The Best Boat Passengers: Who Makes The Cut?

There are countless boat manufacturers and brands, each building unique models. From small boats to large yachts, and from fishing boats to cruisers, there is a wide range of vessels to choose from. When it comes to the best boats for passengers, several factors come into play, including comfort, safety, entertainment, and accessibility. Here are some of the top options:

- Cabin cruisers: These boats offer spacious features such as full galleys, private bathrooms, ample seating, and weather protection, making them perfect for entertaining and extended stays.

- Center consoles: While often chosen for saltwater fishing, center consoles also provide wide-open spaces and plentiful seating, making them ideal for larger gatherings. Some models even include outdoor grills, ice makers, and wet bars.

- Deck boats: Similar to bowriders but with extra room, deck boats offer the best of both worlds – the performance of a powerboat and the space of a pontoon boat.

- Motor yachts/power cruisers: For those who want to entertain in luxury, motor yachts and power cruisers offer multiple cabins, indoor and outdoor social areas, and full cooking facilities.

- Personal watercraft (PWC): Although they only hold a small number of people, PWCs are incredibly popular for water sports, island hopping, and adding a fun element to larger gatherings.

- Pontoon boats: As the original party barge, pontoon boats can come equipped with changing rooms, grills, blenders, and tons of seating, making them ideal for larger groups.

- Sailboats: For a more intimate gathering, sailboats offer a peaceful option with enough space for a couple or family to enjoy a relaxing day on the water.

- Ski boats/wake boats: These boats provide the thrill of watersports, making them perfect for entertaining friends or family looking for an adrenaline-filled day.

Best boats for entertaining

There are many types of boats that can be used for entertaining, and the best choice will depend on the number of guests and the purpose of the event. Here is a list of some of the best boats for entertaining:

Bowriders

Bowriders are perfect for small-scale celebrations with up to half a dozen people. They offer various activities such as water sports, angling, and boat picnics. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to trailer and clean.

Cabin Cruisers

Cabin cruisers are ideal for larger groups, with ample seating and features such as full galleys, private bathrooms, and weather protection. They are perfect for extended stays and can accommodate a wide range of guest numbers depending on their size.

Center Consoles

Center consoles offer wide-open spaces and plentiful seating, making them excellent for entertaining. Many models also include features like outdoor grills, ice makers, and wet bars. The boat's size will be the limiting factor for the number of guests.

Deck Boats

Deck boats are similar to bowriders but offer a bit more room, commonly seating an extra passenger or two. They provide the extra room of a pontoon boat with the added performance of a powerboat. They can comfortably fit five or more people and have ample space for belongings.

Motor Yachts/Power Cruisers

Motor yachts or power cruisers are perfect for entertaining large crowds in luxurious surroundings. They offer multiple cabins, indoor and outdoor social areas, full cooking facilities, and other conveniences. Depending on the boat's size, it can accommodate a long list of invitees.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats, also known as "party barges," offer tons of seating and space for entertaining. Even the smaller models usually have enough room for eight to ten people, while larger models can hold dozens of passengers. They often include features like changing rooms, grills, and blenders.

Sailboats

While sailboats have relatively small cockpits, they are still excellent for entertaining smaller groups. They offer a peaceful and relaxing experience on the water, perfect for couples or families who enjoy game nights, storytelling, or fishing.

Ski Boats/Wake Boats

Ski boats and wake boats are ideal for treating your friends to thrilling watersports activities. While they may not have many integrated entertaining features, they provide an exciting and unique experience for your guests.

Trawlers

Trawlers are excellent boats for entertaining year-round, offering more room inside than outside. Larger models often have big flybridges where guests can enjoy breathtaking views. They may not be ideal for large groups but provide a cosy and intimate setting.

Best boats for family fun

When it comes to choosing the best boat for family fun, there are several factors to consider, including the type of boating your family enjoys, the size of the boat, and the features and accessories it offers. Here are some of the top options to consider:

Bowriders

Bowriders are one of the most popular choices for families due to their versatility, ample seating, and easy access to the water. They are great for joyrides, towing water toys, swimming, and simply relaxing on the water. Bowriders come in various sizes and price ranges, offering different comfort features such as enclosed head compartments and outdoor kitchens. They provide a fantastic platform for a range of waterborne activities.

