Best Boats For Families: Choosing The Perfect Vessel

Boating is a fun family activity that can bring parents and kids closer together as they work as a crew through shared responsibilities and experiences. When choosing the best boat for your family, it is important to consider factors such as the type of activities you plan to do, the size of your family, your budget, and safety features. Here is an introduction to some of the best boat types for families:

Bowriders

Bowriders are one of the most popular family boats due to their versatility, ample seating, and easy access to the water. They come in a variety of sizes and price ranges, offering features like enclosed head compartments and outdoor kitchens. While they may not be ideal for fishing or overnight stays, bowriders can be used for a wide range of water activities.

Cabin Cruisers

Cabin cruisers are larger boats that offer ample space and amenities for families who want to spend extended periods on the water or go on family vacations. They are like floating mobile homes, often including features such as a full galley, enclosed heads, showers, and sleeping quarters.

Fish-and-Ski Boats

Fish-and-ski boats are designed to cater to families who enjoy both fishing and watersports. They combine features of angling and watersports models, allowing you to fish in the morning and enjoy activities like water skiing or wakeboarding in the afternoon. These boats usually have layouts similar to bowriders but with additional fishing features.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats have gained popularity for family boating due to their stability, comfort, and spacious decks. They offer ample seating and are ideal for lounging, entertaining, fishing, and even some watersports. While they may have limited speed and maneuverability, pontoon boats provide a stable and relaxing experience on the water.

Jet Boats

Jet boats are favoured by families for their safety features, as they are propelled by water jets instead of propellers. They offer excellent handling, minimal draft, and are suitable for a variety of water activities. However, they may have higher fuel consumption and limited storage capacity.

Walkaround Boats

Walkaround boats are popular among families for their versatility and functionality. They feature a cabin or cuddy area for sleeping or shelter, along with an open deck for fishing, entertaining, or engaging in watersports. These boats are ideal for families who enjoy offshore fishing and overnight cruising.

Sailboats

Sailboats are perfect for families who prefer a slower and more leisurely pace on the water. They are environmentally friendly and offer a quiet way to explore waterways. Sailboats come in various sizes, from small dinghies to large yachts, and can be used for racing, day trips, or extended cruising.

Motor Yachts

Motor yachts provide a luxurious and spacious option for families, offering powerful engines and ample space for relaxation and entertainment. They are well-suited for extended cruises and accommodating large groups. However, they come with a high price tag for both purchase and maintenance.

Pontoon boats

When choosing a pontoon boat, consider factors such as size, layout, features, and price to find the best option for your family's needs. Some popular brands include Bennington, Princecraft, Harris, and Sun Tracker, offering a range of models to suit different preferences and budgets.

Fish-and-ski boats

When choosing a fish-and-ski boat, consider brands such as Tracker, Lund, Nitro, and Ranger. The Tracker Pro Team 190, Lund 1775 Crossover XS, Nitro ZV19 Sport, and Ranger Reata 1850MS are popular family models. These boats provide a good balance of features for both fishing and watersports enthusiasts.

For those seeking a sleek design and powerful performance, the Triton 206 Allure is an excellent choice. With engine options ranging from 225 to 300 horsepower and a length of 20 feet, 6 inches, it offers both skiing and fishing capabilities. The walk-through windshield, livewell, and centre rod storage make it a versatile option.

If you're looking for a more affordable option without compromising on quality, consider the Lund Adventure 1675. Starting at $26,217, this side console fishing boat can be easily adapted for watersports and offers all the necessary gear for a serious fishing expedition.

Watersports boats

Bowriders

Bowriders are one of the most popular family boats due to their versatility, ample seating, and easy access to the water. They come in various sizes and budgets, ranging from small 16-foot runabouts to larger 30-foot boats with full bathrooms and outdoor kitchens. While they may not be ideal for fishing or overnighting, they can be used for a wide range of water activities.

Fish-and-Ski Boats

Fish-and-ski boats are perfect for families who want to enjoy both fishing and watersports. They have a similar layout to bowriders but include features like rod holders, livewells, and ski-tow pylons. These boats allow you to go fishing in the morning and then spend the afternoon waterskiing, wakeboarding, or tubing.

Jet Boats

Jet boats are propelled by water jets instead of propellers, which gives parents peace of mind regarding safety. They have excellent handling, minimal draft, and are suitable for a range of water activities, including watersports, cruising, and exploring waterways. However, they may have higher fuel consumption and limited storage capacity.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are stable, comfortable, and ideal for lounging on the water. Many modern pontoon boats also come with powerful engines, making them thrilling and capable of watersports. While they may not handle large waves as well as monohull boats, larger pontoons and "tritoons" can perform well in choppy waters.

Walkaround Boats

Walkaround boats are versatile and functional, with an open deck for fishing, entertaining, or watersports, and a cabin area for sleeping or shelter. They are ideal for families who want to spend extended periods on the water, offering protection from the elements. However, they may not have the speed and agility of other powerboats.

When choosing a watersports boat for your family, consider factors such as your budget, the size of your family, the type of activities you plan to do, and the features and amenities that are important to you.

Dual console boats

One of the standout features of dual console boats is their spacious cockpits, which provide ample room for fishing, cruising, and entertaining. The layout typically includes a helm forward and offset, creating a very roomy centreline. The dual consoles also allow for more storage space, with compartments in the consoles, bow, and cockpit areas. This makes them ideal for families who need to store gear, water toys, and other equipment.

When it comes to fishing capabilities, dual console boats often include features such as rod storage, livewells, and raw-water washdown packages. The open cockpit design provides plenty of space for movement, making it easy to cast a line or fight a big fish. Some models even offer convertible seating arrangements, allowing the cockpit to be quickly transformed from a comfortable lounge area to an open fishing deck.

In addition to their fishing capabilities, dual console boats are also well-suited for family cruising and entertainment. The consoles typically include comfortable seating areas, and some models even have full berths, heads, and galleys, making them perfect for overnight stays. The bow areas often feature plush seating, and the cockpits can be arranged with various seating configurations to accommodate the whole family.

When choosing a dual console boat, it's important to consider the size and power that best suit your needs. These boats range from 17 to 40 feet in length and can accommodate different passenger capacities depending on the model. The power and horsepower of the boat will depend on the intended use, with options ranging from 90 to 1,200 horsepower.

Overall, dual console boats offer a versatile and functional design that is perfect for families who want to enjoy a variety of activities on the water. With their spacious cockpits, fishing features, and comfortable accommodations, dual console boats provide a great option for family boating.

Center console boats

One of the key advantages of center console boats is their stability and agility on the water. They can handle rough conditions and are often used for offshore fishing, making them one of the best saltwater boats for families. They also provide easy access to the water for diving or swimming. The 360-degree mobility around the boat makes it easy for anglers to move about, and the layout makes docking easier as well.

When choosing a center console boat for your family, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, look for a boat with a swim platform and ladder, as family boating often involves swimming and watersports. Secondly, ensure that the boat has sun protection, such as a Bimini top or T-top, to provide shade and comfort during long days on the water. Thirdly, consider a boat with insulated storage to reduce the number of coolers needed on deck.

Additionally, opt for a boat with sufficient power to accommodate a crowd and any watersports activities. While a smaller engine may be sufficient for a couple of anglers, family boating usually requires more power. Finally, look for seating cushion sets, such as folding benches and flip-up jump seats, to accommodate everyone comfortably.

Frequently asked questions