Best Open Ocean Boats For Beginners

If you're new to boating, choosing your first boat can be a daunting task. It's important to select a vessel that aligns with your needs, expectations, and skill level. As a beginner, you'll want to look for boats that are manageable, simple, and easy to drive. Here are some key factors to consider:

- Size: Smaller boats tend to be easier to handle for those just starting out.

- Functionality: Choose a boat with features that match your intended use, such as fishing, water sports, or cruising.

- Stability: A stable boat will provide a safer and more controlled experience on the water.

- Ease of Handling: Opt for a boat that is straightforward to operate and responds well to your commands.

- Comfort: Look for comfortable seating and a user-friendly layout to enhance your enjoyment while boating.

- Storage: Ensure there is ample storage space for stowing gear, especially if you plan on fishing or overnight trips.

- Power: Select an engine that matches your intended activities; enough thrust for water sports but not overly powerful for calm cruising.

- Navigation Equipment: Beginner-friendly navigation tools can help you safely explore new waters.

Now that we've outlined some key considerations, let's take a look at some specific boat types and models that are well-suited for beginners:

- Dinghy: Dinghies are versatile and lightweight, with propulsion options ranging from small outboard engines to sails or even oars. They are typically under 15 feet long and perfect for attaching to a trailer.

- Aluminum Fishing Boat: These boats are rugged, versatile, and ideal for navigating shallow or secluded waters. They can be transported in a pick-up truck or on a car roof rack, making them easily accessible.

- Pontoon Boat: Pontoons are stable, easy to handle, and offer plenty of deck space. They are perfect for family outings or fishing trips in calm waters.

- Bowrider: Bowriders are great for all-around family boating, including watersports, casual angling, day cruising, and lounging. They offer a good balance between performance and handling.

- Jet Boat: Jet boats offer simplicity and ease of maintenance, as they don't have a propeller. They are self-draining and easy to prepare for off-season storage.

- Center Console Boat: Center console boats are popular for coastal boating and can be set up for fishing or day-cruising with more seating and amenities.

Dinghies are versatile, lightweight, and simple to operate

Dinghies are a great choice for beginner boaters due to their versatility, lightweight build, and simple operation. They are known for their simplicity and user-friendliness, making them an excellent option for first-time boat buyers. Here are some key reasons why dinghies are a popular choice for those starting their boating journey:

Versatility:

Dinghies offer incredible versatility and can be adapted to different propulsion systems. They can be powered by a small outboard engine, a sail, or even a pair of oars. This flexibility means you can choose the propulsion method that best suits your needs and sailing conditions.

Lightweight and Compact:

Dinghies are typically lightweight and compact, making them easy to handle and store. They are often under 15 feet in length, which makes them perfect for attaching to a trailer. Their lightweight construction also facilitates transportation and allows two people to manage the weight during loading and unloading.

Simple to Operate:

Dinghies are designed with simplicity in mind, making them ideal for beginners. Their basic systems allow you to focus on developing essential boating skills, such as boat-handling, trailer retrieval, and navigation, without being overwhelmed by complex mechanics. Dinghies are generally easy to steer due to their lightweight construction, and their pivoting centerboard allows for balance adjustments by moving it fore or aft.

Durability and Safety:

Dinghies are known for their durability and buoyancy. They are often constructed with built-in buoyancy, ensuring that they stay afloat even in challenging conditions. Additionally, dinghies made from materials like aluminum or fiberglass are tough and can withstand everyday wear and tear. These materials are also relatively easy to repair, providing added peace of mind during your nautical adventures.

Cost-Effectiveness:

Dinghies are generally more affordable than larger, high-end boats, making them a cost-effective option for those new to boating. They also have lower maintenance costs and can be easily stored, reducing some of the expenses associated with boat ownership.

In summary, dinghies offer a fantastic blend of versatility, lightweight construction, and ease of operation, making them a top choice for those venturing into the world of boating. Their simplicity, durability, and affordability provide an excellent platform for beginners to gain confidence and develop their nautical skills.

Aluminum fishing boats are rugged, versatile, and perfect for shallow waters

When it comes to choosing a boat for beginners, it's important to keep things simple and consider factors like cost, versatility, and function. Aluminum fishing boats are a great option as they are rugged, versatile, and perfect for shallow waters. They are also relatively simple to operate and can be transported easily, making them an excellent choice for those new to boating.

Aluminum fishing boats are known for their durability and versatility. Their rugged construction makes them ideal for anglers who want to explore shallow waters, navigate through rocky or obstacle-filled waters, or launch from remote locations. The flat-bottomed jon boat, in particular, is excellent for skimming over shallow waters and can operate in just a few inches of water. This makes it a popular choice for rivers and smaller lakes.

Aluminum fishing boats come in three basic styles: jon boats, Mod-V, and Deep-V. Jon boats have a very flat bottom and a squared-off bow, allowing them to operate in shallow waters effectively. Mod-V boats have a sharper hull shape, similar to jon boats, but with a slightly curved hull bottom, making them better suited for choppy waters. Deep-V boats, on the other hand, have a traditional pointed bow, a more pronounced V-shape to the hull, and higher sides, making them smoother and drier rides in choppy conditions.

