Empty Nester Boating: How To Launch A New Life Together

Empty nesting can be a big life transition, but it’s also the perfect opportunity for couples to rediscover each other. By reminiscing about fun things you used to do, and talking about new things you’d like to try, you’re on your way to creating the best chapter of your lives!

Boating, and all the fun activities that come with it, is such a great way for Empty Nester couples to enjoy the outdoors, while reconnecting with each other after the kids have grown and flown.

Whether just cruising around, crabbing, fishing, shrimping, or waverunning, there’s not much better than getting out on the water together, especially on a sunny day!

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Empty Nest, Full Boat

Aside from spending quality time together, if you love seafood, catching your limit makes the day even better. Actually, it’s OK if you don’t catch anything, because as the saying goes…

“A bad day of fishing is always better than a good day at work!”

You can make an entire day of it—sunrise to sunset. Anchor the boat in a quiet lake cove, throw a pole in the water, have lunch while listening to your favorite playlist, catch some fish, take a refreshing swim, and then cruise back slowly, admiring all the beautiful waterfront homes.

Another idea is to pack some spices, lemon, and butter to cook your freshly-caught shrimp on your boat grill. It doesn’t get much fresher than that!

New To Boating?

Is your boating experience only as passengers?

Have you always dreamed of owning a boat, but the timing was never right?

Were you too busy with all your kids’ activities?

Or, maybe you just didn’t know how to get started…

Well, now that you have more time, flexibility, and freedom, it’s the perfect time for Empty Nesters to take the helm—literally!

How To Choose The Right Boat

There is a lot of research to do before purchasing a boat. Be sure to take your time on what could be a large purchasing decision.

This FREE Boat-Buying Worksheet can help you get started.

My husband, Pete, has many years of boating experience and has purchased a multitude of different types of boats—for fishing and playing in lakes, and for crabbing, fishing, and shrimping in the saltwater.

After purchasing the boat and trailer that’s right for you, make sure you have the proper vehicle to tow it with.

Next you’ll need to study up and gear up!

Learn The Ropes

Before you launch your new boat for the first time, you’ll need to learn the ropes of boating.

Visit the Boater Safety Education website to learn about courses and requirements for your area. As stated on their website, “Boating safety is a concern for everyone on the water. Even if you’re not required to pass a boater safety course in your state or province, boater safety is everyone’s responsibility. Boaters can keep themselves and their passengers safe by learning about responsible boat operation, etiquette, and the rules of the waterways. An educated boater is a safer boater.”

If you want to learn more, you can spend hours scouring the Internet, or you could get a jumpstart by learning from someone with first-hand knowledge. My husband, Pete, has many years of boating experience.

Hey, I’m Pete!

Boating has been a passion of mine since childhood!

As I got older, I continued boating with my wife, friends, extended family, and later with our kids. Over the years, we’ve owned numerous boats.

We’ve had so much fun—cruising, crabbing, fishing, shrimping, water skiing, tubing, skurfing, kneeboarding, wakeboarding, and waverunning.

Prior to having kids, we were out on the water together a lot!

But, there came a time when boating gave way to countless hours in gymnasiums watching and coaching our kids’ year-round basketball teams, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Now we’ve come full circle, and we’re getting back on the water together!

If you need 1:1 help with your boat-buying decision, email lori@whenbirdiesfly.com for coaching information.

We’re here to help you get into boating and get into the water…faster!

Gear Up For Boating

Once you have your boat, trailer, and the proper vehicle to tow it with, it’s time to gear up for your new boating adventures!

Boating Equipment/Supplies

Before heading out on your maiden voyage, you’ll need to stock up on some boating essentials for:

Safety/Comfort
Navigation/Communication
Crabbing/Fishing/Shrimping
Cleaning/Maintenance

Grab the FREE EMPTY NESTER Boating Equipment/Supply Checklist for items we have purchased and use, along with items we have researched and recommend. You can also find the checklist link in RESOURCES in above menu.

In addition to Amazon, following are some great places to shop for all your boating gear, either in person or online:

Bass Pro Shops
Cabela’s
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Scheels
Sportsman’s Warehouse
Walmart

Cool😎Gear

Visit The SHOP (COMING SOON!) for Empty Nester Merch—including Boating, Crabbing, Fishing, Shrimping, Waverunning, and more—for yourselves or for gifts!

Conclusion

Empty Nester Boating isn’t just about the destination or the activities, it’s about spending time and creating new memories together. It’s your turn to reconnect and have fun!

Whether you’re cruising on a lake, crabbing, fishing in your favorite cove, shrimping, or flying across the water on your waverunner, the best part about it is you’re spending time together.

After years of parenting responsibilities, now that you’re either getting back into boating or finally getting into it for the first time, grab your gear and go!

Empty Nester Fishing: How To Get Hooked On Each Other Again

Empty Nester Shrimping: Little Things To Help You Reconnect

Empty Nester Waverunning: Riding A New Wave Of Life Together

Find More Here:

RESOURCES

YOUTUBE