Those who rent or own waterfront property may think they have it all — from the compelling sights and sounds of nature and the water, to the feeling of delightful distance from the rest of the world. The reality, however, is that you can't possibly experience everything this lifestyle has to offer unless you can bring your lake house right down to the water's edge and, if so desired, cast off.

A pontoon boat is a rewarding, dynamic way of extending your lake house lifestyle. Not only is it easily integrated into your family's favorite activities, it can serve multiple purposes throughout the course of a single day.

When a purple twilight gently morphs into the first colored wisps of dawn, the fishermen among you can quietly cast off the docklines on your pontoon fishing boat and head to a nearby cove. There, you'll sip steaming coffee from a thermos, watch the sun creep above the mist and cast for those early biters. You'll return for a hearty breakfast with the family, hopefully a few pounds of fish richer.

As the day heats up, your pontoon boat becomes a pool deck, beach house and cruising yacht all in one. Instead of crowding umpteen beach towels onto a narrow dock for sunbathing, your entire crew can spread out on your pontoon boat cruiser and dock for hours. And a pontoon boat offers three things the dock can't: an MP3 port for great tunes, a Bimini for those who'd like to relax in the shade, and plenty of space for snacks and coolers loaded with frosty beverages.

If your dock space lands in shade, or if you're simply seeking a change of venue, there's no need to get in the car and drive to the nearest crowded public beach. Just fire up the engine and motor to the right spot. It may be a secluded cove for dropping the hook, a popular raft-up location or a shoreside hotspot with plenty of transient dockage.

And when evening falls, your pontoon will become a party barge central for your family and friends. Whether you're taking a sundown cruise together or hosting the on-water or dockside equivalent of a neighborhood block party, you'll find revelers in no hurry to move indoors for the night. In fact, as much as you love your lake house, you might just find that your pontoon boat becomes the star of the show!

Party Tip:

When you're hosting an evening get-together, you may find that the action quickly becomes centered on your pontoon boat. Rather than putting the brakes on the party and moving it indoors for a sit-down meal, you might want to consider a "grazing meal" on the water or at the dock. Tapas, a staple in Spanish cuisine and already a formidable culinary trend here in the States, are an outstanding way to provide your guests with flavorful, substantial dishes that allow them to taste different things while continuing to mingle and enjoy the outdoors.

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