The Best Bowrider Boats: A Comprehensive Guide

Bowrider boats are a popular choice for boaters of all experience levels, thanks to their versatility and comfortable seating. They are often referred to as runabouts and are characterised by a pointy design at the front, where the hull meets the water. They typically have a V-shaped hull with open bow seating and are designed for recreational purposes, including water sports, leisurely day cruising, and fishing.

When choosing a bowrider boat, it's important to consider factors such as the size of your group, the amount of gear you plan to bring, and the type of motor. Outboard engines offer more interior storage space and are usually lighter and easier to work on, while sterndrives are quieter and more fuel-efficient.

Some popular bowrider boat brands include Bayliner, Sea Ray, Regal, Four Winns, and Chaparral. These boats can range in price from around $15,000 to over $100,000, depending on features and size.

What to look for in a bowrider boat

When looking for a bowrider boat, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, think about the size of your group and how much gear you plan to bring on board. This will help you determine how much space you need. Sterndrive models tend to have less interior storage room than outboard boats, so keep that in mind. Check if the bow area has enough room for people to stretch out and enjoy the sun.

Look for a boat with an adjustable captain's chair and a flip-up bolster for a comfortable and clear view. A convenient walk-through transom is also a plus, as it avoids the need to step on the upholstery or constantly remove the seats when boarding.

When it comes to safety, ensure the seats are not only comfortable but also deep. Grab rails should be easy to reach and resistant. Consider upgrading to stainless steel grab rails if the boat comes with plastic ones.

Another important decision is the type of motor. Outboard engines offer more interior storage space, are usually lighter, and are great for shallow waters. Sterndrives, on the other hand, provide a cleaner look for the transom and a more open swim platform. They are also quieter and more fuel-efficient.

Lastly, consider the brand and your budget. Popular bowrider brands include Bayliner, Sea Ray, Regal, Four Winns, Chaparral, and Cobalt. The price of a bowrider can vary significantly, from around $15,000 to over $100,000, depending on size, features, and amenities.

Bowrider boats for watersports

Bowrider boats are a popular choice for families and watersports enthusiasts alike. Their versatility means they can be used for waterskiing, fishing, and cruising in style. When choosing a bowrider boat for watersports, there are several key factors to consider:

Wake

The type of wake you want depends on the watersport you plan to do. For example, a wake surfer will want a deeper wake that mimics waves, so an engine located at the back of the boat is ideal. Whereas, for waterskiing and tubing, a shallower wake is preferable.

Number of People

If you plan to bring family and friends along, you'll need a bigger boat. More people also means more weight, which can affect the wake.

Body of Water

Larger boats are generally better suited for rough waters, while smaller boats are more nimble and have better handling. The type of body of water you'll be in will also impact the type of engine your boat has.

Measurements and Storage

Consider how much space you have for storing your boat. Will it fit in your garage? Can you easily transport it? Don't forget to account for the height of the tower, which usually collapses but will still take up space.

Cost

Finally, your budget will play a significant role in your decision. Will you pay in cash or take out a loan? What is your absolute maximum spending amount?

