Boating offers families a rare and meaningful opportunity to unplug from daily routines, set aside screens and stress, and connect while enjoying the great outdoors.
Whether it's the first fish caught, a swim off the back of the boat, or simply cruising together at sunset, these shared moments become lasting memories. For many families, boating grows into a beloved tradition that strengthens bonds, encourages teamwork, and brings joy to all ages.
To get the most out of your time on the water, finding the right boat for your crew is important. That means considering your favorite activities, how many people you'll bring aboard, and where you'll spend most of your time cruising. Once you've thought through what matters most to your family, look at the boat types below to help you choose the perfect fit.
What are the Best Starter Boats for Families?
- Bowriders
- Cabin Cruisers
- Fish-and-Ski Boats
- Jet Boats
- Pontoon Boats
- Sailboats
- Walkarounds
1. Bowriders
If your perfect day on the water includes cruising the lake or bay, towing water toys, swimming at the beach, and simply unwinding, a bowrider might be your ideal match. These boats are a family favorite thanks to their versatility, spacious seating, and easy access to the water.
Bowriders come in a wide range of sizes to fit nearly any budget—from nimble 16-foot runabouts to 30-foot models packed with amenities like enclosed head compartments (full bathrooms) and outdoor kitchens (or galleys, in boating terms). While not built for serious fishing or overnight trips, bowriders are perfect for almost every other water activity.
2. Cabin Cruisers
Cabin cruisers are larger than most recreational boats and open the door to extended adventures like weekend getaways, visits to distant ports, or family vacations on the water.
Like a floating home, they include all the essentials for multi-day trips, offering comfort, convenience, and the freedom to explore far beyond the shoreline.
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3. Fish-and-Ski Boats
Fish-and-ski boats are built for versatility—ready to chase fish in the morning and tow skiers or wakeboarders in the afternoon. As their name suggests, these boats can easily handle fishing and watersports.
They typically share a similar layout with bowriders but include angler-friendly features like livewells, rod holders, trolling motors, and watersports essentials such as ski-tow pylons and in-floor ski lockers.
Overall, fish-and-ski models are ideal for families who want the freedom to do it all without choosing between their favorite activities.
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4. Jet Boats
While jet boats offer a smaller range of options, they come with a significant advantage many families appreciate: no exposed propeller.
The absence of a spinning prop provides extra peace of mind. Jet boats also boast shallow drafts, agile handling, and all the comfort and convenience features you'd expect from a top-tier runabout, making them a fun and family-friendly choice for the water.
5. Pontoon Boats
Pontoon boats are wildly popular—and for good reason. Their stable platforms are perfect for relaxing on the water, offering unmatched comfort and space for lounging with family and friends.
Many models come with high-powered engines that deliver impressive speed and are fully capable of towing watersports riders. While they may not slice through big waves like traditional monohulls, larger pontoons—and especially tritoons, which feature three tubes for added stability—can handle choppy conditions better than you might expect.
6. Sailboats
Sailing offers a different experience from powerboating, which trades speed and simplicity for skill, strategy, and a deeper connection to the water. Instead of pushing a throttle and turning a wheel, sailing requires coordination, teamwork, and an understanding of wind and weather, which many find rewarding. Every family member can play a part, turning each trip into a shared adventure.
Modern sailboats come in various sizes and comfort levels, from small daysailers to spacious cruisers. And since they rely primarily on wind power, they don't require large, expensive engines, making them more affordable than similarly sized powerboats.
7. Walkarounds
Walkaround boats are an excellent choice for families who enjoy fishing and cruising but also want the option to spend a night on the water. They typically feature a spacious, open aft cockpit for casting lines or trolling, while the enclosed bow offers sleeping space and shelter from the elements.
Center consoles are often favored for serious fishing. However, many families, especially those with young kids or boaters who venture out in cooler weather, prefer walkarounds for added comfort and protection.
How to Select the Best Family Boat
Before you purchase a boat, take time to think through a few key factors to ensure you choose the right one for your family's needs:
- How many people will regularly be onboard? Consider your typical crew size—whether it's just a couple of people or a group of eight or more. This will help determine the appropriate size, seating capacity, and layout for comfort and safety.
- What will your primary activities be? Think about how you plan to spend your time on the water. Are you focused on fishing, watersports, day cruising, or overnight trips? Some boats are designed for specific uses, while others offer versatility for multiple activities.
- What kind of water will you boat on most? Will you be on calm inland lakes, open bays, shallow rivers, or coastal waters? The type of water impacts the kind of hull, motor power, and stability you'll need. For example, a pontoon might be great for a calm lake, but you'll want something more seaworthy for choppier coastal waters.
By matching the boat to your family's lifestyle and where you'll be using it, you can find a model that fits your needs today and grows with you into the future.
Conclusion: Consider One of These Family Boat Options
In most cases, one of these seven boats will prove ideal for you and your water-loving family. Of course, there are other, more highly specialized boats that you may want to consider.
If bass fishing is your true love, bass boats will be impossible to beat. Speed boaters will naturally gravitate toward high-performance boats. And if wake surfing is your sport of choice, getting a dedicated ski boat/wake boat may be in the future.
But in every case, remember one thing: find a boat that makes you and your loved ones happy, and spending time on the water will draw your family closer together—and that's one thing we can guarantee.
Read Next: Choosing the Right Boat: Buying Guide for Recreational Boating
