I’m Bevan Ratcliffe, and my wife Keri and I live in Wānaka with our two boys, aged three and six. Over the past couple of summers, our boat has become the heart of our family’s adventures – a floating basecamp for learning, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Learning to let go
One of the most unexpected gifts of boating has been what it’s taught us as parents: to let go a little. Watching our boys build confidence in and around the water has been amazing. From their first jumps off the back of the boat to tying ‘rescue ropes’ around each other in full imaginative play, we’ve seen their independence grow with every trip. It’s not always neat and tidy – sometimes it’s soggy towels, sand everywhere, and toys strewn across the bow. But it’s always worth it.
We’ve spent countless days on the lake shores with friends: BBQs on the beach, kids racing driftwood boats, and parents sipping coffee from the boat deck. We’ve dropped anchor at Mou Waho or Stevensons Island, exploring shorelines and building forts from whatever we could find. It’s Kiwi summer at its best – messy, simple, and full of joy.
Firsts that stick
Some of the most memorable moments have come from firsts. Our eldest catching his first trout, proudly holding it up in pure disbelief. Mum and the boys being towed (and flipped!) on the biscuit and banana boat. Finding a waterfall we hadn’t seen before, nudging the bow close enough to eat lunch with mist on our faces. Those are the stories that stick – the moments that seem to stretch time.
And then there was our first overnighter. We’d packed light, but with kids there’s never really a light trip. After an afternoon spent building driftwood huts and skimming stones, we tucked the kids into their beds and stepped outside. The lake had stilled. The stars came out. We sat in silence, both a bit stunned by the calm and the fact that it actually worked.
It wasn’t glamorous. But it was perfect.
A boat that’s become part of the family
We bought the Merry Fisher 695 through Orākei Marine in Auckland, and honestly, it’s been the perfect vessel for this chapter of our lives. It’s versatile, comfortable, and incredibly safe – ideal for young kids but capable enough to take us to all corners of the lake in changing conditions. Whether we’re pulling biscuit rides, anchoring overnight, or cruising gently with grandparents on board, it’s handled everything we’ve thrown at it with ease.
The layout is smart and family-friendly, with just the right balance of shelter and open space. The cabin’s been a sanctuary during surprise rain, a playroom for the boys, and even a quiet nap zone after long swims. It’s hard to imagine a better fit for our needs, and it’s played a huge part in making these experiences possible.
Family on the water
What we’ve come to love most is how the boat creates the space – physical and emotional – to just be together. No distractions. No rush. Just us, the water, and a loose plan. Some days we throw in the kayak and paddleboard, shut off the engine, and float in the middle of the lake for hours. Other times we loop grandparents in for a quick spin and a picnic. The boat has become part of our family rhythm, an escape, a classroom,
a playground, and a meeting place.
A dream that lingers
Somewhere along the way, a bit of a pipe dream began to take shape. I (Bevan) grew up around trailer-sailers with my dad, so the idea of real sailing – the kind that takes you across oceans, not just across the lake – has always lingered quietly in the background. These days, Keri and I often find ourselves joking (or maybe half-joking) about what it would be like to drop anchor in far-off places, learn as we go, and give the kids a floating childhood filled with wonder and change.
We’ve always had a soft spot for the Lagoon 46. It’s a stretch, no doubt – the kind of dream that starts with “imagine if…” and usually ends in laughter. But still, we keep coming back to it. Who knows? Maybe one day. For now, Lake Wānaka is a pretty incredible place to be out exploring on the boat.
Why it matters
Our story isn’t about extreme travel or big-ticket achievements. It’s about slowing down and tuning in. Boating with kids can be chaotic and unpredictable, but it forces you to be present, and that’s what makes the memories so rich.
It’s also about showing other families that it doesn’t take an ocean or endless time to have meaningful adventures.
A few hours on the lake can shift the entire energy of a weekend. A one-night trip can feel like a holiday. You don’t need to be experts. You just need to get out there.
Boating has helped shape how our kids see the world. It’s given them problem-solving skills, a love for nature, and moments of real independence. And it’s reminded us, as parents, of the value of play, exploration, and shared experience – the kind you can’t quite replicate on land.
What’s next?
We’re continuing to use the boat every chance we get after school, during holidays, and any weekend the weather allows. Each trip brings something new: a lesson, a laugh, or a bit of quiet in an otherwise busy life.
We’ve started sharing parts of our journey on social media. If there’s one message we hope to share, it’s this: boating doesn’t have to be perfect, just safe, thoughtful, and filled with a sense of adventure.
