The Best Cuddy Cabin Boats: Top Picks Reviewed

Cuddy cabin boats are medium-sized, trailerable vessels that combine the agility of a family bowrider with the versatility of a cruiser. They are commonly used for day cruising, watersports, and fishing. Cuddy cabins typically range from 20 to 30 feet in length, with an enclosed bow and small cabins forward. While they may not have a recessed walkway around the cabin, they provide ample space to maneuver. Cuddy cabins are ideal for those seeking a balance between the lightweight dexterity of an open sports boat and the comfort of sleeping facilities. This paragraph introduces the topic of the best cuddy cabin boat, highlighting its key features, uses, and appeal to buyers.

Best cuddy cabin boats for family cruising

Cuddy cabin boats are ideal for family cruising, offering a compact space for overnight stays and additional storage. Here are some of the best options on the market for family cruising:

Bayliner VR5 Cuddy

The Bayliner VR5 Cuddy is a fantastic option for families, seating up to eight people with a hull length of 18 feet and a beam of 8 feet. It offers wraparound seating, an optional dining table, and swivel chairs for the captain. Weighing only 3,131 pounds, it is easily towable by small trucks and SUVs. New models are priced at around $42,575.

Stingray 208CR Cuddy Cabin

The Stingray 208CR Cuddy Cabin is another excellent choice for families, with a 20-foot length and an 8-foot beam, accommodating up to nine people. The cabin sleeps two and features a freshwater tank and a 25-qt icebox, perfect for anglers and water sports enthusiasts. This fiberglass boat is reasonably priced at $39,180 for a new model.

Campion Allante 635

The Campion Allante 635 is a 22-foot fiberglass boat with a powerful 200HP gas engine and a massive 60-gallon fuel tank, making it perfect for long-distance family trips. The cabin space provides a comfortable sleeping area, and the boat is priced at approximately $50,000.

Four Winns Vista 238

Although no longer available for new purchase, the Four Winns Vista 238 is a fantastic family boat. It has a top speed of 38 knots and features a galley with a cooktop, sink, fridge, and curtains. The deck includes a family-friendly swim platform and a Bimini top. You can find this boat on the used market for around $19,000.

Rinker 270 Express Cruiser

For those seeking more space, the Rinker 270 Express Cruiser is an excellent option. At 27 feet long, it comfortably accommodates four people in its cabin. The arch supporting the Bimini cover can transform the entire deck into an enclosed sleeping area. With features like a shower, optional grill, and hidden storage, it's perfect for family cruises. You can find it on the used market for just under $40,000.

Cranchi E26 Classic

The Cranchi E26 Classic is a beautiful Italian-made boat with a rich history. It has a small, enclosed cabin space, seating with infills to create a double berth, and an optional sea toilet. The cockpit layout is traditional, with twin pedestal helm seats and a bench seat aft. The boat delivers a poised and alert performance, reaching speeds of up to 32 knots.

These cuddy cabin boats offer a range of features and amenities that cater to family cruising, providing comfort, convenience, and enjoyable experiences on the water.

Best cuddy cabin boats for fishing

Cuddy cabin boats are ideal for day cruising, with their enclosed bow and small cabins. They are also great for fishing, as they provide shelter during a rainstorm or a place to take a nap during a slow spell. Here are some of the best cuddy cabin boats for fishing:

Bayliner VR5

Bayliner is known for its compact cruising boats, and the VR5 is an excellent choice for a weekend on the water. It has a broader beam than its predecessor, the 642, providing more space in the forward part of the cabin. It can carry up to eight people and has a larger fuel tank. The storage capacity is also impressive, making it a great option for longer trips.

Cormate T24

This Norwegian sports boat combines performance and style. With a centre console arrangement and a soft-riding, race-derived hull, the Cormate T24 can reach speeds of 40 to 50 knots. The convertible sunpad in the cockpit adds to its versatility, and the combination of a usable cabin and a sheltered foredeck sunbathing area makes it a great choice for those who want to enjoy the sun and the sea.

Sting 610 DC

Sting is a new Norwegian brand that offers an excellent entry point into the world of leisure craft. The 610 DC feels more solid and mature than other compact cuddy cabins, and the improved space in the cabin and generous cockpit seating make it a comfortable choice. With a 150hp outboard engine, this boat can reach speeds of up to 43 knots, making it a great option for those who want both performance and practicality.

Yamarin 65 Day Cruiser

The Yamarin 65 Day Cruiser is a traditional fibreglass day cruiser that delivers a safe family cockpit, a functional cabin, and a pleasant helming experience. With a power rating of 115 to 225hp, this boat can reach speeds of up to 46 knots. While some parts may feel a bit dated, it is a reliable and well-trusted choice for cuddy cabin boats.

