Best Boats For Florida's Waters: Expert Guide

Florida is known as the boating (and yachting) capital of the world, and it's no surprise given its abundance of sun and water. When choosing a boat, it's important to consider your intended use, budget, and storage options. Here are some popular boat types in Florida to get you started: Bowriders, Deck Boats, Pontoons, Ski Boats, Center Consoles, Cuddy Cabins, Cabin Cruisers, Sailboats, Bay Boats, Convertible Fishing Boats, and Multi-Hull Power Boats. Whether you're into watersports, fishing, or leisure cruising, there's a boat that's perfect for your needs in the Sunshine State.

Bowriders for cruising, fishing and watersports

Bowriders are an extremely popular boat type among all kinds of boaters, from first-time buyers to seasoned veterans. They are versatile, with nearly every boat manufacturer offering a bowrider line, so there are a lot of choices on the market. The average 20-foot bowrider can fit 8 to 10 people, making it great for day cruising, watersports and light fishing. They are also moderately priced, making them ideal for a fun day on the water.

Bowriders are typically used on lakes and inland waterways and are the most popular boats in the runabout/sportboat category. They are designed to handle choppy water smoothly and are pointy at the front, with spacious seating in their open bow (front) area. Sterndrive power is the norm, but outboard engines are becoming more common.

If you're looking to use your bowrider for fishing, you can add coolers and fishing equipment, or go all out with fish finders, rod holders and special seating. The main advantage of a bowrider is the ample seating, with space in front of the helm, so you can invite lots of friends and family to join you. For freshwater fishing, a bowrider allows you to cast off the bow in comfort.

Bowriders are also great for watersports, with powerful engines that give you plenty of horsepower for waterskiing and tubing. They are also suitable for leisurely day cruising, or for taking family and friends to your favourite waterfront restaurants.

Deck boats for family trips

Deck boats are an excellent choice for family trips, offering a blend of comfort, functionality, and fun. They are designed with a spacious layout, providing ample seating and comfort for family outings. Here are some key advantages of deck boats for family excursions:

Versatility:

Deck boats offer the best of both worlds, combining the seating capacity and comfort of a pontoon boat with the sporty performance of a fiberglass V-hull found in bowrider boats. This makes them versatile enough for various activities, including family cruises, watersports, and casual fishing trips.

Spacious Layout:

Deck boats are known for their generous seating areas, providing ample space for passengers to relax and enjoy their time on the water. The sport boat layout widens the bow seating area, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone on board.

Watersports Capabilities:

With their innovative hull designs, deck boats are well-suited for watersports enthusiasts. They can easily pull skiers, wakeboarders, and tubers, and some models with forward-facing outdrives can even accommodate wake surfing.

Safety and Stability:

Deck boats offer a stable platform for family boating, often featuring sponsors on each side for added stability. They also typically include essential safety gear, such as life jackets, throwable flotation devices, and fire extinguishers, ensuring a secure experience for your family.

Entertainment and Convenience Features:

Many deck boats come equipped with entertainment and convenience features that enhance the overall experience. This can include Bluetooth audio, swim platforms, underseat storage compartments, and even premium upholstery for added comfort.

Popular Models:

When considering a deck boat for your family trips, there are several reputable brands to choose from. Here are some popular models to explore:

• Bayliner DX2000: Offers a choice of three interior floor plans, ample storage, and a range of standard features, including an extended aft swim platform and retractable boarding ladders.
• Four Winns HD 200: Accommodates up to 10 passengers, featuring innovative details like bow seat cushions on articulated hinges and a folding door for cockpit protection.
• Hurricane SunDeck 217 I/O: Emphasizes comfort and value, offering seating for up to 11 people, a spacious aft swim platform, ample storage, and thoughtful touches like stainless steel drink holders.
• Sea Ray SDX 250: Known for its upscale comfort, the SDX 250 boasts premium upholstery, innovative face-to-face bow seating, a reversible transom lounge seat, and an extended rear swim platform.
• Starcraft StarStep 220 I/O: Delivers on comfort and value, seating up to 13 people, and offering spacious bow and stern swim platforms, a Bimini top, and a range of standard features, including in-floor storage and a removable cooler.

Sailboats for recreational boating

Sailboats are a great option for recreational boating in Florida. With sizes ranging from 7 to 70 feet, sailboats offer a variety of options in terms of storage, passenger capacity, and purpose. Smaller sailboats rely solely on wind power, while larger vessels over 18 feet may have motors to assist in propulsion when the wind is insufficient.

When choosing a sailboat for recreational boating, it's important to consider factors such as the number of people you plan to accommodate, the depth of the water you'll be sailing in, your budget, and storage options. Sailboats can be ideal for day cruising, watersports, and light fishing. Additionally, some sailboats can be equipped with additional features like swim platforms for added convenience and safety.

