5 Best Family Friendly Boats

For many boaters, boating is a way of life that includes some of the very best memories like the very first time you reeled in that big catch a fish or took the wheel. These memories and experiences are who you are, and something you want to share with your family. 

More and more families are gravitating towards boating. They want to participate in any water activity that stimulates social interaction and provides fun for everyone. Very few outdoor activities please every family member, from the surliest teenagers and the most cautious grandparent, than boating. 

A cabin cruiser is a great choice for families and those who want to cruise just a little further.

Choosing the perfect boat for family boating can be challenging because there are just so many options. If this is your first family boat, it’s vital to make versatility a priority. The more fun and activities your boat can support, the more engaged the entire family will be. if you choose the perfect boat just one weekend can include tubing, cruising, fishing, or taking in a sunset. So, if you’re in the market for a new boat, keep reading to learn more about the five best family-friendly boats. 

If the term pontoon boat makes you think of a giant, old-school, rusty float, it’s time to catch up on all things pontoon.

Pontoon boats are flat-surface boats that float upon the water rather than settle into it. Today’s pontoons are different; they are well-powered enough to pull skiers yet versatile in design. This is the ideal boat for the water-reluctant land lover. 

It’s essential to remember that these new models are comfortable yet thrilling as they glide across the waves. Many are equipped with strong engines that provide exciting performance and the ability to enjoy watersports. And while they may not be as proficient at handling large waves as monohull boats, many of the larger pontoons are unexpectedly just as capable in choppy waters. Some of the other factors that make pontoons the perfect family boat include: 

• A pontoon deck is surrounded by a barrier, which makes it appealing to families with young children. 
• The stability offered by a pontoon puts most at ease and makes it an excellent platform for cruising and entertaining. 
• A pontoon will work for watersports with the right combination of options and power. 

If swimming at the sandbar, joyriding across the lake, pulling skiers, or just relaxing on the water all sound enticing, a bowrider may be the ideal choice.

This is one of the most popular family boats available because of its versatility, plentiful seating, and easy handling. These family-friendly boats can be used for skiing, tubing, and fishing and are perfect for the simple relaxation of a day cruise. The way bowriders are situated, everyone in the boat can soak up the sun. However, folding canopies that shield passengers from the harsh rays are almost always included. 

The cabin cruiser is the ideal boat when you want that cruise around the Intracoastal to become a sleepover.

With interior sleeping space and other needed facilities, these boats are meant to accommodate those creature comforts on longer trips. Cabin cruisers are larger than most boats and can cost a bit more. Still, these beautiful vessels expand your abilities to adventure. Things like weekending aboard, visiting distant ports, or even taking a family vacation on the water are in your grasp with a cruiser. They’re like having a home that floats, and most are outfitted with everything you need for those experiences that can last days at a time. 

A jet boat is a niche boat that has come a long way from its earliest days when it was primarily a military vessel.

Jet boats today come in a variety of designs. The feature that sets this type of boat apart from the rest is its propulsion system. Though the variety of choices is a bit less when it comes to jet boats, and jet propulsion can be slightly less efficient than most traditional watercraft, they have one perk that many families love – no propeller. While propeller injuries are exceedingly uncommon, the mere thought of doing away with the prop gives many parents invaluable peace of mind. Jet boats have exceptional handling, minimal draft, and all the other features and accessories found on runabouts. 

While the cuddy cabin design has been around for ages, today’s walkarounds are much more family-friendly than ever before.

The cuddy cabin is an ideal craft for fishing, but it is also incredibly flexible. Skiing, overnight cruises, and lengthy journeys are all within the realm of possibility with this versatile boat. Many fishing center consoles may not have the most effective design, but for many fishing families with young children, cuddy cabins are a sensible solution because of the added protection. 

So, what’s the best choice?

One of these five types of boats will prove to be a great choice for you and your adventure-loving family. Of course, other, more highly specialized vessels may fit your fancy. For instance, if bass fishing is your true love, bass boats will be impossible to beat. Speed demons will naturally gravitate toward high-performance boats. Or if wakeboarding is your sport of choice, getting a dedicated wake boat may be the best choice for you.

The most important thing to remember is to find a boat that makes your family happy. Spending time on the water will bring your loved ones closer together—and that’s one thing we can promise!