Compared to other countries, summer doesn’t seem nearly long enough in Canada. That’s why families are always looking to maximize the short time we have and get out on the water. And one way to enjoy every weekend is with your very own boat.
Since 1990, Dundas Marine has been Hamilton’s headquarters for everything boating. From the boats themselves, to servicing boats and engines, to water toys and parts and accessories. As a family business run by the Eaton family for the last 34 years, they’ve been a staple in the boating community.
Cheryl Eaton is one of the family members and the office manager at Dundas Marine. They sell power boats from 12 to 26 feet long, in aluminum and fiberglass. Whether you want to go fishing or cruising with family and friends on a bowrider, Dundas Marine can help you find the best boat that suits your lifestyle.
“It really comes down to what you want to do with the boat,” Eaton said. “If you’re looking at something you can use as a floating cottage, bigger is better. But if you’re looking for something where you can go on adventures and try out different places and see different things, then the 18-foot is a good option.”
For most people, an 18-foot boat is plenty large enough to fix up to six people comfortably, and the boat is towable with a pickup truck or even a minivan. Even with a few people, maneuvering an 18-foot boat can be done by just two people.
While the boating industry saw a huge surge in activity during the pandemic, these days more boaters are looking to preserve the boats they have and extend the life of their boat rather than diving into a brand new purchase.
For older boats, Dundas Marine offers an outboard engine repower service where they will replace your boat’s older engine and replace it with something that’s more environmentally friendly, more efficient, and better on fuel.
“A lot of the older outboard motors that are still running out there are two-stroke carbureted engines,” Eaton said. “They’re not very clean, they tend to be noisy, they’re running on oil, and not very efficient. What we’re suggesting to people is you take that old motor off, you repower and put a new Mercury on, which is a four-stroke engine and it’s cleaner, more efficient, and better for the environment all around.”
Also, if you have a boat with an inboard/outboard, they offer parts and service on Mercruiser and Volvo Penta engines, with certified techs on staff to keep you running and out on the water all summer!
With prime summer vacation season just around the corner, many families are getting ready for their big summer trip. But for those looking to stay closer to home on a “stay-cation”, having a boat for day trips is a great option to create lasting memories of summer fun with family and friends on the water.
Dundas Marine, as an O'Brien dealer, has a full inventory of the latest water toys to maximize the fun for everyone in the family during those days out on the lake. Whether you’re looking for water skis, knee boards, wakeboards, towable tubes, paddleboards or floating water carpets. Plus kayaks and pedal boats.
Compared to a big budget vacation that’s here and gone after a week or two, investing in a boat can be an economical way to provide your family with an adventure every weekend of the summer for years to come.
“That’s always been a big focus for us. Boating can be a family activity and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune,” Eaton said.
Check out the new and pre-owned inventory of boats today at Dundas Marine in Waterdown. Visit them at 45 Dundas Street East, Highway 5, or visit DundasMarine.ca.
This article was sponsored by Dundas Marine, a 2023 BurlingtonToday Reader Favourite.
