Best Party Boat Options For Your Next Celebration

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best party boat. A good party boat should have plenty of deck space, lots of seating, a serious swim platform, a high-end sound system, a fridge, a head compartment, and enough power to pull a wakeboarder. It should also have storage space, spots to sunbathe, and some extra features like LED lights and weather protection. Here are some of the top-rated party boats:

- Explosion X44: This Italian-built boat offers maximum quality and innovation with impressive customisation options and inboard space. It has a triple rig of 350 hp outboards, delivering a top speed of 43 knots. The cockpit features retractable tables that can be used for dining, sunbathing, or playing table tennis. The aft deck can be expanded, providing a superyacht-style beach club environment.

- SACS Strider 18: This 56-foot flagship model from Milan boasts a 17-foot beam and seating for up to 22 people. It offers exceptional performance with 2,400 hp of diesel power and can reach speeds of over 50 knots. The helm station is leather-trimmed and protected by a rigid hardtop. It has three primary living areas: one in the cockpit, one at the stern, and one in the bow, making it an excellent choice for parties.

- Wider 42: The Wider 42 utilises a trademark expanding cockpit, offering significantly more surface area than a conventional 42-foot craft. With twin 480 hp Cummins engines, it can reach speeds of over 50 knots. The real party trick, however, is the ability to open up the gunwales and expand the deck at the push of a button, transforming the space into a party playground.

- Bayliner Element XR7: This user-friendly boat is deceptively spacious, with a capacity of 16 people despite its modest 25-foot length. It offers a unique M-hull design, generating an impressive amount of deck space. The XR7 provides a combination of inboard space and versatility typically found in a pontoon, along with the performance and style of a deck boat.

- MasterCraft X55: As the largest and most luxurious boat in the MasterCraft fleet, the X55 offers class-leading seating capacity for 18 people, a head compartment, a wet bar, and a top-notch sound system. It also features glittering LED lights to enhance the party atmosphere.

- Fjord 48 Open: The Fjord 48 Open is designed for open-deck entertainment and alfresco parties. It has a spacious stern sundeck and a fully-fitted galley, including a barbeque, wet bar, and fridge. The dining area can accommodate 10 people and can be converted into a large sunbathing platform. With LED mood lighting, high-end finishes, and a maximum speed of 40 knots, it's an excellent choice for elegant parties.

- Riva 100 Corsaro: This superyacht truly stands out, offering two layouts in one. It features a full-length open deck on top of a full-length covered deck, with five en-suite staterooms and three crew quarters. The Riva Corsaro has a cruising speed of 23 knots and can accommodate up to 20 people, making it a statement party boat.

Features of a good party boat

A good party boat should have the following features:

Ample Deck Space and Seating

Plenty of deck space is essential for a party boat, providing room for guests to move around, socialise, and enjoy activities. In addition, comfortable and abundant seating is necessary to accommodate all guests, ensuring they have a place to relax and enjoy the party.

Entertainment Systems

A high-quality sound system is a must-have for any party boat. It allows guests to enjoy music and creates a vibrant atmosphere. Some boats even offer glittering LED lights, adding to the festive vibe and enhancing the overall experience.

Swimming Platform

A serious swim platform is an important feature for a party boat. It provides easy access to the water for swimming and water sports, encouraging guests to enjoy the surrounding environment and stay refreshed.

Storage and Convenience

A good party boat should have adequate storage space for baggage and other essentials. Additionally, features like a fridge, wet bar, and a head compartment (bathroom) add convenience and comfort for guests, ensuring they have everything they need during the party.

Customisation and Versatility

The ability to customise and configure the layout of the boat is advantageous. It allows the host to tailor the space to their specific party needs, whether it's creating a dance floor, setting up dining areas, or accommodating specific activities.

Safety and Comfort

Safety should always be a top priority. A good party boat should have features that ensure the comfort and security of its guests, such as stable decks, handrails, and other safety equipment. This promotes a worry-free and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

In conclusion, a good party boat combines ample space, entertainment features, convenience, and customisation options to create a fun and memorable experience for guests. By considering these key features, hosts can transform their boat into the ultimate party venue and provide their guests with an unforgettable time on the water.

