Finding the ultimate family boat – something that ticks all the boxes for the entire family – can be a challenging task. There are many styles of boats that can be suitable for families. There are fishing boats, yachts, ski boats, dedicated family boats and more.

But within those niche categories are many more styles. Each with unique advantages and drawbacks. Which one suits you? For the purpose of this article, let’s explore the concept of the family boat, a versatile style of boat for everyone to enjoy.

Styles of family boats

The idea of a ‘family boat’ is to offer versatility and fun on the water. It’s designed to appeal to the whole family. The parents, the kids, everyone. It’s not only a fishing boat, although they’re often used for fishing. It’s not just a ski or wakeboard boat, but they’re often used for this purpose, too. It’s all about fun. It’s about making memories on the water.

Back in the early days of Australian boat design, the good old ‘runabout’ was the quintessential family boat. This was a trailerable sub-5m aluminium boat with a windscreen, two seats behind the windscreen, a lounge at the back and a bimini cover for some shade or shelter. They were incredibly popular and still are. These days, however, there are so many more choices.

The first thing I would consider is to look at exactly what you want from a boat. Maybe even break it into a percentage. Is it 40 per cent cruising, 40 per cent tow sports and 20 per cent fishing? Maybe it’s 50 per cent fishing and 50 per cent family cruising. Being realistic and accounting for all users, from the youngest family member to the oldest, is the best way forward. Let’s discuss some of the most popular styles of family boat.

Bowrider

With a ‘party up front, business down the back’ design, bowriders feature a unique lounge configuration on the bow. They come in all shapes and sizes, but it’s this forward lounge that identifies it as a bowrider. It is usually separated by a windscreen and seats in the centre of the boat where the driver and passenger sit. The rear half of the boat is similar to most runabouts or cabin styles with a spacious deck and passenger seating. Many also have a bimini cover, tow pole and storage for towing gear.

Some bowriders come in a hybrid model where the bow lounge area can be transformed into a fishing casting platform simply by removing the seats. Add a few rod holders and you have a versatile family and fishing boat.

Runabout

The runabout, as mentioned previously, is the original family boat. They’re simple in layout, affordable and are well designed. A runabout is a small boat with a forward helm/ steering configuration and windscreen. Unlike larger cabin boats, the driver and passengers are usually seated in a lower position. It’s basically a tinny with forward steering and added protection from the weather. The windscreen offers protection and many runabouts also have a bimini cover for additional shade and rain shelter.

Cabin

Cabin boats are another popular family option. These could be a ‘cuddy’ cabin or a full-cabin design. The cuddy is basically a small semi-cabin design that allows you some protection at the bow with storage. While a full cabin sometimes offers a bunk to sleep, somewhere for a portable toilet and in some cases, even a small kitchenette.

It really depends on the size of the cabin boat. Some cabin boats have a soft top and clears for protection from salt spray. Other cabin boats have hard tops. Some are fully enclosed. These offer the ultimate protection and also allow ample space for passengers. Cabin boats are a great option if you intend to go offshore or go boating in large bays and exposed water with your family.

Pontoon

Pontoon boats have become popular over the past decade or so. They’re more for calmer water and offer a spacious and stable platform for larger families and groups. They’re built for day entertaining with lounges, bimini covers, and sometimes come with kitchenettes, fridges, toilets and all the mod cons. Being open, they’re not so great in bad weather and choppy conditions. But they’re fantastic for large groups and entertaining. There are even hybrid models built for fishing or towing with some capable of fast speeds and sporty performance.

A ‘crossover’ boat, as the name suggests, is designed for crossing over between different purposes. The most common is a fishing/ family boat. The main difference in this case would be the addition of some rod holders, a fishfinder, maybe a casting platform and an electric trolling motor. None of these items detract from the family features of the boat, so it really is the best of both worlds. That said, if you were a serious fisho looking for a dedicated fishing boat, you probably wouldn’t need some of the family friendly features that may impede on fishing space or performance.

Towing

Towsports are incredibly popular, especially in our inland waterways. There are many dedicated towing boats from ski boats to wake boats and everything in between. Some of these are incredibly well appointed and ideal for this purpose. However, if you’re looking for something with more versatility, and less performance orientated, a family boat could be your ticket. It’s important to have enough power for towing and features such as a tow pole, storage for gear and enough space for multiple passengers. Most of the popular boat brands have a family orientated boat that’s capable of towing without losing some of the family friendly features.

Fit for purpose

As you can see with these various styles of family boat, there is no right or wrong choice. The styles vary greatly and can be adapted for different purposes. Some people like fishing, some people like skiing. Others enjoy lounging around and enjoying the local waterways. There’s never been a better time to find a boat. With so many options available, find a boat that fits with your family and your lifestyle and you won’t look back.

