BOATERS BLOG
Alabama boating is one of the most fun and exciting in the country. As a southern state, boaters enjoy fishing, cruising, and watersports almost year-round! Here at NBOA, National Boat Owners Association, our team of professionals put together a brilliant guide to lead you to the best Alabama lakes, bays, or beaches that fit your needs, exceed your expectations, and fulfill all of your boating desires – much like our processes for securing boat insurance and marine financing. Soon, you will feel the wind rush through your hair and your fishing line tighten as you sail through Alabama.
Five Favorite Places for Boating in Alabama
Lewis Smith Lake
A fun fact about Lewis Smith Lake is that it is the clearest and the deepest lake (264 ft) in Alabama. This three-fingered lake is located in north-central Alabama, just 20 miles northwest of Birmingham. Lewis Smith Lake offers all sorts of watersports and activities, including fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, sunbathing, and wakeboarding. On land, you can embark on a hike at the Clarkson Covered Bridge or climb up to the famous 70-ft high Indian head cliff jump.
Lake Guntersville
Measuring at 107.8 sq-miles, Lake Guntersville is the largest lake in Alabama and lies between the quaint town of Guntersville and the city of Bridgeport. Every day the lake is a playground for boaters of all sorts, including boat owners
and visitors renting motorboats on their vacation. Waterskiing and fishing are the two most popular activities on the water, but surrounding the lake is 6,000 acres of woods where adventurers enjoy hiking, camping, and bird watching.
Walter F. George Lake
Walter F. George Lake, also known as Lake Eufaula, is shared between Alabama and its neighboring state, Georgia. In fact, Walter F. George Lake is named in honor of one of Georgia’s state senators. Extending 85 miles along the Chattahoochee River, boaters, swimmers, anglers, campers, and hikers find this lake quite appealing. On its 640 miles of shoreline, the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge and Lakepoint State Park offer a wide variety of recreational activities both on and off the water.
Lake Martin
If fishing is your sport, Lake Martin is the perfect place to go boating. Fishing boats are in no shortage here, especially bass finishing boats. Located near Alexander City, Lake Martin is home to an abundance of bass, yellow perch, crappie, and bluegill. Bass fishers love to visit Lake Martin and participate in their bass tournaments, which are held every few months. Surrounding the lake is a small town with a wealth of nature and outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy.
Orange Beach
Who doesn’t love boating off the coast? Beach lovers, sunbathers, watersport enthusiasts, and boaters flock to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, especially Orange Beach. Orange Beach offers boaters endless opportunities and easy ways to get on the water, from marinas like SanRoc Cay Marina and Zeke’s Landing Marina to private docks attached to rental homes. A plethora of lakes, lagoons, and bays surround Orange Beach, so no matter what kind of boating you enjoy, you will find the perfect location to set sail.
Why It’s a Good Idea to Have Boat Insurance in Alabama
Holding boat insurance in Alabama is not a requirement by law. However, in the event of an accident, you will most likely be liable for any damages. This is important to consider! In 2018, the Alabama Coast Guard reported 66 boating accidents in Alabama. Unfortunately, these boating accidents resulted in 17 deaths and hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. In May of 2021, it was reported that 107 boating accidents between October 2019 and October 2020 occurred in Alabama waterways. For an easy and affordable way to obtain Alabama boat insurance, consult the boating experts here at NBOA for a policy that fits your lifestyle and finances. 
How to Easily Secure Marine Financing in Alabama
The cost of boating in Alabama is no small fee, and purchasing a boat is a significant financial investment no matter where you live. That is why marine financing is crucial for buying a boat. Luckily, NBOA has partnered with the finest marine financing company to work with Alabama boaters. Our trusted marine financing partner, has unbeatable rates and terms that will fit anyone’s budget, timeline, lifestyle, and additional needs. Ease your stress when financing your boat and focus on enjoying the ride.
Before planning your Alabama boating adventures, make sure you have your boat insurance and marine financing squared away. Contact the experts at NBOA or simply to begin your marine financing application. Our process is simple, quick, and easy to ensure you can hit your favorite Alabama waterway in no time, and with confidence.