Best party boats for inland waters

When it comes to choosing the best party boat for inland waters, there are several factors to consider. The ideal party boat should have ample seating and deck space, a good sound system, and preferably a swim platform and a fridge. Here are some of the top options available:

Explosion X44

The Explosion X44 is an Italian-built RIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) that offers maximum quality and innovation. It boasts impressive customisation options and a spacious cockpit with retractable tables that can be used for dining, sunbathing, or even playing table tennis. The real party trick of the X44 is its ability to expand the aft deck, creating a superyacht-style "beach club" environment perfect for bathing and lounging. It also includes an external hi-fi system and an electric barbecue, making it a great choice for those seeking both style and practicality.

SACS Strider 18

The SACS Strider 18 is another Italian-built RIB and is the flagship model from the Milan boatyard. With a length of 56 feet and a 17-foot beam, it offers a vast platform that can seat up to 22 people. The Strider 18 delivers impressive performance with up to 2,400 hp of diesel power, and its main focus is maximising the usability of its deck space. It features three primary living areas—in the cockpit, stern, and bow—providing ample space for gathering and entertaining. Below deck, it includes a master cabin, a head compartment, and a three-person guest cabin. While it comes at a high price, the Strider 18 is an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious and spacious party boat.

Wider 42

The Wider 42 stands out for its ingenuity, offering far more surface area than a conventional 42-foot craft thanks to its expanding cockpit. With twin 480 hp Cummins engines, it can achieve speeds of over 50 knots. But its true party feature is the ability to expand the deck at the push of a button, transforming it into 60 square feet of party space. The versatile stern can be configured for various activities, and it includes a galley, a crystal shower unit, and other amenities that make it a great choice for entertaining.

Bayliner Element XR7

The Bayliner Element XR7 is a modest yet spacious deck boat, accommodating up to 16 people within its 25-foot length. It achieves this through Bayliner's expanded "M-hull" design, providing a generous beam of eight and a half feet. The XR7 offers a spacious deck layout with plush lounges and deep freeboard, ensuring the safety and comfort of your guests. While it is no longer in production, it can still be found on the used boat market and is a great choice for both novice and experienced boaters.

Mastercraft X55

The Mastercraft X55 is a luxurious and spacious wakeboard boat, offering a generous cockpit area of 73 square feet and a 14-square-foot swim platform. It includes a wet bar, a top-quality sound system, and glittering LED lights, making it perfect for parties and celebrations. With a capacity of 18 people, it provides a comfortable and stylish experience for you and your guests.

Fjord 48 Open

The Fjord 48 Open is all about open deck entertainment and alfresco partying. With twin Volvo IPS 600 powerplants, it can reach speeds of 30 knots, or 40 knots with triple engines. This boat stands out for its glamorous and extravagant design, featuring a frameless windshield for unobstructed panoramic views. It includes a spacious stern sundeck, a fully fitted galley with a barbeque and wet bar, and a dining area that can accommodate up to 10 people. The Fjord 48 Open is a stylish and practical choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd.

These options represent some of the best party boats available for inland waters, offering a combination of space, amenities, and entertainment features to ensure an enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

Best party boats for coastal waters

When it comes to partying on the coastal waters, there are several types of boats that can make your experience memorable. Here are some of the best party boats for coastal waters:

Cabin Cruisers

Cabin cruisers are an excellent choice for partying on the water due to their spacious features. They offer full galleys, private bathrooms (known as "head compartments"), ample seating arrangements, and protection from the weather. The number of guests you can invite depends on the size of your cabin cruiser, but there's usually enough room for at least half a dozen people or even more.

Center Consoles

Center consoles are popular not only for saltwater fishing but also for their wide-open spaces and plentiful seating, making them ideal for entertaining. Many center console builders offer models that are designed more for festivities than fishing. These models come equipped with features like outdoor grills, ice makers, and wet bars. The boat's size will be the limiting factor when it comes to hosting a large party.

Deck Boats

Deck boats offer similar advantages to bowriders but with a bit of extra room, especially in the bow area. They can commonly seat an extra passenger or two when compared to a comparable bowrider. People love the extra room that deck boats provide, along with the added performance of a powerboat.

Motor Yachts/Power Cruisers

If you're looking to entertain big crowds in luxurious surroundings, a motor yacht or power cruiser is the way to go. They offer multiple cabins, indoor and outdoor social areas, full cooking facilities, and all the conveniences of home. Depending on the boat's size, your guest list can easily run into the dozens.