Clear Aries Cabin

This Italian-made boat is just over 20 feet long but offers a generous double berth, a small galley, and space for a head with a sink. The compact cockpit may have limited seating, but the huge foredeck sunpad and attractive design make it a desirable choice for those who value style and performance.

These cuddy cabin boats offer a range of features that make them excellent choices for fishing trips, providing comfort, performance, and versatility on the water.

Best cuddy cabin boats for water sports

Cuddy cabin boats are great for water sports enthusiasts as they combine the agility of a family bowrider with the versatility of a cruiser. They are typically compact sportsboats with a forward cabin, and are often used for day trips, weekend adventures, and boat camping excursions. Here are some of the best cuddy cabin boats for water sports:

Bayliner VR5 Cuddy

The Bayliner VR5 Cuddy is a great option for those looking for a compact cruising boat. It measures 20 feet in length and has a beam of 8 feet, making it slightly smaller than its predecessor, the 642. However, the VR5 can seat up to eight people comfortably and has more space in the forward part of the cabin. It also has a larger fuel tank and huge storage capacity, making it a convincing choice for weekend excursions. New models of the Bayliner VR5 Cuddy sell for around $42,575.

Stingray 208CR Cuddy Cabin

The Stingray 208CR Cuddy Cabin is another excellent choice for water sports lovers. With a length of 20 feet and a beam of 8 feet, this fiberglass boat can accommodate up to nine people and has a cabin that sleeps two. It comes with a freshwater tank and a 25-qt icebox, making it ideal for anglers. The rear area of the boat is also perfect for launching tubers, wakeboarders, and swimmers. A new Stingray 208CR Cuddy Cabin is reasonably priced at $39,180.

Pro-Line 20 Express

The Pro-Line 20 Express is a well-known and versatile boat that is perfect for both first-timers and seasoned boaters. This cuddy cabin boat measures 20 feet in length and can comfortably carry seven people. It is a favourite among fishers, but it is also practical and fun for weekend excursions with friends. The 200HP engine provides more than enough power for its size. You can find used Pro-Line 20 Express models on the market for around $20,000.

Campion Allante 635

The Campion Allante 635 is a 22-foot fiberglass boat with a powerful 200HP gas engine and a massive 60-gallon fuel tank, making it ideal for long-distance travel. The cabin space may be tiny, but it does come with a portable toilet, and the boat offers plenty of features for a comfortable stay on the water. The Campion Allante 635 can be purchased for approximately $50,000.

Yamarin 65 Day Cruiser

The Yamarin 65 Day Cruiser is a classic choice for a cuddy cabin boat. It features a safe family cockpit, a serviceable cabin, and a fine helming experience. The power rating ranges from 115 to 225hp, providing performance of up to 46 knots. While some parts may feel a bit dated, the Yamarin 65 DC is a reliable and trustworthy option for those seeking a traditional cuddy cabin boat experience.

Clear Aries Cabin

The Clear Aries Cabin is a delicious-looking Italian thoroughbred that offers a decent amount of space and features. At just over 20 feet in length, it boasts a very decent double berth, a small galley, and space for a head with a sink. The compact cockpit may have limited seating, but the boat makes up for it with its attractive design, race-derived hull, and excellent driving experience. The Clear Aries Cabin is a remarkable choice for both the keen driver and the style-conscious sun-worshipper.

Best cuddy cabin boats for budget buyers

Cuddy cabin boats are a great option for those looking to spend more time on the water, offering an enclosed overnight cabin for those seeking overnight excursions. They are commonly used for day cruising, watersports, and fishing.

Bayliner VR5 Cuddy

The Bayliner VR5 Cuddy is a fantastic option for those seeking a compact cruising boat. At 20 feet long and with a beam of 8 feet, it's on the smaller side but can still comfortably seat eight people. It features wraparound seating, an optional dining table, and swivel chairs for the captain. Weighing only 3,131 pounds, it's easily towable for small trucks and SUVs. New models are priced at around $42,575.

Stingray 208CR Cuddy Cabin

The Stingray 208CR Cuddy Cabin is another 20-foot boat with a beam of 8 feet. It can accommodate up to nine people, and its cabin sleeps two. This fiberglass boat is ideal for anglers, as it comes with a 6-gallon freshwater tank and a 25-qt ice box. It's also great for water sports enthusiasts, thanks to its rear area for launching tubers, wakeboarders, and swimmers. A new model will cost you around $39,180.

