Cruising, Simplified

Cruising should be fun, free and uncomplicated—one of the purest ways to enjoy time on the water.

So why not make it a little simpler? Whether you like to take it easy as you explore new vistas, or zoom through familiar haunts on exciting, fast-paced adventures, we’ve got a few tips that will help you enjoy the ride with ease. Take a look.

Finding the perfect locale

What is the perfect locale for a long, leisurely cruise? There are a few locales we particularly love to explore…

- Big lakes! The larger a body of water, the more you’ll have to “ooh” and “ah” at as you go. Popular spots such as Georgia’s Lake Lanier earns extra points for its twisting shape, with lots of smaller offshoots to explore.
- Wide rivers. This sort of locale comes with obvious benefits, since the long, winding nature of a good river (the beloved Mississippi comes to mind) makes cruising effortless. Just hop on and see where the current takes you!
- Picturesque oceanfront spots. From quaint sailing towns in New England—with accompanying lighthouses and stretches of gorgeous fall foliage—to the craggy, sleepy shores of Central California, finding a good oceanfront to cruise is like hitting the boater’s jackpot. As long as you cling to the coast, the sights you’ll get to see go on, and on, and on…

Play it parallel

Speaking of which, a parallel approach when cruising is always a great route to take! By cruising alongside the coast in a straight line, you’ll never tire of new things to see—plus, you will always be within easy distance from places to refuel (both your Vortex and your appetite!).

Chart your course

Navigational maps will tell you the basics, but plan your route ahead so you know what places pf interest might be on your journey: waterfront cafes, local parks and attractions as well as practical stops like marinas and refueling stations. Even if you don’t hit them all, you will at least know where (and when) you can make the necessary stops. 

Turn on Cruise Mode

While cruising on your Vortex, there’s one handy feature that will make your ride surprisingly simple (and stress-free): Cruise Mode. Just set your preferred max speed and go, without needing to worry about adjusting the throttle or using more fuel than you have to. It’s the perfect tool for never-ending cruise adventures.

Bundle up

Since long, leisurely cruises tend to linger beyond sundown, you’ll want to come prepared. Pack cozy blankets, dry clothes and snacks in case you are on the water longer than you planned. The serendipitous decision to say “let’s keep cruising a little while longer!” is what these trips are about, after all.

Pick the right seat

Whether you like to ride by the bow or back in the transom, your Vortex has comfy, customizable seating options for every passenger. Sitting up by the bow is perfect for achieving that dreamy, endless feeling of “flying” through the water—sitting aft, though, is a must-do for those who hope to catch sight of wildlife in the water. Dolphins, for example, are known for skipping along the wake of a boat, so you’ll want to be in the perfect position to spot them in action. 

Some extras...

Don’t forget about extras that can make your cruise even better: the right music, delicious snacks or even games like a scavenger hunt you can play as you meander along the coast. And of course, in case your cruise takes a turn for even faster-paced adventure, bring along your board and water sport gear, too! 

Fall is a great time to enjoy a leisurely pace on board—so when you’re ready to kick back, relax and swing into the rhythm of the water, these cruising tips will help you get more out of your Vortex experience.