• Formula 240 Bowrider: Compact design, Samson Sports Razor Wakeboard Tower with rotating wakeboard racks, swivel-head rope mount, tower lights and speakers, integrated swim platform, and in-floor ski and wakeboard storage. Engine options range from 250- to 430-horsepower packages from Mercury MerCruiser or Volvo.
• Formula 240 Extreme Sport (XS): Based on the 240 Bowrider but with a forward-facing drive from Volvo, which moves the props underneath the boat and away from the rider.
• Formula 270 Bowrider: Combines the hull styling and amenities of larger models with the family-friendly design of smaller bowriders. Features modular bow seating, a spacious head compartment, in-floor ski and wakeboard storage, and a console storage locker. Engine options range from 300- to 430-horsepower packages by MerCruiser or Volvo Penta. The 270 Bowrider is also available with the Extreme Sport (XS) model, which includes the forward-facing drive from Volvo.
• Formula 290 Bowrider: Includes a large, private head, improved bow functionality, a large aft sun lounge, and an upgraded sound system. The head compartment comes standard with a porcelain unit and a 22.5-gallon holding tank. The bow section has modular seating, filler cushions, and convertible seatbacks to create an aft-facing sun lounge. The sound system features four 150W marine-grade speakers and a 600W stereo amplifier. Engine options are available from both MerCruiser and Volvo.
• Formula 310 Bowrider: Features a true helm command station with Ritchie® compass, Livorsi® illuminated instrumentation, Garmin® 547 GPS color chartplotter, and a digital depth sounder. The cockpit has ample seating and a wet bar with a refrigerator. The head compartment includes a VacuFlush® unit, a sink, and a handheld shower. Power options include twin 300- to twin 430-horsepower engines from Volvo or MerCruiser, offering a smooth and fast ride.
• Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider: This upscale boat offers a cabin with six feet of headroom, an L-shaped lounge, and a bathroom. The FX series includes upgrades such as a high-performance engine, carbon-fiber accents, oversized gauges, blue LED backlighting, and wood-grain vinyl decking. Twin MerCruiser or Volvo engine packages provide the power needed to haul your family and friends.

Bowrider boats for fishing

Bowrider boats are a great choice for fishing, as well as other water sports such as waterskiing and tubing. They are designed for lakes and inland waterways and are usually powered by sterndrives, though outboard engines are becoming more popular.

Bowriders have open bows, where guests can sit and relax, and plenty of seating, making them ideal for inviting friends and family. They are unique among motorboats in having seating in front of the helm.

To use a bowrider for freshwater fishing, you can add coolers and fishing equipment. If you want to equip your boat like a sport-fishing boat, you may want to add fish finders, rod holders and special seating.

When choosing a bowrider for fishing, consider how much space you need and how many people you intend to bring on board. The Bayliner VR6 is a good option for those who want to do some fishing and cruising. It has a versatile layout with plenty of seating and storage, and an outboard power option that is appealing to saltwater boaters.

The Princecraft Sport 172 Max is another bowrider that can double as a fishing boat. It comes with family-oriented features such as bow seat cushions, a stereo, and a Bimini top, as well as fishing-specific perks such as a removable ski tow pylon and a swing-away tongue for the trailer.

For those who want a more luxurious experience, the Formula 240 Bowrider offers a sleek, compact package with plenty of seating and an extended swim platform. It is powered by a single 430-horsepower MerCruiser 8.2 engine and reaches a top speed of 53.6 mph.

The Grady-White Freedom 285 is another excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts. It is designed for the open ocean and offers ample space, with a huge head console, mountains of storage space, a live well, double fish boxes, and a wash-down system.

In summary, bowrider boats are versatile and can be equipped for fishing with the addition of some specialised gear. They offer comfortable seating, powerful engines, and ample space for guests, making them a great choice for a day on the water with family and friends.

Bowrider boats for day cruising

Bowrider boats are a popular choice for day cruising, offering versatility, comfort and speed. They are a good option for those who enjoy watersports, fishing or leisurely cruises. They are also great for families, with plenty of seating and space for children to play.

When choosing a bowrider boat for day cruising, it is important to consider the size of your group and how much gear you will be bringing on board. You will want to ensure there is enough seating and storage space for everyone and everything. It is also worth checking that the bow area has enough room for people to stretch out and relax in the sun.

If you are planning on doing watersports, you will need a boat with increased horsepower and a reinforced body. For fishing, look for a boat with rod holders and other fishing accessories. If you plan to entertain guests, consider a boat with a food prep area, a small head and entertainment features such as a stereo system.

