The Best Watercraft for Your Cottage: A Fun & Functional Guide

Why Watercraft Choice Matters at the Cottage 🏡

Whether you’re planning summer getaways, upgrading your rental property, or investing in Muskoka real estate, choosing the right watercraft can transform your cottage lifestyle.

Here’s the thing: Not all boats (or boards) are created equal. What works for a large, deep lake may not be suitable for a quiet river or a small inland bay. The wrong vessel can mean wasted money or unhappy guests—but the right one adds joy, value, and adventure.

As a Muskoka real estate expert and longtime cottager, I’ve seen how the right watercraft can influence not just your weekend plans but your property’s appeal, resale value, and income potential.

Let’s dive into the best watercraft options for Ontario cottagers, based on lifestyle, age, and goals—plus some popular brands, price points, and real-life cottage wisdom.

 

1.  Pontoons: The Ultimate Leisure Machine 🛳️

Perfect for:

  • Families with kids or seniors 👴👶

  • Entertainers who want to cruise & relax 🍹

  • Rentals with groups of mixed ages

Pros:

  • Stable and safe for all ages

  • Can carry 8-14 people

  • Easy to drive

  • Great for casual tubing or floating parties 🎈

Cons:

  • Not ideal for watersports

  • Slower speeds 🐢

Popular Brands & Price Points:

  • Princecraft, Bennington, Harris

  • Starting around $40,000-$70,000 new (higher with upgrades)

Real Estate Tip: Cottages with pontoon-ready docks or storage space are a huge draw for multi-generational buyers or renters seeking “easy living on the water.”

 

2.  Bowriders & Runabouts: Sporty All-Rounders 🎿

Perfect for:

  • Wakeboarding, skiing, tubing 🏄

  • Speed-loving teens and adults 🚀

  • Medium to large lakes

Pros:

  • Fast, fun, and versatile

  • Tow kids or teens with ease 🛷

  • Still good for cruising

Cons:

  • Higher fuel costs

  • Less room than pontoons

Popular Brands & Price Points:

  • Sea-Doo Switch, Yamaha, Four Winns, Bayliner

  • $35,000-$80,000+ depending on size and power

Real Estate Tip: A property with a deep-water dock and a lift is a dream setup for boat enthusiasts—and makes a listing stand out. 🌟

 

3.  Kayaks & Canoes: Quiet, Classic, and Affordable 🛶

Perfect for:

  • Nature lovers & morning paddlers ☀️

  • Narrow rivers or bays

  • Properties with limited shoreline

Pros:

  • Affordable and easy to store

  • Eco-friendly & quiet 🌎

  • Great for wildlife watching 🦆

Cons:

  • Limited to one or two paddlers

  • Requires physical effort 💪

Popular Brands & Price Points:

  • Pelican, Old Town, Swift, Delta

  • $300-$2,500 new, depending on materials (plastic vs. composite)

Real Estate Tip: Kayak racks or small beach entries are low-cost upgrades that boost buyer appeal, especially for younger families and outdoor enthusiasts. 🧒🏞️

 

4.  Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs): The Trendy Choice 🏄

Perfect for:

  • Teens, yoga lovers, Instagrammers 📸

  • Calm mornings & light workouts 🧘

  • Small to mid-size lakes

Pros:

  • Lightweight & easy to store

  • Fitness-friendly & fun

  • Good for rentals and resale

Cons:

  • Can be tricky in wind/waves 🌬️

  • Not great for everyone’s balance 😅

Popular Brands & Price Points:

  • iRocker, Red Paddle Co, Bluefin

  • $500-$1,500 for a solid beginner/intermediate board

Real Estate Tip: Rentals with SUPs included get more bookings and great reviews—especially when paired with sunrise coffee or sunset yoga shots. 🌅

 

5.  Fishing Boats: For the Reel Enthusiasts 🎣

Perfect for:

  • Anglers of all ages

  • Early morning or evening outings 🌇

  • Year-round cottages on fish-friendly lakes

Pros:

  • Designed for catching fish (live wells, seats, trolling motors)

  • Good resale value

  • Options for electric or gas

Cons:

  • Limited use for larger families

  • Comfort varies by brand/size

Popular Brands & Price Points:

  • Lund, Alumacraft, Tracker

  • $8,000-$40,000 depending on features

Real Estate Tip: Cottages near good fishing spots with included boats are gold for rental income and weekend warriors alike. 🏆 Ensure your insurance covers guest drivers and that they hold a watercraft license.

 

6.  Jet Skis / PWCs: High-Octane Fun 💨💦

Perfect for:

  • Thrill-seekers & teens 🏍️

  • Solo riders or small groups

Pros:

  • Compact & easy to launch

  • Tons of fun!

Cons:

  • Noisy & not lake-friendly everywhere ❌

  • Higher insurance + storage costs 💸

Popular Brands & Price Points:

  • Sea-Doo, Yamaha, Kawasaki

  • $12,000-$20,000 new

Real Estate Tip: Lakes with PWC restrictions can limit use, so always check local bylaws. On open lakes, they attract adventure-seeking buyers. 🧭

 

Personal Insights: From Muskoka Shores to Client Doors 🏡💬

One of my buyers once narrowed down their cottage shortlist solely based on where they could dock their new wakeboard boat. Another family passed on a gorgeous home because the waterfront was not deep enough for their watercraft.

Lesson? Lifestyle matters. When buyers or renters envision their summers, the right watercraft is often at the forefront. It can influence purchasing decisions just as much as countertops or views.

As an agent who specializes in lifestyle-driven real estate, I always ask:

  • How do you want to spend your mornings? ☕

  • Are your guests adventurous or chill?

  • What’s your waterbody like—deep, narrow, or calm?

The answers help guide not just watercraft choices, but also which properties are best suited to you. 🧭

 

Actionable Takeaways 📋

Before buying your first (or next) cottage boat, ask yourself:

  • ✅ Is the lake deep enough for a propeller engine?

  • ✅ Are there restrictions on speed or types of watercraft?

  • ✅ Will you rent the property? What appeals to renters?

  • ✅ How many people will use it, and how often?

  • ✅ Where will you store it in winter?

And if you’re selling?

  • ✅ Stage your dock like a living room: clean, safe, inviting 🧽🪑

  • ✅ Highlight boat-ready features in your listing (e.g. lifts, launches, permits)

  • ✅ Mention included watercraft—or offer them as negotiable perks!

 

Final Thoughts: Be Where You Want to Be 🌊🌞

In Muskoka, being on the water isn’t a bonus—it’s a way of life. Choosing the right watercraft brings that life into full colour. Whether you’re cruising at sunset, catching bass at dawn, or watching your kids conquer the wake, it’s about connection, joy, and freedom.

Ready to find the perfect cottage or market yours with lifestyle in mind? Let’s chat. I’m Lisa Selvage — your Muskoka REALTOR® and outdoor enthusiast. Together with Shirlene Johnston, we proudly serve Muskoka, Parry Sound & beyond. We’ll make sure you’re be where you want to be. 💙

👩🏻💼 Lisa Selvage | Muskoka Realtor® | Muskoka REALTOR® & Wildlife Watcher

👩🏻💼 Shirlene Johnston | Parry Sound Realtor® | Serving Parry Sound & Beyond

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