The versatility of aluminum fishing boats extends beyond their ability to navigate shallow waters. They come in a wide range of sizes, from small models that can be transported on a car roof rack to larger models designed for bigger waters and equipped with angling features. Additionally, aluminum boats are generally easier to maintain and tend to cost less than their fiberglass counterparts, especially when it comes to smaller models.

When choosing an aluminum fishing boat, it's important to consider factors such as size, power, and fishing amenities. The cost of a new aluminum fishing boat is directly related to these factors, so it's essential to establish a budget and explore different options within your price range. Maintenance costs, fuel consumption, and other operational expenses should also be considered when making your decision.

In summary, aluminum fishing boats offer a great combination of ruggedness, versatility, and shallow water capability, making them an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore a variety of boating experiences. Their durability and ease of use will allow you to focus on enjoying your time on the water and improving your boating skills.

Pontoon boats are stable, spacious, and easy to navigate

Pontoon boats are an excellent choice for boating beginners. They are stable, spacious, and easy to navigate, making them perfect for those new to the boating world.

Pontoons offer a stable platform due to their flat, wide decks and multi-hull design. The flat hull keeps the boat steady in the water, whether moving or stationary. This stability is further enhanced by the boat's two pontoons, which provide a sturdy base on the water. With a pontoon boat, you don't have to worry about tipping over easily, giving you peace of mind as you navigate the waters.

In addition to their stability, pontoon boats are also highly spacious. Their boxy design maximises deck space, providing ample room for seating, lounging, and storage. The open floor plan allows you to spread out and relax, making it ideal for larger groups or families who want to socialise or host small parties on the water. The seating areas are expansive, and the furniture can even be rearranged to suit your needs, whether you're entertaining friends or enjoying a quiet cruise.

The spaciousness of pontoon boats also extends to their storage capacity. With plenty of room for storing your gear, you won't have to worry about leaving anything behind. And when it comes to navigation, pontoon boats are a breeze to manoeuvre. Their simple design makes them easy to handle, even for those new to boating. You won't have to spend too much time mastering the basics of boating before you feel comfortable captaining a pontoon boat.

Pontoon boats are an excellent choice for those seeking a stable, spacious, and easy-to-navigate vessel. They are perfect for beginners who want to enjoy a relaxing day on the water with family and friends, offering a safe and comfortable platform for socialising, fishing, or simply taking in the serenity of the water. So, if you're considering purchasing your first boat, a pontoon boat is definitely worth considering!

Bowriders are ideal for watersports, casual angling, and day-cruising

Bowriders are a fantastic option for those looking to get into boating. They are versatile, relatively inexpensive, easy to handle, and perfect for watersports, casual angling, and day-cruising.

Firstly, bowriders are great for watersports. Their V-shaped hulls are designed to cut through the water's surface with less resistance, making it easier to tow friends on tubes or for waterskiing. The V-shaped hull also allows the boat to manoeuvre with less effort, which is ideal for those new to boating.

Secondly, while bowriders are commonly associated with watersports, they can also be used for casual angling. They have spacious seating in their open bow area, which provides ample room for fishing gear and several anglers. Sterndrive power is the norm, but outboard engines are becoming more popular, offering greater flexibility.

Finally, bowriders are ideal for day-cruising. While they were previously on the smaller side, nowadays there are large models over 30 feet in length, which can accommodate a big crew. They are pointy at the front and designed to handle choppy water smoothly, making them a good choice for cruising in bays, lakes, or the ocean.

Overall, bowriders are a fantastic option for beginners due to their versatility, ease of handling, and relatively low cost. They can be used for a range of activities, from watersports to casual angling and day-cruising, making them a great choice for those looking to get into boating.

Fish-and-ski boats are versatile and combine fishing and watersports features

Fish-and-ski boats are a great option for those who want to combine fishing and watersports. They are versatile and medium-sized (15-22 feet long), often trailerable, and packed with features for both fishing and watersports activities.

Fish-and-ski boats offer ample rod storage, fishing seats, and aerated livewells for anglers. They can also be quickly transformed into watersports machines with optional tow pylons, wake towers, and board racks. These boats are designed with adaptable seating arrangements, ensuring that changes to your agenda are simple and hassle-free.

For example, the Larson 206 SEI fish-and-ski boat has two rear seats that can be mounted on the bow and stern as pedestal seats for fishing. It also includes a livewell and a trolling motor. Similarly, the Lowe Deep-V Fish & Ski Series boats feature a protective walk-through windshield, a 24-gallon aerated livewell, flip-up stainless-steel cleats, a lockable center rod locker, relaxing bow lounge seating, and a demountable ski pylon.

While fish-and-ski boats may not excel exclusively at fishing or watersports, they provide a good balance for those who want to enjoy both. They are an excellent choice for families or groups who want a versatile boat that can accommodate various activities on the water.

Frequently asked questions