• Sea Ray SLX 350: Sea Ray's second-largest luxury deck boat offers maximum comfort and luxury for a day on the water. It features a cosy, air-conditioned cabin, an enormous bow seating area, a practical web bar and lots of storage space.
• Yamaha 222XD Jet Boat: This boat is perfect for watersports enthusiasts, with Yamaha's impressive DRiVE technology package and SurfPointe wake surf system. It also offers more seating and storage than most boats of its size.
• Bayliner VR6: The Bayliner VR6 is a versatile and affordable option, appealing to both watersport enthusiasts and families. It has a solid sterndrive vessel that handles reliably and performs well as a ski boat.
• Formula 240: The Formula 240 Bowrider offers a blend of luxury and performance, with a sleek and easily trailerable package. It features a spacious bow area, a versatile cockpit seating layout and an extended swim platform.
• Tahoe 210S: The Tahoe 210S is simple yet comfortable and functional, offering all the amenities for a fun day on the water. It has standard lounge seating in the bow, adjustable twin bucket seats in the cockpit, a U-shaped lounge at the back and an extended swim platform.
• Chaparral 21 SSi: The Chaparral 21 SSi delivers great performance, fuel efficiency and a host of amenities. It features luxury upholstery, bucket seats with flip-up bolsters, a multi-position sunpad and an extended swim platform.

Bowrider boats for families

Bowrider boats are a popular choice for families, thanks to their versatility, comfortable seating, and easy access to the water. They are perfect for cruising, fishing, and watersports, and can be used for everything from joyrides across the lake to towing water toys and swimming at the beach.

When choosing a bowrider boat for your family, it's important to consider factors such as size, budget, and desired features. Bowriders come in a range of sizes, from small 16-foot runabouts to larger 30-foot models with various comfort features. The price of a bowrider can vary depending on the brand, model, and additional features, but there are options available for different budgets.

• Bayliner Element: This boat stands out for its exceptional stability and spacious interior. It handles small chops well and comes equipped with features like swim platforms, a telescopic ladder, multi-colour hullside graphics, and storage compartments.
• Four Winns H180 OB: This boat offers exceptional attention to detail and finish, with features like carpeted storage compartments, a covered swim ladder, and top-stitched vinyl accents. It also allows for some customisation, including colour choices for the gelcoat and interior.
• Larson LX 225S IO: This boat is known for its unique construction technique, VEC, which improves the boat's strength and rigidity, resulting in a smoother ride. It has a comprehensive standard features list, including a trailer with disc brakes, canvas bow and cockpit covers, and multiple gelcoat colour options.
• Chaparral 223 Vortex VR: While no specific details are provided, this boat is mentioned as a close competitor to the Larson LX 225S IO in the $50,000 price range.
• Cobalt R5: This boat delivers top-shelf quality and attention to detail, with yacht-like features such as a thru-hull anchoring system, custom-stitched helm brow, and a black leather and stainless-steel steering wheel. It comes with a powerful 6.2-liter MerCruiser engine and a six-speaker stereo system.
• Sea Ray SLX 350: This luxury deck boat offers maximum comfort and space for a day on the water. It features a spacious bow seating area, an air-conditioned cabin, a well-appointed head, a prep area with a grill, and a submersible swim platform.
• Yamaha 222XD Jet Boat: This boat is ideal for watersports enthusiasts, featuring Yamaha's DRiVE technology and SurfPointe wake surf system for an enhanced wake surfing experience. It offers excellent handling, a spacious layout, and a user-friendly 12.3-inch Connext touchscreen control system.
• Bayliner VR6: The VR6 is a versatile boat that appeals to both watersport enthusiasts and families who want to fish and cruise. It offers a reliable sterndrive vessel, plenty of seating and storage, and an outboard power option suitable for saltwater use.
• Formula 240: The Formula 240 combines luxury and performance, offering a sleek and easily trailerable package. It features a spacious bow area, a versatile cockpit seating layout, an extended swim platform, and a double-wide full-length sun lounge.
• Tahoe 210S: The Tahoe 210S provides all the amenities for a fun and memorable day on the water. It offers standard bow lounge seating, adjustable twin bucket seats, a U-shaped lounge at the back, and a Kicker stereo system with Bluetooth and MP3 capability.

When choosing a bowrider boat for your family, it's important to consider the size of your group, the amount of gear you'll bring, and the level of comfort and features you desire. Additionally, consider the type of motor (outboard vs. sterndrive) that best suits your boating needs and storage space.

Frequently asked questions