Why Winter Is the Best Time to Start Thinking About Boating
Featured Boat: 2025 Tidewater 210 LXF - Newest Members-Only Boat to The Fleet. *Oshkosh Location Only
It might be freezing outside, but summer on the Fox River is closer than you think. Here’s why planning now means more time on the water later!
It’s mid-February in Wisconsin. The Fox River is looking more like an ice rink than a waterway, and most people have swapped boat shoes for snow boots. I get it—boating might be the last thing on your mind right now. But hear me out: winter is actually the perfect time to start planning your time on the water.
I know, I know—right now, you’re more focused on scraping ice off your windshield than picking out a new boat club membership. But trust me, by the time that first warm weekend rolls around, you’ll be so glad you got a head start.
The Early Bird Gets the Boat (and the Best Schedule)
Here’s the thing about boat clubs like On The Fox: the best spots and time slots fill up fast. And once the first warm weekend hits, everyone suddenly remembers how much they miss being on the water. It’s like clockwork—people scramble to make summer plans, and by the time they realize they want in, the prime weekend slots are booked solid.
But if you plan now? You’re golden. You get the best availability, and you won’t be that person frantically checking the schedule while the rest of us are already out cruising.
New Boats, Fresh Start
Another reason to think about boating now? New boats are arriving for the season, and you’ll want to be one of the first to take them for a spin. This year, we’ve got some seriously fun additions to the fleet, perfect for everything from tubing with the kids to kicking back with friends on a sunset cruise.
(And if you’re into fishing, just imagine breaking in a fresh boat before every bass in the river has been spooked by summer traffic. Just saying.)
Winter Dreaming = Summer Winning
Think about it—summer only lasts so long. And let’s be real, Wisconsin weather has a sense of humor. One minute it’s 75 and sunny, the next we’re all running for cover from a rogue thunderstorm. That’s why you want to maximize your good weather days.
By planning now, you’re making sure that when that first stretch of perfect summer weather hits, you’re already on the water, not stuck in “I should probably figure out summer plans” mode.
Picture This…
It’s June. You’re sitting on a boat, the Fox River stretching out in front of you, a cold drink in your hand. The sun’s warm, but there’s just enough of a breeze to keep things comfortable. You’ve got music playing, the kids are laughing, maybe someone’s gearing up to jump in for a swim.
Sounds pretty good, right?
Now, imagine getting to live that scene all summer long—without the stress of boat ownership. No maintenance, no storage, no last-minute panic about whether your boat will actually start this year. Just show up, hop on, and go.
That’s the beauty of a boat club.
Don’t Wait ‘Til the Ice Melts
So yeah, it might still be winter, and your idea of water-based fun right now probably involves ice fishing, not wakeboarding. But before you know it, spring will be here, and the best boating days will be right behind it.
Want to make sure you don’t miss out? Now’s the time to lock in your membership and start daydreaming about warm days on the river. (Bonus: it gives you something to look forward to while we wait for this ridiculous cold snap to pass.)
So, what’s your perfect summer day on the water? Let me know in the comments—I could use some inspiration while I wait for boating season to finally get here!