“So, do we purchase a camper or do we buy a boat?”

It's time to forget that too-common argument and stop fretting about traveling by land instead of by sea. With a pontoon boat, you can do both. Seriously. Pontoon boats are the only boats on the market today that truly convert to campers.

It all boils down to design and having the right equipment. First of all, traditional sail and powerboats have V-shaped hulls that require a certain amount of water beneath them. That's why their owners rely on below decks accommodations and spending nights on the hook. And, of course, your investment will be significant if you want to own a cruising boat like this.

On the more affordable end of the spectrum: There are small centerboard sailboats and shallow-draft powerboat, and they certainly can be pulled onto the beach, but you'll have to rely on topside accommodations for overnighting. Deck layouts for boats that size are cramped at best, so you'll be looking at tent camping on shore. That means dealing with the cold, hard ground as well as leaking issues, either from the rain or from puddles invading your sleeping space. Nothing spoils a camping trip faster than a clammy sleeping bag and wet clothes.

Enter the very affordable pontoon boat. You can easily pull it onto the beach, and for its size, you'll benefit from maximum deck space, which is both flat and stable. Plus, it'll keep everyone off the ground, away from puddles, mud, tree roots and rocks.

OK, so you'll have space, stability and plenty of storage right there at water's edge. Quite camper-like, but it needs one more thing: a pontoon boat camper enclosure.

Full camper enclosures typically comprise a Bimini top with side, front and aft curtains featuring zip-out panels and screens. The enclosure will keep the sun and wind out during the day, while also retaining a bit of extra warmth when the air cools off at night. It'll keep you, your bedding and all of your gear dry if the weather heads south, and it offers that important extra measure of privacy for overnight stays.

Make sure you get the right enclosure, one that's customized to your pontoon's make and model. Camping, especially with the family, needs to be hassle-free. You don't want to be wrestling with ill-fitting canvas when the kids are ready to grill hot dogs or go for a swim in the lake.

So you've got your camper enclosure, and you've loaded your pontoon boat with all the essentials: portable grill, camp chairs, collapsible camp table, sleeping bags, flashlights, bug spray, cookware, camp dishes and utensils, cooler loaded with goodies, games, books and a variety of water and shoreside toys. Your pontoon is cruising the coast, and you scan the shoreline for the break in the trees that means you've reached your chosen cove. You nose into the beach, set up the camper top and build the campfire as the squealing kids explore their new domain.

Let the memories begin.

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