Boating Lifestyle in Connecticut

Lakes and Rivers

The Connecticut River is a great place to start if you’re interested in boating in Connecticut. Here you can access almost 400 miles of waterway along the borders of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. 

But the Connecticut River is far from the only boating hotspot in Connecticut. Other bodies of water like the Housatonic River,the Thames River, Candlewood Lake, and Mansfield Hollow Lake offer plenty of options for fun in the water. If you want to enjoy all the natural beauty of Connecticut, consider some of the state’s more remote reservoirs, such as Bolton Lake, Nepaug Reservoir, and Quaddick Reservoir. Whether you want to catch some amazing fish, pull off some cool tricks, or just spend a day with the family, there is no doubt you can find fun times. 

It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of the land of steady habits. So explore the beauty of Connecticut’s waters and make some lifelong memories.

One of the most exciting destinations in Connecticut is Lake Compounce in Bristol. This is a fun filled park containing a wave pool, countless slides, and of course the beautiful lake!

For history nuts, you can visit the Mystic Seaport Museuem! You can explore all the amazing exhibits right there on the waterfront, including the Charles W. Morgan, which is the last wooden whaleship in the entire world!

And you can ever leave out all of the beautiful beaches in Connecticut. You can spend a day at Ocean Beach Park or even at Jenning’s Beach and soak in all the sun’s rays. On the days when the waves are just right, there are opportunities for beautiful family fun!

What Types of Fish Can I Catch?

Anglers will be in heaven in Connecticut with so many different types of water to explore. Fishing in the state’s rivers yields species like striped bass and brown trout, while boaters can use their boats to explore fishing spots on the lakes. Visit popular fishing spots like Bantam Lake and Gardner Lake to experience some of Connecticut’s best fishing scene’s. 

The waters are ripe with many of Connecticut’s favorite catches- such as Lampreys, Freshwater Eels, Sturgeons, Bowfins, Trouts and Salmons, Smelts, Suckers, Minnows, and Carps. 

Fishing in Connecticut is a popular pastime thanks to the miles of shoreline and crystal clear waters. From coastal fishing to trolling for trophies, anglers of all skill levels can join in the fun. There are plenty of fantastic fishing spots throughout the state, so grab your pole and get ready to reel in some fish!

Where to Buy a Boat in Connecticut

We already know that Connecticut offers some of the most spectacular boating in the country. Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely cruise up the Thames or explore the Long Island Sound, Connecticut has so many options for having fun on an awesome boat. So where in Connecticut can you buy a boat of your own?

Buying from your local boat dealership: There are dozens of boat dealerships in Connecticut, so chances are you aren’t too far from one no matter where you are! You can choose from national well-known dealers as well as many local Connecticut boat dealerships. Some of these dealerships have been around for a long time, ensuring their communities enjoy the boating lifestyle, as well! These dealerships will have a large selection of boats and a wide variety of boat brands. You can find a knowledgeable salesperson to answer any questions you may have to make sure you get the most out of your purchase. Most of them will likely have great options for boat loans, as well. 

Buying from a private seller: Perhaps you know someone personally who is selling their boat, or maybe you went on an online marketplace and found a great boat to buy. Either way, you can likely easily find a boat to buy in Connecticut from one of your many friendly neighbors.

Buying a boat at a boat show: Boat shows are a great option to buy your boat from, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of boat you want to buy! Boat shows in Connecticut offer an excellent opportunity to explore the latest boats and browse upcoming events. Here, you can find incredible deals on boats and accessories, chat with industry professionals, attend workshops, and more.

There are thousands of boats that are for sale in Connecticut right this very moment from either dealerships or private sellers. If you are more knowledgeable about boats and how they operate, private sellers may be an option for you. If you know you might need a little help, or if you’re looking to buy the best new boat on the market, you should probably stick to your local dealership or show to find the help you need. 

Boat Shows in Connecticut

If you live in Connecticut, you are fortunate to be close to amazing boat shows that showcase some of the best brands you can buy! Boat shows are an exciting time for boaters and water enthusiasts alike. Connecticut has a vibrant boating community, and as such, has a thriving boat show scene. 

