Exploring The Great Lakes: Boat Types For Family Fun

Boating is a fun family activity that can bring parents and kids closer together as they learn to work as a crew through shared responsibilities. There are many types of boats that cater to different needs and preferences. For families, the best boats are those that are versatile, have ample seating, and are easy to access. Some popular options include bowriders, deck boats, and pontoons. Bowriders are great for joyrides across the lake, towing water toys, swimming, and relaxing on the water. Deck boats are ideal for larger families and groups, while pontoons offer stability and comfort. When choosing a boat, it's important to consider factors such as the number of people, the depth of the water, your budget, and storage options.

Bowriders: Spacious, versatile, and great for day cruising, water sports, and light fishing

Bowriders are an excellent choice for families looking for a spacious, versatile boat that can accommodate a variety of activities such as day cruising, water sports, and light fishing. With their forward seating area and distinctive pointy front, bowriders offer a smooth ride even in choppy waters.

One of the biggest advantages of bowriders is their versatility. They are perfect for families who want to enjoy a range of activities on the water. While they may not be ideal for overnight stays or serious fishing expeditions, bowriders can be used for just about anything else you can dream up. Whether you're cruising to your favourite waterfront restaurant, towing tubes, or simply enjoying a day of swimming and sunbathing, bowriders have got you covered.

Bowriders come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 16 to 34 feet in length. This means that regardless of your budget or specific needs, you're likely to find a bowrider that suits your requirements. The average 20-footer, for example, can comfortably fit 8 to 10 people, making it a great choice for families and larger groups.

In terms of design, bowriders feature stylish profiles and innovative layouts. They can be powered by a variety of motor types, including stern drive, outboard, jet drive, or inboard. The larger models often come with additional amenities such as radar, air conditioning, refrigerators, and even small cabins, providing the comforts of home on the water.

If you're looking for a boat that's perfect for day cruising, water sports, and light fishing, then a bowrider is an excellent option. With their spacious design, versatility, and smooth handling, bowriders are a popular choice for both novice and experienced boaters alike, offering a unique blend of performance and functionality that's perfect for creating lasting memories on the water.

Deck boats: Designed to hold large groups, ideal for family beach trips

Deck boats are an excellent choice for families looking for a versatile and spacious boat. Here's why:

Spacious and Social

Deck boats are designed with a wide bow, maximising deck space and legroom. This extra space makes it easier for passengers to socialise and move around, creating a more enjoyable experience on board. The open cockpit layout and strategically positioned seating along the port and starboard sides further enhance the social aspect of these boats, making them perfect for family gatherings or parties.

Comfort and Convenience

Deck boats offer abundant comfort and convenience features. For instance, the NauticStar deck boats come with premium upholstery, Bluetooth audio, water sport tow options, and open areas for entertainment and relaxation. Some deck boats, like those from Bayliner, even offer plush, premium upholstery and ample storage with built-in cubbies and compartments for gear like tubes, coolers, and skis.

Water Sports and Performance

Deck boats are well-suited for water sports enthusiasts. They are sturdy and typically have powerful outboards, making them capable of pulling water skiers or tubers with ease. Some deck boats are also designed specifically for wakesurfing and wakeboarding. Additionally, deck boats combine the comforts of an open-hull pontoon with the sporty performance of a fiberglass V-hull, offering a good balance between cruising and water sports capabilities.

Easy Handling

Deck boats are renowned for their ease of use. They are easy to drive, dock, and haul, making them accessible to boating enthusiasts of all skill levels. This user-friendliness, combined with their spaciousness and comfort, makes deck boats a popular choice for families seeking a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

Customisation and Upgrades

Many deck boat manufacturers offer a range of customisation options and upgrades to cater to specific needs. For example, the Hurricane Sundeck 217 I/O deck boat offers four unique packages, including a Fishing Package, Deluxe Fishing Package, Hardware Upgrade Package, and Preferred Option Group, allowing families to tailor the boat to their fishing and entertainment preferences.

Fish-and-ski boats: Chase fish in the morning, then enjoy water skiing and similar activities in the afternoon

Fish-and-ski boats are a great option for families who want to enjoy a mix of activities on the water. These boats are designed to offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to chase fish in the morning and then engage in water skiing, wakeboarding, and other watersports in the afternoon. Here's what you need to know about fish-and-ski boats and how they can enhance your family's boating experience:

Versatility and Features:

Fish-and-ski boats are highly versatile, providing a range of features for both fishing and watersports enthusiasts. They typically have a layout similar to a bowrider, with spacious platforms, ski tows, and towers. Additionally, they include specialised fishing equipment such as livewells, rod holders, and electric trolling motors. The ski-tow feature and optional tow pylons, wake towers, and board racks further enhance the boat's versatility, making it easy to transition from fishing to watersports.