Top models

STACER WILD RIDER 619

From popular Aussie boat brand, Stacer, the Wild Rider 619 is a multipurpose family boat with loads of features. The aluminium Wild Rider range is a true all-rounder, capable of being used for fishing, skiing, towing tubes or cruising the waterways. Stacer’s Revolution Hull featured across the whole range creates a soft and stable ride while going through chop. Matched with a maximum 175hp outboard, the Wild Rider is a responsive and sporty boat. I have some personal experience with the

Wild Rider and have found it a very capable boat. With a bowrider configuration, it features a lounge bow area, windscreen for protection against the elements and bimini top for extra protection from sun and rain. There’s also plenty of space for passengers and storage for fishing or towing gear. It’s a fantastic all-rounder for fans of aluminium from a trusted boat brand.

Visit stacer.com.au

 

ARVOR 705 WEEKENDER

Arvor’s 705 Weekender is a larger option that offers loads of space for families who prefer cruising the waterways in comfort. Arvor make quality boats and the 705 is a real sweet spot in the range. It’s small enough to be an easy boat to drive for most boaties yet large enough to handle offshore conditions in safety and comfort.

Best of all, it features an enclosed cabin with bunks for sleeping two people, kitchenette, fold-down table, toilet, sink with fresh water and more. It’s a great boat for year-round cruising and with a maximum horsepower of 225hp, there’s plenty of power and performance when it’s needed.

Visit arvor.com.au

 

STABICRAFT 2050 TREKKER

Stabicraft is one of New Zealand’s best boating brands and the 2050 Trekker is one of its more innovative models. Stabicraft makes a large range of serious fishing boats and has a solid reputation of making quality boats with reliable and safe performance in most conditions.

Like all Stabicraft models, the Trekker is available across three model variations: the Adventure, Sportfish and Professional. Each have different features from basic to fully optioned. If fishing is your thing there’s space for a trolling motor, rod holders and bait station. There’s also the ability to tow or simply relax and take in the scenery.

The Trekker offers families a boat with loads of space and features and the ability to customise and adapt depending on the purpose. You can change it from an open boat to a fully protected boat with clears, covers and more.

Visit stabicraft.com

 

EDENCRAFT 255 FORMULA

Edencraft is a popular Geelong-based boat brand and the 255 Formula is one of its larger models. With a length of 7.77m and a 2.5m beam, the 255 Formula has a maximum horsepower of 800hp. It’s no slouch and its offshore performance at speed is impressive. But it’s more than an offshore speedster. It’s a well-appointed boat that’s capable of comfortably carrying family groups. There’s a spacious cabin, plenty of cockpit space and a large 600l fuel tank for long-range trips.

The 255 Formula would make a great boat for exploring offshore islands around the Great Barrier Reef or spending a couple of nights along the coast and bays with the kids. It’s a fantastic trailerable fishing boat with solid performance and family friendly features.

Visit edencraft.com.au

 

BENNINGTON SX LINE

Bennington is a US manufacturer of premium pontoon boats with a range of models ideal for Aussie conditions. Pontoon boats are simple to drive, safe and perfect for cruising around many of Australia’s larger rivers, lakes and bays. The Bennington SX Line are mid-tier pontoon boats, available in six sizes from 20-25ft. Luxurious and well-appointed, the SX Line is also practical and customisable.

Pontoon boats are fantastic for hosting small gatherings or inviting the whole family along for a fun day on the water. The SX Line is ideal for this purpose and offers multiple lounges, a table, bimini cover and options for fishing or entertaining.

The helm area features a fishfinder/ chartplotter and comfortable seating. There are also loads of drink holders and a quality audio system. All models in the SX Line are powered with a single outboard engine and offer a range of options to suit family boating.

Visit benningtonmarine.com/en-au

SAILFISH S8

The 2025 Sailfish S8 is an Aussie-built aluminium catamaran. Cats provide more space than monohull boats with their ‘boxy’ shape, with ample room for the family. The twin-hull design also provides impressive stability and easy handling.

The S8 has all of the mod cons you would expect from an aluminium Aussie cat. It has an eight person capacity, enclosed hardtop cabin, kitchenette with fridge, freshwater, pie warmer, beds, loads of fishing features and a spacious deck.

The S8 features Sailfish’s Hydroflow Gen 3 Hull. This, according to Sailfish, extends the waterline length by 150mm compared to the Gen 2 hull design. It offers greater stability and faster hole shot performance. It also features a new chine design for increased lift, fuel economy and performance. The S8 sits on a custom matched Sailfish aluminium trailer.

Visit sailfish.com.au

Words by Scott Thomas.

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