You have so many boat shows in Connecticut to choose from every year, such as the Connecticut Spring Boat Show and the Norwalk Boat Show. These are all excellent opportunities to check out and compare the different boats on the market. With so many models to choose from at these shows, you can find something that fits your needs and budget.

Boat shows in Connecticut are a great way to experience the latest in boating technology and to learn about the boating community in the state. These events provide a unique opportunity to connect with other boaters, learn new skills, and discover new destinations for boating adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a first-time boat owner, attending a boat show in Connecticut is a must for anyone who loves the water. You have the chance to see boats from different manufacturers (some of which may debut a new line at a particular show). You’ll also see many different styles of boats from pontoons, fishing boats, and even ski boats. This allows you to find out your needs and compare each type of boat to find the one that is the best fit for you.

Most dealerships will have awesome deals, and you can even find financing and decide to purchase a boat at the show! 

Boat Loans in Connecticut

Sometimes, the boat loan process can seem intimidating. Fortunately, there are affordable boat loans that offer competitive rates, making buying a boat in Connecticut possible. If you are deciding to purchase a boat so that you can take advantage of everything Connecticut has to offer, you might be looking for one of these loan options. Getting a boat loan in Connecticut is not difficult, and it’s a big step in the process of starting a new lifestyle. 

To find out your budget and desired terms, you should utilize an online boat loan calculator. You can plug in a purchase price, desired down payment, and your target interest rate to find out what your monthly payment would be. This gives you a great idea of the terms you can look for that will fit your budget. 

Once you have a budget in mind and found the perfect boat, you can submit a credit application. Some dealerships offer financing options at the dealership. You could also try to use your local bank or credit union, but they aren’t always experts with boat loans, and they could come back with less-than-favorable terms. 

The best option for most customers is to use a company that specializes in boat loans, such as First Approval Source. We know the industry in and out, so we make boat loans hassle free and find you competitive rates and terms, where other options might not. Once you’ve decided on the best loans and terms, you’ll be ready to experience all the benefits of boating in Connecticut.

Where You Can Store Your Boat

If you already have a boat or plan on owning one soon, you need to think about where are are going to store it. Luckily, Connecticut has many great places to store your boat, depending on your specific needs and location. Some popular options include:

Marinas: A marina provides a safe and convenient place to store your boat in the water. Many marinas offer amenities such as fueling stations, electrical and water hookups, and repair services. Most of the time, you’ll also have convenient locations for picking up quick snacks or extra safety equipment for your trip out. 

Dry Storage Facilities: A dry storage facility is a good option if you prefer to store your boat out of the water. This way, you can benefit by keeping your boat safe from weather elements. These facilities often offer secure storage, launch and retrieval services, and maintenance services. 

Private Docks: If you happen to own waterfront property and plan on using your boat frequently, storing your boat at your own private dock would be your best option. This way, your boat is always within reach for you, and you can take it out at your leisure. 

Boatyards: A boatyard is a good option if you need to store your boat for an extended period of time. These facilities often offer maintenance and repair services, as well as storage options.

Self-Storage Facilities: A self-storage facility is an affordable option for storing smaller boats and personal watercraft. These facilities may have outdoor or indoor storage options, and they have additional amenities such as security and access controls.

When choosing a storage option, consider factors such as cost, location, security, and accessibility to find the best fit for your needs. With the many storage options available in Connecticut, you will always have a safe place to store your boat.

Connecticut is a historic state with so much natural beauty. The state offers so mandy adventures, from fishing, sailing, and visiting numerous landmarks! With so much water, both on the coast and inland, you can never run out of ways to have fun fishing, swimming, or boating. If you’re in the market for a new boat and you need a boat loan, feel free to contact us or apply, using our free online credit application. First Approval Source can find loans for customers with different credit profiles. Finding boat financing doesn’t have to be difficult, let the experts take care of it.