You know those bucket list dreams that start when you’re still rocking Velcro shoes and dripping popsicle juice on the dock? For me, that dream was a pontoon boat. Not just any boat—a let’s-chill-with-a-drink-and-slow-cruise-the-lake kind of boat. Not a race-around-and-wakeboard beast (though those are cool, too). I was after THE boat; my bucket list boat. And after a serious search filled with “meh” moments, I finally found it: a gorgeous 29-foot pontoon all the way in Iowa.
That distance was no biggie for me. Road trip time! I love road trips with happy people! We met the sweetest couple who had loved this boat for many years during their big family outings. We hauled it back west through tornado warnings and severe thunderstorms, carefully–like we were escorting royalty—because, honestly, to me, it felt like we were.
Now, let’s be clear: this boat may not be a guaranteed-starter on the water (it has a flair for the dramatic), but it has been living its best life on land. This thing has been a party barge at our RV park, a makeshift diving board for our pool, and the ultimate hangout spot for lazy summer days. It’s more than a boat—it’s a feeling.
Last year, it teased us a bit. The guys wrestled with the motor while my friend and I spectated, trying to stay out of the way, from our camp chairs, White Claws in hand, cheering them on from a safe distance. Eventually—thanks to some rockstar friends—it started! But something was always a little…off. That’s when a buddy came up with the perfect name: Sooner or Later. Because that’s exactly how it went. It always eventually started—just not on our schedule.
This year, while checking on it after a really cold winter, there was no spark–AGAIN. A few different shops I called won’t return my calls. Even a curious BBQ guest at our RV park took a crack at it—still nothing. So here it sits: my beloved, high-maintenance, heartstring-tugging dream boat. Still mine. Still stunning. Still makes me smile every time I walk by it, it just needs that darn spark!
The universe might be urging me to let it go, but I’m not ready to give up on it yet. This wasn’t just a want—it was a heart thing for me. A childhood dream, realized. And though it hasn’t quite hit the water this season, there is still time. Because I just know it will get going again… sooner or later.