Pro-Line 20 Express

The Pro-Line 20 Express is a fantastic option for first-timers and seasoned boaters alike. This 20-foot boat can comfortably seat seven people, and its 200HP engine makes it ideal for weekend excursions with friends. You can find used models on the market for about $20,000.

Campion Allante 635

The Campion Allante 635 is a 22-foot fiberglass boat with a powerful 200HP gas engine and a massive 60-gallon fuel tank, making it perfect for long-distance travel. It offers ample space and comfort for those looking to spend a few nights on the water. The Campion Allante 635 can be purchased for approximately $50,000.

Four Winns Vista 238

While this boat is no longer available new, it's worth considering on the used boat market. The Four Winns Vista 238 is a 23-foot vessel with a top speed of 38 knots. It features a galley with a cooktop, sink, fridge, carpets, and curtains, as well as a spacious cabin and a family-friendly swim platform. You can find used models for around $19,000.

Rinker 270 Express Cruiser

If you're looking for something a bit more spacious, the Rinker 270 Express Cruiser fits the bill. At 27 feet long, it comfortably accommodates four people in its cabin. It features an arch supporting the Bimini cover, which can transform the entire deck into an enclosed sleeping space. With a shower setup, optional grill, and hidden storage, it's perfect for weekend cruises. Used models can be found for just under $40,000.

So, there you have it! These cuddy cabin boats offer a great blend of performance, features, and affordability, making them excellent choices for budget-conscious buyers.

Best cuddy cabin boats for luxury buyers

If you're a luxury buyer in the market for a cuddy cabin boat, you're spoilt for choice. Cuddy cabin boats are ideal for day cruising, with modest cabin accommodations and limited amenities. They are also great for watersports and fishing.

Bayliner VR5

The Bayliner VR5 is a compact cruising boat that is slightly shorter than its predecessor, the 642, but has a broader beam, more space in the forward part of the cabin, and can carry eight people. It also has a slightly larger fuel tank and huge storage space, making it a great weekend companion. New models of the Bayliner VR5 Cuddy sell for about $42,575.

Cormate T24

This well-built and beautiful Norwegian sports boat employs a centre console arrangement on top of a soft-riding, race-derived hull with a 25-degree deadrise. It is good for 40 to 50 knots and boasts a 54-knot top end in its Supersport (350hp) guise. The convertible sunpad in the centre of the cockpit and the combination of a very usable cabin alongside a relatively sheltered and deep-set foredeck sunbathing area are particularly impressive. The Cormate T24 is a premium option for those who can handle the price tag.

Cranchi E26

The Cranchi E26 is a doyen of cuddy cabin designs, with a rich back catalogue of boats. Launched in 2019, the E26 comes in two forms: the Rider, an open-bow outboard engine version, and the Classic, an old-school cuddy cabin inboard engine sportster. The Classic has a small cabin beneath the foredeck, with seating and infills to create a small double berth. An optional sea toilet and a fridge that reduces internal seating are also available. The cockpit layout is very traditional, with twin pedestal helm seats forward and a bench seat aft with an extended chaise longue section. The Cranchi E26 is beautifully executed, with retro upholstery, striped teak flooring, and a single-spoke steering wheel. It was found to be "poised and alert" at speed, with a "tremendous running attitude and masses of grip". Built in 2019, it is priced at £139,995.

Marex 270 Estremo

Norwegian company Marex builds some of the most sensible motor cruisers on the ocean, specialising in hard-top wheelhouse cruisers with manual sliding roofs, big windows, and easy-to-deploy canopies. The Marex 270 Estremo is a rare beast, with only one currently in the UK. It is a proper cuddy cabin boat, with a vee-shaped dinette that converts to a double bed, a separate heads compartment, and plenty of storage. The cockpit has a pair of bucket seats and a long sunpad over the engine compartment with a backrest that slides forward to create a bench seat. The standard engine is a Volvo Penta D4-260, but for more power, opt for the D6-370, which provides "outrageous" acceleration and a top speed of over 40 knots. Built in 2011, it is priced at £79,950.

Yamarin 68DC

Yamarin is a Finnish boat manufacturer that combines Yamaha outboards with marine, creating complete boating packages. The 68DC is one of their cuddy cabin boats, which are mostly used for day cruising, with the cabin used as a handy place to tuck away or use the facilities. The 68DC has a plumbed-in sea toilet beneath the centre of the bed, a compact galley with a fridge and a sink in the cockpit, and a double helm opposite. Yamaha outboards ranging from 115hp to 250hp are available for this model, with the top-rated 250hp unit providing a top speed of 40 knots. Built in 2014, it is priced at £59,950.

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