Families love spending time together, and what better way to do that than go boating? Boating is a great activity for all ages and can create some of the best memories. It stimulates positive family interaction and can be an excellent bonding experience. In addition, it allows you to explore different areas and can be very relaxing.
However, choosing the right family boat can be tricky. You must decide what size, type, and features are most important to your family. If this will be your first boat, make versatility a priority. You’ll want a boat that can accommodate different activities and be easy to operate.
Boat dealers in Knoxville, TN, help you choose the perfect family boat for your needs. They will keep your needs and budget in mind and help you pick the perfect boat. Here is a helpful list of the top family boats to help you decide.
The Best Family Boats to Explore the Water
Pontoon Boat
No other type of boat offers as much space or as many seating options as a pontoon. The variety of sizes, shapes, performance, and price options make them the perfect choice for a family. The design of the pontoon is perfect for your lifestyle, whether you’re looking for a party barge or a quiet fishing getaway.
A mid-size pontoon boat is around 22-24 feet long and 8-10 feet wide. It has a capacity of 12 people and a weight capacity of around 2,500-3,000 pounds. This size is perfect for families who want to enjoy a day of fishing or cruising around the lake.
- A fence surrounds a pontoon deck, making it appealing to families with small children.
- A pontoon’s stability makes it an ideal platform for entertainment and even fishing for many people.
- A pontoon boat may be used for water sports if chosen with the appropriate power and features.
Pontoons have long been the most popular freshwater boat type due to their adaptability. You can do several fun activities on a pontoon, which are perfect for families.
Fish-and-Ski Boat
Fish and ski boats combine features of angling and watersports boats to provide the perfect vessel for family fun on the water. In the morning, go trout fishing; in the afternoon, tow skiers, boarders, and tubers; finish off with a beautiful sunset cruise
The boats are designed for freshwater use and come in two categories:
- The first option is a family runabout or deck boat with fishing amenities such as a convertible casting deck, live well, and trolling motor—a great example is the Tahoe Sport Series.
- On the other hand, you can begin with a bass fishing or multi-species fishing boat. Add features that make it better suited for watersports and family cruising, such as a complete windshield, a sun lounge, and a watersports pylon. The Nitro Sport Series is an excellent example.
A fish-and-ski boat is a hybrid that adds to the capabilities of the base boat while also enhancing the enjoyment of being on the water.
Dual Console Boat
Families boating in coastal waters or on large lakes will find that a dual console boat is a perfect choice. These boats have an enclosed cabin area with a head (bathroom), making them ideal for longer trips or when bad weather is a concern.
A dual console boat is designed for use in saltwater and has outboard power, a soft-riding hull, and a self-draining fiberglass cockpit that is simple to hose down at the end of the day. Angling features, such as bait and live wells and rod storage, are available on most twin console models, but they trade all-around fishing access for the comfort of seats, a bow lounging area, and an entire windshield.
This makes the dual console boat perfect for long days on the water and provides a safe and comfortable option for families. Also, occasionally use the boat for day-cruising, watersports, or even overnighting.
Center Console Boat
Are two consoles better than one? Not always! Families who want the option of an open deck layout for maximum seating and fishing space but also the comfort of an enclosed cabin should consider a center console boat.
In today’s boat market, you can find center consoles in a wide range of sizes, from 19 to 38 feet. The center console version of boat builders nowadays is designed to be flexible in every aspect, appealing to many customers. The FSH Series from Yamaha is a great choice for families with younger children, as it’s flexible and well-designed for any waterway.
Conclusion
Whatever type of boat you choose, be sure to research and buy a new boat that fits your family’s specific needs. With several different options on the market, you’re sure to find the perfect vessel for making memories on the water. Also, don’t forget to take boating safety courses and practice responsible boating habits to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.