Best Boats For Lake Cruising: Comfort And Performance

There are many types of boats that are suitable for lakes, each with its own unique features and advantages. When choosing a lake boat, it's important to consider factors such as the size of the lake, your intended activities, and your budget. Here are some of the most popular types of boats for lake activities:

- Deck boats: These boats offer a spacious deck area while still retaining the elegance of a V-shaped hull. They are typically made of aluminum or fiberglass and can accommodate a range of activities, from family outings to fishing. Deck boats can usually carry up to 14 passengers and are often trailerable, making them convenient for travelling to different lakes.

- Pontoon boats: Pontoon boats provide a spacious and stable platform for activities such as fishing, cruising, water sports, and socialising. They are easy to handle and offer ample interior space and comfort for families. Pontoon boats have become increasingly popular due to their versatility and customisation options.

- Fishing boats: These boats are designed specifically for fishing activities and typically feature rod holders, livewells, and fish finders. Lake fishing boats are more compact and manoeuvrable than other types, making them ideal for smaller lakes. When choosing a fishing boat, consider factors such as the size of the boat, the stability of the hull, and the number of accessories included.

- Ski and wakeboard boats: These boats are designed for water sports enthusiasts, with powerful engines and specialised hulls that create large, well-defined wakes for tricks and jumps. When choosing a ski or wakeboard boat, look for a powerful engine, a specialised hull design, and features that suit your specific needs.

- Cabin cruisers: Cabin cruisers are ideal for extended stays on the water, offering sleeping quarters, a galley, and a bathroom. They are perfect for fishing, cruising, and overnight stays on lakes, rivers, or coastal waters.

Deck boats

When it comes to hull shape, deck boats can vary, with some having a deep-V hull, a tri-hull, or even a catamaran hull, which provides a smoother ride in choppy waters. In terms of size, deck boats usually range from 18 to 26 feet in length, although there are smaller and larger options available.

When considering a deck boat for watersports, it is important to invest in a model with a powerful engine and a tow bit or watersports tower. Deck boats are also great for families, offering fun for all ages, whether it's cruising, fishing, or watersports. Features such as a Bimini top for shade, a swim platform with a ladder, and enough power for watersports are important considerations for families.

The price of a deck boat can vary widely, from less than $16,000 for a smaller 16-footer to more than $100,000 for a fully-featured larger model. There are also luxurious options available that can cost upwards of $150,000.

Some popular deck boat brands include Bayliner, Starcraft, Hurricane, Princecraft, Tahoe, Sea Ray, Crownline, and Stingray. These brands offer a range of features, sizes, and price points to suit different needs and budgets.

Pontoon boats

One of the key advantages of pontoon boats is their stability. The design of the tubes provides a large amount of reserve buoyancy, making them very stable in the water. This stability makes them well-suited for activities like fishing, where a stable platform is essential. Additionally, the shallow draft of pontoon boats, often as little as eight inches, reduces the risk of running aground and allows for easy access to shore.

When it comes to handling, pontoon boats are generally easy to manoeuvre and trailer, especially the smaller models. They are typically powered by outboard motors that are quiet and easy to maintain. However, it's worth noting that their performance in rough water may not match that of boats with planing hulls, and their larger sizes can make them more challenging to dock and manoeuvre in windy conditions.

Fishing boats

Center Console Lake Boats

Center console lake boats are designed with the helm controls mounted in the center of the boat, providing deck space and an open cockpit. These boats range in size from 11 feet to over 60 feet and are suitable for a wide range of lake conditions. They often come equipped with fishing accessories, comfort features, and family-friendly amenities, making them versatile for both fishing and recreational activities.

Dual Console Lake Boats

Dual-console lake boats feature a helm console and a companion console, with a focus on comfort and family-friendly features. While they can be equipped with fishing capabilities, they are more commonly chosen for their comfort and smooth ride. Larger dual-console boats may include cabin spaces with berths, galleys, entertainment centers, and air conditioning.

Pontoon and Tritoons

Pontoon and tritoon boats offer comfort, versatility, and ease of handling. With flat bottoms and two to three tubes, they provide excellent stability on the lake. They are highly customizable and can be equipped with features suitable for fishing, watersports, and entertainment. Pontoon boats have become increasingly popular due to their versatility and ability to accommodate various water adventures.

Fish-and-Ski Boats

Fish-and-ski boats offer a versatile design, combining the functionality of a fishing boat with family-friendly features. They are typically based on freshwater fishing boats or runabouts, with modifications to make them more versatile. These boats are ideal for families who want to engage in multiple activities on the water, including fishing, cruising, and watersports.

When choosing a fishing boat for lake boating, consider factors such as the size of the lake, the number of passengers, your budget, and the specific features and accessories that are important to you. Additionally, think about the type of fishing you plan to do and select a boat that caters to your needs as an angler while also providing comfort and enjoyment for your family or companions.

Ski and wakeboard boats

When it comes to water skiing, it is preferable to have fewer people on board, while wakeboarding is more enjoyable with a larger group. Wakeboarding boats have also given rise to wake surfing boats, which have various wake- and wave-enhancing devices to appeal to customers. The market now offers dedicated models for each of these sports, as well as "crossover" models that can accommodate all three.

Some well-known builders of ski and wakeboard boats include Malibu, MasterCraft, Tige, Nautique, and Axis. These boats can be powered by inboard, inboard/outboard, V-drive, outboard, and outboard-4S propulsion systems, and fuel types can vary between gas, electric, and diesel. The price of these boats can range from a reasonable $9,000 to upwards of $200,000 for high-end models.

If you're considering a ski and wakeboard boat, it's important to factor in the ownership costs. These boats tend to be expensive to purchase and maintain. Fuel costs can also be high due to the power required to propel a heavily ballasted boat. However, sterndrive models tend to be more affordable than inboards.

Cabin cruisers

Spacious and Versatile

Entertainment and Amenities

Performance and Manoeuvrability

Cost and Maintenance Considerations

The cost of cabin cruisers can vary significantly, ranging from affordable options to luxurious million-dollar vessels. It's important to consider not only the initial purchase price but also the ongoing maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs. Maintenance costs can be a factor, especially for boats with multiple engines. When budgeting for a cabin cruiser, it's advisable to allocate 10%-15% of the boat's cost for annual maintenance and upkeep.

Technology and Innovation

Frequently asked questions