Cabin Cruisers

Cabin cruisers are ideal for families who want more space and the ability to take extended trips or even vacation on the water. These boats are like floating mobile homes, offering full galleys, private bathrooms, ample seating, and weather protection. They are perfect for entertaining and accommodating larger groups, making them a popular choice for families who love to host.

Fish-and-Ski Boats

For families who enjoy both fishing and watersports, fish-and-ski boats offer the best of both worlds. They combine fishing features like livewells and rod holders with watersports amenities such as ski lockers and tow pylons. While there may be some trade-offs in the multipurpose design, these boats are versatile and perfect for families with varied interests.

Jet Boats

Jet boats are known for their excellent handling and minimal draft, and they offer the added peace of mind of having no propeller, which is a safety feature many parents appreciate. Jet boats have all the features and accessories of traditional runabouts but with the advantage of jet propulsion, making them a popular choice for families.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats provide a stable and comfortable platform, making them ideal for lounging and cruising on the water. They often come with powerful engines, offering exciting performance and the ability to enjoy watersports. Pontoon boats have ample seating and space, making them perfect for families who need room for everyone and everything.

Sailboats

For families seeking a different experience, sailboats offer a more complex and skill-building boating option. Operating a sailboat requires teamwork and provides a unique sense of accomplishment. Modern sailboats come in various sizes and comfort levels, and they are generally more affordable than powerboats due to their smaller engines.

When choosing a boat for family fun, consider your budget, the size of your family, and the activities you enjoy. Remember, the most important thing is to find a boat that brings joy and creates memorable experiences for you and your loved ones.

Best boats for fishing

There are many fishing boats available in the market, each with its own unique features. Here is a list of some of the best boats for fishing:

Grady-White

Based in North Carolina, Grady-White has been building boats since 1959 and is well-known for its coastal fishing boats. They offer five different lines of boats, including Center Consoles, Dual Consoles, Coastal Explorers, Express Cabins, and Walkaround Cabins. Many of their boats can be ordered with features that make them suitable for family cruising as well as fishing.

Everglades

Everglades is a Florida-based company that builds premium boats on legendary Bob Dougherty-designed hulls. Their model lineup includes 3-series hybrids, 5-series center consoles, and 7-series crossovers, which are set to be released in 2025. Everglades boats are a favourite among anglers and are often seen in professional-angler tournaments in the offshore canyons. Their boats include features such as rod holders, outriggers, and bait stations, making them ideal for a day of fishing.

Formula Boats

Formula Boats has been owned and managed by the Porter family since 1976 and is known for its high-performance hulls that provide a confident and exhilarating ride. They offer the 387 and 457 Center Console Fish models, which can be customised with hardcore fishing options to meet the needs of anglers.

Contender

With over 35 years of experience, Contender has built a reputation for manufacturing high-quality and durable boats. They offer fishing-focused boats in their Bay, Tourney, and Sport series, ensuring a comfortable ride with clean lines and an aggressive entry.

Cobia

Cobia Boats combines tournament capability, family comfort, and style into a single package for boaters who want it all. Every model is built to last a lifetime and maximise every moment away from the dock. Cobia offers a full range of centre console and dual console boats ranging from 22 to 35 feet.

Other Notable Mentions:

• Blackfin Boats: Features classic design and modern conveniences throughout their lineup of centre and dual consoles, ranging from 22 to 33 feet.
• Carolina Skiff: Offers durable, versatile, and economical boats with 27 models ranging from 16 to 25 feet, providing great value in performance and comfort.
• EdgeWater: Used by serious sportsmen who demand practical features, reliability, and durability. Their construction techniques achieve an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, resulting in remarkable handling and performance.

Best boats for cruising

There are many types of boats designed for cruising, each with its own unique features and advantages. Here are some of the best boats for cruising:

Runabouts/Sport Boats

Runabouts or sport boats are designed for social interaction and typically feature dual consoles, upholstered bench seating, sun pads, and stowable tables. They often have extra storage space for coolers, tables, and water toys, as well as convenient features like drink holders, marine stereos, and USB ports. These boats can run up to 40 feet in length and sometimes include integrated summer kitchens, televisions, and below-deck accommodations.