If you're considering purchasing a sailboat, it's recommended to do thorough research and test out different types of sailboats before making a decision. Local clubs can be a great resource for learning more about sailing and connecting with other sailors. Keep in mind that sailboats require different skills than regular boating, so gaining hands-on experience is crucial.

Some popular sailboat brands in Florida include Beneteau, Catalina, Jeanneau, and Nautitech. These brands offer a range of models with different features and sizes to suit your specific needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sailor, there is a sailboat that can provide a fun and enjoyable recreational boating experience in Florida.

Bay boats for shallow waters

If you're looking for a boat to take out on the shallow waters of Florida, a bay boat could be a great option. Bay boats are designed for shallow waters and can provide a smooth ride even in choppy conditions. Here are some things to consider when choosing a bay boat for shallow waters:

Size and Capacity

Bay boats come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 18 to 24 feet in length. When choosing a size, consider how many people you plan to have on board. A larger boat will offer more space and comfort for multiple passengers, while a smaller boat may be more manoeuvrable and easier to handle.

Hull Design and Draft

Look for a bay boat with a hull design that allows it to navigate shallow waters effectively. Some bay boats feature a tunnel hull or a hydro-dynamic hull, which enables them to venture into waters where larger boats cannot go. Pay attention to the draft of the boat, which indicates how much water it needs to float. A shallower draft means the boat can operate in thinner waters.

Engine and Performance

Consider the horsepower and engine type when selecting a bay boat. More horsepower will give you faster speeds and better performance in open waters, but may also impact fuel efficiency. Choose an engine that strikes a balance between power and fuel economy, especially if you plan to spend extended periods on the water.

Features and Accessories

Bay boats can come with a variety of features and accessories to enhance your boating experience. Look for features such as comfortable seating, ample storage, fishing rod holders, livewells, and advanced electronics. Additional amenities like a Bimini top for shade, a swim platform, or a cooler can also add to the enjoyment and functionality of your boat.

Recommendations and Reviews

When choosing a bay boat, it's essential to research different brands and models. Read reviews and join boating forums to learn from the experiences of other boaters. Some popular bay boat models include the Shoalwater Cat 19, Shallow Sport, Majek RFL 18, and Haynie Bigfoot. Test drive different boats if possible to get a feel for their performance and handling.

Remember to consider your budget when making your decision, as prices can vary significantly depending on the size, brand, and features of the bay boat. By taking into account your specific needs and preferences, you can find a bay boat that's perfect for navigating Florida's shallow waters.

Cabin cruisers for long periods on the water

Cabin cruisers are a great choice for those who want to spend long periods on the water, offering the comforts of larger yachts but at a lower cost and with greater ease of operation. They are like mobile mini vacation homes, with sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities, making them ideal for extended periods aboard.

Cabin cruisers come in a range of sizes, from small boats under 30 feet to larger vessels exceeding 40 feet. Even the smaller options typically have sleeping accommodations for four to six people, while the larger ones can sleep up to a dozen. They usually feature large swim platforms, loungers, sunpads, and decks, making them perfect for a range of activities, from swimming and fishing to simply relaxing.

When choosing a cabin cruiser, consider factors such as size, budget, and desired amenities. The initial cost can vary depending on size and features, with some smaller options being more affordable than motorhomes or RVs. Maintenance and operation costs, including fuel and mooring expenses, should also be factored in. Additionally, modern technology has influenced cabin cruiser design, with recent models adopting outboard engines and digitised control systems.

• Sea Ray SLX 400 OB: This 42-foot boat offers outstanding use of space, seating up to 22 people, and reaching speeds of 60 mph. It features a fold-down swim terrace, a wet bar galley, and comfortable bow seating.
• Axopar 45 XC: With a length of 45 feet, this boat offers a spacious upper pilothouse and salon, a comfortable platform for day cruising and fishing, and impressive performance with a V-hull design.
• Tiara 43 LE: This 43-foot boat combines speed and elegance, powered by twin Mercury V12 outboards. It offers a spacious swim platform, a large island berth, a separate double stateroom, and an enclosed pilothouse.
• Grand Banks Eastbay 44: The Eastbay 44 is a 48-foot masterpiece, known for its exceptional build quality and comfortable layout. It features a spacious interior, excellent ride and tracking comfort, and joystick control for easy manoeuvring.
• Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295: This 41-foot yacht offers three staterooms, two heads, ample seating, and lounge space. It boasts excellent outside spaces, including a large flybridge, a cockpit with a fold-down swim terrace, and a forward triple chaise lounge.

Frequently asked questions