Adaptable Seating:

The adaptable seating arrangements in fish-and-ski boats are a significant advantage. You can easily modify the seating to accommodate your fishing or watersports needs. Some models even offer rear fishing decks with flip-up seats, providing a comfortable space for both fishing and cruising. This flexibility ensures that your boat can cater to different activities without compromising on comfort or functionality.

Performance and Handling:

While fish-and-ski boats are designed for multiple purposes, they deliver a solid performance on the water. The Deep-V hull design, found in some models, provides stability and smooth handling in various water conditions, making them suitable for both fishing and watersports. Additionally, the powerful engines in these boats can create exciting performances, enabling you to enjoy watersports and cruising with ease.

Storage and Convenience:

Fish-and-ski boats often come with ample storage options, ensuring that your fishing gear, watersports equipment, and personal belongings can be securely stored. The covert under-deck storage compartments and lockable console storage areas provide safe and convenient spaces for your valuables. This abundance of storage contributes to a clutter-free and organised boating experience.

Family-Friendly Design:

These boats are designed with families in mind, offering comfort and safety for all ages. The walk-through windshield provides added protection from the elements, making it ideal for variable climates. Additionally, the rear fishing deck and flip-up seats create a safe and accessible space for family members to join in on the fishing fun. The versatile nature of fish-and-ski boats ensures that everyone in the family can find an activity they enjoy, creating memorable experiences on the water.

In conclusion, fish-and-ski boats are an excellent choice for families seeking a versatile and enjoyable boating experience. They offer a unique blend of fishing and watersports capabilities, adaptable seating, solid performance, and family-friendly features. By choosing a fish-and-ski boat, you can create unforgettable memories with your loved ones, exploring the thrill of both fishing and watersports on the same vessel.

Pontoon boats: Stable, comfortable, and customisable, with some models offering thrilling performance

Pontoon boats are a great option for families looking to buy a boat for several reasons. Firstly, they offer a stable, comfortable platform that is perfect for lounging and kicking back on the water. Their large, flat decks provide ample space for families to relax and socialise, and some models even come with multiple decks and dedicated lounging areas.

Pontoon boats have evolved to become highly customisable party platforms, with modern models offering a range of luxury features. These can include anything from full outdoor kitchens (or "galleys"), enclosed head compartments (full bathrooms), and entertainment systems to dedicated fishing equipment and watersports capabilities. The customisability of pontoon boats means that they can be tailored to suit a variety of budgets and preferences.

In addition to their stability and customisability, some pontoon boat models offer thrilling performance. While they may not handle large waves as well as monohull boats, larger pontoons and "tritoons" (boats with three pontoons) have surprising capabilities in choppy waters. With the right engine, a pontoon boat can easily reach speeds of over 50 mph on flat water, and some models are capable of sprinting from 0-30 mph in around 5.5 seconds and reaching top speeds of 90 mph.

The versatility of pontoon boats, combined with their reliable outboard power and relatively low purchase and running costs, have contributed to their rising popularity in the US boating market. Whether you're looking for a comfortable and stable boat for family outings or seeking thrilling performance and customisability, pontoon boats are a fantastic option to consider.

Walkaround boats: Great for families who enjoy fishing and day cruising, with sleeping accommodations and weather protection

Walkaround boats are an excellent choice for families who enjoy fishing and day cruising, with the added benefit of sleeping accommodations and weather protection. They offer the best of both worlds, combining hardcore "fishability" with family-friendly amenities. The design typically includes a large, open aft cockpit, perfect for angling enthusiasts, while the enclosed bow provides a comfortable space for relaxation and protection from the elements.

The versatility of walkaround boats is one of their key strengths. They are well-suited for families who want to spend a relaxing day on the water, cruising and sandbar hopping, while also providing the necessary features for hardcore offshore fishing. The wide alleys and sturdy bow rails enhance safety and make it easy for anglers to move around the boat. Additionally, walkarounds often come equipped with fishing essentials such as rod holders, livewells, and tackle storage.

When it comes to overnight or multi-day trips, walkaround boats truly excel. They offer serious creature comforts, including full heads with showers, galleys, and sleeping accommodations. This means you can extend your fishing expeditions or explore distant waters without worrying about finding a hotel. The cabins provide a functional space for cooking, sleeping, and enjoying time with your family in comfort and style.

Walkaround boats are also known for their safety features, making them ideal for families with small children. The high gunwales and forward windshield keep passengers secure, and the addition of optional spray curtains provides excellent protection from wind and spray. The deep cockpits and secure handrails further contribute to the overall safety of the boat.

When choosing a walkaround boat, consider factors such as cockpit space, the number and placement of rod holders, and built-in storage options. Brand reputation is also important, with brands like Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Parker, and Pro-Line being popular choices among anglers.

Frequently asked questions