Although I hate admitting this out loud, a classic question I ask myself every time I’m faced with a new challenge is, “How is everyone ELSE doing this?” So I’m sure I’m not alone in the desire to peek into the lives of other pontooners to know how they’re handling common boating questions, restoration options, and enjoying the boating lifestyle. And what better way to hop on the comparison train (I mean `toon) and scout out new boating friends than with social media?

Pretty much every pontoon and deck boat manufacturer has a dedicated owner’s group, but in addition to those, here are our favorite Facebook pages where you can ask for advice, share photos, and find like-minded boating buddies.

Someday you may be invited on a nice pontoon cruise across the beautiful 22,000-square-mile Lake Michigan. If you get this opportunity to take a non-seafaring vessel across this ocean-like lake, let me urge you, with the greatest sincerity. Change your name. Fake your own death. Run for your life. Whatever you do, do not go. I know.

As part of his 25th anniversary from the first time he crossed Lake Michigan on a pontoon, Malcolm “Goofy” Sohm invited me to join him. His motivation was to recreate his first epic journey as part of his celebration of the trip that launched his invention of the Technically Advanced Performance (T.A.P.) Fin system and his Conrad Marine business. I’m not one to back down from an adventure, no matter how crazy or “goofy” it might sound, so I agreed to meet up with my friend in Wisconsin to document the adventure.

When everything in life is a trade-off (including boat buying), it can feel like you have to give up your wish list in favor of your budget, or vice versa. But not with the Barletta Cabrio. This perfectly placed mid-line model has it all, including plush furniture, sporty performance, and an affordable price tag.

Made for families, this cost-effective pontoon is not only gorgeous and comfortable, but also filled with the must-haves for superb on-the-water adventures. Barletta Regional sales manager Evan Sharpley said, “The Cabrio hits all the right notes at an unbeatable price. The plush furniture is next-level comfort, the raised helm is a standout feature at this price point, and the extended swim platform adds serious versatility. Add in a range of smart options, and it’s clear why the Cabrio continues to dominate.”

More often than not, this old-timer from the author’s pontoon boat club could be found fishing from his boat without leaving his slip – and catching more than his share of crappies this time of year.

March is when many of our favorite gamefish species start moving toward the shallows where they will spawn. The fish are hungry and the angling action can be fast. And, if you are fortunate enough to have lakefront property, especially with a dock or lift to provide shade and structure, some excellent catching can be had, literally under your feet.

That’s good, because the third month often features fickle weather, resulting in water conditions that can keep boaters at bay. But just because you are dry-docked for the day doesn’t mean you can’t wet a line and have a reasonable expectation to do some catching.