Ask any longtime boater on the North Shore and they'll tell you the same thing—summer always goes by too fast.
One minute you're getting the boat ready for launch day. The next you're talking about haul out and wondering where the season went.
At Bosun's Marine in Peabody, we spend a lot of time talking with customers about where they're boating, where they're heading next, and what destinations are worth adding to the calendar before another New England summer slips away.
If you're looking to make the most of boating season, here are a few experiences every Massachusetts boater should check off at least once.
Grab a Mooring at Spectacle Island
For many Boston Harbor boaters, Spectacle Island is the unofficial summer headquarters.
It's close enough for a quick afternoon escape yet feels miles away from the city. Grab a mooring, go for a swim, walk the trails, or simply enjoy some of the best views of the Boston skyline from the water.
It's the kind of destination that makes you appreciate having a boat in the first place.
Boats like the Regal LS Series, Pursuit Dual Console lineup, and Sportsman Heritage models are ideal for these easy day trips that mix cruising, swimming, and family time.
Spend the Day Exploring the Boston Harbor Islands
The Boston Harbor Islands are one of New England's most underrated boating destinations.
Many Bosun's customers spend entire days island hopping, anchoring in protected coves, and discovering parts of the harbor most people never see.
Whether you're packing a cooler, bringing the kids, or simply looking for a relaxing day on the water, having a comfortable and versatile boat makes all the difference.
That's one reason models like the Regal LX Series, Pursuit Dual Consoles, and Sportsman Heritage Series continue to be popular among North Shore families.
Dock and Grab Dinner
One of the best parts of boating around Boston is that dinner can start with a harbor cruise instead of sitting in traffic.
Some of our favorite stops include Pier 6 in Charlestown, ReelHouse Boston Harbor, Legal Sea Foods at Liberty Wharf, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, and the Barking Crab.
Each offers a completely different experience, but they all have one thing in common—they're even better when you arrive by boat.
For many Bosun's owners, dock-and-dine evenings become a regular part of summer. It's where boats like Regal, Tiara, Belize, Riviera, and Sunseeker really shine. Comfortable seating, entertaining space, and smooth rides make getting there just as enjoyable as the meal itself.
Take the Kids Tubing
Not every great day on the water requires a destination.
Some of the best boating memories happen a few miles from the dock with a tube, a tow rope, and a boat full of family and friends.
Whether you're spending the day in Salem Sound, cruising near Marblehead, or simply finding a quiet stretch of water, tubing remains one of the most popular family boating activities in Massachusetts.
Regal LS models, Pursuit Dual Consoles, and Sportsman Heritage boats are favorites among families because they're built to handle a little bit of everything.
Watch the Sunset from the Water
Ask a local boater about their favorite summer memory and there's a good chance it involves a sunset.
Maybe it's watching the sun drop behind the Boston skyline. Maybe it's drifting off Marblehead Neck. Maybe it's cruising back from Gloucester after a day on the water.
The destination doesn't matter nearly as much as the view.
And it's one of those experiences that never gets old no matter how many seasons you've spent boating.
Catch the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular from Your Boat
There may not be a better seat in Massachusetts on the Fourth of July.
Watching the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular from your boat is one of those bucket-list experiences every local boater should enjoy at least once.
Every summer, Bosun's customers make their way into Boston Harbor to enjoy the show from the water, creating memories that last long after the fireworks are over.
Why Bosun's Marine Is Part of So Many Summer Traditions
For generations, Bosun's Marine has been helping Massachusetts families make the most of life on the water.
Whether it's helping a family purchase their first Regal, upgrading into a Pursuit Dual Console, moving into a Tiara for weekend cruising, or finding the perfect Riviera, Belize, or Sunseeker for longer adventures, our goal remains the same.
Help people spend more time enjoying New England's incredible boating lifestyle.
Because the best days of summer rarely happen on land.
They happen on the water.