Luxury Yachts

For the ultimate in luxury and style, a luxury yacht is the perfect choice. These vessels are typically larger and more opulent, featuring multiple decks, sun loungers, Jacuzzis, and gourmet kitchens. Some luxury yachts even come with private chefs and bartenders, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for your guests. Luxury yachts can accommodate large groups, with a capacity of up to 50 guests or more.

Catamarans

If you prefer a more laid-back and casual party boat experience, a catamaran is an excellent option. Catamarans are smaller and more intimate, offering a cosy setting for smaller groups of up to 12 guests. They are often used for activities like snorkelling, swimming, fishing, sunset cruises, and other romantic outings.

Best party boat locations in the US

The US has no shortage of party boat hotspots, from the West Coast to the East Coast, and the Great Lakes in between. Here are some of the best party boat locations in the US:

Lake Travis, Texas

Lake Travis is a reservoir on the Colorado River in central Texas, offering nearly 64 miles of waterways and encompassing 19,297 acres. It's a popular spot for cooling off during the hot Texas summers, with fishing, boating, swimming, and party barges. You can rent a double-decker party barge, one with a waterslide, or even stay overnight on the water. Devil's Cove is known for its debauchery and is a popular spot for party barges.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

The Lake of the Ozarks is a man-made lake in central Missouri with 1,150 miles of picturesque shoreline and countless coves. Boaters can enjoy over 60 restaurants with dock-and-dine options and an annual amphibious concert series called Aquapalooza. Party Cove is the rowdiest spot on the lake, and the Shootout is a powerboat race that attracts upwards of 100,000 spectators.

Lake Michigan, Chicago, Illinois

While Lake Michigan spans a massive 22,394 square miles, most boaters congregate in a protected area known as the Playpen, less than a nautical mile offshore. This no-wake zone offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline and a flotilla of private party boats. Chicago's waterfront provides a wide range of party boat options, from cocktail cruises to tiki-themed vessels and beer-and-barbecue tours.

Catalina Island, California

Catalina Island is a serene gem located 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles in the Pacific Ocean. Boating is a year-round activity here, with fish/tour/party cruises, "boat-in camping" trips to secluded sites, and speedboat tours seeking massive waves. The island also hosts Buccaneer Days, a festival with live bands, DJs, pirate costume contests, and treasure hunts. The Catalina Wine Mixer, inspired by the film Step Brothers, is a three-day event with a costume party, live music, and DJs.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California

Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, straddles the California-Nevada border and boasts 274 days of sunshine per year. It is surrounded by dazzling mountain ranges and towering pines, and the water is 99.7% pure. Zephyr Cove is the high-energy party spot, featuring beach volleyball, waterfront bars, lounge areas, luxury resorts, and group party boat options.

Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota

Lake Minnetonka stands out in the Land of 10,000 Lakes with its 125 miles of shoreline, numerous bays and channels, and picturesque Upper Midwest scenery. Big Island, once home to an amusement park, is now the hotspot for locals and visitors to drop anchor and socialise. This spot is so popular that it even has its own paparazzi!

How to throw a safe and fun boat party

Throwing a boat party is a fun and unique way to celebrate with friends and family. Here are some tips to ensure your boat party is both safe and fun:

Planning

First, set a budget and prepare a guest list. Knowing your budget will help you decide on the type of boat you can rent, and the number of guests will ensure you hire a boat with adequate space. It's a good idea to rent your boat well in advance to ensure you can get the one you want.

Location

The location of your boat party is important. A lake is a great option as it offers more room for activities than a river, and won't feel as crowded. Lake Travis, just outside of Austin, Texas, is a popular choice.

Boat Type

When choosing a boat, opt for one with a large deck and reasonable carrying capacity. You'll want plenty of space for your guests to move around and socialise. The boat should also have ample seating, a swim platform, a fridge, a head compartment, and a good sound system. Extras such as LED lights, a BBQ, and weather protection like Bimini tops will also add to the party atmosphere.

Food and Drink

Be sure to provide plenty of food and beverages for your guests, and don't forget the ice! Ask your guests about any allergies in advance to avoid medical emergencies.

Schedule and Entertainment

Plan a schedule for the day, including any games or activities, food service, and speeches. A party playlist is also essential to keep the fun going. Include a variety of music and perhaps some karaoke options.

Safety

Finally, don't forget to pack a first aid kit and life jackets. It's important to follow safe practices and stay alert, even if you're not driving the boat. Encourage your guests to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and get home safely.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to hosting a fun and memorable boat party!

Frequently asked questions