The Best Boat Types For Fun Family Adventures

Boating is a fun family activity that can bring parents and kids closer together as they work as a crew through shared responsibilities. When choosing a boat for the family, it's important to consider factors such as the type of boating activities your family enjoys, the size of your family, and your budget. Here are some of the best boat options for families:

Pontoon boats are stable, ideal for fishing, swimming and lounging

Pontoon boats are a popular choice for families due to their stability and versatility. They are ideal for a range of activities, including fishing, swimming, and lounging.

Pontoon boats are characterised by their wide, flat design, providing a stable platform for families to enjoy a variety of activities on the water. Their stability makes them suitable for families with younger children, as well as those who enjoy fishing or lounging on the water. The wide, flat surface of a pontoon boat provides ample space for fishing gear, lounge chairs, and even swimming platforms.

In addition to their stability, pontoon boats offer excellent versatility. They can be equipped with powerful engines, providing thrilling performance and the ability to enjoy watersports. While they may not handle large waves as well as monohull boats, larger pontoons and "tritoons" are capable of handling choppy waters.

Pontoon boats also offer plenty of space for families to relax and lounge. They often feature comfortable seating, Bimini tops for shade, and even changing rooms. Some models come with built-in grills, blenders, and other entertainment features, making them perfect for family gatherings or parties.

Overall, pontoon boats provide a stable, versatile, and comfortable platform for families to enjoy a range of activities on the water, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a boat that can accommodate fishing, swimming, and lounging.

Cabin cruisers are mobile homes on water, great for long trips

Cabin cruisers are like mobile homes on water, making them great for long trips. They are a type of powerboat that comes with a well-appointed cabin, equipped with beds, a kitchen (called a "galley"), and a bathroom ("head"). They range in size, but are generally large enough to offer a comfortable living space for the whole family, yet small enough to be handled by a single operator.

Cabin cruisers are perfect for leisurely day trips or extended overnight stays, offering the versatility to accommodate different boating needs. They provide ample space for sleeping, relaxing, and storing personal items. The galley and head facilities are crucial for comfort, with some larger models offering full-size heads with showers.

One of the biggest advantages of cabin cruisers is their tank capacity, which is designed for longer voyages. On average, a cabin cruiser can hold around 200 gallons of gas, but this can vary depending on the model. Their size and weight often require dual or quadruple engines, which results in higher fuel consumption.

Cabin cruisers offer a unique experience that combines comfort, adventure, and freedom. They allow you to explore secluded coves, dock at coastal towns, or anchor in a lake. With a cabin cruiser, you can spend extended periods on the water, visiting distant ports and enjoying quality time with your family.

When choosing a cabin cruiser, consider factors such as size, layout, amenities, engine performance, and fuel efficiency. They typically measure between 25 to 45 feet in length, with smaller models starting at 17 feet and larger models reaching up to 50 feet. The layout and configuration can vary, with living quarters usually found towards the front or aft of the vessel.

In summary, cabin cruisers offer a mobile home experience on the water, making them ideal for families seeking long trips and adventures. They provide a comfortable and versatile boating solution, allowing you to explore various destinations and create unforgettable memories.

Bowriders are versatile, with ample seating and easy water access

Bowriders are a fantastic option for families, offering versatility, ample seating, and easy access to the water. They are one of the most popular choices for family boats, and for good reason.

Firstly, bowriders are highly versatile. They can be used for a wide range of waterborne activities, from joyrides and towing water toys to swimming and fishing. While they may not be ideal for certain specialised activities like overnighting or fishing, they can still be adapted for just about any activity you can think of. Their versatility extends to their size as well, with bowriders available in a vast range of sizes to match different budgets and needs.

Secondly, bowriders offer copious amounts of seating. They can accommodate a large number of passengers, making them perfect for families of all sizes. Whether you're looking for a small 16-foot runabout or a spacious 30-plus-footer, there's a bowrider that can comfortably seat your entire family.

Lastly, bowriders provide easy access to the water. Their open design allows for effortless entry and exit, making them perfect for families who want to enjoy a range of water activities. This easy access also makes them ideal for families with young children, as it simplifies the process of getting everyone in and out of the boat.

Bowriders are an excellent choice for families due to their versatility, ample seating, and easy water access. They can accommodate a range of activities and passenger numbers while providing a simple and safe way to enjoy the water. Whether you're a family of experienced boaters or just starting out, a bowrider is a fantastic option to consider.

Jet boats are safe, with excellent handling and no propeller

When it comes to choosing a boat for the family, safety is a top priority. Jet boats are an excellent option in this regard, as they are known for their safety features and ease of handling. One of their biggest advantages is the absence of a propeller, which provides peace of mind for parents. While boating is generally a safe activity, the thought of a rotating propeller under the water can be concerning. Jet boats eliminate this worry by using a powerful jet of water for propulsion, removing the risk of propeller-related injuries.

The excellent handling of jet boats further enhances their safety profile. They are highly responsive and offer sportscar-like performance, with quick acceleration and nimble manoeuvring. The captain maintains superior visibility, even as the boat planes, due to the minimal bow-rise. Additionally, jet boats have a shallow draft, typically only the depth of the hull, allowing them to navigate shallow waters with ease and reducing concerns about running aground.

The safety and handling advantages of jet boats are particularly appealing to families with young children or those new to boating. The absence of a propeller reduces the risk of injury during water sports or swimming, making jet boats ideal for families who enjoy active water activities. The jet propulsion system also allows for thrilling acceleration and responsive handling, providing a fun and exciting experience for families seeking a blend of performance and safety.

While jet boats offer exceptional safety and handling characteristics, it is important to consider some of their limitations. Jet boats can be more challenging to steer than boats with rudders, especially at low speeds or when docking. They may also be louder than traditional propeller-driven boats, particularly at high speeds, due to their high-revving engines. However, newer models have made significant improvements in noise reduction.

Overall, jet boats are a safe and appealing option for families seeking a combination of performance, safety, and excellent handling. The absence of a propeller, coupled with their responsive manoeuvring and shallow draft, makes them a popular choice for family boating adventures.

Sailboats are slower, complex, but foster teamwork and skill-building

Sailboats are a great option for families who want to bond by learning to sail together as a crew. While they are slower and more complex to operate than powerboats, these "drawbacks" can be seen as advantages in some ways.

Sailing a boat from dock to destination takes skill and teamwork, and every family member has a role to play. This can be a valuable learning experience for children and can bring parents and kids closer together as the family becomes a "crew" through shared responsibilities.

Additionally, modern sailboats come in various sizes and comfort levels, and since they don't require large, powerful engines, they generally cost significantly less than powerboats of a similar size. This makes sailboats a more affordable option for families.

When choosing a sailboat for your family, consider the number of passengers, the type of waters you'll be sailing, and the activities your family enjoys. If you plan on taking longer cruises involving overnight stays, you'll need a sailboat with a galley, cabin, and toilet facilities.

Heeling characteristics, or the tendency of a sailboat to lean over under sail, are also important to consider. Sailboats with wider, more rounded hulls tend to handle waves better and provide more comfort in rough weather, making them a good choice for family sailing.

Frequently asked questions