Deck Boats

Deck boats usually have a sport boat layout with dual consoles and a walk-through windshield to access the forward seating. They have wider bows than runabouts, providing more space but potentially sacrificing performance in choppier water. Deck boats often feature upholstered bench seating, digital helms with custom displays, marine stereos, and 12-volt chargers.

Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are known for their stability, comfort, and versatility, making them ideal for day cruising. They can be configured as tri-toons with a center pontoon tube, increasing speed and stability while exceeding 50 knots. Pontoon boats often include lighting upgrades, entertainment systems, summer kitchens, and even water slides. They typically seat a dozen or more people with plush, upholstered bench seating.

Cabin Cruisers

Cabin cruisers are like mobile vacation homes on the water, offering the flexibility to visit new destinations or simply relax and enjoy the boating lifestyle. They provide ample space and amenities for families or groups of friends to spend long weekends or extended periods on the water.

Power Catamarans

Power catamarans are larger boats designed for extended cruising trips, often lived on for weeks at a time. With an extra beam and twin hulls, they offer exceptional stability and a spacious platform for water activities. Power catamarans typically include amenities such as summer kitchens, entertainment systems, and plenty of upholstered seating. They use outboard engines with state-of-the-art control systems.

Express Cruisers

Express cruisers are a popular choice for family boating as they offer both fun in the sun and protection from the elements. They come in various sizes and can be used for sunbathing, weekend trips, or watersports. Some express cruisers can even double as fishing boats. The Cruisers Sport Series 279, Four Winns 290 Horizon, and Aspen C100 Escape are notable examples in this category.

Best boats for water sports

When it comes to water sports, there are several types of boats that can be considered the best. Here are some top options:

Malibu Boats

Malibu Boats, based in Loudon, Tennessee, is a well-known brand in the world of wakeboarding and other tow sports. Their boats are designed with features such as step-up entries to make it easier for passengers to get in and out of the water, seating that allows passengers to look forward or aft, and soft-grip flooring to prevent slipping. Malibu also offers premium sound systems and innovative technologies like the Power Wedge III hydrofoil and the Surf Gate, which enhance the overall water sports experience.

Nautique Super Air GS20

The Nautique Super Air GS20 is a versatile boat that caters to various water sports enthusiasts. It features the Nautique Configurable Running Surface (NCRS), which includes an adjustable plate that automatically moves according to user settings. This allows the boat to flatten the wake for slalom runs and create the desired wake or wave for boarding and surfing. Additionally, the pop-up ski pylon option and the Linc Panoray control system enhance the experience for skiers and tubers.

Tigé 20RZX

The Tigé 20RZX is a heavier and wider 20-foot crossover boat, providing ample space and comfort for up to 13 passengers. Its patented Convex hull design allows for a slalom-ready wake without the need for ballast, even at higher speeds. The TAPS 3 System, consisting of three extended trim tabs, gives the driver precise control over the pitch, list, and yaw of the boat, making it easy to shape the perfect wave for surfers.

MasterCraft XT21

The MasterCraft XT21 is the longest boat in this category, with a sleek design and a large fuel capacity. It is equipped with the Gen2 Surf System, which includes an integrated ballast system providing up to 2,640 pounds of ballast. The system also incorporates shaping devices, such as tabs, to sculpt and shape the wake or wave according to each rider's preference. The Dockstar Handling System is an optional feature that makes docking and manoeuvring the boat a breeze.

Supra SR

The Supra SR is another excellent crossover model, known for its AutoWake system, which utilizes sensors to control the boat's pitch and roll, optimizing the shape of wakes and waves for water sports. The Swell 3.0 Surf system further enhances the rider's experience by using inclinometers to adjust the ballast and settings based on the boat's movements. The Supra SR is powered by a Raptor by Indmar 6.2L V-8 engine, delivering high speeds for skiing and cruising, as well as slow-speed torque for surfing.

These boats offer a range of features and technologies that cater to different water sports enthusiasts, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience on the water.

Frequently asked questions