Is
I don't think people fully understand this part until they experience it.
When we tell people we're spending the weekend at the lake, I think they picture us riding around on the water all day.
Most of the time, we're not.
We're sitting right there on our docked boat.
Then someone comes to visit for the first time.
They sit down.
Look out at the water.
Feel the breeze.
And after a little while...
They get it.
There's something about being near the water that calms your spirit.
You don't have to be doing anything.
Sometimes just being there is enough.
And I've noticed that once people experience that feeling, they usually want to come back.
The Biggest Surprise of All
When we bought our first boat, I thought we were buying a boat.
That's it.
I didn't know we were going to find a community.
I didn't know I'd fall in love with dock life.
I didn't know I'd constantly be thinking about the next thing I wanted to do to the boat.
I didn't know how much quality time we'd spend with our family there.
And I definitely didn't know the lake would become the place I go when I need to relax, reset and just breathe.
There have been a few surprises along the way—some better than others. 😂
But knowing what I know now?
I'd still do it all over again.
Because somewhere along the way, we didn't just buy a boat.
We found our happy place.
If you're already part of the boating life, tell me: What's something you never expected before buying your boat?
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