Without boats, waterskiing would be much slower and fishers would have to cast their lines from helicopters. Celebrate the utility of the pontoon with today's Groupon: for $89, you get a four-hour pontoon-boat rental from Lake Murray Marina in Overbrook (a $179 value).

During the half-day rental, seafarers cruise across a sampling of Lake Murray’s nearly 6,000 clear, partially spring-fed acres and take in several of the lake’s 150 miles of natural shoreline from the captain's chair of a pontoon boat. Lake Murray Marina houses a stable of water stallions, each capable of holding up to 1,400 pounds. Putter around the clean waters for up to four hours of swimming, enjoy the scenic shoreline and try to hypnotize the small-mouth bass population. Boaters may choose to hike to Tucker Tower, which overlooks Lake Murray and features panoramic views; explore the nature center and observe area wildlife. Bring snacks, drinks, and swim gear or stock up on provisions at the marina's Ship store.