Choosing The Right Boat For Open Ocean Adventures

There are several types of boats that are suitable for open-ocean boating. The type of boat that is best for you depends on your intended use and your preferences. For example, if you are looking for a simple craft to go swimming, cruising, or towing other watercraft, a bowrider is ideal. On the other hand, if you are into overnighting on the ocean or fishing, a cabin cruiser or a walkaround boat might be a better option. If you are an angler, a sportfishing yacht might be the perfect choice for you. If you value speed and performance, a high-performance boat could be a good option. For those who want a combination of luxury and performance, motor yachts or power cruisers are worth considering. For a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option, you might want to look into sailboats or multi-hull power boats.

Cabin cruisers

If you are looking for a cabin cruiser, there are many options to choose from. Smaller boats are less expensive than larger ones, but to qualify as a cabin cruiser, the boat must have enough room to sleep aboard. This means boats under the 25-foot mark don't make the cut, while any boat over 30 feet can't be considered "small".

Some manufacturers that build stand-out small cabin cruisers include Crownline, Ranger Tugs, and Regal. Crownline offers three models that fit into the small cabin cruiser category, the 270 CR, 280 CRX, and 294 CR. Their cabins are designed around convertibility, with a forward U-shaped settee that can change into a dinette or an extended V-berth. Ranger Tugs builds three models that fall into the small cabin cruiser category: the R-23, the R25 Northwest Edition, and the R25 Luxury Edition. These models differ in their outfitting, but all share the same essential layout, including a forward lower V-berth and a small galley behind the helm. Regal has been building boats since 1969, and their lineup includes the 26 Express, 26 XO, and 28 Express, which are among the best small cabin cruiser boats.

If you are a beginner, you will probably want a boat that is relatively simple to operate, easy to maintain, and inexpensive. Some good choices for beginner cabin cruisers include the Defiance 250 San Juan, the Jeanneau NC Weekender series, and the Katanacraft Monsoon 250 and Monsoon 280. The 250 San Juan is small and simple, with an open aft cockpit, and will be easier to maintain than boats with carpeting and lots of upholstery. The Jeanneau NC Weekender series ranges from 24'5" to 41', with fully enclosed cabins and sleeping accommodations for at least four people. The Katanacraft boats are built with rugged aluminium, reducing the need for maintenance, and have full cabins with V-berths and heads.

For families, cabin cruisers offer the advantage of being able to enjoy the water both during the day and at night. Some cabin cruiser brands that offer extra advantages for families include Beneteau, Boston Whaler, and Sea Ray. Beneteau's Flyer series includes boats with full cabins and all the amenities needed for cruising, as well as the option to add a tow arch for water skiing and wakeboarding. Boston Whaler's Conquest line offers full cabins with all the comforts of home, and their boats are built with a fiberglass-foam-fiberglass sandwich construction that makes them unsinkable, providing peace of mind when travelling with loved ones. Sea Ray's Sundancer series offers modern boats with bow cockpit seating above the cabin, expanded outdoor areas, and spacious overnighting abilities inside.

Center consoles

The size of center consoles can vary, typically ranging from 21 feet to over 35 feet in length. The larger vessels offer more features and fuel capacity, enabling longer journeys and accommodating more people on board. These boats can be quite expensive, with prices starting at around $100,000 and going upwards of $400,000 for more luxurious models. However, they offer a range of features that cater to different budgets and needs, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience on the open ocean.

When it comes to specific models, there are several options available on the market. For instance, the Sportsman Open 252 offers a comprehensive package for fishing enthusiasts, including features like a Garmin GPS, fishboxes, a livewell, and rod holders. Another option is the Robalo R250, which boasts a range of comfort features such as a freshwater system and a wireless charging dock, in addition to its fishing capabilities. The Cobia 240 CC is also worth considering, with its impressive integrated tackle storage and a range of standard fishing features.

Overall, center consoles are an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile, stable, and manoeuvrable boat for open-ocean adventures, especially if fishing is a key activity. With their sturdy design and range of features, center consoles can provide a safe and enjoyable experience on the open sea.

High-performance boats

It's important to note that high-performance boats have fuel-related range restrictions due to their high speed and powerful engines. When venturing out on the open ocean, careful calculation of fuel capacity is crucial to ensure a safe journey.

One example of a high-performance boat is the Goldfish 46 Bullet, capable of speeds up to 85 knots (99 mph). This exquisite boat, priced at around $1.2 million, boasts a carbon superstructure, state-of-the-art electronics, and custom racing seats for six people. It can cruise for hours at speeds exceeding 60 knots, even in challenging conditions.

Another notable high-performance boat is the MTI 52 Pleasure, which can achieve speeds over 180 mph with its twin 1,750-horsepower Mercury racing engines. This semi-custom builder offers a range of luxurious options, including a Lamborghini-inspired 48-foot boat with Aventador-style tail lights and a matching covered starter button. The MTI 52 Pleasure is priced at approximately $2 million.

If you're seeking a combination of speed and luxury, high-performance boats present an excellent option for your open-ocean adventures. With their powerful engines and impressive speeds, these boats will surely satisfy your need for excitement on the water.

Motor yachts/power cruisers

Motor yachts, or power cruisers, are sizeable recreational vessels with one or two engines for primary propulsion. While there is no clear distinction between boats and yachts, yachts typically range from 40 to 90 feet in length. Yachts under 60 feet are usually operated by their owners, while those over 60 feet may require a professional captain. Yachts over 90 feet are considered superyachts, requiring a larger crew and incurring higher maintenance costs.

Motor yachts offer a high level of luxury and privacy, with designer accommodations, high-end appliances, and ample space for entertaining. They often feature several staterooms or cabins, at least one bathroom, and a kitchen or "galley". Larger yachts may also include a flybridge (an open upper deck), additional outdoor dining areas, and steering stations.

The versatility of motor yachts allows for various activities, including island hopping, dock-to-dock coastal cruising, and ocean crossing. They are ideal for long-haul journeys, with the ability to cruise for extended periods, ranging from a day to several years. Motor yachts can take you anywhere from the Great Lakes to the Caribbean and beyond.

The purchase price of a motor yacht can vary depending on size, age, brand, and onboard amenities, with most new yachts starting at $100,000 and some costing millions. Additional costs include maintenance, fuel, dock space, insurance, and state registration or US Coast Guard documentation. Motor yachts are designed for long-distance cruising and are equipped with sophisticated electronic navigation and communication systems, as well as stabilization features to minimize seasickness.

Multi-hull power boats

One of the main advantages of multi-hull power boats is their versatility. They offer more deck and cabin space than monohull powerboats of the same length, making them ideal for families or groups. The additional space also allows for multiple staterooms, large salons, and galleys on the main deck, providing a comfortable and convenient experience for longer ocean voyages.

The design of multi-hull power boats also has several other benefits. The wide beam between the two hulls eliminates the need for a bow thruster, improving manoeuvrability. Additionally, the engines are often smaller and cheaper to fuel, and the boats are less likely to induce seasickness due to their different motion on rough water.

Overall, multi-hull power boats are a great choice for open-ocean boating, offering space, stability, and fuel efficiency, along with a range of features that make them comfortable and versatile for various activities and lengths of voyage.

Frequently asked questions